Frankfurt is one of those cities that offers a little bit of everything: rich history, cutting-edge modern architecture, a vibrant cultural scene, and a convenient gateway to some of Germany’s most beautiful countryside. While the public transportation system in Frankfurt is efficient and affordable, I wanted the freedom to explore the city and its surrounding areas at my own pace. This led me to consider renting a car, which turned out to be one of the best decisions for my trip.
In this blog post, I’ll share my personal experience with renting a car in Frankfurt, along with helpful tips, the best rental companies to consider, and essential information about driving in Germany.
Why I Chose to Rent a Car in Frankfurt
Initially, I thought about relying solely on public transport. The trams, buses, and trains in Frankfurt are well-connected and can get you almost anywhere in the city. However, after doing some research and planning day trips to nearby towns and the scenic Rhine Valley, I decided that renting a car would give me the flexibility and convenience I wanted. A rental car meant I could explore Frankfurt’s attractions at my own pace and also head out to charming nearby destinations like Heidelberg, Mainz, and Wiesbaden.
Booking My Rental Car: The Process
Before arriving in Frankfurt, I made sure to book my rental car in advance. I’ve learned from previous trips that last-minute car rentals can be both expensive and frustrating in terms of availability. There are several car rental platforms and websites to choose from, but I used Rentalcars.com, a reliable comparison site. It allows you to filter options by price, car type, and pick-up location, which helped me find the best deal.
Car Rental Companies I Considered
Frankfurt is home to many car rental agencies, and deciding which one to go with wasn’t easy. I narrowed down my options based on reviews, prices, and customer service. Here are the top companies I considered:
- Sixt
Sixt is one of the most popular car rental companies in Germany and offers a wide range of vehicles, from economy cars to luxury models. I liked that they had pick-up locations both at the airport and in the city center, so I didn’t need to go out of my way to collect the car. - Europcar
Europcar has a reputation for excellent customer service and a fleet of reliable vehicles. Their rates were competitive, and they offered multiple options for insurance, which was important to me. I also appreciated their flexible cancellation policy, as travel plans can sometimes change unexpectedly. - Hertz
Hertz was another option I considered. They had great reviews for their airport pick-up service, and I knew they were a trusted global brand. Their app made it easy to manage my booking and check-in online, which was appealing. - Avis
Avis is also well-known internationally, and they offered a good selection of vehicles at affordable rates. What attracted me to Avis was the ease of upgrading to a better car without too much hassle, as well as their reward points program.
Ultimately, I chose Sixt due to their competitive pricing and the fact that their pick-up location at Frankfurt Airport was convenient for me. The online booking process was seamless, and I received confirmation right away.
Picking Up the Car: What You Need to Know
I landed at Frankfurt Airport and made my way to the car rental center, which is located in Terminal 1. Sixt’s office was easy to find, and the staff were friendly and efficient. Here are a few key things I learned during the pick-up process:
- Documents You Need
When renting a car in Germany, you’ll need a few essential documents:
- A valid driver’s license. For most international travelers, your regular driver’s license will suffice. However, if you’re from a country outside the EU, it’s wise to carry an International Driving Permit (IDP), just in case.
- A passport for identification purposes.
- A credit card for the deposit. Most rental companies place a hold on your card for the duration of the rental, which is released when the car is returned undamaged.
- Insurance Options
Sixt, like most car rental companies, offers various insurance options. I decided to go for the full coverage, which included zero-deductible insurance. While it made the rental slightly more expensive, the peace of mind it provided was worth it. Having traveled in Europe before, I knew that unexpected events could happen, like minor scratches or bumps in parking lots. - Car Features and Navigation
I rented a compact car, which was perfect for navigating both the narrow streets of the old town and the highways outside the city. It came with GPS, which I highly recommend when driving in a foreign country. Even though I had my phone and Google Maps, having an in-built navigation system made things easier.
Driving in Frankfurt: Tips and What to Expect
Driving in Frankfurt was relatively easy, but there were a few things that stood out as different from driving in other countries. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Traffic and Roads
Frankfurt’s roads are well-maintained, and traffic wasn’t as bad as I expected. However, during rush hours, particularly in the morning and late afternoon, certain areas can get congested. The city center is particularly busy around Hauptwache and Zeil, where many businesses and shops are located.
2. Parking
Finding parking in Frankfurt can be tricky, especially in the city center. Most hotels offer parking, but if you’re planning to park on the street, be prepared to pay. Parking garages are available throughout the city, and many offer hourly or daily rates. I used the Parkhaus am Dom, which is close to many attractions like the Frankfurt Cathedral and Römerberg.
3. Environmental Zones
Frankfurt has designated environmental zones where only vehicles with a green emissions sticker are allowed. This sticker is mandatory in many German cities, so make sure your rental car has one. Thankfully, most rental cars in Germany are already equipped with it, but it’s good to double-check.
4. Speed Limits
On highways, or the Autobahn, there are stretches where there are no speed limits, but within Frankfurt, speed limits are strictly enforced. In residential areas, the limit is usually 30 km/h, and on main roads, it’s typically 50 km/h. Keep an eye on speed cameras, as they are quite common.
Day Trips from Frankfurt by Car
One of the main reasons I rented a car was to explore beyond Frankfurt. Here are a few day trips that are easy to do with a rental car:
1. Heidelberg
Heidelberg is just over an hour’s drive from Frankfurt and is one of Germany’s most beautiful cities. The drive along the A5 Autobahn was smooth, and the views of rolling hills and vineyards made the trip enjoyable. I parked at the P12 parking garage near the Heidelberg Castle and spent the day wandering through the old town and exploring the castle grounds.
2. Rhine Valley
A scenic drive along the Rhine River is a must-do. Starting from Frankfurt, I drove towards Rüdesheim and followed the river, stopping at picturesque towns like Bacharach and St. Goar. The Lorelei Rock is a famous spot along the river, and the views from there are breathtaking.
3. Wiesbaden
Only a 40-minute drive from Frankfurt, Wiesbaden is known for its thermal baths and elegant architecture. I spent the afternoon relaxing at the Kaiser-Friedrich-Therme, which was a perfect way to unwind after a few days of sightseeing.
Returning the Car: A Smooth Process
Returning the car was just as easy as picking it up. I dropped it off at the Sixt return center at Frankfurt Airport. One tip is to fill up the gas tank before returning the car, as rental companies tend to charge much higher rates for fuel. There’s a Shell gas station near the airport, which I used to top off the tank before returning the vehicle.
The Sixt staff quickly inspected the car, confirmed that everything was in order, and released the deposit hold on my credit card. The entire process took about 10 minutes.
Is Renting a Car in Frankfurt Worth It?
For me, renting a car in Frankfurt was a fantastic decision. It gave me the freedom to explore both the city and the surrounding regions without worrying about train schedules or public transportation routes. While driving in the city can be a bit hectic at times, having a car allowed me to venture out to charming towns, castles, and scenic countryside that would have been harder to reach otherwise.
If you’re planning a trip to Frankfurt and want to maximize your experience, I highly recommend considering a rental car. With the right planning, you can find an affordable option that gives you the comfort and convenience you need to make the most of your trip.
