Car Hire in Cologne, Germany

Ensure that you have a valid driving licence with at least one year of driving experience. If you are a foreign driver travelling to Cologne, an international driving permit may be required. Remember, hire rates can be higher for drivers under 25 or over 70

If sharing driving responsibilities, check the policies regarding additional drivers. Some companies charge fees for each extra driver, while others may include it for free under certain conditions.

When renting a car, especially after travelling by train, allocate extra time for pickup to account for possible delays. Most car hire companies offer a 30-60 minute grace period. Sharing your train number can be helpful, but if you're running late, be sure to contact the car hire provider to let them know.

When booking, check if the rental company offers extras such as GPS or child seats. These can enhance your driving experience but may incur additional costs, so it's wise to factor them into your budget.

Knowing where to park can save you time and money; check rates and availability.

When renting a car from Cologne, choose a car hire deal with a “Full-to-Full” or “Same-to-Same” fuel policy from suppliers like Keddy by Europcar, AVIS, Alamo,National, These policies ensure you only pay for the fuel you use, helping you avoid unnecessary costs. While a “Full-to-Empty” policy might seem convenient, it can often be more expensive if you don’t use all the fuel.

If you're looking for more comfort or features, inquire about upgrade options at the rental desk. Sometimes, upgrades are offered at a discounted rate at pickup.

Most rental companies will require a credit card for the deposit, which is typically frozen in your account. Make sure to inquire about the specific deposit amount and the policy for releasing the freeze.