CAR HIRE IN GERMANY

What kind of vehicle do you need? A large SUV for a big family? An eco-friendly compact car to zip around the city? Whatever you’re looking for, Avis car hire in Germany will have you covered. Our vehicles offer practicality, performance and comfort, so you can enjoy your trip as much as possible. Get in touch for more information about the exact models that are available.

We also aim to make your life a little bit easier with extras such as child seats, GPS, the option to include additional drivers, and more.

Do I need winter tyres to drive in Germany?

Yes. As of 2010, it is a legal requirement for all passenger cars in Germany to be equipped with winter tyres, regardless of season. All cars in our German rental hubs have winter tyres to comply with this legislation.

Can you hire a car by the day in Germany?

You can enjoy affordable rates when you book one-day car rental with Avis. Submit your trip details into the online booking form so you can see the available vehicles and their one-day car rental cost.

What is the best car to hire in Germany?

If you are staying in Berlin, Munich, or another city centre, you may feel more comfortable in a compact model that will be easy to park. Heading out of the city on a longer trip? Consider a snazzy convertible from our Prestige range or give your family a comfortable ride in an SUV or family-sized saloon.

Germany drives on the right. Some sections of the Autobahn have no general speed limit, but a recommended speed of 130 km/h applies, and limits are signed on many stretches. Keep to the right unless you’re overtaking and move over for faster traffic. If traffic builds up, drivers leave a clear lane down the middle so emergency vehicles can get through. Many cities, including Cologne and Stuttgart, have low-emission zones that require a sticker, so it’s worth checking the rules before you drive in. In winter, you’ll need suitable tyres.

For the full rules, see our guide to driving in Germany.  

The vibrant city of Berlin has a lot to offer, from iconic landmarks like the Brandenburg Gate and the Berlin Wall to diverse neighbourhoods including trendy Kreuzberg and Prenzlauer Berg. A rental car in Berlin will ensure you get to see all of this and more.

Munich is a city known for its rich cultural heritage, effortlessly blending history, culture and architectural splendour, from the iconic Marienplatz and Nymphenburg Palace to world-class museums like the Pinakothek der Moderne and Lenbachhaus. Moreover, Munich’s traditional beer gardens and annual Oktoberfest highlight Munich’s perpetual fun side.

Cradle of the automobile industry, centre of innovation and technology, Stuttgart is proud of its status as an industrial powerhouse. This dynamic city not only houses world-class museums dedicated to renowned car companies such as Mercedes, where visitors can explore the evolution of automotive engineering and design, but it also offers historical and regal landmarks such as Stuttgart State Opera and the Old Castle and New Palace.

Whether you choose to take a leisurely stroll down the Rhine promenade, hop on a scenic river cruise, visit the iconic Cologne Cathedral or the birthplace of Eau de Cologne, this city is bustling with attractions. Nestled on the banks of the Rhine River, exploring the Altstadt (Old Town) with its lively mix of quaint cafes, traditional beer halls and historic buildings is a great way to get to know the city. But there’s more, with a hire car in Cologne, you can also discover the former capital of Germany, Bonn, just 30 km south of Cologne, and the picturesque towns and castles along the Rhine such as Boppard with its beautiful riverfront setting.

Renowned as a business powerhouse, Frankfurt is home to one of the world’s largest stock exchanges and proudly showcases the gleaming headquarters of the European Central Bank. Take in breathtaking views of the sleek urban landscape from the Main Tower observation deck, venture into the Altstadt (Old Town) lined with half-timbered houses and step into world-class museums. Frankfurt is ready to welcome you with open arms.

Germany has some of Europe's best-known routes. The Romantic Road runs for more than 400km between Würzburg and Füssen, linking medieval towns with fairytale castles. In the south-west, the Black Forest High Road winds through forested hills and offers views over the Rhine plain. Along the Rhine between Cologne and Koblenz, castles perch above the river and vineyards climb the slopes. In Bavaria, a drive from Munich to the Alps takes you past lakes to Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Neuschwanstein Castle. Allow extra time for stops in villages along the way.