Car rental in Frankfurt am Main

Car rental in Frankfurt is a straightforward and reliable way to maximize your travel comfort. This city of towering skyscrapers, historic churches, and numerous museums serves as Germany's financial center.

With a rental car, you can easily navigate not only the city but also surrounding areas. Drive from the airport to your hotel, experience Germany's famous autobahns, or explore other cities in central Germany. You gain complete freedom of movement without depending on public transport schedules.

Benefits of Renting with Localrent

Localrent is a service offering the best car rental deals from local companies. When you rent a vehicle, you receive several key advantages:

1. Transparent pricing. You see the final rental cost during booking. This amount remains unchanged when you collect the vehicle.
2. Small deposit. During booking, you pay 15-20% of the rental cost. The balance is paid when collecting the car.
3. Vehicle variety. Choose transportation for any taste and budget—from compact city models to luxury vehicles and spacious minivans.
4. Convenient filters. Select vehicles by various parameters. Sort by brand, transmission type, engine type, deposit amount, and other criteria important to you.
5. Customer support. Contact Localrent managers to resolve any questions throughout your rental period and even after completion.

Requirements for Car Rental

To rent a car in Frankfurt, you need only a minimal set of documents:

• Valid driver's license (Category B)
• Passport
• Bank card for deposit payment

The type of bank card depends on your chosen vehicle. Some rental companies require a credit card issued in the main driver's name. Payment methods for the remaining balance (cash or card) also vary by vehicle—check the details in each car's listing.

For Frankfurt rentals, you must meet specific age and driving experience requirements. These can differ even for two identical models. Exact criteria are specified in each vehicle's listing. To save time, set filters according to your parameters, and the system will show only suitable options.

Traffic Conditions in Frankfurt and Surrounding Areas

One distinctive feature of Frankfurt is heavy traffic, particularly during peak hours. Keep in mind that the city center has many one-way streets and pedestrian zones, so plan your routes in advance.

Beyond Frankfurt, you can experience Germany's famous autobahns. Many sections have no speed limits, but monitor road signs carefully.

Traffic regulations generally align with European standards. Several important points:

• Observe speed limits: in the city—30-50 km/h, outside city limits—up to 100 km/h
• Overtake only on the left
• Always yield to traffic from the right (when no priority signs are present)
• Do not enter lanes designated for bus traffic

Fuel Stations

Frankfurt, like all of Germany, has no shortage of fuel stations. They operate 24/7, often with self-service systems. The refueling procedure is standard: first you pump fuel, then proceed to the cashier for payment. Both cash and bank cards are accepted.

Foreign cards occasionally encounter payment issues, so carry some cash as backup.

Parking

In central Frankfurt and adjacent districts, parking is typically paid with time restrictions. Parking facilities may be street-level, underground, or multi-story. Paid street parking is marked by blue lines or parking meters. Meters usually accept coins and bank cards.

Free parking can be found in residential areas, near large shopping centers, or on city outskirts. Pay close attention to signage—some spots are reserved for local residents only or free only during specific hours and days.

How to Book a Car in Frankfurt

The booking process through Localrent is straightforward:

1. Specify your pickup location and rental dates. Set filters to quickly find a vehicle matching your needs. For example, select only automatic transmission vehicles or those with free cancellation. Choose any parameters important to you.
2. Review the vehicle listing. It contains specifications, rental terms, insurance details, and deposit information. Add optional extras here if needed—child seat installation, adding a second driver, etc. Available options and costs depend on the selected vehicle.
3. Enter the main driver's personal details and contact information.
4. Pay the deposit with a bank card. The amount equals 15-20% of the total rental cost.
5. Receive booking confirmation. Immediately after deposit payment, you'll receive a voucher via email with order details. Present this document when collecting the vehicle, so save it on your phone or print it.
   

Destinations to Explore by Rental Car

Consider these locations for day trips from Frankfurt:

1. Heidelberg. A compact city with well-preserved medieval architecture. Major attractions include Heidelberg University (1386) and Heidelberg Castle (12th-13th centuries). The castle sits on elevated terrain offering stunning views of the surrounding area.
2. Wiesbaden—one of Germany's oldest thermal spa resorts. Architectural landmarks include the Ducal Palace, Old and New Town Hall buildings, Luisenplatz and Biebrich squares. Visitors are also drawn to the Kurhaus spa resort with its famous casino and the theater featuring Europe's longest columned hall. A funicular railway ascends Neroberg mountain, providing views of St. Elizabeth's Church and the city panorama.
3. Rothenburg ob der Tauber—a small town with a fairytale atmosphere. Walk along the old city walls, unchanged since 1618, and visit the 17th-century Sankt-Georgs-Brunnen fountain. Explore the Market Square with the Old Town Hall and the unique Christmas Museum. The tiny Plönlein square deserves special attention, featuring a tall half-timbered house dividing two streets.
4. Wertheim—a town with its namesake castle on a hilltop. The location offers panoramic views of the old town streets and the confluence of the Main and Tauber rivers. Wertheim also hosts one of Germany's most famous outlets—Wertheim Village, designed to resemble a historic village. Shop for German and international brand collections at reduced prices.
5. Rhine Valley—the territory surrounding the Rhine River between Rüdesheim and Koblenz. This region is renowned for vineyards, historic castles, and breathtaking landscapes. Stop in one of the wine-growing towns to sample local wines or take a boat cruise along the Rhine.

For these destinations, an economical compact sedan works well—practical for city streets and fuel-efficient on highways. If you need more space and comfort, choose a mid-size model or crossover.

Where to Pick Up Your Rental Car in Frankfurt

Frankfurt offers several vehicle pickup locations:

• Frankfurt Airport
• Rental company office
• Specific city addresses

Note that location availability depends on the company. Some allow airport pickup only, while others offer all three options. The "Specify location" filter helps you find vehicles with the most convenient pickup point.

Rental Tips

If you're planning to rent a car in Frankfurt, review these practical tips. They'll help you avoid complications and enhance your travel experience.

Consider Environmental Zones

Frankfurt (especially the city center) operates designated "low emission zones" (Umweltzone). Entry requires a special sticker on your vehicle. Rental cars often include this sticker, but confirm with the company beforehand. Contact details are in the voucher sent to your email after booking payment.

Account for Traffic Congestion

Morning and evening traffic in central Frankfurt is particularly intense. If you need to reach the airport or central station, plan your departure with time to spare.

Typical congestion periods:

• Morning rush: 7:00 am to 9:00 am
• Evening peak: 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm

Navigation recommendations:

• Avoid major intersections during peak hours
• Allow extra travel time for important appointments
• Use real-time navigation apps for current traffic conditions
• Consider alternative routes through less congested areas

Consider Long-Term Rental

For extended stays, long-term rental is often more economical than multiple short-term rentals. The principle typically applies: the longer the period, the lower the daily rate.

Frequently Asked Questions