Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Bochum
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Bochum
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Bochum
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Bochum
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.
Bochum is a vibrant city in the heart of the Ruhr area, offering a mix of industrial heritage, cultural attractions, and green spaces. While public transportation is available, renting a car provides the freedom to explore Bochum and its surroundings at your own pace.
Explore Industrial Heritage. Bochum is known for its industrial past, and many former industrial sites have been transformed into cultural landmarks. A rental car allows you to visit attractions like the German Mining Museum and the Jahrhunderthalle without relying on public transport schedules.
Discover Cultural Attractions. From the Schauspielhaus Bochum to the Railway Museum, Bochum offers a variety of cultural experiences. Having a car makes it easy to visit multiple attractions in a single day.
Enjoy the Green Spaces. Bochum boasts numerous parks and green spaces, such as the Botanical Garden and the Westpark. With a rental car, you can easily escape the city centre and enjoy nature.
Before booking a rental car in Bochum, be sure you're aware of the local rental terms. These often include minimum age requirements, what kind of driver’s license you’ll need, what insurance coverage options are available, how deposits work, and any conditions about mileage or fuel. There might also be extra fees for specific situations.
Area
91.42 square kilometres (35.29 square miles)
Population
Approximately 365,000 residents
Time Zone
CET (UTC+1) & CEST (UTC+2) during summertime
Ideal for
Exploring the Ruhr area
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7 AM – 9 AM and 4 PM – 6 PM
Rating
4.0/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Bochum require drivers to be at least 21 years old. However, some companies may have a higher minimum age for certain vehicle categories. Young driver surcharges may apply for renters under 25.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s license is required for all rentals. If your license is not in a Roman alphabet language, an International Driving Permit (IDP) may be required. A passport and a credit card in the driver’s name are also typically required.
3. Insurance & DepositsStandard rentals usually include basic insurance, but additional coverage options, such as Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Theft Protection, are available. A security deposit is typically held on the renter’s credit card and refunded upon the safe return of the vehicle.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicySome rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others may have mileage restrictions. Fuel policies vary; many require returning the car with a full tank to avoid extra charges.
5. Additional FeesAdditional charges may apply for extra drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or optional add-ons like GPS and child seats.
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42
Electric:
from £17 / $21 / €20
Classic:
from £9 / $11 / €10.50
Executive:
from £26 / $33 / €31
7 Seater:
from £29 / $37 / €35
Automatic:
from £17 / $21 / €20
SUV:
from £9.50 / $12 / €11.50
Peak season (June to August): Expect higher demand, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (November to February): Often come with discounts
Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
Compare prices, choose the right car, and review rental terms to avoid surprises. Book early for the best rates, especially during peak seasons. Don’t forget your license, credit card, and ID when picking up the vehicle.
1. Compare Prices - Use a car rental comparison site like rentycars.com to find the best deals based on your travel dates and vehicle preferences.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, whether it’s an economy car for city driving or an SUV for exploring the surrounding areas.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements to avoid surprises.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better vehicle availability by booking early, especially during peak seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s license, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental.
Bochum is a city that blends its industrial heritage with modern attractions. To make the most of your visit, especially when driving, understanding local traffic rules, parking, and fuel access is beneficial.
Located in the Ruhr area of Germany, Bochum offers a unique mix of industrial history and cultural experiences. While Bochum has a reliable public transport system, renting a car offers greater flexibility for exploring the wider region. Driving within Bochum is generally straightforward, but being aware of traffic regulations and parking options is helpful.
Top Attractions to Discover
German Mining Museum
Explore the history of mining in the Ruhr area with underground tours and exhibits.
Jahrhunderthalle Bochum
A former industrial building transformed into a venue for concerts, events, and exhibitions.
Bochum Railway Museum
Discover a collection of historic locomotives and railway vehicles.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Use parking garages located throughout the city centre for secure parking options.
On-Street Parking
Pay-and-display bays are available, but time limits and fees may apply, especially in central areas.
Park & Ride
Leave your car at a Park & Ride facility outside the city centre and use public transport to reach your destination.
Gas Stations in Bochum
Convenient Locations
Fuel stations are readily available throughout Bochum and the surrounding areas.
Major Brands
Look for brands like Aral, Shell, and Esso along major roads and highways.
Navigation Apps
Use navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze to locate nearby fuel stations in real-time.
Useful Tips for Visiting Bochum
Watch for Cyclists
Bochum has a growing cycling community, so be aware of cyclists, especially in urban areas.
Plan for Traffic Delays
Avoid driving during rush hours (7:00–9:00 AM and 4:00–6:00 PM) when roads are often congested.
Use Public Transport
Consider using public transport for travel within the city centre to avoid parking hassles.
Check Local Events
Be aware of local events and festivals that may affect traffic and parking availability.
Railway Stations
Bochum Hauptbahnhof (Main Station)
The primary railway station in Bochum, providing regional and long-distance train connections.
Airports
Dortmund Airport (DTM)
Located approximately 30 kilometres (19 miles) east of Bochum, serving various European destinations.
Düsseldorf Airport (DUS)
Situated about 60 kilometres (37 miles) southwest of Bochum, offering international and domestic flights.
Renting a car in Germany is a straightforward process, but you’ll need to meet a few key requirements before getting on the road. Here’s what you’ll need:
If you're from Germany, your standard license is sufficient. Visitors from many countries can use their home-country license for up to 6 months, but some may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, though some may charge extra fees for drivers under 25.
A valid card in the main driver’s name is needed for the security deposit. Some rental companies only accept credit cards for deposits.
A passport or another form of identification may be required 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 clients rate such place as Bochum 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.
Bochum was a pleasant surprise! Exploring the region with my rental car was effortless and fun.
David Lee
Reviewed: 30.10.2024
Bochum was perfect! Catching up with friends and exploring the area with my car was so easy.
Jessica Taylor
Reviewed: 17.07.2025
A last-minute weekend trip to Bochum! Having a car made getting around so easy, and the city was charming.
Emily Carter
Reviewed: 30.12.2024
Bochum was a fantastic starting point! Easy access to the coast for some relaxation, then back to explore the city.
Chris Evans
Reviewed: 14.05.2025
Bochum was lovely; exploring was easy with a car. So glad I went!
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 19.08.2025
Pretty chill vibe.
Kevin Garcia
Reviewed: 31.10.2024
Bochum was a great stopover on our road trip! Having a car made exploring so convenient.
Olivia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 15.05.2025
Back in Bochum after years away, it felt like coming home! Exploring with my rental was a breeze.
Alice Brown
Reviewed: 26.06.2025
Quiet, but pleasant.
Mia Wilson
Reviewed: 13.02.2025
Pretty laid-back place
Ben Davis
Reviewed: 26.02.2025
Great short trip! Catching up with friends in Bochum was effortless, thanks to having a car.
Thomas Murphy
Reviewed: 25.02.2025
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Needed a relaxing getaway, and Bochum was a great base to explore the coast. The city itself was pleasant enough, though the local bakery had surprisingly limited options. Having a rental car made exploring super easy. Definitely recommend for a coastal trip!
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 07.09.2024