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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Heidelberg
Heidelberg
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Heidelberg
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Heidelberg
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Heidelberg
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 Hire a Car in Heidelberg?
Heidelberg is a captivating city steeped in history and culture, offering a wealth of attractions and experiences. While public transport is available, hiring a car provides the freedom and flexibility to explore Heidelberg and its surrounding areas at your own pace.
Explore at Your Own Pace: With a hire car, you're not bound by bus or train schedules. Discover hidden gems and scenic routes at your leisure, creating a personalised itinerary.
Access to Surrounding Areas: Heidelberg is ideally situated for day trips to nearby towns and attractions, such as the Rhine Valley or the Black Forest. A car allows you to easily explore these destinations.
Convenience and Comfort: A hire car offers a comfortable and convenient way to travel, especially if you're travelling with family or have luggage. Avoid crowded public transport and enjoy a smooth ride.
Hire Terms and Conditions in Heidelberg
Before hiring a car in Heidelberg, it's crucial to understand the terms and conditions. This includes age requirements, licensing, insurance, and other policies to ensure a smooth hire experience.
Area
Approximately 109 square kilometres (42 square miles)
Population
Approximately 160,000 residents
Time Zone
Central European Time (CET), GMT+1
Ideal for
Exploring the city and surrounding regions
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic during morning and evening commutes
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsThe minimum age to hire a car in Heidelberg is typically 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may be subject to a young driver surcharge.
2. Driver’s Licence & DocumentationA valid driver's licence is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their licence is not in a European language.
3. Insurance & DepositsHire agreements typically include basic insurance. Additional coverage options like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) are available. A security deposit is usually required, held on a credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies can vary from unlimited to limited mileage. Fuel policies often require you to return the car with the same amount of fuel as when you picked it up.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for extra drivers, one-way rentals, GPS navigation systems, or child seats.
Car Hire Prices in Heidelberg – How Much Does It Cost?
Car hire prices in Heidelberg vary depending on the season, car type, and rental duration. Booking in advance and comparing prices can help you find the best deals.
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45 per day
Electric:
from £25 / $31 / €28 per day
Classic:
from £15 / $19 / €17 per day
Executive:
from £35 / $44 / €40 per day
7 Seater:
from £50 / $63 / €57 per day
Automatic:
from £20 / $25 / €23 per day
SUV:
from £18 / $23 / €20 per day
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (June to August): Expect higher prices, increasing by 20-30% due to summer tourism.
Low season (November to February): Offers the best deals, with discounts available during the winter months.
Rental prices fluctuate based on demand. Knowing the trends can help you secure the best rates.
How to Book a Car in Heidelberg?
Booking a car in Heidelberg is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth hire experience.
1. Compare Prices - Use online comparison sites to find the best deals from various rental companies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, whether it's a compact car for city driving or a larger vehicle for family trips.
3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully review the rental terms and conditions, including mileage limits, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies.
4. Book in Advance - Book your hire car well in advance, especially during peak seasons, to secure the best rates and availability.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver's licence, credit card, and any other required documents when picking up your hire car.
General Information About Heidelberg
Heidelberg is a vibrant city known for its historic castle, picturesque Old Town, and university atmosphere. Driving in Heidelberg offers flexibility, but it's important to be aware of local traffic regulations.
Heidelberg is a city that blends historical charm with modern amenities. As a popular tourist destination, it’s crucial to understand traffic rules, parking, and fuel access, particularly when venturing beyond the city centre. While Heidelberg boasts an efficient public transport system, hiring a car provides unmatched freedom to explore nearby attractions. However, be prepared for narrow streets, pedestrian zones, and limited parking within the city centre. Familiarise yourself with local traffic laws and parking regulations for a stress-free driving experience.
Top Attractions to Discover
Heidelberg Castle
A majestic ruin overlooking the city, offering stunning views and historical insights.
Old Bridge
A historic bridge with a medieval gate, connecting the Old Town with the Neuenheim district.
Philosophenweg (Philosopher's Walk)
A scenic path on the north side of the Neckar River, offering panoramic views of Heidelberg.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Use parking garages in the city centre for secure parking, although they can be expensive.
On-Street Parking
Limited on-street parking is available, often with time restrictions and payment requirements.
Park & Ride
Consider using park-and-ride facilities outside the city centre and taking public transport into the city.
Gas Stations in Heidelberg
City Centre
Fuel stations are less common in the city centre; plan accordingly.
Outskirts
Find major fuel chains like Aral, Shell, and Esso on the outskirts of the city and along major roads.
Navigation Apps
Use navigation apps to locate nearby fuel stations in real-time.
Useful Tips for Visiting Heidelberg
Contactless Payment
Use contactless payment for public transport and parking where available.
Pedestrians & Cyclists
Be aware of pedestrians and cyclists, especially in the Old Town.
Traffic Delays
Avoid driving during rush hours (7:00–9:00 AM and 4:00–6:00 PM) to minimise traffic delays.
Low Emission Zone
Be aware of the low-emission zone in Heidelberg, requiring a sticker for certain vehicles.
Key Transportation Hubs in Heidelberg
Major Bus Stations
Heidelberg Central Bus Station
Located near the main train station, it serves regional and long-distance bus routes.
Railway Stations
Heidelberg Hauptbahnhof (Main Station)
The primary train station, connecting Heidelberg to major cities in Germany and Europe.
Heidelberg-Altstadt
Smaller train station closer to the Old Town.
Airports
Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
Located approximately 80 kilometres (50 miles) north of Heidelberg, it's the nearest major international airport.
Stuttgart Airport (STR)
Situated about 120 kilometres (75 miles) south of Heidelberg, offering both domestic and international flights.
What Do You Need to Hire a Car in Heidelberg?
Hiring a car in Heidelberg requires a few essential documents and meeting certain criteria. Here's what you'll need to ensure a smooth hire process.
A valid driver's licence is required. If your licence is not in German or English, an International Driving Permit (IDP) may be necessary.
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with potential surcharges for those under 25.
A valid credit or debit card in the driver's name is needed for the security deposit.
A passport or other official form of 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 Heidelberg 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.
Meh. Crowds were intense.
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 27.09.2024
Charming town, quick stop on our road trip. Heidelberg Castle was stunning, though the tourist shops felt a bit generic.
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 10.10.2024
Snapped a quick business trip to Heidelberg, but still managed to see the castle and explore the charming old town. Having a car was incredibly convenient!
David Lee
Reviewed: 22.11.2024
Pretty chill, yeah.
Liam Brown
Reviewed: 02.04.2025
Wonderful spontaneous weekend! Heidelberg was gorgeous; having a car made exploring so easy.
Ava Wilson
Reviewed: 08.01.2025
Heidelberg was breathtaking! First time there, and having a car made exploring so effortless. Highly recommend!
Ethan Carter
Reviewed: 19.09.2024
Summer in Heidelberg was perfect! Having a car made exploring so easy; the castle was magnificent.
Katherine Thompson
Reviewed: 09.07.2025
Absolutely loved Heidelberg! Getting around with a rental car was so convenient, allowing me to fully explore the beautiful scenery and charming streets.
Olivia Garcia
Reviewed: 07.03.2025
Heidelberg was a dream! First time visiting, and having a car made exploring the castle and surrounding areas so easy. The charming streets and views were breathtaking. I highly recommend it!
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 24.04.2025