Car hire in Cologne, Germany

Use the same magic that powers our flight search to find cheap car rental in Cologne

Compare car hire on price, ease of pick-up, a fair fuel policy and more

Find Cologne car rental deals you can amend or cancel if your plans change

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There are 58 car hire locations in Cologne. Choose the cheapest or easiest now.

The most popular car rental companies in Cologne

Hiring a car in Cologne: Fast facts

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy.
Most popular car hire companyFlex To Go
Most popular carEconomy, 4-5 doors
Average daily price$223
Best time to book4 weeks before

How to book the best car rental deals in Cologne

We’re frequently named as the most trusted travel search site out there. We scan hundreds of trusted travel providers and put it all in one place, allowing you to instantly compare car hire rates and then book with no fees. Here's how to get the most out of your Cologne car rental search.

How to find a cheap car hire deal in Cologne

Finding cheap car hire deals in Cologne is straightforward with Skyscanner. With over 50 pickup locations throughout the city, there are plenty of options to choose from. The platform makes it easy to compare prices and find the best deals. Car hire options with free cancellation are highlighted, offering flexibility if your plans change. Look out for 'full to full' deals, which can save money on refuelling costs. For added convenience, keyless pick-up options are also showcased to help avoid queues and get on the road quicker. Use the search feature to explore all available locations and pick the car hire that best suits your needs.

The best time to book a car in Cologne

Booking car hire in Cologne around two weeks before travel dates usually secures the best deals. For further savings, consider planning the trip for June, which tends to be the cheapest month. Keep in mind that the Kölner Karneval is a major event in the city, and during this time, car hire availability can plummet. If visiting during this festive period, booking even earlier is highly recommended.

What you'll need when hiring a car in Cologne

In Cologne, hiring a car is straightforward with Skyscanner, which allows you to compare options from various providers. Germany's minimum driving age is 18, but you are often required to be at least 21 to rent a car. Potential young driver surcharges may apply if you are under 25, depending on the provider. Ensure you bring a valid driving licence, and check if an international driving permit is also required. Explore Cologne with the best deal on your car hire through Skyscanner.

Car hire in Cologne: top tips for driving in Germany

Driving in Germany is smooth and straightforward. Traffic flows on the right side, and speed limits vary: in cities, it's 50 km/h; on country roads, it's 100 km/h; and expressways also have a limit of 100 km/h. On the Autobahns, there are sections with no speed limit, suitable for those who enjoy high speeds. Google Maps coverage is reliable here, making navigation simple. A leisurely drive to Amsterdam takes about three hours, covering roughly 260 kilometres. Brussels is around 210 kilometres away and takes about two and a half hours to reach. Luxembourg City is also a comfortable two-and-a-half-hour drive, covering approximately 200 kilometres. Explore these nearby locations during your visit.

Frequently asked questions

On average, hiring a car in Cologne will set you back around $223 per day or $708 per week. 
The cheapest car to rent in Cologne is an intermediate van or truck. The most popular is Economy, 4-5 doors.
The cheapest car hire companies in Cologne are currently Flex To Go and Enterprise.
Bagging the best car hire deal depends on when you book  – often, it pays to book your wheels as far in advance as possible. But according to our data, the cheapest month to rent a car in Cologne is currently July.
On average, around $708. But the best price we found for car hire for a week in Cologne is $214.
Based on everything we know about daily prices, the average cost to hire a car in Cologne for a whole month is $2,494. 

But sometimes, you'll get a discount for booking a whole month instead of 3 and a half weeks. So play with your dates to find the best deals!
If you're looking for freedom to explore Cologne, choose a car with unlimited mileage, or look for car hire deals with a ’full to full' fuel policy as opposed to a 'half-full to full' one.

We also clearly highlight car and van hire options in Cologne that have free cancellation
Yes – you can easily find car hire companies that allow you to pick up your car in one place, and then drop it off in another. Just select ‘Return car to a different location’ when you search with us.
Public transport can only get you so far, and could be tricky to navigate with children or luggage. With your own set of wheels, you can go wherever you want, whenever you want, for as long as you want. And you'll be able to discover more outside of Cologne.
Most places – Cologne included – allow under 25s to rent a car as long as they provide a valid driver's license and the correct documentation. It may cost slightly more due to a higher insurance excess for young drivers. 
The cheapest price we found for an economy car is $68 per day. The average price per day is around $223.
Of course. Most major car hire companies like Flex To Go, Enterprise and Sixt offer baby and child seats as an add-on when you book.
Other travellers rated Europcar as the best overall in terms of experience.
Yes – van hire is available in Cologne.
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