Düsseldorf

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Car Rentals

Sections

1. Available Car Rental Companies in Düsseldorf

Düsseldorf is a major city in Germany with a well-developed car rental market. You’ll find both international and local car rental companies, including:

  • International Companies:

    • Hertz
    • Avis
    • Europcar
    • Sixt
    • Enterprise
    • Budget
    • Alamo

  • Local Companies:

    • Buchbinder
    • Flinkster (car-sharing service by Deutsche Bahn)
    • Starcar

  • Car-Sharing Services:

    • Share Now (formerly Car2Go and DriveNow)
    • Miles
    • Cambio

Most rental companies have offices at Düsseldorf Airport (DUS), Düsseldorf Hauptbahnhof (main train station), and in the city center.

2. Typical Costs

Car rental costs in Düsseldorf vary depending on the type of vehicle, rental duration, and the time of year. Here’s a general breakdown:

  • Economy Cars (e.g., VW Polo, Ford Fiesta):

    • €30–€50 per day
    • €150–€300 per week

  • Mid-Size Cars (e.g., VW Golf, Audi A3):

    • €50–€80 per day
    • €300–€500 per week

  • Luxury Cars (e.g., BMW, Mercedes-Benz):

    • €100–€200 per day
    • €600–€1,200 per week

  • SUVs or Vans:

    • €80–€150 per day
    • €500–€1,000 per week

  • Car-Sharing Services:

    • Share Now: €0.19–€0.34 per minute or €49–€89 per day
    • Miles: €0.89–€1.19 per kilometer or €59–€99 per day

Additional Costs:

  • Fuel: €1.80–€2.00 per liter (as of 2023)
  • GPS rental: €5–€10 per day
  • Child seats: €10–€15 per day
  • Additional driver fee: €5–€15 per day

3. Required Documents

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

  • For EU Residents:

    • Valid driver’s license
    • Passport or national ID card
    • Credit card in the renter’s name (for deposit)

  • For Non-EU Residents:

    • Valid driver’s license from your home country
    • International Driving Permit (IDP) if your license is not in English or German
    • Passport
    • Credit card in the renter’s name

Note: Some companies may accept debit cards, but a credit card is generally required for the security deposit.

4. Rental Procedures

  1. Booking:

    • Book online in advance for better rates and availability, especially during peak seasons (summer and Christmas).
    • Compare prices on platforms like Rentalcars.com, Kayak, or directly on the rental company’s website.

  2. Pick-Up:

    • 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.
    • Familiarize yourself with the car’s features (e.g., GPS, fuel type).

  3. Drop-Off:

    • Return the car with the same fuel level as when you picked it up (check the fuel policy: full-to-full is common).
    • Inspect the car with the rental agent to confirm no new damage.
    • Keep a copy of the final invoice.

5. Insurance Options

Car rental companies in Düsseldorf typically offer the following insurance options:

  • Collision Damage Waiver (CDW):

    • Reduces your financial liability in case of damage.
    • Cost: €10–€30 per day.
    • Excess (deductible): €500–€1,500.

  • Theft Protection:

    • Covers theft of the vehicle.
    • Often included with CDW.

  • Third-Party Liability Insurance:

    • Mandatory in Germany and usually included in the rental price.
    • Covers damage to other vehicles or property.

  • Super CDW (Zero Excess):

    • Eliminates the deductible.
    • Cost: €20–€50 per day.

  • Personal Accident Insurance (PAI):

    • Covers medical expenses for the driver and passengers.
    • Cost: €5–€10 per 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 Düsseldorf follows German traffic laws. Key rules include:

  • Speed Limits:

    • Urban areas: 50 km/h (31 mph)
    • Rural roads: 100 km/h (62 mph)
    • Autobahn: No general speed limit, but 130 km/h (81 mph) is recommended.

  • Right of Way:

    • Vehicles coming from the right have priority unless otherwise indicated.

  • Alcohol Limit:

    • 0.05% blood alcohol content (BAC) limit.
    • 0.00% for new drivers (less than 2 years of experience) and drivers under 21.

  • Seat Belts:

    • Mandatory for all passengers.

  • Mobile Phones:

    • Use of handheld devices while driving is prohibited.

  • Environmental Zones:

    • Düsseldorf has a low-emission zone (Umweltzone). Only vehicles with a green emissions sticker (Feinstaubplakette) are allowed. Rental cars typically have this sticker, but confirm with the rental company.

7. Parking in Düsseldorf

Parking in Düsseldorf 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: €1–€3 per hour.
    • Payment: Use parking meters or mobile apps like ParkNow or EasyPark.

  • Parking Garages:

    • More secure and widely available in the city center.
    • Rates: €2–€4 per hour or €15–€30 per day.

  • Park & Ride:

    • Affordable parking lots near public transport stations.
    • Ideal for avoiding city center traffic.
    • Rates: €2–€5 per day.

  • Residential Parking:

    • Some areas require a resident parking permit. Check for signs indicating restrictions.

Tip: Avoid parking in restricted zones (e.g., in front of driveways or on sidewalks) to prevent fines or towing.

8. Practical Advice

  • For Short-Term Visitors:

    • Consider renting a car only if you plan to explore areas outside Düsseldorf (e.g., Cologne, the Rhine Valley, or the Netherlands). Public transport is excellent within the city.
    • Use car-sharing services for short trips within Düsseldorf.

  • For Long-Term Residents:

    • Look into long-term rental deals or leasing options, which can be more cost-effective.
    • Familiarize yourself with German car registration and insurance processes if you plan to buy a car later.

  • General Tips:

    • Always carry your driver’s license, rental agreement, and insurance documents while driving.
    • Use navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze to avoid traffic and find parking.
    • Be cautious of cyclists and pedestrians, especially in the Altstadt (Old Town) and near tram lines.

By following this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to rent and drive a car in Düsseldorf, whether you’re visiting for a few days or planning a longer stay. Safe travels!