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Car rental in Dresden - Search, Compare, and Save

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No Hidden Fees

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4.67/5

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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Dresden

Dresden

Mini

Fiat 500 or similar

4

1

3

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

24

per day

Dresden

Economy

Toyota Yaris or similar

5

2

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

29

per day

Dresden

Compact

Volkswagen Golf or similar

5

3

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

33

per day

Dresden

Intermediate

Skoda Octavia or similar

5

4

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

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 Dresden?

Dresden, a city known for its Baroque architecture and rich cultural history, offers much to explore. While public transportation is available, renting a car provides the freedom and flexibility to discover hidden gems and nearby attractions at your own pace.

Explore Beyond the City Centre. With a rental car, you can easily venture beyond Dresden’s city centre to explore the scenic Saxon Switzerland National Park or the vineyards along the Elbe River.

Visit Historical Sites. Drive to nearby historical sites like the Moritzburg Castle or the Pillnitz Castle, each offering a unique glimpse into Saxony's past.

Convenience and Comfort. A rental car offers a comfortable and convenient way to travel, especially if you're carrying luggage or travelling with family. You can avoid the hassle of public transport schedules and enjoy a more personalised travel experience.

Rental Terms and Conditions in Dresden

Before renting a car in Dresden, it's important to understand the local terms and conditions. These guidelines ensure a smooth rental experience and help avoid unexpected issues.

Area

328.8 square kilometres (127 square miles)

Population

Approximately 550,000 residents

Time Zone

Central European Time (CET), UTC+1

Ideal for

Sightseeing and regional exploration

Rush Hours

Expect heavy traffic 7 AM – 9 AM and 4 PM – 6 PM

Rating

4.8/5

1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Dresden require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may be subject to a young driver surcharge.

2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s licence is required. If your licence is not in a Roman alphabet, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended. You'll also need a passport or other form of identification.

3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is typically included in the rental price, but you can opt for additional coverage like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). A security deposit is usually required and will be refunded upon safe return of the vehicle.

4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary; some rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others have restrictions. Fuel policies often require you to return the car with a full tank to avoid extra charges.

5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for extra drivers, one-way rentals, GPS navigation systems, child seats, or late returns.

Car Rental Prices in Dresden – How Much Does It Cost?

Estimated Daily Prices

Business:

from £35 / $44 / €42 per day

Electric:

from £17 / $21 / €20 per day

Classic:

from £8 / $10 / €9 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 / $11 / €10 per day

Seasonal Trends

Peak season (June to August): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to higher demand from tourists.

Low season (November to February): Often offers discounts as rental companies seek to attract customers during the colder months.

*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.

How to Book a Car in Dresden?

Booking a rental car in Dresden is simple if you follow these essential steps. Careful planning ensures a smooth and stress-free experience.

1. Compare Prices - Use comparison websites to find the best deals from various rental companies. Compare prices, included features, and customer reviews.

2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs. Consider the size, fuel efficiency, and any specific features you require.

3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully review the rental agreement, including mileage limits, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies.

4. Book in Advance - Booking early can secure lower prices, especially during peak travel seasons. Aim to book several weeks in advance.

5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s licence, passport, and credit card to the rental office. Inspect the car for any existing damage before driving off.

General Information About Dresden

Dresden is a city renowned for its stunning architecture and cultural treasures. Navigating the city by car requires awareness of local traffic regulations and parking options.

As the capital of Saxony, Dresden offers a unique blend of historical charm and modern amenities. While Dresden has a reliable public transportation system, a rental car is invaluable for exploring the surrounding regions and attractions. However, driving in the city centre requires attention due to pedestrian zones and limited parking. Familiarise yourself with local traffic laws and parking rules for a smoother travel experience.

Top Attractions to Discover

  • Zwinger Palace

    A magnificent Baroque palace housing several museums and galleries.

  • Frauenkirche

    A symbol of Dresden's resilience, rebuilt after being destroyed in World War II.

  • Semper Opera House

    A renowned opera house known for its stunning architecture and world-class performances.

Where to Find Parking

  • Public Parking Garages

    Numerous parking garages are available throughout the city, offering secure parking options.

  • On-Street Parking

    Limited on-street parking is available, often with time restrictions and payment requirements.

  • Park & Ride

    Park-and-ride facilities on the outskirts of the city allow you to park your car and take public transportation into the centre.

Gas Stations in Dresden

  • Major Brands

    You'll find well-known gas station brands like Aral, Shell, and Total throughout the city and surrounding areas.

  • Locations

    Gas stations are readily available on major roads and highways, but less common in the city centre.

  • Payment Options

    Most gas stations accept both cash and credit cards.

Useful Tips for Visiting Dresden

  • Watch for Pedestrians and Cyclists

    Be mindful of pedestrians and cyclists, especially in pedestrian zones and bike lanes.

  • Plan for Traffic

    Avoid driving during rush hours to minimise traffic delays.

  • Respect Traffic Laws

    Adhere to speed limits and traffic signals to ensure a safe driving experience.

  • Low Emission Zones

    Be aware of low-emission zones. Make sure your vehicle meets the required standards or obtain a sticker.

Key Transportation Hubs in Dresden

Major Bus Stations

Dresden Central Bus Station

Located near the main train station, it provides connections to numerous regional and national destinations.

Railway Stations

Dresden Hauptbahnhof (Main Train Station)

The city's main railway station, offering connections to major cities across Germany and Europe.

Dresden-Neustadt Station

Another major station in Dresden, serving regional and long-distance trains.

Airports

Dresden Airport (DRS)

Located approximately 9 kilometres (5.6 miles) north of the city centre, serving domestic and European destinations.

What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Dresden?

Renting a car in Dresden requires a few essential documents and qualifications. Here’s what you’ll need to ensure a smooth rental experience.

  • You need a valid driver's licence. If your licence is not in the Roman alphabet, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.

  • Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with potential surcharges for those under 25.

  • A credit or debit card in the driver's name is required for the security deposit.

  • A passport or other form of identification is necessary for international renters.

Our Content Quality

This content was written

This content was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.

Every piece of information on this page has gone through our Content Quality Assurance (CQA) process — a multi-step review that includes human editing, localisation accuracy checks, and expert travel validation.

Learn more about our Content Quality Standards

This page was edited by experts

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.

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Our Customer Reviews

Our clients rate such place as Dresden as

4.9

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.

Dresden was a dream! Getting around with a rental car made exploring so easy. The Zwinger Palace was breathtaking.

SM

Sarah Miller

Reviewed: 27.12.2024

Dresden was fantastic! Having a car was perfect for day trips to the coast after exploring the city's beautiful architecture. So relaxing!

AJ

Amelia Jones

Reviewed: 03.02.2025

Pretty chill vibe

CD

Chloe Davis

Reviewed: 14.08.2025

Dresden was lovely! Met up with friends, explored easily by car, and had a fantastic time.

AG

Ava Garcia

Reviewed: 16.11.2024

Exploring Dresden was effortless; having a car made everything so convenient. The city's beauty captivated me!

OR

Olivia Rodriguez

Reviewed: 12.04.2025

Such a fun spontaneous weekend in Dresden! Having a car made getting around so easy. Beautiful city.

MW

Mia Williams

Reviewed: 07.09.2024

Wonderful weekend in Dresden! Having a car made exploring so simple. The city is gorgeous.

IB

Isabelle Brown

Reviewed: 13.01.2025

Dresden was delightful! Exploring the city and then relaxing by the coast was perfect.

EH

Eleanor Hartley

Reviewed: 05.05.2025

Dresden exceeded expectations! So much to see, and having a car made it all accessible.

KL

Katherine Lee

Reviewed: 16.06.2025

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