Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off date
4.67/5
Reviews from 1300+ people
Excellent
Trustpilot
Jena
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Jena
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Jena
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Jena
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
Jena, a vibrant university city nestled in the Saale valley, offers a blend of historical charm and modern innovation. While Jena boasts a reliable public transportation system, renting a car provides the freedom to explore the surrounding Thuringian region at your own pace.
Explore Beyond the City Limits. A rental car allows you to easily visit nearby attractions such as the Dornburg Castles, the Saale-Unstrut wine region, and the scenic Thuringian Forest.
Convenient Access to Nature. Jena is surrounded by picturesque landscapes perfect for hiking, cycling, and outdoor adventures. Having a car makes it easy to reach trailheads and natural reserves.
Flexibility and Independence. Public transport schedules can be limiting, especially when venturing off the beaten path. With a rental car, you can create your own itinerary and explore at your leisure.
Before booking a rental car in Jena, familiarize yourself with the rental terms and conditions to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience. Understanding the requirements and regulations will help you avoid unexpected charges and enjoy your trip to the fullest.
Area
Approximately 114.76 square kilometers (44.31 square miles)
Population
Approximately 110,000 residents
Time Zone
Central European Time (CET), UTC+1 (UTC+2 during summer)
Ideal for
Exploring Jena and the surrounding Thuringian region
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic during peak commuting times: 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Jena require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may be subject to a young driver surcharge.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s license is required. EU citizens can use their national license. Non-EU citizens may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their national license.
3. Insurance & DepositsRental agreements typically include basic insurance. Additional coverage options such as 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. Some rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others have mileage restrictions. Fuel policies also vary, with many requiring the car to be returned with a full tank.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for extra drivers, GPS navigation systems, child seats, and out-of-hours pick-up or drop-off.
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45 per day
Electric:
from £25 / $31 / €28 per day
Classic:
from £15 / $19 / €17 per day
Executive:
from £35 / $44 / €40 per day
7 Seater:
from £45 / $56 / €50 per day
Automatic:
from £28 / $35 / €32 per day
SUV:
from £20 / $25 / €22 per day
Peak season (June to August): Experiences higher demand, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (November to February): Often offers discounts on car rentals
*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 Jena is a straightforward process. By comparing prices, choosing the right car, and reviewing rental terms, you can ensure a smooth and affordable rental experience.
1. Compare Prices - Use online comparison sites to find the best deals based on your travel dates and vehicle preferences.
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 mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements to avoid unexpected charges.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better vehicle availability by booking early, especially during peak seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s license, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental vehicle.
Jena is a city with a rich history and a modern outlook, offering a blend of cultural attractions, scientific institutions, and natural beauty. Renting a car provides the flexibility to explore Jena and its surroundings comfortably.
Located in the heart of Thuringia, Jena is renowned for its university, optical industry, and vibrant cultural scene. While Jena has a well-developed public transportation system, a rental car can be invaluable for exploring the scenic Saale valley and nearby attractions. Driving in Jena is generally straightforward, but it's important to be aware of local traffic regulations and parking options.
Top Attractions to Discover
Zeiss Planetarium
One of the oldest and most advanced planetariums in the world, offering immersive shows and educational programs.
Jentower
Jena's iconic skyscraper, offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscape.
Botanical Garden
A tranquil oasis featuring a diverse collection of plants from around the world.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Convenient parking options are available in the city center, such as the Goethe Galerie and the Eichplatz.
On-Street Parking
Limited on-street parking is available, but be aware of time restrictions and parking fees.
Park & Ride
Consider using park-and-ride facilities on the outskirts of the city to avoid city center traffic and parking costs.
Gas Stations in Jena
Major Brands Available
Fuel stations from major brands such as Aral, Shell, and Total are readily available in and around Jena.
Convenient Locations
Most gas stations are located on major roads and highways, making refueling easy.
24-Hour Stations
Some gas stations offer 24-hour service for added convenience.
Useful Tips for Visiting Jena
Use Navigation Apps
Utilize navigation apps to find the best routes and avoid traffic congestion.
Watch for Cyclists
Jena is a bicycle-friendly city, so be mindful of cyclists on the road.
Plan for Traffic Delays
Allow extra time for travel during rush hours, especially on weekdays.
Be Aware of Environmental Zones
Check for any environmental zones that may restrict vehicle access based on emissions standards.
Major Bus Stations
Jena Bus Station
Located near the city center, it connects Jena with regional and national destinations.
Railway Stations
Jena Paradies Station
The main railway station in Jena, providing connections to major cities in Germany.
Jena West Station
A smaller station serving regional train routes.
Airports
Erfurt-Weimar Airport (ERF)
The nearest airport, located approximately 50 kilometers (31 miles) from Jena, offering domestic and European flights.
Renting a car in Jena is a straightforward process, provided you meet the necessary requirements. Here’s what you'll typically need to rent a vehicle:
A valid driver's license is required. If your license is not in German, you may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, although some may have additional restrictions or fees for younger drivers.
A credit or debit card in the renter's name is necessary for the security deposit and rental payment.
A passport or other form of government-issued identification may be required.
This content was written, fast-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.
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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 Jena 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.
Pleasant enough, really
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 08.06.2025
Jena in summer was fantastic! Exploring with a car made everything so easy.
Emily Brown
Reviewed: 26.09.2024
Jena was lovely! Getting around with a rental car was a breeze, so we saw so much.
David Lee
Reviewed: 06.10.2024
Jena was a delightful stop on our road trip. Having a car made exploring the charming city center and surrounding areas so convenient. We loved it!
Jessica Wilson
Reviewed: 28.08.2024
Meh. Kind of pricey.
Chloe Miller
Reviewed: 18.05.2025
Summer in Jena was wonderful! Having a car made sightseeing so convenient.
Oliver Davies
Reviewed: 28.08.2024
Jena was a dream! Exploring the town and surrounding areas with my rental car was incredibly convenient and so much fun. I'll definitely be back.
Benjamin Harris
Reviewed: 11.08.2025
Jena surprised me! So much to see, and having a car made it easy to explore beyond the city center. Beautiful countryside!
Amelia Martinez
Reviewed: 31.08.2024
Jena was a quick but pleasant stop on our road trip. The historical sites were interesting, though the tourist information center was a bit disorganized.
Liam Taylor
Reviewed: 07.09.2024
Relaxing and scenic.
Ava Garcia
Reviewed: 22.06.2025
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Pretty chill, tbh
Mike Smith
Reviewed: 16.12.2024