Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off date
4.67/5
Reviews from 1300+ people
Excellent
Trustpilot
Dortmund
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Dortmund
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Dortmund
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Dortmund
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car rental is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average rental duration of 6 days
Dortmund, a vibrant city in North Rhine-Westphalia, offers a blend of industrial heritage, green spaces, and cultural attractions. While public transport is available, renting a car provides the freedom to explore at your own pace, especially for destinations outside the city center.
Explore Industrial Heritage. Dortmund's industrial past is showcased in attractions like the Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site, easily accessible by car.
Discover Scenic Parks and Lakes. Drive to the Westfalenpark, Rombergpark, or the Phoenix See for relaxing outings and picturesque views.
Visit Nearby Cities. With a rental car, you can conveniently visit nearby cities like Essen, Bochum, and Düsseldorf for day trips.
Enjoy Flexibility and Convenience. A car allows you to travel on your schedule, without being constrained by public transportation timetables.
Before renting a car in Dortmund, ensure you meet the requirements. Typically, you'll need to be at least 21 years old, hold a valid driver's license, and have a credit card for the security deposit. Here's what else you need to know.
Area
280.71 square kilometers (108.38 square miles)
Population
Approximately 600,000 residents
Time Zone
CET (Central European Time)
Ideal for
City exploration and regional travel
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7 AM – 9 AM and 4 PM – 6 PM
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may incur additional young driver surcharges.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver's license is required. If your license is not in German, an International Driving Permit (IDP) may be necessary.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included, but consider additional coverage like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). A security deposit is required and will be refunded upon the car's safe return.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyCheck the mileage policy; some rentals offer unlimited mileage. Fuel policies vary, but a full-to-full policy is common.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for extra drivers, GPS navigation, child seats, or out-of-hours pickup/drop-off.
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42 per day
Electric:
from £17 / $21 / €20 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 £9 / $12 / €11 per day
Peak season (June to August): Expect 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.
Booking a car in Dortmund involves a few simple steps. By comparing prices, choosing the right car, and booking in advance, you can secure a great deal. Remember to review the rental terms and bring the necessary documents when you pick up the vehicle.
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison websites to find the best car rental deals.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, such as a compact car for city driving or a larger vehicle for family trips.
3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully review the rental agreement, including mileage limits and insurance coverage.
4. Book in Advance - Reserve your car well in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, to get the best rates.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s license, credit card, and passport when collecting your rental vehicle.
Dortmund, located in the heart of the Ruhr area, is known for its industrial heritage and vibrant cultural scene. Renting a car offers flexibility for exploring both the city and its surroundings.
Dortmund is a city that combines industrial history with modern attractions. As a major city in North Rhine-Westphalia, it offers numerous destinations worth exploring. While public transport is available, a rental car provides added convenience, especially for visiting attractions outside the city center. Before driving, be aware of local traffic laws and parking regulations.
Top Attractions to Discover
Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex
A UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing industrial architecture.
Westfalenpark
A large park with gardens, a lake, and the Florian Tower.
DASA Working World Exhibition
An interactive museum focusing on the world of work.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Use parking garages for secure parking, especially in the city center.
On-Street Parking
Pay attention to parking signs, as parking is often metered and time-limited.
Park & Ride
Consider using park-and-ride facilities to access the city center via public transport.
Gas Stations in Dortmund
Major Brands Available
Find gas stations from major brands like Aral, Shell, and Esso.
Located Throughout the City
Gas stations are conveniently located throughout Dortmund and on major roads.
Check Opening Hours
Be aware of opening hours, especially outside the city center.
Useful Tips for Visiting Dortmund
Plan for Traffic
Allow extra time for travel, especially during rush hours (7:00-9:00 and 16:00-18:00).
Use Navigation Apps
Use GPS navigation to find the best routes and avoid traffic congestion.
Be Aware of Environmental Zones
Check for environmental zones (Umweltzonen) that may require a sticker for your vehicle.
Carry Cash
Some parking meters may only accept cash.
Major Bus Stations
Dortmund Central Bus Station (ZOB)
Located near the main train station, it provides connections to regional and national destinations.
Railway Stations
Dortmund Hauptbahnhof (Main Station)
The central railway station offers connections to major cities in Germany and Europe.
Airports
Dortmund Airport (DTM)
Located approximately 13 kilometers east of the city center, serving European destinations.
Renting a car in Dortmund is a straightforward process, but you’ll need to meet a few key requirements before hitting the road. Here’s what you’ll need
A valid driver’s license is required. If your license is not in German, you may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, and some may charge extra for drivers under 25.
A credit or debit card in the main driver’s name is required for the security deposit.
A passport or other form of identification is usually required.
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This page was edited, fast-checked, and/or translated by our experts which are passionate about helping travelers experience the world by car. CarTravelers team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, rented cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our clients rate such place as Dortmund as
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Having heard so much about Dortmund, I finally visited! Getting around with my rental car was a breeze. I loved exploring the city's vibrant atmosphere and charming streets.
David Lee
Reviewed: 28.08.2024
Dortmund's charm rediscovered after years! So easy getting around.
Jessica Brown
Reviewed: 26.10.2024
Pretty chill vibe
Chris Evans
Reviewed: 13.03.2025
Quick business trip, but Dortmund exceeded expectations! Having a car was so convenient for exploring.
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 19.12.2024
Efficient business trip; Dortmund was surprisingly enjoyable. Getting around with a car was a breeze.
Karen Wilson
Reviewed: 26.01.2025
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Dortmund was a pleasant surprise! Renting a car made exploring easy. The Westfalenpark was lovely, though the museum café had limited options.
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 29.12.2024