Germany Car Hire

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Top destinations to hire a car in Germany

What you need to know for your Germany car rental

Reasons to book a car hire in Germany

Renting a car in Germany offers you the freedom to explore the country at your own pace, making it a popular choice for tourists. With a vehicle, you can easily manage your luggage and create flexible travel plans, which is especially beneficial when visiting key attractions. For instance, you can drive to Europa-Park for a fun day out, or head to Alexanderplatz in Berlin to experience the vibrant city atmosphere. If you're interested in automotive culture, a visit to BMW Welt in Munich is also easily accessible.

A rental car allows you to conveniently explore major destinations such as Berlin, where you can see the Brandenburg Gate and Potsdamer Platz, and Munich, known for Marienplatz and the Munich Trade Fair. Hamburg, with its lively Reeperbahn and St. Pauli Piers, is another fantastic destination that is best experienced with the flexibility a car provides. Whether you are seeking outdoor adventures, scenic drives, or a romantic getaway, having a car to navigate Germany’s diverse landscapes ensures you won’t miss out on any experience.

Most popular car hires in Germany

  • Midsize SUV: Accommodating up to 5 travellers with space for 3 large suitcases, a midsize SUV is an excellent choice for families, couples, or small groups. This vehicle type offers a balance of comfort and practicality, making it suitable for those who need extra room for both passengers and luggage. With a midsize SUV, you'll enjoy the freedom to explore Germany at your own pace while ensuring everyone has ample space during your journey.
  • Compact: The compact car option is perfect for up to 5 travellers, providing enough room for 3 medium suitcases. This type of vehicle is ideal for solo travellers, couples, or families looking for a versatile and efficient choice. Compact cars are easier to navigate through urban areas and can be parked conveniently in tighter spots, making them a practical option for exploring Germany's cities and attractions without the hassle of larger vehicles.
  • Fullsize: A fullsize car can accommodate 5 travellers and offers flexibility with either 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This makes it a fantastic option for families or groups needing extra storage for luggage. With a fullsize vehicle, you benefit from a spacious interior, ensuring a comfortable ride as you navigate through Germany. It’s a great way to travel together while having the room you require for your belongings.

Where to stay in Germany

  • Berlin: A vibrant metropolis, Berlin is ideal for a city-themed or family experience. Stay near Alexanderplatz, a modern square that serves as a hub for public markets and shopping areas, only a short distance from the historic Brandenburg Gate, perfect for culture enthusiasts. Potsdamer Platz offers modern amenities and entertainment options, making it a great spot for business travellers as well. Numerous dining options are available nearby, allowing you to savour local cuisine.
  • Munich: Known for its outdoor and family-friendly atmosphere, Munich is a fantastic destination for city-themed experiences. The Marienplatz, a lively piazza, is surrounded by historical architecture and is close to the BMW Welt, a transport museum suitable for culture lovers. The Munich Trade Fair is also within reach, making it convenient for business visitors. Enjoy the local breweries and pubs nearby, perfect for relaxing after a day of exploration.
  • Hamburg: This bustling city is perfect for family and business-themed trips. Staying near the Reeperbahn offers access to a vibrant tourist precinct, while the St. Pauli Piers provide a stunning marina view. The Hamburg Messe and Congress, a historic civic building, is also nearby for those attending events. With various restaurants and breweries in the vicinity, you’ll have plenty of dining options to immerse yourself in local flavours.

10 tips to save on your car hire in Germany

  1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and features. Whether you require an SUV for added space, a convertible for the summer months, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilise the filters on Expedia to discover the best option for your journey.
  2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental rates can vary based on demand, so it's advisable to secure your car well in advance of your trip. By booking early, you are likely to obtain lower prices and enjoy greater availability, particularly during peak seasons.
  3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more affordable to rent and easier to manoeuvre in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals offer a good compromise between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
  4. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily charges, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—may be unavailable. This may also apply to renters over the age of 70. Always verify the age requirements prior to making a booking.
  5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements may stipulate a full-to-full fuel policy, which requires you to return the car with a full tank to avoid additional fees. This is generally the most advantageous option. Others might offer full-to-empty or prepaid fuel arrangements, which are acceptable as well. Just ensure you return the car empty in that scenario.
  6. Save on city and airport pickups: There is often a surcharge for collecting your rental car at airports, but this may be worthwhile for the added convenience it provides.
  7. Know your payment options: Many car hire companies only accept credit cards for payment.
  8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car hire insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and provides you with peace of mind should any unforeseen incidents occur during your trip. Adding car hire insurance when booking with Expedia is a straightforward process.
  9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you are planning extensive road trips, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra charges.
  10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in Germany

The best value period to rent a car in Germany is August, when demand peaks but prices remain slightly low. Nearby months like April and May also offer good options with similar demand levels. Conversely, February tends to be the most expensive month, characterised by slightly high prices and average demand. June also sees higher demand and prices, while October and November show moderately high prices with steady demand.

Car Hire in Germany

Wherever you land in Germany after the short flight from the UK you can take in its scenic splendour and beautiful big cities with Expedia’s easy–to–arrange car hire.

From the dunes that skirt the northern coast you can head off into the brooding, mysterious forests that dominate the centre of the country. Along the way there are serene valleys filled with rivers, orderly vineyards and the rugged romance of Alps.

Turn off the Autobahn, park up and enjoy the epic, changing landscapes that make hiring a car in Germany such an adventure.

Yet, driving through Germany is not all about the nature: there’s plenty of cultural treats to explore too.

Picture–perfect castles can be found in fairy–tale settings of half–timbered houses whose window boxes are filled with colourful blooms. From such rural idylls the excitement of Germany’s cities is never too far away. Rent a car in Berlin, Hamburg or Munich to take in everything from cutting–edge art galleries, world–class museums, delightful opera and risqué cabaret. Cruise the streets at night for fine dining options and vibrant nightlife, and – by day – you’ll be driving past Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque architectural masterpieces competing for your attention with modern classics.


Where to Hire a Car in Germany

Expedia partners with a vast network of car hire service providers all over Germany. This means that there is always a convenient location to pick up your car from, and to drop it off when you have finished touring.

If you are flying in to Germany car hire is available from all its major airports, including Hamburg Airport, Dusseldorf International Airport, Frankfurt International Airport, Berlin’s Tegel and Schönefeld Airport, Munich’s Franz Josef Strauss Airport and Stuttgart’s Echterdingen Airport.

You can rent a car from many other locations within Germany’s towns and cities, as well. And, should you wish to end your car hire in another location to where you started, this is usually possible, as all our partners offer nationwide coverage.

Booking your rental car in Germany couldn’t be easier. A simple search lets you select the best deal, at the most convenient location. You can book your car online and all you need do is pick up the keys when you arrive and off you go.

You’ll find a great choice of hire cars available. For those travelling to Germany on business there are stylish executive cars and, for those travelling on a budget, a range of economy–class cars are available. Families and larger groups can relax in spacious SUVs as they look out for the best picnic spot to pull over for.


Cheap Car Hire in Germany

When we return your search results for car hire deals in Germany we poll many providers to ensure that the best prices are always available to you.

You can easily find the cheapest price for your car hire and save both time and money arranging your transport.


Car Hire in Berlin

Germany’s capital has survived being split into two and emerged as a glamorous, vibrant destination that manages to be laid–back and intense at the same time.

For all its contemporary culture there’s a palpable sense of history to explore, with the Berlin Wall, Nazi headquarters and Prussian palaces all vying for your attention.

As wonderful as Berlin is, the surrounding state of Brandenburg is ideal to discover by hire car. Lakes, canals and waterways cut through large areas of biosphere preserves and nature parks. Drive to Potsdam to admire the stunning palace of Sanssouci – often known as the ’German Versailles’. As the flip–side of this cultural achievement you can also consider the inhumanity of recent history at the former Nazi concentration camp at Sachsenhausen.


Car Hire in Hamburg

Hamburg may not exactly be ’the gateway to the world’, as Germany’s biggest port likes to claim, but it certainly offers those who hire a car a fantastic gateway to Germany.

Indeed, immediately on its doorstep are many charming historical towns, magnificent castles, and breathtaking landscapes within an hour’s drive.

The city of Schwerin is a picture–perfect marriage of natural and architectural beauty. The majestic Schwerin Palace is seated between two lakes and surrounded by luscious gardens.

The salt town of Luneburg is no historical slouch, either. Its thousand–year history is clearly on display in its beautiful Old Town that is crammed with thermal baths, boutiques, cafes, and restaurants amid its historic gabled buildings.

Another nearby medieval jewel is Bremen. Famous for the Bremen Town Musicians of the Brothers Grimm fairy tale, an inevitable sense of magic pervades the town.

Drive along the East Frisian coast that surrounds Bremen to discover its equally magical landscapes of peat bogs and tidal flats filled with call of wild birds. birdlife and blustery bike rides by the sea, you’ll especially enjoy visiting and islands, ideally suited to slowing down the pace and immersing yourself in nature.


Car Hire in Cologne

Cologne’s famous cathedral has twin spires dominating its skyline. If you can take your eyes off them make sure you feast them on the city’s museums and galleries – among the best in Germany.

Before you head south in your rental car to Frankfurt, Munich and the Black Forest take some time to just wander through the city. You’ll stumble upon an ancient Roman wall, medieval churches, avant–garde structures and the height of postmodernism in the quarter by the Rhine.


Where Will Your Car Hire in Germany take you?

From ancient fairy tales to postmodern quarters, Germany opens up to you when you rent a car with Expedia.



Frequently asked questions

What happens if I need to cancel my Germany car reservation?
You should get a full refund on your booking if you let us know at least six hours prior to picking up the car. Look through your car rental agreement for the finer details. Our Customer Service Portal may have what you need too.
What types of cars can I rent in Germany?
Compact, mid-size or full-size... Hop behind the wheel of almost any kind of vehicle you like! Economy is the most sought-after hired car category in Germany. Small, great on fuel and a cinch to park, these wheels make driving around bustling city streets enjoyable. The best thing? Your budget will love them. That means you'll have more money to spend on other things, like seeing as much of this awesome destination as possible.
How do I find the best car hire deals in Germany with Expedia?
Expedia makes it simple to compare costs, offers and rental providers, and to check reviews. Bundle your Germany car hire with hotel or flight bookings and you'll make even bigger savings.
How old do you have to be to rent a car in Germany?
In Germany, the rule is generally 18 and over. Most outlets will charge additional fees for young drivers, which can vary based on the rental location. Hire policies for young drivers may include restrictions for certain vehicles, such as specialty cars, and require comprehensive insurance to be taken out. Don't forget to check the fine print before booking your ride.
What do you need to rent a car in Germany?
Any hire company you choose will ask for these two things — a valid driver's license and a credit card in your name. If you'd prefer to opt out of the provider's insurance plan, proof of your own coverage may also be needed. Read through your policy so you know what to bring when it's time to collect your car.
Can I hire a car for a month or longer in Germany?
Whether you have plans to stick around Germany or travel beyond, you can book a long-term hire with Expedia. Enter your trip information and pick-up/drop-off locations and we'll find you fantastic long-term car rental deals.
Where can I find a Germany hire car if I am younger than 25?
Whether you can rent a car if you are under 25 in Germany often depends on the rental supplier you select. Some places have a surcharge for drivers aged between 21 and 24 years, but others may not have any additional costs for this age group. It'd be good to read the terms and conditions of your selected hire car company to escape extra charges when collecting your car.
Why should I rent a Germany car with Expedia?
With multiple car rental companies to choose from in Germany, Expedia will help you find a set of wheels that suits your style. And when you combine your rental vehicle, flights and hotel into a package, you can save more on your entire Germany holiday. From compacts to luxury sedans and more, Expedia will put you in the driver's seat of your next incredible adventure. Plus, when you become a member of our free One Key™ loyalty programme, you can collect OneKeyCash™* and spend it on eligible hotels, flights, car rentals and more. *OneKeyCash disclaimer - OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia.

Car Hire Information

Popular car types:
SUV, Full Size, Economy
From the airport to your hotel:
Airport Transportation