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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Hamburg
Hamburg
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Hamburg
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Hamburg
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Hamburg
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 Rent a Car in Hamburg?
Hamburg is a vibrant port city with a rich maritime history and plenty to explore. While public transportation is efficient, renting a car offers the freedom to discover hidden gems and nearby attractions at your own pace.
Explore Beyond the City Centre. A rental car allows you to easily visit destinations outside of Hamburg, such as the picturesque Altes Land orchards or the charming coastal towns along the Baltic Sea.
Visit Key Attractions with Ease. Hamburg is spread out, and having a car makes it easier to reach attractions like the Speicherstadt warehouse district, the Miniatur Wunderland, or the Hagenbeck Zoo without relying on public transport schedules.
Flexibility and Convenience. Travelling with family or a group is much easier with a rental car, as you can transport luggage and equipment without the hassle of trains or buses.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Hamburg
Before renting a car in Hamburg, familiarise yourself with the rental terms and conditions. Be sure to meet the age requirements, have the necessary documentation, and understand the insurance and deposit policies.
Area
755 square kilometres (292 square miles)
Population
Approximately 1.85 million residents
Time Zone
CET (Central European Time)
Ideal for
Exploring the city and surrounding areas
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7 AM – 9 AM and 4 PM – 7 PM
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Hamburg require drivers to be at least 21 years old. However, drivers under 25 may be subject to a young driver surcharge.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s licence is required. EU citizens can use their national licence, while non-EU citizens may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their original licence.
3. Insurance & DepositsRental agreements typically include basic insurance coverage. Additional coverage options like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Theft Protection are available. A security deposit is usually required and held on the renter’s credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary, with some rentals offering unlimited mileage and others imposing restrictions. Fuel policies also differ, so be sure to understand whether you need to return the car with a full tank.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for extra drivers, one-way rentals, optional extras like GPS navigation, or for late returns.
Car Rental Prices in Hamburg – How Much Does It Cost?
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45 per day
Electric:
from £20 / $25 / €22 per day
Classic:
from £10 / $12 / €11 per day
Executive:
from £30 / $38 / €35 per day
7 Seater:
from £35 / $44 / €40 per day
Automatic:
from £20 / $25 / €22 per day
SUV:
from £12 / $15 / €14 per day
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (June to August): Sees higher demand, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (November to February): Often come with discounts
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 Hamburg?
To book a car in Hamburg, follow these steps to ensure a smooth and hassle-free 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 and budget, considering factors like size and fuel efficiency.
3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully review the rental agreement, paying attention to mileage limits, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better availability by booking your car well in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s licence, passport, and credit card to the rental counter when collecting your vehicle.
General Information About Hamburg
Hamburg is a major port city in northern Germany, known for its rich maritime history and vibrant cultural scene. Exploring the city and its surroundings is best done with an understanding of local traffic regulations, parking options, and fuel availability.
As Germany's second-largest city, Hamburg is a dynamic hub of commerce, culture, and innovation. The city offers a wealth of attractions, from historical landmarks to modern entertainment venues. While Hamburg has an excellent public transportation system, renting a car provides greater flexibility for exploring the region, including nearby towns and scenic landscapes. However, driving in Hamburg requires awareness of traffic conditions, parking restrictions, and environmental zones. Before you start driving, make sure you review local traffic laws, fuel station availability and parking regulations to ensure a smooth experience during your visit.
Top Attractions to Discover
Speicherstadt
A UNESCO World Heritage Site with historic warehouse district.
Miniatur Wunderland
The world's largest model railway.
Elbphilharmonie
A modern concert hall with stunning architecture.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Use parking garages located throughout the city centre.
On-Street Parking
Available but often limited and subject to time restrictions.
Park & Ride
Park your car outside the city centre and use public transportation to reach downtown.
Gas Stations in Hamburg
Major Brands Available
Find stations from Aral, Shell, and Esso throughout the city and surrounding areas.
Plan Ahead in City Centre
Gas stations can be less frequent in the city centre, so plan accordingly.
Use Navigation Apps
Utilise navigation apps to locate nearby gas stations in real-time.
Useful Tips for Visiting Hamburg
Use Contactless Payment
Conveniently pay for public transport and parking with contactless payment options.
Watch for Cyclists
Be aware of cyclists, as Hamburg has an extensive network of bike lanes.
Allow Extra Time for Traffic
Traffic can be heavy during rush hours, so plan accordingly.
Key Transportation Hubs in Hamburg
Major Bus Stations
Hamburg Central Bus Station (ZOB)
Located near the main train station, it provides connections to numerous national and international destinations.
Railway Stations
Hamburg Hauptbahnhof (Central Station)
One of Germany's busiest train stations, offering connections to major cities across Europe.
Hamburg-Altona Station
A major railway hub located in the Altona district, providing regional and long-distance train services.
Hamburg Dammtor Station
Situated near the University of Hamburg, serving regional and S-Bahn (suburban railway) lines.
Airports
Hamburg Airport (HAM)
Located approximately 8 kilometres (5 miles) north of the city centre, it serves numerous domestic and international destinations.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Hamburg?
Renting a car in Hamburg is a straightforward process. Here’s what you’ll need
A valid driver's licence is required. EU licences are accepted, and non-EU licences may require an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, and surcharges may apply for drivers under 25.
A credit or debit card in the renter's name is necessary for the security deposit.
A passport or other form of photo identification may be required.
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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 Hamburg 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.
Hamburg lived up to the hype! Having a car made exploring the harbor and surrounding areas so easy. I loved the canals, the vibrant city life, and the delicious food. Definitely recommend a visit!
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 16.12.2024
Fantastic weekend in Hamburg! Getting around with a rental car was a breeze, allowing us to easily explore beyond the city center. So much to see and do!
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 28.09.2024
Pretty chill vibe
Oliver Schmidt
Reviewed: 14.01.2025
Family vacation in Hamburg was wonderful! Exploring by car was so convenient.
Benjamin Garcia
Reviewed: 15.08.2025
Quick weekend trip, loved Hamburg! Car rental was super helpful for exploring. Highly recommend.
Ava Wilson
Reviewed: 04.01.2025
Pretty relaxed, actually.
Liam Taylor
Reviewed: 25.11.2024
Meh. Food was bland.
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 27.01.2025