Frankfurt

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Car Rentals

A variety of car rental options are available for exploring Frankfurt and beyond, catering to both short-term and long-term needs.

Sections

1. Rental Companies in Frankfurt

Frankfurt is a major transportation hub, so youโ€™ll find a wide range of car rental companies, both international and local. Most rental offices are located at Frankfurt Airport (FRA), Frankfurt Central Station (Hauptbahnhof), and in the city center.

Major Car Rental Companies:

  • International Brands:
    • Hertz
    • Avis
    • Europcar
    • Sixt
    • Enterprise
    • Budget
    • Alamo
  • Local Companies:
    • Buchbinder
    • Flizzr
    • Global Rent-a-Car

Where to Rent:

  • Frankfurt Airport (FRA): Most major rental companies have counters in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
  • Frankfurt Central Station (Hauptbahnhof): Convenient for those arriving by train.
  • City Center Locations: Ideal for tourists already in the city.

2. Costs of Renting a Car

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

Average Costs:

  • Economy Cars (e.g., VW Polo): โ‚ฌ40โ€“โ‚ฌ70 per day
  • Mid-Size Cars (e.g., VW Passat): โ‚ฌ60โ€“โ‚ฌ100 per day
  • Luxury Cars (e.g., BMW, Mercedes): โ‚ฌ100โ€“โ‚ฌ200+ per day
  • SUVs or Vans: โ‚ฌ80โ€“โ‚ฌ150 per day

Additional Costs:

  • Fuel: โ‚ฌ1.80โ€“โ‚ฌ2.00 per liter (as of 2023)
  • GPS Rental: โ‚ฌ10โ€“โ‚ฌ15 per day (if not included)
  • Child Seats: โ‚ฌ10โ€“โ‚ฌ15 per day
  • Additional Driver Fee: โ‚ฌ5โ€“โ‚ฌ15 per day
  • One-Way Rentals: Extra fees may apply if you drop off the car in a different city.

Tips to Save Money:

  • Book in advance to secure lower rates.
  • Compare prices on platforms like Rentalcars.com, Kayak, or AutoEurope.
  • Look for discounts or promotions on the rental companyโ€™s website.

3. Required Documents

To rent a car in Frankfurt, youโ€™ll need the following:

  1. Driverโ€™s License:

    • EU/EEA citizens: A valid driverโ€™s license from your home country.
    • Non-EU citizens: An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended, along with your home countryโ€™s license.
    • Note: Some rental companies may accept non-EU licenses without an IDP, but itโ€™s safer to have one.

  2. Passport or ID Card:

    • Required for identity verification.

  3. Credit Card:

    • A valid credit card in the driverโ€™s name is required for the security deposit. Debit cards are rarely accepted.

  4. Proof of Booking:

    • A printed or digital confirmation of your reservation.

4. Rental Procedures

  1. Booking:

    • Book online in advance or directly at the rental office.
    • Choose your car type, pick-up/drop-off location, and any extras (e.g., GPS, child seats).

  2. Pick-Up:

    • Present your documents (driverโ€™s license, passport, credit card).
    • Inspect the car for any pre-existing damage and ensure itโ€™s documented in the rental agreement.

  3. During the Rental:

    • Keep the rental agreement and insurance documents in the car.
    • Follow local driving laws (see Section 6).

  4. Drop-Off:

    • Return the car with the agreed fuel level (usually full-to-full policy).
    • Inspect the car with the rental agent to confirm no new damage.

5. Insurance Options

Car rental companies in Frankfurt offer several insurance options. Basic insurance is usually included, but additional coverage is recommended for peace of mind.

Types of Insurance:

  1. Collision Damage Waiver (CDW):

    • Covers damage to the rental car but often includes a deductible (โ‚ฌ500โ€“โ‚ฌ2,000).
    • Cost: โ‚ฌ10โ€“โ‚ฌ30 per day.

  2. Theft Protection:

    • Covers theft of the car or parts of it.
    • Often included in the basic package.

  3. Third-Party Liability Insurance:

    • Mandatory in Germany and included in all rentals.
    • Covers damage to other vehicles or property.

  4. Super CDW/Zero Deductible Insurance:

    • Eliminates the deductible for damage.
    • Cost: โ‚ฌ20โ€“โ‚ฌ50 per day.

  5. Personal Accident Insurance:

    • Covers medical expenses for the driver and passengers.
    • Cost: โ‚ฌ5โ€“โ‚ฌ10 per day.

Tips:

  • Check if your credit card offers rental car insurance.
  • Review the terms of your travel insurance policy for car rental coverage.

6. Local Driving Regulations

Driving in Frankfurt (and Germany) is straightforward, but there are specific rules to follow:

  1. Speed Limits:

    • Urban areas: 50 km/h
    • Rural roads: 100 km/h
    • Autobahn: No general speed limit, but 130 km/h is recommended.

  2. Right of Way:

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

  3. Seat Belts:

    • Mandatory for all passengers.

  4. Alcohol Limit:

    • Legal blood alcohol limit: 0.05% (0.0% for new drivers with less than 2 years of experience).

  5. Environmental Zones:

    • Frankfurt has a Low Emission Zone (Umweltzone). Only cars with a green emissions sticker (Feinstaubplakette) are allowed. Rental cars typically have this sticker.

  6. Mobile Phones:

    • Using a phone while driving is prohibited unless itโ€™s hands-free.

7. Parking in Frankfurt

Parking in Frankfurt can be challenging, especially in the city center. Hereโ€™s what you need to know:

  1. Street Parking:

    • Paid parking zones are common (โ‚ฌ1โ€“โ‚ฌ3 per hour).
    • Look for blue parking signs and pay at nearby machines.

  2. Parking Garages:

    • More expensive but convenient (โ‚ฌ2โ€“โ‚ฌ5 per hour or โ‚ฌ15โ€“โ‚ฌ30 per day).
    • Popular garages: MyZeil, Skyline Plaza, and Hauptwache.

  3. Park-and-Ride (P+R):

    • Affordable parking options on the outskirts of the city with public transport connections to the center.

  4. Residential Parking:

    • Many areas require a resident permit. Avoid parking in these zones to avoid fines.

8. Practical Tips for Tourists and Immigrants

  1. Navigation:

    • Use GPS or apps like Google Maps or Waze for directions.
    • Be aware of road signs in German (e.g., "Ausfahrt" means exit).

  2. Fueling:

    • Most gas stations are self-service. Pay at the pump or inside the station.
    • Diesel and petrol (Benzin) are availableโ€”double-check the fuel type for your car.

  3. Toll Roads:

    • Germany does not have tolls for cars on highways, but some bridges or tunnels may charge fees.

  4. Winter Driving:

    • Winter tires are mandatory from October to April in snowy or icy conditions. Confirm with the rental company that the car is equipped.

  5. Emergency Numbers:

    • Police: 110
    • Ambulance/Fire: 112
    • Roadside Assistance: ADAC (Germanyโ€™s largest auto club) at +49 89 20 20 4000.

By following this guide, youโ€™ll be well-prepared to rent and drive a car in Frankfurt. Enjoy your trip and drive safely!