Car rental in Cologne

Cologne is Germany's third-largest city by area and the most populous in North Rhine-Westphalia. The city offers a unique blend of historic and modern architecture alongside extensive parklands. Renting a car in Cologne allows you to explore beyond the historic center and take memorable drives through the Rhine Valley.

Additionally, you can visit nearby Bonn, Beethoven's birthplace, and Hanover, host to major international trade fairs. Whether on holiday or a business trip, traveling by car is more convenient than public transport and more economical than taxis.

Cost-Effective Booking with Localrent

Localrent offers car rentals from reliable local companies. No need to compare prices across multiple websites searching for the best deal. Local companies provide more affordable rates while maintaining genuinely German service quality.

Localrent advantages:

1. Transparent pricing and contract terms. No hidden fees, taxes, or commissions. All calculations and final costs are visible during booking.
2. Small upfront payment. You pay just 15-20% of the total price initially.
3. Wide vehicle selection. On Localrent, you'll find compact city cars for Cologne's streets and luxury models for autobahn driving.
4. Convenient navigation and filters. Even with many specific requirements, you can select a vehicle within minutes.
5. Customer support service. Contact us with any rental-related questions, and we'll quickly assist with challenging situations.

The service continuously adds new offers, making rental terms increasingly advantageous.

Car Rental Requirements in Cologne

Rental companies consider the driver's age and driving experience. Each company has specific requirements listed in the vehicle description. Use filters to find offers matching your age and experience.

Documents required for rental agreement:

• Passport
• Valid driver's license (Category B)
• Voucher received via email after booking confirmation

During booking, you'll only need a bank card for the deposit. The balance can be paid by card or cash when collecting the vehicle (exact terms specified in the vehicle description). If adding a second driver option, note that they must meet the same requirements as the primary driver.

Traffic Rules in Cologne: Essential Information

When traveling by car, take advantage of Germany's famous autobahns. All are toll-free and have almost no speed limits unless specifically posted. The autobahn system significantly simplifies and speeds up travel around Cologne.

The inner ring road Bundesstraße 9 allows you to bypass the historic center (Altstadt) with its maze of narrow one-way streets. The outer ring of autobahns 1, 3, and 4 provides easy access to suburbs and business districts, as well as nearby cities like Frankfurt and Hanover.

Central Cologne is designated a low-emission zone requiring a green environmental sticker (Feinstaubplakette) for entry. Verify your rental vehicle has this sticker before collection.

Basic traffic rules for Cologne visitors:

• Germany has right-hand traffic. At uncontrolled intersections, priority goes to vehicles approaching from the right.
• Overtaking is permitted on the left only. However, on two-way streets, overtake trams on the right; on one-way streets, from either side.
• Right turns on red lights are prohibited unless the traffic signal displays a permissive green arrow.
• The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.5 per mille. Phone use is permitted only with hands-free devices.
• Both drivers and passengers must wear seatbelts while moving. Children under 12 years or under 150 cm tall must be transported in the rear seat using a car seat or restraint system.

Speed limits: In urban areas—30-50 km/h (watch for signs); on rural roads—up to 100 km/h. On autobahns, speed is typically unlimited except near major cities where it's restricted to 130 km/h.

Fuel Stations

Cologne features major fuel station chains—Aral, Total, Esso, Shell—and independent local companies with slightly lower prices.

Most stations are self-service. Pay for fuel at the station shop using cash or bank card.

Parking

Central Cologne near main attractions offers paid multi-level, ground-level, and street parking. The most convenient facilities are operated by Q-Park. The Yelp app is useful for finding nearby parking locations.

Street parking is widely available, identifiable by blue square signs with the letter "P" and parking meters. Information about each parking area is displayed on nearby signs. Parking is free at night and on Sundays.

Experienced travelers often use Park and Ride (P+R) facilities on Cologne's outskirts. Here you can leave your car free of charge and reach the center by public transport.

How to Book a Car in Cologne

Localrent makes online car booking convenient and straightforward. The entire process takes approximately 5 minutes.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Specify where you'll collect and return the vehicle. One-way rentals are available. For example, collect in Cologne and return in another city (from the dropdown list). This service typically incurs a fee. Use the filter to specify location.
2. Select rental dates using the calendar.
3. Apply filters. Choose vehicles by brand, transmission type, engine type, payment method, and other parameters important to you.
4. Click on the appropriate vehicle card. It contains complete technical specifications, rental conditions, and additional services from the rental company.
5. Add optional extras if desired, such as a second driver or child seat, or purchase extended insurance coverage.
6. Enter the primary driver's details and review the total rental cost.
7. Pay a 15-20% deposit from your bank card.
8. Check your email for booking confirmation in voucher form. It includes all order details and rental company contacts. Save the voucher on your phone or print it to present when collecting the vehicle in Cologne.

Your vehicle is now reserved. You can collect it upon arrival in Cologne without worry or lengthy searches.

Five Best Routes for Rental Car Trips

Cologne is a city with 2,000 years of history, rich in churches, monuments, and museums. After visiting Cologne Cathedral, the Cologne Fragrance Museum, and the Fish Market, venture beyond the Altstadt.

Our top 5 interesting day trips from Cologne by rental car:

1. Linz am Rhein—a picturesque medieval town with colorful half-timbered houses. Its viewpoints offer magnificent vistas while streets preserve historic atmosphere.
2. Ahr Valley—Germany's largest wine-growing region, producing renowned Pinot Noir. The area also features mountainous landscapes and romantic castle ruins.
3. Brühl—famous for two UNESCO World Heritage sites, the Augustusburg and Falkenlust palaces.
4. Thermal baths in Aachen—experience German spa culture traditions. Many were adopted from ancient Romans.
5. Drachenburg Castle (Dragon Castle)—a stunning 19th-century villa in neo-Gothic style. Beyond exquisite architecture, it offers extensive gardens and panoramic Rhine views.

For trips, a compact SUV is ideal, while minivans suit large families or groups. Those wanting to enjoy western Germany's landscapes at speed should consider national pride—premium sports cars.

Where to Rent a Car in Cologne

If flying directly to the city, order a vehicle at Cologne/Bonn International Airport. Some companies provide this service, verifiable in the vehicle description. During booking, specify your flight number so management can wait if delayed.

Other options include collecting from the rental company office or arranging city delivery, for example, to Cologne Central Railway Station. All available vehicle collection points are indicated in specific model descriptions.

Rental Tips

Germany is a country of automotive innovation and roads designed for perfect driving. To experience these advantages, choose your vehicle responsibly, especially for extended rentals.

Be thorough and photograph all defects

Carefully inspect the vehicle upon collection. Photograph all defects and verify them against documentation. This helps avoid potential disputes at return.

Check equipment

Ensure the passenger-side windshield has a green emissions sticker. Without it, you cannot enter Cologne's environmental zone.

Also verify equipment: reflective vest and emergency warning signs, spare wheel, jack, and first-aid kit. Vehicles usually include a parking disc; confirm the company provides one just in case.

Conduct a test drive

Before traveling unfamiliar roads, familiarize yourself with the vehicle. Make several circuits around the parking area to get a feel for handling and controls.

Frequently Asked Questions