Free cancellationBest price guaranteeNo hidden fees24/7 multilingual supportCar rental in Hamburg - Search, Compare, and Save
Free cancellationNo hidden feesPick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off date
4.67/5
Reviews from 1300+ people
Excellent
Trustpilot
Cheapest Car Rental 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 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, a vibrant port city, boasts a rich maritime history and a modern cultural scene. While public transport is efficient, renting a car offers unparalleled freedom to explore beyond the city center and discover hidden gems.
Explore at Your Own Pace. Public transportation schedules can limit spontaneity. A rental car allows you to visit attractions like the Speicherstadt warehouse district or the Elbphilharmonie concert hall at your own speed.
Day Trips Made Easy. Hamburg serves as a fantastic base for exploring Northern Germany. With a car, you can easily visit nearby Lübeck, the Baltic Sea coast, or the scenic Lüneburg Heath.
Convenience for Families and Groups. Traveling with family or a group? A rental car offers more comfort and convenience than navigating public transport, especially with luggage.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Hamburg
Before renting a car in Hamburg, it’s essential to understand the local rental terms. This includes age requirements, license regulations, insurance options, and potential fees.
Area
755 square kilometers (292 square miles)
Population
Approximately 1.85 million residents
Time Zone
CET (Central European Time)
Ideal for
City exploration and regional day trips
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7 AM – 9 AM and 4 PM – 7 PM
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsThe minimum age for renting a car in Hamburg is typically 21, but some companies may have higher age limits for certain vehicle categories. Drivers under 25 may incur additional surcharges.
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 original license.
3. Insurance & DepositsRental agreements usually include basic insurance, but consider additional coverage like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) for peace of mind. A security deposit is required, typically held on a credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyCheck the mileage policy. Unlimited mileage is often available, but some rentals may have restrictions. Fuel policies vary, so clarify whether you need to return the car with a full tank.
5. Additional FeesBe aware of potential extra charges for additional drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or optional equipment like GPS navigation systems.
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): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to higher demand.
Low season (November to February): Often comes with discounts due to lower tourist traffic.
*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?
Renting a car in Hamburg is simple if you follow a few key steps to ensure you get the best deal and the right vehicle for your needs.
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison websites to find the best deals from various rental companies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your travel needs, considering size, fuel efficiency, and comfort.
3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully review the rental agreement, including mileage limits, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies.
4. Book in Advance - Secure better rates and vehicle availability by booking well in advance, especially during peak season.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Have your driver's license, credit card, and passport ready when collecting your rental car.
General Information About Hamburg
Hamburg is a major port city in northern Germany, known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and modern attractions. Understanding local driving conditions is key to a smooth rental experience.
As Germany's second-largest city, Hamburg offers a dynamic blend of maritime heritage and contemporary lifestyle. From the historic Speicherstadt to the bustling Reeperbahn, there’s plenty to explore. While Hamburg boasts an excellent public transport system, a rental car provides flexibility for day trips to the surrounding region. However, be mindful of traffic, parking regulations, and low-emission zones within the city. Familiarizing yourself with these aspects will enhance your visit.
Top Attractions to Discover
Speicherstadt
A UNESCO World Heritage site with historic warehouses.
Elbphilharmonie
A modern concert hall with stunning architecture.
Reeperbahn
Hamburg's famous entertainment district.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Use parking garages for secure parking, especially in the city center.
On-Street Parking
On-street parking is available but can be limited and expensive.
Park & Ride
Consider park-and-ride options outside the city center and use public transport.
Gas Stations in Hamburg
Major Brands Available
Find gas stations from brands like Aral, Shell, and Esso.
Plan Ahead
Fuel stations are readily available but can be more expensive in the city center.
Use Navigation Apps
Navigation apps can help locate nearby gas stations.
Useful Tips for Visiting Hamburg
Use Contactless Payment
Contactless payment is widely accepted for public transport and parking.
Watch for Cyclists
Be aware of cyclists, especially in the city center.
Plan for Traffic
Allow extra time for traffic, particularly during rush hours.
Low Emission Zone
Be aware of Hamburg's low emission zone. Your car needs a sticker if it does not meet the emission criteria.
Key Transportation Hubs in Hamburg
Major Bus Stations
Hamburg Central Bus Station (ZOB)
Located near the main train station, offering connections to various destinations.
Railway Stations
Hamburg Hauptbahnhof (Main Station)
One of the busiest railway stations in Germany, connecting to national and international destinations.
Hamburg-Altona
Another major station with connections to northern and western regions.
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?
To rent a car in Hamburg, you'll need to meet specific requirements and have the necessary documents ready.
You need a valid driver’s license. EU citizens can use their national license. Non-EU citizens may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their original license.
The minimum age is typically 21, but some companies may have higher age limits and charge extra for drivers under 25.
A credit or debit card in the main driver’s name is required for the security deposit. Some rental companies only accept credit cards.
A passport or another form of identification may be required.
Our Content Quality
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, 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 Customers Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Hamburg 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.
Hamburg surprised me! A spontaneous weekend trip, exploring easily by car. Loved it.
Oliver Schmidt
Reviewed: 30.06.2025
Chill vibes, good drive.
David Lee
Reviewed: 14.10.2024
Sunny Hamburg explored effortlessly; summer holiday bliss!
Jessica Brown
Reviewed: 01.04.2025
Impromptu Hamburg trip! Exploring the city by car was so convenient, and I discovered hidden gems I'd have missed otherwise. Wonderful weekend!
Amelia Garcia
Reviewed: 10.08.2025
Pleasant enough, really.
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 24.03.2025
Pretty chill, yeah.
Mia Wilson
Reviewed: 31.05.2025
Relaxing city break.
Ethan Carter
Reviewed: 19.06.2025
Pretty decent, really.
Kai Jensen
Reviewed: 14.12.2024
Pretty laid-back, actually.
Ben Harris
Reviewed: 26.08.2024
Pretty good, overall.
Ava Rodriguez
Reviewed: 27.10.2024
Wonderful weekend in Hamburg seeing friends! Getting around was a breeze.
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 14.02.2025