Indie Campers Review

Pros and Cons

How Indie Campers Works

Book online with pickup and drop-off locations, dates and vehicle class. Indie Campers allows one-way rentals between depots — including cross-country routes like Lisbon to Barcelona or Milan to Munich. This flexibility is their strongest operational feature. One-way fees vary by route but many popular European circuits are available.

At pickup, you get a vehicle walkthrough, sign the rental agreement and pay the security deposit (€1,500-€2,500 held on your credit card). The deposit is released within 14 days of return, assuming no damage. This deposit hold is one of the most common complaints — it ties up a significant amount of credit card limit for weeks.

Cross-border travel within the EU/Schengen zone is included in the base rental. You can pick up in Portugal, drive through Spain, cross into France and drop off in Germany without additional permissions. Some restrictions apply for Eastern Europe and non-EU countries — check the specific rental agreement.

Pricing

Base rates range from €80-€250/night depending on vehicle type and season. Budget campervans (2-berth, no bathroom) start at €80-€120/night. Mid-range vans with pop-tops run €120-€180/night. Full motorhomes with bathrooms cost €150-€250/night.

Insurance packages add €15-€35/day. The basic package has a €2,500 excess. Premium reduces it to €500 or €0. Bedding and kitchen kits are usually included in package deals. One-way fees range from €50-€300 depending on the route distance. Automatic transmission adds €10-€30/day where available — and availability is limited, so book early if you need auto.

Peak season (July-August) runs 30-50% above shoulder rates. September and early October are the sweet spot — warm weather in southern Europe, lower prices and fewer crowds at campgrounds.

Vehicle Quality

Vehicle condition varies by depot. Major hubs like Lisbon, Barcelona and Munich tend to have better-maintained fleets. Smaller seasonal depots can be more hit-or-miss. The vehicles are functional — stoves work, fridges cool, beds are comfortable enough — but don't expect luxury. Most vans are 1-4 years old.

Their fleet includes converted Fiat Ducatos, Citroën Jumpers, VW Transporters and larger motorhomes. The smaller vans (Nomad, Sporty) are compact and manageable on narrow European roads. The larger options (Adventurer, Classic) provide more living space but handle tighter roads and campground maneuvers less gracefully.

Who Is Indie Campers Best For?

• → Multi-country European road trips. The cross-border flexibility and one-way options make Indie Campers the natural choice for trips spanning multiple countries.
• → Iceland Ring Road trips. They have Reykjavik and Keflavik depots with vehicles suited for Iceland's conditions.
• → Travelers who want fleet consistency in Europe. The European P2P market (Yescapa) has more variability. Indie Campers gives you a standardized fleet experience similar to Cruise America in the US.

Final Verdict

Indie Campers is the default European fleet rental choice and the only company with continent-wide coverage. The cross-border and one-way flexibility is unmatched. Vehicle quality is decent but not premium. Customer service can be slow during peak season. For a European road trip spanning multiple countries, they're hard to beat on logistics alone.

Rating: 4.0 / 5 — Best European coverage. Cross-border flexibility is the standout feature. Vehicle and service quality is solid but not exceptional.