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Car rental in Gelsenkirchen - Search, Compare, and Save

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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Gelsenkirchen

Gelsenkirchen

Mini

Fiat 500 or similar

4

1

3

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

24

per day

Gelsenkirchen

Economy

Toyota Yaris or similar

5

2

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

29

per day

Gelsenkirchen

Compact

Volkswagen Golf or similar

5

3

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

33

per day

Gelsenkirchen

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 Gelsenkirchen?

Gelsenkirchen, a city in the heart of the Ruhr area, offers a unique blend of industrial heritage and modern attractions. While public transportation is available, renting a car provides the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace.

Explore Industrial Heritage: Gelsenkirchen is home to fascinating industrial sites like the Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex (a UNESCO World Heritage site) and the Nordsternpark. With a car, you can easily visit these locations and learn about the region's rich industrial past.

Discover Cultural Attractions: From the Musiktheater im Revier to the Kunstmuseum Gelsenkirchen, the city boasts a vibrant cultural scene. A rental car allows you to conveniently access these venues and enjoy a variety of performances and exhibitions.

Enjoy Nature and Recreation: Gelsenkirchen offers numerous parks and green spaces, such as the Emscher Landscape Park and the ZOOM Erlebniswelt zoo. Having a car makes it easy to reach these recreational areas and enjoy outdoor activities.

Venture Beyond Gelsenkirchen: With a rental car, you can easily explore other cities and attractions in the Ruhr area, such as Essen, Dortmund, and Bochum. Discover the diverse landscape and cultural offerings of this dynamic region.

Rental Terms and Conditions in Gelsenkirchen

Before renting a car in Gelsenkirchen, it's essential to understand the rental terms and conditions. These include age requirements, driver's licence regulations, insurance coverage, and fuel policies.

Area

104.94 square kilometres (40.52 sq mi)

Population

Approximately 260,000 residents

Time Zone

CET (UTC+1) & CEST (UTC+2) during summer time

Ideal for

Weekend trips

Rush Hours

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

Rating

4.0/5

1. Age RequirementsThe minimum age to rent a car in Gelsenkirchen is typically 21 years old. However, some rental companies may have higher age restrictions for certain vehicle categories or charge a young driver surcharge for renters under 25.

2. Driver's License & DocumentationA valid driver's licence is required for all rentals. If your licence is not in German or English, you may need an International Driving Permit (IDP). You will also need to present a passport or other form of identification.

3. Insurance & DepositsCar rentals in Gelsenkirchen typically include basic insurance coverage. However, you may want to consider purchasing additional coverage, such as a collision damage waiver (CDW) or theft protection. A security deposit is usually required and will be held on your credit card.

4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary among rental companies. Some offer unlimited mileage, while others have restrictions. Fuel policies also differ, so be sure to check whether you need to return the car with a full tank or not.

5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for extras such as GPS navigation, child seats, or additional drivers. One-way rentals may also incur extra charges.

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

Car rental prices in Gelsenkirchen vary depending on the type of car, the rental period, and the season.

Business:

from £35 / $44 / €42 per day

Electric:

from £18 / $23 / €21 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 £10 / $13 / €12 per day

Seasonal Trends

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

Low season (November to February): Often come with discounts as demand decreases.

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 Gelsenkirchen?

Booking a car in Gelsenkirchen is easy if you follow these simple steps.

1. Compare Prices - Use online car rental comparison sites to find the best deals from different rental companies.

2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs and budget, considering factors such as size, fuel efficiency, and features.

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

4. Book in Advance - To secure the best rates and ensure availability, book your car rental in advance, especially during peak season.

5. Pick Up Your Car - When picking up your car, bring your driver's licence, passport, and credit card.

General Information About Gelsenkirchen

Gelsenkirchen is a city in North Rhine-Westphalia, [GERMANY], known for its industrial heritage and football culture.

As part of the Ruhr metropolitan area, Gelsenkirchen benefits from an extensive road network, making it easy to navigate by car. However, be aware of potential traffic congestion during rush hours and in the city centre.

Top Attractions to Discover

  • Veltins-Arena

    Home of FC Schalke 04, one of Germany's most famous football clubs.

  • ZOOM Erlebniswelt

    A modern zoo featuring themed habitats and diverse animal species.

  • Nordsternpark

    A former coal mine transformed into a recreational park with walking trails and event spaces.

Where to Find Parking

  • Public Parking Garages

    Several parking garages are available in the city centre, offering secure parking options.

  • On-Street Parking

    On-street parking is available but may be limited, especially during peak hours. Pay attention to parking signs and restrictions.

  • Park & Ride

    Consider using park-and-ride facilities on the outskirts of the city to avoid traffic congestion and parking hassles.

Gas Stations in Gelsenkirchen

  • Major Brands

    You can find gas stations from major brands such as Aral, Shell, and Esso throughout the city.

  • Refuelling

    Most gas stations offer self-service refuelling. Payment can be made by cash or credit card.

  • Location

    Gas stations are generally easy to find along main roads and highways.

Useful Tips for Visiting Gelsenkirchen

  • Plan for Traffic

    Allow extra time for travel during rush hours, especially in the city centre.

  • Low Emission Zones

    Gelsenkirchen has a low emission zone, so make sure your vehicle meets the required emission standards.

  • Bus Lanes

    Be aware of dedicated bus lanes and avoid driving in them.

  • Navigation Apps

    Use navigation apps to find the best routes and avoid traffic congestion.

Key Transportation Hubs in Gelsenkirchen

Major Bus Stations

Gelsenkirchen Central Bus Station

Located near the main train station, it provides connections to various destinations within the city and the surrounding region.

Railway Stations

Gelsenkirchen Hauptbahnhof (Main Station)

Offers regional and long-distance train connections to major cities in Germany and Europe.

Airports

Düsseldorf Airport (DUS)

The nearest major airport, located approximately 30 kilometres southwest of Gelsenkirchen. It offers a wide range of domestic and international flights.

Dortmund Airport (DTM)

Located approximately 50 kilometres east of Gelsenkirchen, it primarily serves low-cost airlines and regional flights.

What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Gelsenkirchen?

To rent a car in Gelsenkirchen, you'll need to meet a few essential requirements.

  • You'll need a valid driver's licence from your country of residence. If your licence is not in German or English, you may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).

  • Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, although some may have higher age restrictions for certain vehicle categories.

  • You'll need a valid credit or debit card in your name to pay for the rental and cover the security deposit.

  • You'll need to provide proof of identity, such as a passport or national ID card.

Our Content Quality

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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.

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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 Gelsenkirchen as

4.5

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.

Spontaneous weekend in Gelsenkirchen! Having a car was great for exploring, though the local museum was a bit underwhelming.

SM

Sarah Miller

Reviewed: 04.10.2024

Gelsenkirchen surprised me! Easy to get around with my rental car.

DL

David Lee

Reviewed: 01.09.2024

Pretty chill, actually.

MJ

Mike Jones

Reviewed: 18.09.2024

Solid, low-key vibe.

JG

Jessica Garcia

Reviewed: 14.02.2025

Heard great things about Gelsenkirchen, and they were right! Exploring by car was so convenient.

EC

Emily Carter

Reviewed: 02.10.2024

Gelsenkirchen was a pleasant surprise! Getting a car made exploring so easy, and I loved the short drive to the coast for some relaxation. Highly recommend!

CE

Christopher Evans

Reviewed: 30.05.2025

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