How to find a cheap car rental deal in Cologne (CGN)
It's time to trade your seatbelt for a steering wheel. Pick up a cheap Cologne rental car for an average of $621 a day and drive away happy. We do the hard work for you by searching all the top providers, putting amazing deals at your fingertips.
The cheapest daily price for a rental at Cologne is $37.
Staying a little longer? Grab a weekly rental from $258 and see more than just the top attractions in Cologne.
Timing can make all the difference when it comes to finding a cheap CGN car hire. Book about two weeks before your trip to land the best price.
Grab your wheels from Wheego, Flex To Go or Alamo, some of the most popular providers at Cologne.
Always check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Cologne car rental policy, whether with Wheego or a different supplier. Some companies offer it as a paid extra instead of including it.
Booking a one-way car rental can be your secret weapon for finding a deal. Simply click 'Return car to a different location' when browsing for a car for hire in CGN. Providers often need to move vehicles from one site to another, which means you can lock in some awesome one-way prices.
Save money on fuel by choosing a car rental in Cologne that has a 'Fair fuel policy.' You collect the car with a full tank and bring it back full, so you're only paying for what you use.
Hit every stop on your wish list by picking a rental with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, it means you can go as far as you want without paying more.
Best value car rental options right now
Coming out on top for value is https://www.skyscanner.co.il/car-rentals/car-rental-with-provider/wheego/2615, with prices averaging $134 a day.
Offering daily rates of around $162, https://www.skyscanner.co.il/car-rentals/car-rental-with-provider/alamo/650 follows close behind.
https://www.skyscanner.co.il/car-rentals/car-rental-with-provider/flex-to-go/2675 also stays competitive on price. Drive off in one of their rentals for roughly $118 a day.
The Compact rental category is a solid choice if you're not quite sure which wheels are right for you. It's also the car type that's booked more than any other at CGN.
Compare car rental types from Cologne (CGN)
Small: These cheap Cologne rental cars may be small in size, but they're big on practicality. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're agile, great on mileage, and just the thing for city driving.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine space, fuel efficiency and comfort. Easy to maneuver in cities and with enough space for longer drives, they work well for most trips.
Large: Long drives fly by in this CGN car hire category. Also known as full-size, they have the engine size to match the journey. The extra space and comfort make them a great choice for families and groups of friends.
SUV: When adventure's on your mind, an SUV's made for the moment. It's your perfect road trip buddy, ready for country roads, highways, and everything in between. These sports utility vehicles also deliver on space and improved safety features.
Van: If you need a car for rent in Cologne that fits a small crowd (and their suitcases), a van will do the job. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're best suited for group travel, moving or business needs.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't mandatory, but it's worth considering. If you're in a collision, no matter how minor, it can save you from paying a hefty excess fee. Different CGN car hire providers have varying insurance policies and coverage levels, so check the terms before booking.
Make travel easier when you rent a car in Cologne by adding some nifty extras. Think things like a GPS unit to keep your trip on track, or reverse cameras that give you confidence when parking.
Good to know
Rental age requirements aren't the same everywhere. Companies can set their own policies, and if you're a younger driver, you could pay extra and face some limits. Check the terms set by each supplier before booking your car rental in Germany.
Add a car seat to your CGN car rental reservation if you're traveling with small kids. Guidelines vary from place to place, but using a child seat suited to their size and age is always the safest choice.
You'll be asked to provide some documents when you pick up your ride. As a rule, bring a valid driver's license, a credit card with room for the security deposit (debit cards usually aren't accepted), and another form of photo ID. Your booking will lay out the exact list.
Spend a moment familiarizing yourself with your rental. Fix your seat and mirrors, test the brakes and blinkers, and get a feel for its handling before you set off. And remember to stay on the right side of the road in Germany.
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.05% applies in Germany. The only sure way to stay legal to drive is to skip the drinks.
You'll be using the euro (EUR) on your trip here. Along with your debit and credit cards, consider having some cash handy for minor purchases.
Drive smarter from the start
Once you've grabbed the keys to your CGN car hire, it's time to write your own itinerary. Central Cologne is about 14 kilometers northwest and a drive of around 20 minutes if you choose to head that way.
Allow roughly 40 minutes to drive from Cologne to the city center during peak travel times.
Around 8am is one of the busiest times for traffic around this destination. Try to avoid peak travel times generally for a more relaxed drive.
If you're saving the driving for later, consider picking up a car rental in Cologne instead of at the airport. Collect your ride when it suits you and only pay for the days you need.
Hit the road: Where to drive from Cologne (CGN)
Before you move on, sightsee around Cologne first. Major highlights like Cologne Christmas Markets and Cologne Cathedral are the perfect warm-up for the rest of your trip.
Essen should be on your itinerary if you're eager to see PACT Zollverein and Philharmonie Essen. This city is about 64 kilometers north of CGN.
Or jump in your Cologne car rental and drive over to Dortmund. Around 72 kilometers north of the airport, Museum of Natural History and Deutsches Fußballmuseum are highlights that make the drive worthwhile.
Not done driving yet? Hannover is a fun road trip destination that's around 241 kilometers northeast of CGN. Maschsee and Hannover Maschsee are ideal pit stops.
