Global Major Cities Guide

Sections

1. Available Car Rental Companies in Cologne

Cologne has a wide range of car rental companies, from international brands to local providers. Major rental companies include:

International Brands:
- Hertz
- Avis
- Europcar
- Sixt
- Enterprise
- Budget
- Alamo
Local Providers:
- Buchbinder
- Flinkster (car-sharing service by Deutsche Bahn)
- Share Now (car-sharing, app-based)

Locations:
Most rental companies have offices at Cologne Bonn Airport (Köln/Bonn Flughafen), Cologne Central Station (Köln Hauptbahnhof), and in various parts of the city. Airport locations are particularly convenient if you’re arriving by air.

2. Costs of Renting a Car

The cost of renting a car in Cologne depends on factors such as the type of car, rental duration, and additional services. Below is a general breakdown:

Economy Cars: €30–€50 per day
Mid-Size Cars: €50–€80 per day
Luxury Cars/SUVs: €100–€200+ per day
Car Sharing (e.g., Share Now): €0.19–€0.34 per minute or €50–€80 per day

Additional Costs:

Fuel: €1.80–€2.00 per liter (as of 2023)
Insurance: €10–€30 per day (depending on coverage)
Extras: GPS (€10/day), child seats (€10–€15/day), additional drivers (€5–€15/day)
One-Way Rentals: Additional fees may apply if you drop off the car at a different location.

Tips to Save Money:

Book in advance to secure lower rates.
Compare prices on platforms like Rentalcars.com, Kayak, or Auto Europe.
Check for discounts or promotions on the rental company’s website.

3. Required Documents

To rent a car in Cologne, you’ll need the following:

Driver’s License:
- EU/EEA citizens: A valid driver’s license from your home country.
- Non-EU citizens: An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended, along with your home country’s license.
Passport or ID Card: For identity verification.
Credit Card: Most rental companies require a credit card in the driver’s name for the security deposit. Debit cards are rarely accepted.
Proof of Booking: If you reserved the car online, bring a printed or digital confirmation.

4. Rental Procedures

Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting a car in Cologne:

Booking:
- Book online in advance for better rates and availability.
- Choose the pickup and drop-off locations (e.g., airport, train station, city center).
Pickup:
- Arrive at the rental office with your documents.
- Inspect the car for any pre-existing damage and ensure it’s documented in the rental agreement.
- Confirm the fuel policy (e.g., full-to-full is common).
During the Rental:
- Keep the rental agreement and insurance documents in the car.
- Follow local driving rules (see section 6).
Return:
- Return the car on time to avoid late fees.
- Refill the fuel tank if required by the rental agreement.
- Inspect the car with the rental agent and get a receipt confirming the return.

5. Insurance Options

Car rental companies in Cologne offer several insurance options. It’s important to understand what’s included and what’s optional:

Mandatory Insurance (Included):
- Third-Party Liability Insurance: Covers damage to other vehicles or property.
Optional Insurance:
- Collision Damage Waiver (CDW): Reduces your financial liability for damage to the rental car. Costs €10–€20/day.
- Theft Protection: Covers theft of the vehicle. Costs €5–€15/day.
- Super CDW: Eliminates the deductible entirely. Costs €20–€30/day.
- Personal Accident Insurance: Covers medical expenses for the driver and passengers. Costs €5–€10/day.

Tip: Check if your credit card or travel insurance already includes rental car coverage to avoid paying for duplicate insurance.

6. Local Driving Rules

Driving in Cologne is straightforward, but you should be aware of the following rules:

Speed Limits:
- Urban areas: 50 km/h
- Rural roads: 100 km/h
- Autobahns: No general speed limit, but 130 km/h is recommended.
Environmental Zone (Umweltzone):
- Cologne has a low-emission zone. Only vehicles with a green emissions sticker (Feinstaubplakette) are allowed. Rental cars typically have this sticker, but confirm with the rental company.
Right of Way:
- Vehicles coming from the right have the right of way unless otherwise indicated.
Seat Belts: Mandatory for all passengers.
Alcohol Limit: 0.05% blood alcohol content (BAC) limit. For new drivers (less than 2 years of experience) and drivers under 21, the limit is 0.00%.
Mobile Phones: Using a phone while driving is prohibited unless you use a hands-free system.

7. Parking Considerations

Parking in Cologne can be challenging, especially in the city center. Here’s what you need to know:

Street Parking:
- Paid parking zones are common in central areas. Rates range from €1–€3 per hour.
- Look for blue parking signs and pay at nearby machines (Parkscheinautomat). Display the ticket on your dashboard.
Parking Garages:
- Underground and multi-story parking garages are available throughout the city. Rates are typically €2–€4 per hour or €15–€25 per day.
- Popular garages include Parkhaus am Dom and Parkhaus Opern Passagen.
Free Parking:
- Free parking is rare in the city center but more common in suburban areas.
Park & Ride:
- Consider using Park & Ride facilities on the outskirts of Cologne. Park your car and take public transport into the city center. Costs are minimal (€2–€5 per day).

8. Cultural and Practical Tips

Driving Style: German drivers are generally disciplined and follow traffic rules. Be prepared for fast-moving traffic on the Autobahn.
Navigation: Use a GPS or a navigation app like Google Maps or Waze. Ensure your phone has a roaming plan or a local SIM card for data.
Fuel Stations: Most fuel stations are self-service. Pay at the pump or inside the station. Diesel (Diesel) and gasoline (Benzin) are available—double-check the fuel type for your rental car.
Language: Most rental staff speak English, but it’s helpful to know basic German phrases like "Benzin" (gasoline) or "Diesel" (diesel).
Tolls: There are no tolls for cars on German highways, but some bridges or tunnels may have fees.

9. Alternatives to Car Rentals

If you’re staying within Cologne, consider these alternatives:

Public Transport: Cologne has an excellent public transport system (trams, buses, and trains) operated by KVB.
Biking: Cologne is bike-friendly, with many rental options like Nextbike.
Car Sharing: Services like Share Now and Flinkster are ideal for short trips.

By following this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to rent and drive a car in Cologne, Germany. Enjoy your trip and drive safely!