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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Germany
Germany
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Germany
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Germany
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Germany
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.
Why Rent a Car in Germany?
Germany, a country celebrated for its rich history, vibrant cities, and picturesque landscapes, offers a plethora of experiences for every traveler. While Germany boasts an efficient public transportation system, renting a car provides an unparalleled level of freedom and flexibility to explore the country at your own pace. Discover why securing a car rental is the ultimate way to experience all that Germany has to offer.
Unmatched Freedom and Flexibility: Public transport operates on fixed schedules, which can limit spontaneous exploration. With a rental car, you can venture off the beaten path, discover hidden gems, and tailor your itinerary to your specific interests without the constraints of timetables.
Access to Remote Locations: Germany's beauty extends beyond its major cities. Renting a car allows you to easily reach charming villages, scenic countryside locations, and breathtaking natural landscapes that are not easily accessible by public transport. Explore the Black Forest, the Bavarian Alps, or the Romantic Road with ease.
Comfort and Convenience: Traveling with luggage can be cumbersome, especially when relying on public transport. A rental car provides a comfortable and convenient way to transport your belongings, making your journey more enjoyable, whether you're traveling solo, with family, or on business.
Cost-Effective for Group Travel: For families or groups of friends, renting a car can be more economical than purchasing multiple train or bus tickets. Sharing the cost of the rental and fuel makes road trips an affordable and memorable experience.
Driving in Germany: Rules, Tips & Local Regulations
Drive on
Right hand side
Speed limit within city centre
50 km/h or 31 mph
Languages
German
Average petrol price
€1.80 per litre or €6.81 per gallon
Speed limit outside the city
100 km/h or 62 mph
Currency
Euro
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.05%
Score
9.5/10
Dialing Code
+49
Driving in Germany can be a pleasurable experience, particularly with its well-maintained roads and efficient traffic management. However, it's crucial to familiarise yourself with the local driving rules and regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey. Here’s what you need to know before you get behind the wheel.
1. Autobahn Speed Limits While many sections of the Autobahn have no speed limits (Richtgeschwindigkeit of 130 km/h is recommended), other areas have enforced limits. Pay attention to signage as speed limits can change frequently.
- Variable Limits:
- Obey Signs:
2. Traffic Laws and Signals German traffic laws are strictly enforced. Familiarise yourself with common traffic signs and signals. Right-of-way rules are rigorously observed, and failure to yield can result in fines or accidents.
- Yielding:
- Turning:
3. Environmental Zones (Umweltzonen) Many German cities have environmental zones restricting vehicle access based on emissions. Ensure your rental car has the required sticker (Umweltplakette) to avoid fines.
- Check Requirements:
- Purchase Sticker:
4. Parking Regulations Parking in urban areas can be challenging. Look for designated parking zones (marked with a 'P') or parking garages (Parkhaus). Avoid parking on pavements or in restricted areas, as this can result in fines or towing.
- Designated Zones:
- Parking Garages:
5. Seatbelt Laws Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers in the vehicle. Children under 12 years or shorter than 150 cm (4 ft 11 in) must use appropriate child seats or booster seats.
- Mandatory Use:
- Child Seats:
Top drives in the Germany:
Germany offers a diverse range of scenic routes, from winding mountain roads to picturesque coastal drives. A car is an ideal way to see the country’s numerous attractions.
Whether you're interested in exploring historic castles, charming villages, or stunning natural landscapes, Germany's roads provide the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable road trip.
Car Rental Prices in Germany – Cost Breakdown
The cost of renting a car in Germany can vary based on several factors, including the type of vehicle, the duration of the rental, and the time of year. Here is an estimated breakdown of daily prices for different car categories.
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45
Electric:
from £20 / $25 / €22
Classic:
from £10 / $12 / €11
Executive:
from £30 / $38 / €34
7 Seater:
from £35 / $44 / €40
Automatic:
from £22 / $28 / €25
SUV:
from £12 / $15 / €14
Hire price
Average price for hiring a car per day in Germany
Seasonal Trends
Peak Season (June to August): During the summer months, when tourism is at its peak, car rental prices typically start at approximately £50 / $63 / €61 per day.
Low Season (November to February): In the off-season, discounts are widely available, with prices starting from around £30 / $38 / €37 per day.
*Please note that these prices are approximate and can vary based on factors such as vehicle type, rental duration, and location.
Tips for saving money when renting a car in Germany
Renting a car in Germany offers the flexibility to explore at your own pace, but it's essential to manage costs effectively. Here are several strategies to save money on your car rental while ensuring a great experience.
1. Book Early for the Best Deals: Rental prices tend to increase as the pick-up date approaches. Booking in advance guarantees better rates and provides a wider selection of vehicles.
2. Compare Prices and Look for Discounts: Use price comparison websites to find the most competitive car rental deals. Many companies offer discounts for early bookings, longer rentals, or partnerships with travel reward programs.
3. Choose the Right Car for Your Needs: Larger vehicles are more expensive to rent and fuel. If you're travelling solo or as a couple, an economy car is the most budget-friendly choice.
4. Check Insurance Options Carefully: Rental companies often offer expensive insurance add-ons. Review your existing travel insurance or credit card benefits to see if they cover rental car insurance, avoiding unnecessary charges.
5. Stick to a Single Driver: Adding extra drivers usually incurs additional fees. If possible, designate one primary driver to keep costs down.
6. Refuel Before Returning: Returning a car with an empty tank can lead to high refuelling charges from the rental company. Always refill the tank at a local gas station before returning the vehicle to save money.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Germany?
Renting a car in Germany is a straightforward process, but meeting specific requirements is essential before you can hit the road. Here's what you'll need:
Valid Driver's License: If you're a resident of Germany, your national driver's license is sufficient. Visitors from most countries can use their home-country license for up to six months. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended for non-EU citizens.
Minimum Age Requirement: Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may be subject to additional fees.
Credit or Debit Card: A valid credit or debit card in the main driver's name is required for the security deposit. Some rental companies may only accept credit cards for deposits.
Proof of Identity: A passport or another form of government-issued identification may be required, especially for international renters.
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This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our Customer Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Germany as
To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.
Pretty chill, actually.
Emily Carter
Reviewed: 07.02.2025
Germany was even more beautiful than I remembered! Renting a car made exploring so easy. The only downside? Some of the museums were a bit pricey.
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 01.06.2025
Family trip to Germany was fantastic! Exploring with our rental car was a breeze. The food was mostly amazing, although one restaurant was a bit underwhelming.
Jessica Clark
Reviewed: 24.06.2025
Magical weekend getaway! Getting around was so easy, and Germany's charm blew me away.
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 19.01.2025
Pretty good, actually.
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 14.09.2024
Such a relaxing trip! Having a car made exploring the German coast so easy and enjoyable. Beautiful scenery and charming towns.
Olivia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 13.02.2025
Scenic drives, smooth rental, perfect road trip!
David Lee
Reviewed: 02.07.2025