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Car rental in Hamburg - Search, Compare, and Save

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Cheapest Car Rental Rates in Hamburg

Hamburg

Mini

Fiat 500 or similar

4

1

3

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

24

per day

Hamburg

Economy

Toyota Yaris or similar

5

2

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

29

per day

Hamburg

Compact

Volkswagen Golf or similar

5

3

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

33

per day

Hamburg

Intermediate

Skoda Octavia or similar

5

4

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

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 Hamburg?

Hamburg is a vibrant city with a rich maritime history, impressive architecture, and a lively cultural scene. While public transportation is efficient, renting a car offers unparalleled freedom and flexibility to explore Hamburg and its surroundings at your own pace.

Explore Beyond the City Center. Hamburg offers stunning attractions beyond the city center, such as the Speicherstadt warehouse district, the Elbphilharmonie concert hall, and the Hagenbeck Zoo. A rental car allows you to easily reach these destinations and discover hidden gems.

Day Trips to Scenic Locations. With a rental car, you can easily take day trips to nearby attractions, such as the historic city of Lübeck, the picturesque Altes Land orchard region, or the beautiful North Sea coast. Enjoy the freedom to explore the region's natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Convenience and Comfort. If you're traveling with family, have a lot of luggage, or prefer the comfort of your own vehicle, renting a car is the ideal solution. Avoid the hassle of public transportation and enjoy a smooth and stress-free travel experience.

Rental Terms and Conditions in Hamburg

Before renting a car in Hamburg, ensure you meet the necessary requirements and understand the rental terms and conditions.

Area

755 square kilometers (292 square miles)

Population

Approximately 1.9 million residents

Time Zone

CET (UTC+1) during standard time, CEST (UTC+2) during daylight saving time

Ideal for

Exploring the city and surrounding regions

Rush Hours

Expect heavy traffic 7 AM – 9 AM and 4 PM – 7 PM

Rating

4.5/5

1. Age RequirementsThe minimum age to rent a car in Hamburg is typically 21 years old, although some rental companies may have higher age requirements for certain vehicle categories. Young driver surcharges may apply for renters under 25.

2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s license is required for all rentals. EU citizens can use their national driver's license. Non-EU citizens may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their license is not in English or German. A passport and a credit card in the driver’s name are also required.

3. Insurance & DepositsStandard rentals include basic insurance, but additional coverage options like collision damage waiver (CDW) and theft protection are available. A security deposit is usually held on the renter’s credit card and refunded upon vehicle return.

4. Mileage & Fuel PolicySome rentals come with unlimited mileage, while others may have restrictions. Fuel policies vary, but many require returning the car with a full tank to avoid extra charges.

5. Additional FeesExtra charges may apply for additional drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or optional add-ons like GPS and child seats.

Car Rental Prices in Hamburg – How Much Does It Cost?

Estimated Daily Prices

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

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?

Booking a rental car in Hamburg involves a few simple steps to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.

1. Compare Prices - Use a car rental comparison website to find the best deals from various rental companies in Hamburg.

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 - Review the rental agreement carefully, paying attention to mileage limits, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies.

4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better vehicle availability by booking your rental car in advance, especially during peak seasons.

5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s license, passport, and credit card to the rental agency when picking up your vehicle.

General Information About Hamburg

Hamburg is a major port city in northern Germany, known for its rich history, maritime culture, and vibrant nightlife. Renting a car is a practical option for exploring the city and surrounding areas, but it's important to be aware of traffic regulations, parking options, and fuel availability.

As Germany's second-largest city, Hamburg offers a diverse range of attractions and activities, from historical landmarks and museums to modern architecture and entertainment venues. While public transportation is efficient, renting a car provides the flexibility to explore at your own pace and discover hidden gems beyond the city center. Before you set off, it's important to familiarize yourself with local traffic laws and parking regulations.

Top Attractions to Discover

  • Speicherstadt

    A UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its historic warehouse district.

  • Elbphilharmonie

    A stunning concert hall with panoramic city views.

  • Reeperbahn

    Hamburg's famous red-light district, offering a vibrant nightlife scene.

Where to Find Parking

  • Public Parking Garages

    Use services like APCOA, Contipark, or Parkhaus.de for secure, citywide parking options.

  • On-Street Parking

    Pay-and-display bays are available but often costly and time-limited, especially in central areas.

  • Park & Ride

    Leave your car outside the city and use public transport to access central Hamburg.

Gas Stations in Hamburg

  • Availability in the Center

    Fuel stations are readily available throughout the city.

  • Major Brands

    Look for Aral, Shell, Esso, and Total along main roads and highways.

  • Navigation Apps

    Use Google Maps or other navigation apps to locate nearby stations in real-time.

Useful Tips for Visiting Hamburg

  • Use Contactless Payment

    Pay for buses and the Underground with a contactless bank card or Hamburg Card – fast and convenient.

  • Watch for Cyclists

    Stay alert! Hamburg has dense bike traffic, especially in the city center.

  • Plan for Traffic Delays

    Avoid driving during rush hours (07:00–09:00 / 16:00–19:00) when roads are often heavily congested.

Key Transportation Hubs in Hamburg

Major Bus Stations

Hamburg Central Bus Station (ZOB)

Located near the main train station, providing connections to numerous national and international destinations.

Railway Stations

Hamburg Hauptbahnhof (Main Station)

One of Germany's busiest railway stations, connecting to major cities across Europe.

Hamburg-Altona

A major railway hub for regional and long-distance services.

Hamburg-Harburg

An important station south of the city center.

Airports

Hamburg Airport (HAM)

Located approximately 8 kilometers (5 miles) north of the city center, serving numerous domestic and international flights.

What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Hamburg?

Renting a car in Germany 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

Our Content Quality

This content was written

This content was written, fast-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.

Every piece of information on this page has gone through our Content Quality Assurance (CQA) process - a multi-step review that includes human editing, localization accuracy checks, and expert travel validation.

Learn more about our Content Quality Standards

This page was edited by experts

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.

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Our Customers Reviews

Our clients rate such place as Hamburg as

4.8

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.

Pretty relaxed, yeah

JW

Jessica Wilson

Reviewed: 17.03.2025

Family vacation in Hamburg was wonderful! Getting around with a car was so convenient. Highly recommend.

AG

Amelia Garcia

Reviewed: 30.10.2024

Pretty chill, tbh

MS

Mike Smith

Reviewed: 04.10.2024

Pretty good, actually

CM

Chloe Miller

Reviewed: 04.08.2025

Hamburg was fantastic! Having a car made exploring so easy, especially getting to the coast for some relaxing beach time. Highly recommend!

SJ

Sarah Jones

Reviewed: 15.02.2025

Loved exploring Hamburg! Having a car was perfect for day trips to the beautiful nearby coast. So relaxing!

EB

Emily Brown

Reviewed: 29.01.2025

Summer in Hamburg was delightful! Having a car gave us the freedom to explore beyond the city center, discovering charming coastal towns. Highly recommend!

DL

David Lee

Reviewed: 24.09.2024

Hamburg surprised me! So much to see, and having a car made it effortless to reach charming towns outside the city. Wonderful trip!

OD

Oliver Davis

Reviewed: 17.10.2024

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