Car rental in Germany
Choose a city to see cars from local rental companies with prices and terms. Book online in minutes.
Cities with car rental in Germany
Each city lists cars from local rental companies with prices and terms.
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Cars in Germany
Choose a city and dates — the form shows available cars from local companies, total price, deposit and insurance.
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Driving in Germany: licence and road rules
What you need to rent a car and drive here as a visitor. Rules change — check with your rental company before the trip.
An EU/EEA licence is fully valid in Germany, just like at home.
A UK licence is valid on its own in Germany — no IDP needed.
You need an International Driving Permit together with your US licence.
Foreign licences are valid for 6 months; licences not meeting the Vienna-Convention format (e.g. US) need an official German translation or IDP.
No tolls or vignettes for cars on Autobahns (only trucks pay).
Tip: Keep right on the Autobahn and overtake only on the left; most cities have Umweltzonen requiring a green emissions sticker, which rental cars carry.
How to rent a car
Four steps from choosing a city to getting the keys in Germany.
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Choose a city and dates
Pick where and when to collect the car. You can return it to the same place or, with many companies, in another city.
Pick-up and drop-off in the form -
Compare the cars
Each car shows the total price for your dates, the deposit, insurance, mileage limit and driver requirements.
All terms before you book -
Book online
The rental company confirms the booking. Usually a small prepayment online and the rest on pick-up.
Confirmed by the company -
Get the keys
Bring your passport and driving licence. The car is handed over at the office, the airport or, often, at your hotel.
Passport + licence
Car rental FAQ
The essentials, so you can plan your trip with confidence.
Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Germany?
EU/EEA licence: An EU/EEA licence is fully valid in Germany, just like at home. UK licence: A UK licence is valid on its own in Germany — no IDP needed. US licence: You need an International Driving Permit together with your US licence. Foreign licences are valid for 6 months; licences not meeting the Vienna-Convention format (e.g. US) need an official German translation or IDP.
Where do I get an International Driving Permit?
Get it at home before the trip: in the UK at PayPoint shops, in the US through AAA, in EU countries from the licensing authority or national automobile club. It is a translation of your licence and is valid only together with it.
What are the speed limits in Germany?
Typically 50 km/h in towns, 100 km/h outside towns and 130 km/h on motorways. No general Autobahn limit — 130 is the advisory speed; many sections have posted limits. Always follow the signs — cameras are common and fines reach you via the rental company.
Are there toll roads or vignettes in Germany?
No tolls or vignettes for cars on Autobahns (only trucks pay).
What is the drink-driving limit?
The limit is 0.5 ‰ blood alcohol (0 for drivers under 21 and in their 2-year probation period). The safest rule is not to drink at all before driving.
Where can I pick up a car?
Dusseldorf & Frankfurt am Main.
Can I return the car in another city?
Many companies allow it, sometimes for a fee. You can choose the drop-off location in the booking form.