Going to Europe in 2018 for a month and looking to rent a car. So far it's been difficult finding a car that will let me go anywhere in Europe I want, most want me to stay within the country I pick it up in/a few adjacent countries. I need to be able to go to France, Switzerland, Germany, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, and The Netherlands. And ideally, would be picking up/dropping off in either Paris or Riga. Has anyone done this? Do you have any advice? Companies that rent vehicles for a trip like that?

Rod
I used "Europe by car". If you have bit more than 17 days they can do a lease buy back. At least it was that way if you years ago. It worked out awesome. Got basically a brand new car with zero deductible insurance.

And although the train is great if you're covering a lot of Kms the car is the way to go. You're on your own schedule and the freedom is great.

Thanks I'll look into them!

Just rented with Sixt for 2 weeks in France and they were great to deal with. Don't know what they're rules are for driving in countries outside where the vehicle is rented. If all EU countries you wouldn't think that would be an issue.

They don't allow any of the "eastern European countries" which unfortunately includes Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia.

Avoid Europcar at all costs. It was a nightmare dealing with them and they double charged me for the same reservation and wouldn't accept responsibility for it. I fought for months (as it was a couple hundred Euros that I was charged twice - a lot of money) and it wasn't until I told them my bank was going to pursue charges that they finally refunded me.

Good to know, thanks! I'm sorry they treated you awfully.

autoeurope has a purchase/repurchase program with Renault & Puegot. Basically a lease - brand new car with full no-fault no-deductible insurance. Have done it 3 times. Great program for rentals over 3 weeks.

Agreed. Worked awesome.

Renault Eurodrive program is exceptional Check it out Did 6 weeks in 2007 with a car from them

Thanks! I'll look into them.

Also, know that some countries require a permit to drive through the country if the car rental is from another country - we rented in France and got a hefty ticket leaving Switzerland because we didn't have the sticker permit on the dash - I agree, train is much better - take it from someone who spends 2-4 months per year every year traveling thru Europe - not to mention rentals are pricey unless you know how to drive a manual - safe travels

There's 6 of us including 2 kids so unfortunately the train is not a feasible option.

Try individual train tickets instead. I found my 3 weeks in Europe on individual tickets was still cheaper than a rail pass.

Wicked campers.
Just a little zany on the graffiti side. Request without! Ours said "tripping balls" etc

That is such a cool idea, but unfortunately there are 6 of us and the largest vehicle they have is only for 5. And I think one of the kids might take it personal if we strap them to the roof.

Did you check with Hertz? We just rented one in July but at the same time we only went to Hungary and Slovakia.

With the way European cities are designed, a train and public transit is a much better option. Although for Lithuania, it's better to fly in as it's cheap (under $100 with LOT airlines) and the train takes substantially longer. A flight from Venice to London for me was less than £100. Save time and enjoy Europe more than stress out not finding parking and walking into old town. There's also overnight intercity buses. I took a bus from Paris to Lyon for €25.

I'd take the train to whatever country you want. Much easier to navigate then branch out with a car from there. The transit is so developed literally anywhere you want to go a train will take you there.
I did Switzerland Germany holland and a couple others and had no issues

We went with Enterprise to do France, Switzerland and Italy without issue. The problem you will find is some of those countries are famous for having cars stolen and most rental cos won't let you take their cars there. Where you start the rental is the key...

Buy a used mini van sell it when your done

Ya, luckily my parents live there so that is an option we are exploring.

We rented in the Netherlands and had no problem driving all over.

Hertz in Holland has never given me an issue driving all over. That said I think you are out of your mind wanting to go ti 11 countries in 1 month.
Good luck!

also! Cheap out Italy. Sardinia, cost us 67 bucks for a flight on easy jet from Basel Switzerland.
It's amazing there.

Take a train it's better