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Germany Car Hire - Compare and Save with Discounted Car Rental

Pre-book your Germany car hire, with prices starting from just £21.51 per day with FREE cancellations*

Image of Germany

Germany is famous for its historic provenance, fantastic foods and the warmth and open-mindedness of its people. Head down to Munich and experience this hospitality in one of the many beer halls or venture into Cologne, one of the cultural capitals of the country. If you're intending to explore Germany, cars are definitely one of the options that give you unparalleled freedom. Germany has roads that spread to every corner of the country, so if you're looking to really get off the beaten track and explore every facet of this vast and beautiful nation, chances are there'll be a road that leads there. With car rental in Germany, our easy-to-follow car hire comparison booking process will find you the ideal car hire for you and your trip, even at the last minute.

Car Rental Locations in Germany

Holiday Extras provides low cost car hire in Germany across hundreds of locations. Some of the more well-known locations include:

  • Berlin
  • Brandenburg
  • Cologne
  • Dachau
  • Dresden
  • Dortmund
  • Dusseldorf
  • Frankfurt

If you're flying direct to Germany, there are several rental car locations a short distance from airports nationwide (as well as car hire in German airports themselves) to get you on your way as quickly and hassle-free as possible.

3 steps to cheap car hire

  • Search - fill out your details above and click search to compare
  • Select - choose the car you want to hire
  • Book - with our secure payment system

How it Works

Once your payment has been authorised you will receive an email confirmation with your booking reference number. Keep all the information on your booking confirmation handy as you will need it along with your other documents when you collect the car at your destination. We also have a useful checklist to make sure you have everything you need before you set off.

If you wish to speak to an advisor, you can contact our dedicated car hire team on 0800 804 7362. Alternatively you can contact us online here with any queries you may have.

If you're looking simply for transportation to your resort, Holiday Extras provides great deals on resort transfers. As well as this, you can take also out holiday insurance, giving you further peace of mind should you run into any unforeseen problems.

At Holiday Extras we want to make your trip as hassle free as possible, so you can hit the road happy. If you're flying from a UK airport; we could help you save up to 60% on airport parking, airport hotels and airport lounges, too.


*The prices quoted are based on one driver, aged 25, with a full UK driving licence hiring a car for 3 days, picking-up and dropping-off in Munich Airport. Prices correct at time of writing. Subject to change according to availability. Free cancellation applies to most rentals up to 48 hours before pick up, however some suppliers may charge. Please check supplier terms and conditions carefully.

Driving on Germany's roads**

Driving on Germany's roads can initially seem like a daunting task. Many roads, such as the Autobahn, have changeable speed limits and some have none at all. However, the network of roads throughout Germany are among the best maintained in the world.

Driving between larger towns and cities via major roads is simple, with little congestion and the smaller roads off the beaten track are also remarkably well maintained, ensuring safety no matter where you're heading.

Useful information:

  • Left hand drive - Drive on the right, overtake on the left.
  • Minimum car hire age - 18 years old. Under 25's may have to pay a young driver surcharge.
  • Seatbelt - Compulsory for all occupants to wear a seatbelt. The driver is responsible for ensuring all passengers under 18 are wearing a seatbelt.
  • Travelling with children - Children under 12 years of age/1.5 metres tall aren't permitted to travel unless wearing the appropriate restraint.
  • Petrol stations - Most petrol stations are open from 8am to 8pm. In larger cities, many will be open 24 hours a day. On motorways, service stations are open 24 hours.
  • Speed limits - Road signs are in kilometres per hour.

Road safety laws

Speed limits

  • Motorways - 130kph/80mph (recommended)
  • Open roads - 100kph/62mph
  • Built up areas - 50kph/31mph

Although these are the standardised speed limits, there may be local variations so please be careful to check the road signs.

Autobahns

Although the majority of Autobahns are not subject to a standardised speed limit, many areas will be covered by signed speed limits that are strictly observed. On unrestricted Autobahns there will be blue 130kph signs visible. This is a suggested maximum speed limit. It's important to note that, even though these roads have an unrestricted speed limit, you could still receive a fine for driving at speed in conditions such as rain, snow or heavy traffic.

Driving licence

Important Information - Changes to the UK Driving Licence

If you are not from the UK, most car rental companies will require you to present the driving licence that is issued by your country of residence; not an International licence, or permit. Please double check with an individual car hire company if you are unsure.

A UK driving licence will allow you to drive in Germany, and you will not need an IDP - International Driving Permit.

Passport - You may also be required to carry another form of personal ID with you while driving.

Mobile phone use

It is an offence to use a mobile phone while driving. A fine of 40 euros will be issued per infraction. You may only use a mobile phone when the car is not in motion and the engine is switched off.

Using a hands-free kit with your phone is permitted in Germany.

Drinking and driving

Drink driving in Germany is a very serious offence. The legal limit for drivers is 0.5 milligrams of alcohol per 1ml of blood, compared to 0.8 milligrams in the UK. Depending on the severity of the offence, failure to adhere to this could end with a fine, endorsements or in some cases, imprisonment.

It is important to note that drinking alcohol and then driving may invalidate your car rental insurance and holiday insurance, irrespective of local drink driving laws. Check your policy for full details.

Seat belts

Wearing a seat belt is compulsory in front and rear seats. Children must use booster seats and appropriate child restraints. Check with your car hire company if they provide child seats, or perhaps take your own with you.


**This information should be considered as a broad overview of things to remember when hiring a car. It is therefore very important that you read the rental terms and conditions and associated policies for your own specific policy as well as doing your own research into the motoring laws of the country in which you will be driving.

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