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Cheapest Car Rental Rates in Essen
Essen
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Essen
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Essen
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Essen
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
Why Rent a Car in Essen?
Essen is a vibrant city in the heart of the Ruhr area, known for its industrial heritage and cultural attractions. While public transportation is available, renting a car offers greater flexibility and convenience for exploring Essen and its surroundings.
Explore the Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with ease. A rental car allows you to reach this landmark and other historical sites without relying on public transport schedules.
Visit the Baldeneysee, a large reservoir perfect for recreational activities. Having a car provides the freedom to enjoy the lake and its surrounding areas at your own pace.
Discover the diverse cultural scene in Essen, including museums, theaters, and concert halls. A rental car makes it easy to attend events and explore the city's cultural offerings.
Enjoy day trips to nearby cities like Düsseldorf and Cologne. With a rental car, you can easily explore the wider region and experience the rich culture and history of North Rhine-Westphalia.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Essen
Before renting a car in Essen, ensure you meet the necessary requirements. These typically include age restrictions, a valid driver's license, and understanding the rental agreement's terms regarding insurance, deposits, mileage, and fuel policies.
Area
210.3 km² (81.2 sq mi)
Population
Approximately 580,000 residents
Time Zone
CET (UTC+1) / CEST (UTC+2) in summer
Ideal for
Exploring the Ruhr area
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7 AM – 9 AM and 4 PM – 6 PM
Rating
4.8/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Essen 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 license is required. If your license is not in German, an International Driving Permit (IDP) may be necessary. Always carry your passport or ID card for verification.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included in the rental price, but additional coverage options like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) are available. A security deposit is typically required and will be refunded upon safe return of the vehicle.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary; some rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others have restrictions. Fuel policies also differ, with many requiring you 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 add-ons like GPS navigation systems or child seats.
Car Rental Prices in Essen – How Much Does It Cost?
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 / $11 / €10 per day
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (June to August): Experiences higher demand, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (November to February): Often offers discounts and lower rates
*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 Essen?
To secure a car rental in Essen, start by comparing prices and choosing the right vehicle. Carefully review the rental terms to avoid any surprises. Booking early is crucial for the best rates, especially during peak seasons.
1. Compare Prices - Utilize car rental comparison websites like rentycars.com to find the best deals based on your travel dates and preferred car type.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that meets your specific needs, whether it's an economy car for city driving or a larger vehicle for family trips.
3. Check Rental Terms - Thoroughly review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements to prevent unexpected charges.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and ensure vehicle availability by booking well in advance, especially during peak travel periods.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Present your driver's license, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental vehicle.
General Information About Essen
Essen is a major city in the Ruhr area, known for its industrial history and cultural attractions. Renting a car provides the flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings, but it's important to be aware of traffic rules, parking, and fuel access.
As a key city in the Ruhr region, Essen offers a blend of industrial heritage, modern culture, and green spaces. While Essen has a good public transport system, a car rental is useful for exploring areas outside the city center. However, driving in Essen requires awareness of traffic regulations and parking options.
Top Attractions to Discover
Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex
A UNESCO World Heritage site, showcasing industrial architecture and history.
Baldeneysee
A large lake offering recreational activities and scenic views.
Museum Folkwang
A renowned art museum with a diverse collection.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Use services like Contipark or APCOA for secure parking options throughout the city.
On-Street Parking
Pay-and-display bays are available but can be limited, especially in the city center.
Park & Ride
Utilize park-and-ride facilities outside the city center and use public transport to reach central Essen.
Gas Stations in Essen
Major Brands Available
Find BP, Shell, Aral, and Esso stations throughout Essen and its surroundings.
Locations on Major Roads
Gas stations are readily available on major roads and highways around Essen.
Use Navigation Apps
Use navigation apps to locate nearby stations in real time.
Useful Tips for Visiting Essen
Watch for Cyclists
Be aware of cyclists, especially in pedestrian zones and bike lanes.
Plan for Traffic Delays
Avoid driving during peak rush hours (7:00–9:00 / 16:00–18:00) to avoid heavy congestion.
Use Navigation Systems
Utilize GPS navigation to find the best routes and avoid traffic.
Pay Attention to Signage
Pay close attention to traffic signs and speed limits.
Key Transportation Hubs in Essen
Railway Stations
Essen Hauptbahnhof (Main Station)
The primary railway station, connecting Essen to regional and national destinations.
Airports
Düsseldorf Airport (DUS)
Located approximately 28 kilometers (17 miles) southwest of Essen, serving numerous international and domestic flights.
Dortmund Airport (DTM)
Situated about 50 kilometers (31 miles) northeast of Essen, offering flights to European destinations.
Bus Stations
Essen Central Bus Station
Located near the main railway station, serving regional and long-distance bus routes.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Essen?
Renting a car in Essen requires a few key items to ensure a smooth experience. Here’s what you’ll generally need to have ready:
A valid driver's license is essential. If your license is not in German, an International Driving Permit (IDP) might be required.
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, though some may have additional fees for drivers under 25.
A credit or debit card in the main driver's name is necessary for the security deposit.
A passport or ID card is often required for verification purposes.
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Our Customers Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Essen as
Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have the option to post a review here. Instead, we ask each and every customer to leave a review after they return their rental car. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic.
Solid, low-key vibe
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 04.06.2025
Essen was a convenient stop on our road trip; renting a car made it easy. The city center was nice, though the museum we visited was a bit underwhelming.
David Lee
Reviewed: 10.02.2025
Essen's charm surprised me after all these years! Exploring by car was fantastic.
Jessica Brown
Reviewed: 10.01.2025
Loved exploring Essen! Having a car was perfect for discovering hidden gems. So glad I went.
Emily Carter
Reviewed: 02.08.2025
Essen was a delightful detour! Having a car gave us total freedom to explore.
Christopher Evans
Reviewed: 16.10.2024
Busy trip, but Essen was efficient. The museum was interesting, though the cafe was a bit underwhelming.
Alice Wilson
Reviewed: 10.02.2025
Pretty relaxed, overall.
Olivia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 18.11.2024
Essen was fantastic! Exploring with my rental car was so easy and fun.
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 19.10.2024
Family vacation in Essen was great! Having a car made exploring so easy and enjoyable.
Benjamin Harris
Reviewed: 16.03.2025
Low-key pleasant surprise
Kevin Garcia
Reviewed: 01.04.2025
Pretty chill, tbh
Mike Johnson
Reviewed: 30.04.2025