Hertz Review 2026Rental Car Review
Hertz is the world's most recognized car rental brand, commanding a global network of over 12,000 locations across 150+ countries. Founded in 1918, the company pioneered many practices that define the modern car rental industry, from airport counters to loyalty programs. Hertz's unmatched scale means ferry travelers benefit from consistent quality standards, extensive vehicle availability, and the ability to earn and redeem rewards across every continent.
Quick Facts
Executive Summary
Key Strengths
- ✓ Largest global rental car network
- ✓ Industry-leading Gold Plus Rewards loyalty program
- ✓ Consistent quality standards worldwide
- ✓ Extensive one-way rental flexibility
Best Use Cases
Hertz brings the reliability and consistency of the world's largest rental car brand to European ferry travel. Their Gold Plus Rewards program is one of the best in the industry, offering counter-skip service and vehicle upgrades. While not always the cheapest option, Hertz delivers predictable quality and excellent vehicle availability at ferry ports across the English Channel, North Sea, and Atlantic routes.
Hertz is the world's most recognized car rental brand, commanding a global network of over 12,000 locations across 150+ countries. Founded in 1918, the company pioneered many practices that define the modern car rental industry, from airport counters to loyalty programs. Hertz's unmatched scale means ferry travelers benefit from consistent quality standards, extensive vehicle availability, and the ability to earn and redeem rewards across every continent.
Hertz at a Glance
Vehicle Fleet & Categories
Toyota Yaris / Ford Fiesta
EconomyReliable and fuel-efficient choices for budget-conscious ferry travelers. These vehicles excel at European city driving and offer surprisingly comfortable rides for their class.
VW Golf / Toyota Corolla
CompactHertz's most popular category in Europe. Well-rounded vehicles that handle everything from port-town parking to motorway cruising with equal competence.
Skoda Octavia / VW Passat
Mid-sizeSpacious and comfortable family vehicles with generous boot space for ferry travelers carrying holiday luggage. Excellent for week-long European touring holidays.
VW Tiguan / Toyota RAV4
SUVVersatile SUVs suited for ferry travelers heading to diverse European terrain. Ample space for outdoor equipment and elevated driving position for scenic routes.
BMW 5 Series / Volvo S90
PremiumExecutive vehicles for travelers who want superior comfort on longer European journeys. Available through Hertz Prestige Collection at select ferry port locations.
Polestar 2 / Tesla Model 3
ElectricHertz has committed heavily to electric vehicle adoption. Their growing EV fleet includes comprehensive charging guidance and route planning support for sustainable travel.
Key Ferry Port Locations
Hertz's global scale translates into extensive European ferry port coverage, with branches positioned for convenient pickup and drop-off at major terminals.
Dover Eastern Docks Area
United KingdomOne of Hertz's busiest UK branches, serving the enormous volume of travelers on the Dover-Calais route. Large fleet ensures availability even during peak summer crossings.
3 kmCalais Terminal Branch
FranceStrategically placed for Channel ferry arrivals, with a diverse fleet of French-market vehicles. Ideal starting point for drives to Paris, Lille, or the Belgian coast.
4 kmPortsmouth International
United KingdomFull-service branch catering to Portsmouth ferry travelers heading to Le Havre and beyond. Good selection of family vehicles and premium options for business travelers.
3 kmHarwich Town
United KingdomConveniently serving the Harwich-Hook of Holland Stena Line route. A well-stocked branch popular with travelers heading into East Anglia or up to London.
2 kmHook of Holland Area
NetherlandsClose to the Stena Line terminal serving Harwich arrivals. This branch offers vehicles prepared for both Dutch city driving and longer European touring.
7 kmAmsterdam Schiphol
NetherlandsMajor Hertz hub serving Newcastle-Amsterdam DFDS ferry arrivals. One of the largest Hertz branches in the Netherlands with comprehensive vehicle availability.
14 kmRental Policies & Terms
Insurance Coverage
All Hertz rentals include basic Collision Damage Waiver and Theft Protection. Hertz offers three additional protection levels: Liability Insurance Supplement, Personal Accident Insurance, and Super Cover that eliminates all excess charges.
Age Requirements
Minimum driver age is 21 in most European markets. Young driver fee applies for ages 21-24. Some premium and luxury vehicles require minimum age 25. Gold Plus members may receive age-related fee waivers.
Fuel Policy
Standard full-to-full fuel policy. Hertz also offers a Fuel Purchase Option allowing you to prepay for a full tank at a competitive rate, returning the car at any fuel level without penalty.
Mileage Allowance
Unlimited mileage on all domestic rentals within most European countries. International one-way rentals may have mileage restrictions depending on origin and destination countries.
Cancellation Policy
Free cancellation on pay-later rates up to pickup time. Prepaid rates typically require 24-48 hours notice for refund. Gold Plus members enjoy enhanced cancellation flexibility across all rate types.
Hertz Pros & Cons Analysis
Advantages
- World's largest rental network with 12,000+ locations ensures availability virtually everywhere you travel
- Gold Plus Rewards program is the industry standard — skip the counter, earn free days, and get guaranteed upgrades
- Consistent quality standards across all locations provide predictable, reliable experiences for ferry travelers
- Massive fleet investment in electric vehicles supports sustainable travel initiatives across Europe
- Excellent one-way rental flexibility between European countries with transparent drop-off fee structures
Considerations
- Rates can be higher than regional competitors, particularly during peak European travel season
- Counter experience can feel impersonal at high-volume locations compared to boutique competitors
- Fleet composition at European ports tends toward mainstream rather than premium brands
- Additional driver fees add up for couples or families sharing driving duties on longer trips
Book Your Hertz Rental
Access the world's largest rental network from your ferry port
Global Network
12,000+ locations worldwide — find a Hertz branch wherever your ferry takes you
Gold Plus Rewards
Skip the counter, earn free days, and enjoy guaranteed vehicle class
EV Fleet
Growing electric vehicle fleet for sustainable European touring after your ferry
Performance Ratings
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View Review →Hertz has defined car rental for over a century, bringing unmatched global scale and brand consistency to every traveler interaction. For ferry passengers, their extensive European presence and loyalty program make post-crossing car rental straightforward and rewarding.