Cologne car hire
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Cheap car rentals in Cologne
KAYAK’s top tips for hiring a car in Cologne
- With so many sights to see along the Rhine, car hire in Cologne is almost essential if you want to take in as many as possible, without having to rely on fixed public transport schedules and routes. A short drive from the centre to the north of the city is Cologne Botanical Garden, with its glass palace and tropical greenhouse. There are also too many museums to count, including the Fragrance Museum, which is the oldest of its kind still existent in the world.
- Cologne has its own international airport, Cologne Bonn Airport. As a large European travel hub, it has convenient access to car hire facilities. Companies like Avis, Enterprise, Budget and Hertz can all be found in Terminal 2, in the public area outside D Arrivals. Once all your Cologne car hire necessities have been seen to, you’ll merely have to cross the road outside the terminal exit, Kennedystrasse, and the hire car parking area will be on your right. If you’re travelling from the airport directly to the centre of the city, it will take you about 15min to make the 17 km (10.5 miles) drive.
- Cologne strives to be a very green city, and certain areas in the city require you to have a green environmental sticker on your windshield. This is known as the Cologne Low Emission Zone, and it is very clearly marked out. The required stickers should be supplied with any hire car you choose that has an Emission Group 4 rating, so make sure of it when you collect your car, otherwise you could find yourself unwittingly facing a fine. Alternatively, you can park your car outside the Low Emission Zone in one of the many city car parks and take one of the frequent buses into the zone.
- Rush hours in Cologne can be every bit as congested as in any other major European city. The congestion starts to build up from about 07:30, with peak hour from 08:00 to 09:00. Expect the traffic in the afternoon to start building from around 16:00 and become densest at around 17:00. The busiest streets are the most central ones, like Hohestrasse and Schildergasse, which are both vibrant commercial and shopping districts. Plot your route to avoid travelling along these roads during rush hour.
- Book your rental car in Cologne at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
- Standard rental cars in Cologne are around 50% more expensive than other car types, on average
Cologne car hire experiences: the best tips from KAYAK users
FAQs about renting a car in Cologne
What type of car is recommended for driving in Cologne?
Given the significant emphasis on green driving in this city, try to get as eco-friendly a vehicle as you can when you book car hire in Cologne. Look for the latest, most fuel-efficient models with small engine capacity and a low carbon emissions rating when browsing through the options. A small city car is all you’ll really need in the city, unless there are a few of you together, in which case a compact saloon will do nicely. Just remember to make sure that it has its green sticker when you collect it at the airport.
What’s the speed limit in Cologne?
In the centre of the city and other built-up areas of Cologne, the speed limit is 50km/h (30mph). Once you get further out you can go up to 100km/h, which is just over 62mph. When you’re clear of any towns and are travelling on the large motorways you can push it to 130km/h (80mph).
Where are the best places to park in Cologne?
There are plenty of car parks and parking areas in Cologne city centre, with free Park and Ride parking areas towards the outskirts. For the latter, head to P+R Stammheim or P+R Welden West. The car parks in the inner areas include Parkhaus Am Dom and Parkhaus Gross Sankt Martin. The average cost is between €1.50 and €2.50 per hour (approx. £1.30 to £2.20).
How much is the price of fuel in Cologne?
The average price of fuel in Cologne is $12.36 per litre over the past 30 days. Filling up a tank of uel costs between $148 and $198, depending on the car size.
What is the most popular car hire in Cologne?
Standard (Volkswagen Tiguan or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in Cologne.
How can I find car hires near me in Cologne?
Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.
How much does a Standard car hire cost in Cologne?
A Standard car hire in Cologne costs $131 per day, on average.
How much does a Full Size car hire cost in Cologne?
A Full Size car hire in Cologne costs $103 per day, on average.
How much does a Special car hire cost in Cologne?
A Special car hire in Cologne costs $54 per day, on average.
Cologne car rental reviews and directory
Budget
10.0
Wonderful
1 reviewCleanliness
10.0
Comfort
10.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
10.0
Value for money
10.0
5 locations in Cologne
Locations in Cologne
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Sep 2022
Alamo
10.0
Wonderful
1 reviewCleanliness
10.0
Comfort
10.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
10.0
Value for money
10.0
3 locations in Cologne
Locations in Cologne
Breslauer Pl 2
+49 6196 769860
Deutz-mulheimer Str. 22-24
+49 221 2771590
Enterprise Rent A Car
+49 2203 369800
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Mar 2024
National
7.3
Good
1 reviewCleanliness
7.3
Comfort
7.3
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.3
Value for money
7.3
3 locations in Cologne
Locations in Cologne
Breslauer Pl 2
+49 6196 769860
Deutz-mulheimer Str. 22-24
+49 221 2771590
Enterprise Rent A Car
+49 2203 369800
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Jun 2024
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
7.1
Good
21 reviewsCleanliness
8.0
Comfort
7.3
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.2
Value for money
6.7
10 locations in Cologne
Locations in Cologne
Bayrische Allee 1
+49 1512 8569459
Breslauer Pl 2
+49 221 1399490
Clevischer Ring 45
+49 221 968500
Deutz-muhlheimer Str. 22-24
+49 221 2771590
Dãsseldorfer Strasse 215
+49 221 968500
Frankfurter Str 665 675
+49 2203 370713
Josef-lammerting-allee 1
+49 221 546030
Kennedystrasse Mietwagenzentr
+49 2203 369800
Longericher Str. 205
+49 221 1706070
Zollstockguertel 7-15
+49 221 348070
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Feb 2024
8.0 Very Good
Feb 2024
10.0 Wonderful
Aug 2023
2.0 Poor
Aug 2023
10.0 Wonderful
Aug 2023
10.0 Wonderful
Jul 2023
Avis
6.0
Okay
2 reviewsCleanliness
8.0
Comfort
6.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.0
Value for money
6.0
4 locations in Cologne
Locations in Cologne
Buero Im Hbf Reisezentrum 2
+49 221 9130063
Flughafen Koeln Bonn
+49 2203 402343
Mathias Brueggen Str 61
+49 221 27234730
Max Glomsda Strasse 4
+49 221 29204513
Filters
Reviews
2.0 Poor
Jun 2024
Flex To Go
6.0
Okay
1 reviewCleanliness
4.0
Comfort
4.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
2.0
Value for money
8.0
One location in Cologne
Locations in Cologne
Mietwagenzentrum, Terminal 1, Köln, Germany
+48 12 333 73 13
Filters
Reviews
6.0 Okay
Jun 2023
Hertz
5.7
Fair
12 reviewsCleanliness
6.4
Comfort
5.7
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.3
Value for money
5.4
5 locations in Cologne
Locations in Cologne
Andre-citroen-strasse 24
+49 2203 977350
Koeln-bonn Airport
+49 2203 61085
Pauline-christmann-strasse 5
+49 221 8300 8817
Robert Perthel Strasse 14-16
+49 221 9498960
Trankgasse 11
+49 221 9498960
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Nov 2021
4.0 Mediocre
Oct 2021
2.0 Poor
Mar 2022
1.9 Poor
Sep 2021
1.9 Poor
Sep 2021
1.9 Poor
Aug 2021
Sixt
4.0
Mediocre
3 reviewsCleanliness
4.7
Comfort
4.5
Pick-up/Drop-off
3.7
Value for money
4.2
9 locations in Cologne
Locations in Cologne
Am Coloneum 1
+49 89 6606 0060
Deutz-Mülheimer Str. 22-24
+49 89 66060060
Ettore-Bugatti-Str. 2
+49 89 66060060
Heumarkt 20
+49 89 66060060
Industriestr. 167
+49 89 6606 0060
Marzellenstr. 13-17
+49 89 66060060
Robert-Perthel-Str. 26
+49 89 66060060
Trankgasse 11 im Hbf
+49 89 66060060
Widdersdorfer Str. 369
+49 221 95423017
Filters
Reviews
2.0 Poor
Oct 2022
6.0 Okay
Aug 2023
keddy by Europcar
10.0
Wonderful
No reviews available
11 locations in Cologne
Locations in Cologne
Bergisch Gladbacher Strasse 696- Corner Schwabstr.
+49 221 639 900
Christophstrasse 26-28- *No Truck Return Possible*
+49 221 912 6010
Frankfurter Str. 464
+49 2203 9803210
Koblenzer Strasse 1-9
+49 221 934 7870
Koelner Strasse 133
+49 2203 699 240
Koln Central Railway Station
+49 221 1392748
Mietwagenzentrum Car Rental Center
49 02203 955880
Robert-Perthel-Strasse 28
+49 221 958 4410
TRANKGASSE 11 DB Travelcenter
+49 4922 11392748
Widdersdorfer Strasse 213
+49 221 310 6350
Willy Brandt Platz 2 Corner Constantinstr
+49 221 981 0390
Filters
No reviews available
Thrifty
9.3
Wonderful
No reviews available
5 locations in Cologne
Locations in Cologne
Andre-citroen-strasse 24
+49 2203 977350
Breslauer Pl.2,htl, Koeln
+49 221 1397 0941
Cologne-bonn Airport
+49 2203 61085
Pauline-christmann-strasse 5
+49 221 8300 8817
Robert Perthel Strasse 14-16
+49 221 9498960
Filters
No reviews available
Europcar
9.2
Wonderful
No reviews available
10 locations in Cologne
Locations in Cologne
Bergisch Gladbacher Str. 696
+49 4922 1639900
Frankfurter Strasse 464
+49 2203 9803210
Kennedystr.
+49 4922 03955880
Koblenzer Str 1 9
+49 4922 19347870
Koelner Strasse 133
+49 2203 699 240
Linder Hoehe
+49 4922 19810390
Robert-perthel-str. 28
+49 4922 19584410
Trankgasse 11
+49 4922 11392748
Widdersdorfer Str. 213
+49 4922 13106350
Willy-brandt-platz 2
+49 4922 19810390
Filters
No reviews available
Dollar
2.9
Poor
No reviews available
5 locations in Cologne
Locations in Cologne
Andre-citroen-strasse 24
+49 2203 977350
Breslauer Pl.2,htl, Koeln
+49 221 1397 0941
Cologne-bonn Airport
+49 2203 61085
Pauline-christmann-strasse 5
+49 221 8300 8817
Robert Perthel Strasse 14-16
+49 221 9498960
Filters
No reviews available
One location in Cologne
Locations in Cologne
Butzweilerstraße 35-39, 50829 Köln, Germany
+49 221 78879966
Filters
No reviews available
One location in Cologne
Locations in Cologne
Mietwagenzentrum, Terminal 1, Köln, Germany
+48 12 333 73 13
Filters
No reviews available
One location in Cologne
Locations in Cologne
Oskar-Jäger-Straße 115
+49 221 9548410
Filters
No reviews available
20 locations in Cologne
Locations in Cologne
Filters
No reviews available
13 locations in Cologne
Locations in Cologne
Cologne Central Railstation
+49 180 666 6666
Deutz-Mülheimer Str. 22-24
+49 89 6606 0060
Genovevastr. 11-15
+49 89 6606 0060
Johannisstraße 11
+49 180 6 666666
MIETWAGENZENTRUM Ankunftsebene 0 Terminal 2
+49 180 666 6666
Robert-Perthel-Str. 26
+49 89 66060060
Widdersdorfer Str 369
+49 180 666 6666
Filters
No reviews available
8 locations in Cologne
Locations in Cologne
Frankfurter Str. 464
+49 2203 9803210
Koblenzer Strasse 1-9
+49 203 860510
Mietwagenzentrum
+49 2203 955880
Robert-perthel-strasse 28
+49 203 860510
Terminal 1 Mietwagenzentrum
+49 2203 10 427
Trankgasse 11
+49 221 1392748
Widdersdorfer Strasse 213
+49 203 860510
Willy-brandt-platz 2
+49 203 860510
Filters
No reviews available
8 locations in Cologne
Locations in Cologne
Frankfurter Str 200
+49 221 9639 0710
Frankfurter Str. 464
+49 2203 9803210
Koblenzer Strasse 1-9
+49 4922 19347870
Oskar Jager Str 115
+49 221 954 8410
Trankgasse 11
+49 221 1392748
Widdersdorfer Strasse 213
+49 221 310 6350
Filters
No reviews available
5 locations in Cologne
Locations in Cologne
Frankfurter Str. 200
+49 221 9639 0710
Mietwagenzentrum
+49 40 520 187 222
Oskar-Jäger-Straße 115
+49 221 954 8410
Filters
No reviews available
4 locations in Cologne
Locations in Cologne
Bergisch-Gladbacher-Str. 1051-1053, Köln
+49 221 989 4370
Kalk-Mülheimer Str. 177, Köln
+49 221 989 4370
Luxemburger Str. 181, Köln
+49 221 937 580
Oskar-Jäger Straße 155, Köln
+49 221 540 2210
Filters
No reviews available
3 locations in Cologne
Locations in Cologne
127, Kaiserstraße
+49 2203 3697810
2, Longericher Str.
+49 221 9174130
Kennedystraße
+49 30 330831110
Filters
No reviews available
2 locations in Cologne
Locations in Cologne
MIETWAGENZENTRUM Ankunftsebene 0 Terminal 2
+49 421 3385 3380
Filters
No reviews available
2 locations in Cologne
Locations in Cologne
Mietwagenzentrum
+86 10 6064 1387
TRANKGASSE 11 DB Reisezentrum !RETURN: KOSTGASSE!
+49 221 1392748
Filters
No reviews available
One location in Cologne
Locations in Cologne
Terminal 1 Mietwagenzentrum, Köln
+49 2203 104 270
Filters
No reviews available
Car hire locations in or near Cologne
Good to know
Most popular car type | Standard |
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