Munich

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Car Rentals

Rental services for cars are available for both short-term and long-term use, useful for getting around Bavaria.

Sections

1. Major Car Rental Companies in Munich

Munich has a wide range of car rental companies, from international brands to local providers. Some of the most popular options include:

  • International Companies:

    • Hertz
    • Avis
    • Europcar
    • Sixt (a German company with a strong presence in Munich)
    • Enterprise
    • Budget
    • Alamo

  • Local Companies:

    • Buchbinder
    • Flizzr (affiliated with Sixt, often offering budget-friendly options)

You can find rental offices at Munich Airport (Mรผnchen Flughafen), Munich Central Station (Hauptbahnhof), and various locations throughout the city.

2. Costs of Renting a Car

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

  • Economy Cars: โ‚ฌ40โ€“โ‚ฌ70 per day
  • Mid-Size Cars: โ‚ฌ60โ€“โ‚ฌ100 per day
  • Luxury Cars/SUVs: โ‚ฌ100โ€“โ‚ฌ250+ per day
  • Weekly Rentals: Discounts are often available for longer rentals, with economy cars costing around โ‚ฌ250โ€“โ‚ฌ400 per week.
  • Additional Costs:
    • GPS: โ‚ฌ10โ€“โ‚ฌ15 per day
    • Child Seats: โ‚ฌ10โ€“โ‚ฌ15 per day
    • Additional Driver Fee: โ‚ฌ5โ€“โ‚ฌ15 per day
    • Winter Tires (mandatory in winter): Often included, but confirm with the rental company.

Tip: Book in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons (summer and Christmas markets), to secure better rates.

3. Required Documents

To rent a car in Munich, you will need the following:

  • Driverโ€™s License:
    • EU/EEA residents: A valid driverโ€™s license from your home country is sufficient.
    • Non-EU residents: An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended, along with your home countryโ€™s license. Some companies may accept only your home license, but having an IDP is safer.
  • Passport or ID Card: For identification purposes.
  • Credit Card: Most rental companies require a credit card in the driverโ€™s name for the security deposit. Debit cards are rarely accepted.
  • Proof of Booking: If you booked online, bring a printed or digital confirmation.

4. Age Restrictions

  • Minimum Age: Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old.
  • Young Driver Surcharge: Drivers under 25 may incur an additional fee of โ‚ฌ10โ€“โ‚ฌ20 per day.
  • Maximum Age: Some companies may have restrictions for drivers over 70, so check the terms and conditions.

5. Insurance Options

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

  • Collision Damage Waiver (CDW): Reduces your financial liability in case of damage. Often included in the base price but may have a deductible (โ‚ฌ500โ€“โ‚ฌ2,000).
  • Super CDW: Eliminates or further reduces the deductible. Costs โ‚ฌ10โ€“โ‚ฌ30 per day.
  • Theft Protection: Covers theft of the vehicle. Often included in the base price.
  • Third-Party Liability Insurance: Mandatory in Germany and included in all rentals. Covers damage to other vehicles or property.
  • Personal Accident Insurance (PAI): Covers medical expenses for the driver and passengers. Optional and costs around โ‚ฌ5โ€“โ‚ฌ10 per day.

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

6. Driving Rules in Munich and Germany

Familiarize yourself with German driving laws to ensure a smooth experience:

  • 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. Some sections have limits.
  • Right of Way: Vehicles coming from the right have priority unless otherwise indicated.
  • Seat Belts: Mandatory for all passengers.
  • Alcohol Limit: 0.05% blood alcohol content (BAC) limit. For drivers under 21 or with less than two years of experience, the limit is 0.00%.
  • Mobile Phones: Using a phone while driving is prohibited unless itโ€™s hands-free.
  • Winter Tires: Required during winter conditions (snow, ice, or frost).

Tip: Be cautious of environmental zones (Umweltzonen) in Munich. Cars must display a green emissions sticker (Feinstaubplakette) to enter these areas. Rental cars in Munich typically have this sticker, but confirm with the company.

7. Fuel Policies

Rental companies in Munich usually follow one of these fuel policies:

  • Full-to-Full: The car is provided with a full tank, and you must return it full. This is the most cost-effective option.
  • Prepaid Fuel: You pay for a full tank upfront and can return the car empty. This is less economical unless you plan to use the entire tank.

Tip: Fuel prices in Germany (as of 2023) are around โ‚ฌ1.80โ€“โ‚ฌ2.00 per liter for petrol and โ‚ฌ1.70โ€“โ‚ฌ1.90 per liter for diesel. Use apps like "TankstellenFinder" or "Clever Tanken" to find the cheapest fuel stations.

8. Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations

  • Munich Airport (MUC): The most convenient location for international travelers. Rental desks are located in the car rental center in Terminal 1.
  • Munich Central Station (Hauptbahnhof): Ideal for those arriving by train. Rental offices are located near the station.
  • City Locations: Many companies have offices in central Munich, such as near Marienplatz or Sendlinger Tor.
  • One-Way Rentals: Most companies allow you to drop off the car at a different location, but additional fees may apply.

Tip: Inspect the car thoroughly during pick-up and take photos of any existing damage to avoid disputes later.

9. Local Considerations and Tips

  • Parking in Munich:
    • Street parking is limited and often requires a parking permit or payment at meters (โ‚ฌ1โ€“โ‚ฌ3 per hour).
    • Use parking garages (Parkhรคuser) or Park & Ride (P+R) facilities on the outskirts of the city for cheaper and more convenient options.
  • Traffic: Munich can be congested during rush hours (7:00โ€“9:00 AM and 4:00โ€“6:00 PM). Plan your trips accordingly.
  • Toll Roads: Germany does not have tolls for cars on highways (Autobahns), but neighboring countries like Austria and Switzerland do. If you plan to cross borders, ensure you have the necessary vignettes (stickers).
  • Navigation: Use GPS or apps like Google Maps or Waze. Ensure your rental includes a GPS or bring your own device.

10. Exploring Beyond Munich

Renting a car is ideal for visiting nearby attractions such as:

  • Neuschwanstein Castle: 2-hour drive southwest of Munich.
  • Zugspitze: Germanyโ€™s highest peak, about 1.5โ€“2 hours away.
  • Salzburg, Austria: 1.5-hour drive east (check cross-border rental policies).
  • Romantic Road: A scenic route through picturesque Bavarian towns.

Tip: If you plan to drive into Austria or Switzerland, inform the rental company, as additional insurance or fees may apply.

By following this guide, youโ€™ll be well-prepared to rent and drive a car in Munich, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience. Safe travels!