Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Cologne
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Cologne
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Cologne
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Cologne
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.
Cologne, a city steeped in history and brimming with modern attractions, offers an abundance of sights to explore. While public transportation is readily available, renting a car provides unparalleled freedom and convenience, especially for those eager to venture beyond the city centre.
Unrestricted Exploration. A rental car allows you to easily access the numerous attractions in and around Cologne, such as the iconic Cologne Cathedral, the Romanesque churches, and the picturesque Rhine Valley.
Flexibility and Comfort. Enjoy the flexibility to create your own itinerary, stopping at charming cafes or scenic viewpoints as you please, all in the comfort of your own vehicle.
Cost-Effective for Groups. For families or groups travelling together, renting a car can be more economical than relying on public transport or taxis.
Before renting a car in Cologne, it’s essential to familiarise yourself with the local rental terms and conditions. These guidelines help ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.
Area
405.15 square kilometres (156.43 square miles)
Population
Approximately 1.1 million residents
Time Zone
Central European Time (CET), UTC+1
Ideal for
Exploring the Rhine region
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7 AM – 9 AM and 4 PM – 6 PM
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsThe minimum age to rent a car in Cologne is typically 21 years old. However, drivers under 25 may be subject to a young driver surcharge.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver's license is required. If your license is not in the Roman alphabet, an International Driving Permit (IDP) may also be necessary.
3. Insurance & DepositsRental agreements usually include basic insurance. A security deposit is required, typically held on a credit card, and refunded upon safe return of the vehicle.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary; some rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others have restrictions. Fuel policies typically require returning the car with the same amount of fuel as when it was picked up.
5. Additional FeesExtra charges may apply for additional drivers, GPS navigation systems, child seats, or out-of-hours pick-up/drop-off.
Understanding the average costs for car rentals in Cologne can help you plan your budget effectively.
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42 per day
Electric:
from £17 / $21 / €20 per day
Classic:
from £9 / $11 / €10 per day
Executive:
from £26 / $33 / €31 per day
7 Seater:
from £29 / $37 / €35 per day
Automatic:
from £17 / $21 / €20 per day
SUV:
from £9 / $12 / €11 per day
Peak season (June to August): Higher demand during the summer months often leads to a 20-30% increase in rental prices.
Low season (November to February): Discounts are commonly available during the off-season, offering opportunities for more affordable rentals.
Keep seasonal trends in mind to secure the best rates for your car rental in Cologne.
Booking a car in Cologne involves a few simple steps to ensure you get the best deal and the right vehicle for your needs.
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison websites to find the most competitive prices from various rental companies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a car that suits your travel needs, considering size, fuel efficiency, and comfort.
3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully review the rental terms, including mileage limits, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies.
4. Book in Advance - Book your rental car well in advance, especially during peak season, to secure lower prices and better availability.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s license, passport, and credit card when collecting your rental car.
Cologne is a vibrant city renowned for its historical landmarks and cultural attractions. Renting a car offers a convenient way to explore the city and its surrounding areas.
Cologne, situated on the Rhine River, is a city with a rich history dating back to Roman times. It's famous for its stunning Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and its numerous museums and galleries. While Cologne has an efficient public transportation system, a rental car is ideal for exploring the Rhine Valley and nearby towns. However, be aware of traffic regulations and parking restrictions in the city centre.
Top Attractions to Discover
Cologne Cathedral
A magnificent Gothic cathedral and one of the most iconic landmarks in [CURRENT PLACE].
Old Town (Altstadt)
Charming cobblestone streets with traditional houses, breweries, and restaurants.
Roman-Germanic Museum
Home to a vast collection of Roman artefacts and exhibits.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Convenient parking options available throughout the city, often with hourly or daily rates.
On-Street Parking
Metered parking is available on many streets, but can be limited and expensive.
Park & Ride
Park your car at designated park-and-ride facilities outside the city centre and take public transportation.
Gas Stations in Cologne
Major Brands
Shell, Aral, and Total are common petrol station brands in [CURRENT PLACE].
Availability
Petrol stations are readily available throughout the city and along major highways.
Payment
Most petrol stations accept credit cards and cash.
Useful Tips for Visiting Cologne
Congestion Zone
Be aware of the low-emission zone in the city centre, requiring vehicles to meet certain emissions standards.
Traffic
Traffic can be heavy during rush hours, especially on weekdays.
Parking
Parking in the city centre can be challenging and expensive; consider using park-and-ride facilities.
Navigation
Use a GPS navigation system to navigate the city streets efficiently.
Major Bus Stations
Cologne Main Bus Station
Located near the main train station, it serves as a central hub for regional and long-distance bus services.
Railway Stations
Cologne Central Station (Hauptbahnhof)
The main railway station in [CURRENT PLACE], connecting to major cities across [COUNTRY PLACE] and Europe.
Cologne Messe/Deutz Station
Located near the Cologne Trade Fair grounds, serving regional and international trains.
Airports
Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN)
Located approximately 15 kilometres (9 miles) south-east of [CURRENT PLACE], serving numerous domestic and European destinations.
To rent a car in Cologne, you'll need to provide certain documents and meet specific requirements.
A valid driver's license is required. If your license is not in the Roman alphabet, an International Driving Permit (IDP) may be needed.
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, and drivers under 25 may incur a young driver surcharge.
A credit or debit card in the renter's name is necessary for the security deposit.
A passport or other form of identification may be required.
This content was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.
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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 Cologne 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.
Heard great things about Cologne, and they were right! So easy getting around with my own transport; loved exploring.
David Lee
Reviewed: 09.12.2024
Cologne lived up to the hype! Having a car was perfect for seeing everything.
Jessica Wilson
Reviewed: 20.05.2025
Wonderful spontaneous weekend in Cologne! Getting around with a rental car was a breeze, so convenient.
Olivia Garcia
Reviewed: 26.10.2024
Cologne was fantastic! Easy access with my car, great seeing friends.
Emily Brown
Reviewed: 29.11.2024
Back in Cologne after ages, and it's even better than I remembered! Having a car made exploring the surrounding areas a breeze. Highly recommend!
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 04.02.2025
Cologne charmed us! Family vacation was perfect; having a car made exploring so much easier. We loved the cathedral and the Rhine.
Katherine Davis
Reviewed: 11.03.2025
Pretty chill vibe.
Chloe Evans
Reviewed: 31.07.2025
Meh, kinda pricey. Overrated?
Ava Rodriguez
Reviewed: 07.10.2024
Cologne exceeded expectations! Exploring independently by car was a breeze, so convenient.
Sophia Martinez
Reviewed: 22.08.2024
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Cologne was a delightful surprise! Exploring with a car made it so easy.
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 14.01.2025