Car Rental Frankfurt Airport

Renting a car at Frankfurt Airport is a convenient way to explore Frankfurt, the Rhine-Main region, and beyond. The airport is one of Germany’s key car rental hubs, offering a wide selection of vehicles and rental companies directly within both terminals for a seamless start to your journey.

Major Rental Companies and Locations

All major international and local car rental companies operate at Frankfurt Airport, including:

Enterprise
National
Europcar
OK Mobility
Avis
Hertz
Sixt
Thrifty
Alamo
Dollar
Keddy by Europcar
Wheego

Booking, Fleet, and Prices

Booking: You can book online in advance or at the airport upon arrival. Online booking often secures better rates and availability1.

Fleet: Choose from a wide range of vehicles, including:

Small/Economy cars (ideal for city driving)
Compact and Intermediate models
Family cars and SUVs
Vans and premium/luxury vehicles

Most Popular Rentals: Economy and compact cars are the most frequently rented, offering a balance of price and efficiency. SUVs and family cars are also popular for longer trips or group travel.

Approximate Prices:

Economy/Compact: €35–€60 per day
Standard/Intermediate: €50–€80 per day
SUVs: €70–€120 per day
Luxury: €120+ per day
Prices vary by season, demand, rental duration, and insurance options.

Booking in advance, especially during peak travel periods, can save money and guarantee your preferred vehicle.

Popular Destinations by Rental Car

Frankfurt city center: 20 minutes
Darmstadt: 25 minutes
Wiesbaden or Mainz: 30–40 minutes
Heidelberg: 1 hour
Cologne: 2 hours
The Romantic Road, Black Forest, and Rhine Valley: Popular for scenic drives.

The airport is directly connected to major highways (A3, A5, B43), making it easy to reach other German cities and neighboring countries.

Rental Car Insurance Explained

Basic Insurance: Most rentals include third-party liability and basic collision damage waiver (CDW) with an excess (deductible).
Premium Coverage: Optional insurance (such as “OK Premium Cover” or similar) is available to reduce or eliminate the excess, covering theft, glass, tires, and more.
Personal Accident Insurance: Can be added for extra protection.
Cross-Border Insurance: If you plan to drive outside Germany, inform the rental company. Additional fees and restrictions may apply, especially for luxury vehicles or travel to certain countries.

Always check what is included in your rental rate and consider additional coverage for peace of mind, especially if you plan longer journeys or cross-border trips.

Practical Information and Tips

Driver Requirements: Minimum age is usually 21, but drivers under 25 may face a young driver surcharge and are limited to certain car categories.
Fuel Policy: Most rentals operate on a full-to-full policy—return the car with a full tank to avoid extra charges.
Return: Cars can be returned at either terminal (except OK Mobility and Wheego, which require Terminal 2). There are two fueling stations near the airport for easy refueling before return.
Extras: Child seats, GPS, and additional drivers can be added for a fee. Additional drivers must be registered and may incur a daily charge.
After-Hours Return: Drop boxes are available for key return outside office hours.

Inspect your vehicle for damage before leaving the lot and take photos. Allow extra time for returns during busy periods or if you want a joint inspection with staff.

Frankfurt Airport’s car rental facilities are modern, efficient, and traveler-friendly, making it easy to start your German adventure by road.