Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Kiel
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Kiel
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Kiel
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Kiel
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.
Kiel, a vibrant port city on Germany's Baltic coast, offers a blend of maritime history, cultural attractions, and scenic landscapes. While public transportation is available, renting a car provides the freedom and flexibility to explore Kiel and its surrounding areas at your own pace.
Explore Coastal Routes: With a rental car, you can easily access the picturesque coastal roads and beaches along the Baltic Sea, enjoying stunning views and hidden gems.
Visit Nearby Attractions: A car allows you to conveniently visit attractions outside Kiel, such as the historic city of Lübeck, the charming town of Schleswig, and the beautiful Holstein Switzerland region.
Enjoy Flexibility and Convenience: Having your own vehicle gives you the freedom to create your own itinerary, stop at local markets and restaurants, and travel comfortably with luggage or family.
Before renting a car in Kiel, it's important to understand the rental terms and conditions to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.
Area
118.6 square kilometres (45.8 square miles)
Population
Approximately 247,000 residents
Time Zone
CET (Central European Time)
Ideal for
Weekend trips
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 Kiel is typically 21 years old, with some companies charging extra fees for drivers under 25.
2. Driver's License & DocumentationA valid driver's license is required, and international visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their license is not in German.
3. Insurance & DepositsRental agreements usually include basic insurance, but additional coverage options like collision damage waiver (CDW) and theft protection are available. A security deposit is required and will be refunded upon the car's return, provided there is no damage.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies can vary, with some rentals offering unlimited mileage while others have restrictions. Fuel policies also differ, so it's important to check if you need to return the car with a full tank to avoid extra charges.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for extra drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or optional extras like GPS navigation systems and child seats.
Car rental prices in Kiel vary depending on the time of year, the type of car, and the rental company.
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
Peak season (June to August): Sees higher demand, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (November to February): Often come with discounts
Car rental rates in Kiel fluctuate based on the season and demand.
Booking a rental car in Kiel is a straightforward process if you follow these steps:
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 an economy car for city driving or a larger vehicle for family trips.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review the mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements to avoid unexpected charges.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better vehicle availability by booking your rental car well in advance, especially during peak seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver's license, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental vehicle.
Kiel is a bustling port city known for its maritime heritage and scenic beauty.
Kiel, the capital of Schleswig-Holstein, is a city with a rich naval history and a modern, vibrant atmosphere. It's an ideal base for exploring the Baltic coast and the surrounding countryside. While the city has a good public transport system, a rental car can significantly enhance your travel experience, especially if you plan to visit attractions outside the city centre. Before you start driving, it's important to familiarise yourself with local traffic laws, parking regulations, and fuel station locations to ensure a safe and stress-free trip.
Top Attractions to Discover
Kiel Canal
One of the world's busiest artificial waterways, offering scenic views and maritime activity.
Kiel Maritime Museum
Explore the history of shipbuilding and seafaring in Kiel.
Laboe Naval Memorial & Submarine U-995
Pay tribute to sailors and explore a preserved World War II submarine.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Use services like Parkhaus Sophienhof and Förde Parkhaus for secure, citywide parking options.
On-Street Parking
Pay-and-display bays are available but often limited, especially in central areas.
Park & Ride
Leave your car outside the city and use public transport to access the city centre.
Gas Stations in Kiel
Major Brands
Look for Aral, Shell, and Total stations throughout the city and on major roads.
Availability
Gas stations are readily available in Kiel, but it's always a good idea to plan ahead, especially for longer trips.
Navigation Apps
Use navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze to locate nearby stations in real time.
Useful Tips for Visiting Kiel
Use Contactless Payment
Many places in Kiel accept contactless payment, making transactions quick and convenient.
Watch for Cyclists
Kiel has a large cycling community, so be mindful of cyclists when driving.
Plan for Traffic Delays
Avoid driving during rush hours (7:00–9:00 and 16:00–18:00) when roads are often heavily congested.
Learn Basic German Phrases
While many people speak English, knowing a few basic German phrases can be helpful.
Railway Stations
Kiel Hauptbahnhof (Main Station)
The primary railway station in Kiel, connecting to major cities in Germany.
Ferry Terminals
Kiel Ferry Terminal
Offers ferry services to destinations in Scandinavia and the Baltic region.
Bus Stations
Kiel ZOB (Central Bus Station)
Located near the main railway station, providing connections to regional and long-distance bus services.
Airport
Kiel Airport (KEL)
A small regional airport with limited commercial flights.
Renting a car in Kiel is a straightforward process, but you’ll need to meet a few key requirements before hitting the road. Here’s what you’ll need:
If you're from Germany, your standard license is sufficient. Visitors from most 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 required 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 Kiel 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.
Chill vibe, car handy.
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 15.12.2024
Kiel was perfect for a relaxing getaway. Having a car made exploring the coastline so easy; I loved the freedom to discover hidden beaches.
Evelyn Reed
Reviewed: 09.05.2025
Getting around Kiel was a breeze, thanks to having a car. The harbor area was beautiful, and it was so easy to drive to the nearby beaches. I loved the city's relaxed atmosphere!
Jessica Garcia
Reviewed: 11.01.2025
Pleasant enough, really.
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 01.03.2025
Pretty relaxed, liked it.
Mia Larson
Reviewed: 07.01.2025
Family vacation in Kiel was fantastic! Having a car made sightseeing so much easier. Beautiful city.
Olivia Peterson
Reviewed: 12.11.2024
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Kiel was lovely! Renting a car made exploring easy. The maritime museum was great, though the cafe there was a bit underwhelming.
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 11.04.2025