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Car rental in Cologne
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Car rental in
Cologne

4.7
Our customers love us
4.7 stars from 11,040 reviews in Cologne.
Easy pickup and returns
Our 8 locations in SIXT Cologne make renting a car hassle-free.
More flexibility
Change or cancel bookings at no extra cost at most of our locations worldwide.

Our top branches in Cologne

4.8
Cologne/Bonn Airport
24h Return
Kennedystr./Mietwagenzentrum
Köln, 51147
Germany
4.7
Cologne City/Hilton am Dom
24h Return
Marzellenstr. 13-17
Köln, 50668
Germany
4.7
Cologne Porz/Gremberghoven
24h Return
Ettore-Bugatti-Str. 2
Köln, 51149
Germany
4.7
Cologne Center/Maritim Hotel
24h Pick Up24h Return
Heumarkt 20
Köln, Nordrhein-Westfalen 50667
Germany
4.4
Cologne Central Train Station
24h Return
Trankgasse 11 im Hbf
Köln, Nordrhein-Westfalen 50667
Germany
4.6
Cologne North Bilderstöckchen
24h Pick Up24h Return
Robert-Perthel-Str. 26
Köln, 50739
Germany
4.7
Cologne Truck Center
24h Pick Up24h Return
Widdersdorfer Str. 369
Köln, 50933
Germany
4.3
Private AP Cologne/Bonn GAT
Kennedystraße
Köln, 51147
Germany

Our services at Cologne

SIXT Car Rental in Cologne

Find your SIXT car rental in Cologne at accessible locations such as Cologne Bonn Airport, Cologne Central Station, Cologne City/Hilton am Dom, as well as other central city spots. Our multilingual representatives and top-tier vehicle selection guarantee a seamless rental process. Securing a car lets you enjoy Cologne’s remarkable sights, charming quarters, and surrounding landscapes at your leisure.

Reserve your SIXT car rental in Cologne now and travel in comfort with flexible options for your plans.

Vehicle Choices for Cologne Exploration

  • Compact Cars—Ideal for getting around city roads, known for great fuel economy
  • Sedans—Offer comfort and ample space, fitting for family outings and business trips
  • SUVs—Suited for motorway journeys and rural drives
  • Premium & Luxury Cars—Elegant selections for special trips or extended sightseeing

Car Rental Cologne: Price Breakdown

Prices depend on factors including:

  • Vehicle type: Compact, sedan, SUV, or luxury
  • Length of rental: Daily or long-term rental
  • Pick-up site: Airport or city branches
  • Seasonal trends: Busy periods or holidays vs. slow and shoulder seasons

SIXT Tip: To access the most competitive prices, book ahead and explore weekly rental deals.

Extras & Protection Packages

Customize your booking with functional extras and comprehensive protection plans:

Lock in your rental car in Cologne for clear pricing, expert assistance, and high-quality vehicles.

Driving Tips for Cologne

Exploring Cologne is simple when you have a SIXT rental car in Cologne—travel comfortably between the vibrant city and the scenic Rhine region.

Traffic Rules Overview

  • Keep an eye out for “urban limit” speed limit signage. Speeds can drop dramatically from 100km/hr (62 mph) in the country to 50 km/hr (31 mph) once you enter populated areas.
  • While the Autobahn is known for not having a speed limit, recommended limits are about 120 km/hr (75 mph) and there will be limits in bad weather or heavy traffic.
  • Travel in the left lane is prohibited and strictly enforced. Use it only to pass then merge back into the right lane to continue.

Local Driving Customs

  • Trams—also known as trolleys—and bicycles travel alongside or even cross vehicular traffic. Be sure to be patient and share the road.
  • Traffic already in a roundabout or rotary has the right of way, unless otherwise marked. When exiting a traffic circle, drivers must use their turn signal.

Parking Advice

Finding parking isn’t always easy during busy hours.

  • Not all parking spaces are available to the public. It’s important to double-check and make sure a space isn’t marked for resident parking only.
  • Even in public parking garages, spaces are narrow and the fit can be tight. Be prepared to let your passengers out before settling into a space.

Fueling Instructions

Fuel stations are easily accessible and support both card and cash payments.

  • Familiarize yourself with the German fuel types: “Super,” for regular unleaded, and “Diesel” will be clearly marked.
  • Many stations are partly or fully self-service; after business hours, pay-at-pump or vending-style machines are common.

Tolls

Most routes in and around Cologne are toll-free, but certain private tunnels and a few highways may require payment.

Top Attractions to Visit by Car in Cologne

See Cologne and Beyond with Complete Flexibility

A SIXT rental car in Cologne provides unmatched convenience to discover historical monuments, cultural hotspots, and natural beauty with ease.

Cologne Cathedral—Iconic Heritage Site

  • Distance from Cologne Central Train Station: 0.3 km (0.2 miles)
  • Estimated driving time: 3 minutes

Explore this acclaimed UNESCO site, celebrated for its majestic Gothic style and panoramic observation deck. Traveling by car means you can easily pair your visit with stops at neighboring highlights.

Rheinauhafen—Urban Waterfront Adventure

  • Distance from Cologne’s center: 1.6 km (1 mile)
  • Estimated driving time: 5 minutes

Wander among historic dockside storehouses and trendy waterfront eateries. Ample parking nearby provides a hassle-free visit.

Schloss Augustusburg—Elegant Day Trip

  • Distance from Cologne Bonn Airport: 21 km (13 miles)
  • Estimated driving time: 30 minutes

Tour the gorgeous baroque palace and its manicured gardens. With a car, you can take the time to see the Falkenlust hunting lodge and gardens while you’re there.

Drachenfels—Sweeping River Views

  • Distance from Cologne’s center: 35 km (22 miles)
  • Estimated driving time: 40 minutes

Drive along the picturesque Rhine to this legendary hilltop fortress, taking in spectacular vistas, woodland paths, and rustic vineyards.

A rental car in Cologne assures you the flexibility to enjoy Cologne’s treasures and neighboring destinations as you wish. Book now for effortless exploration!

Customer reviews & feedback

4.7
4.704555
Based on 11040 reviews
from our Customer Excitement Score survey*

What our customers are saying

4.9
Vehicle handover
4.8
At the SIXT branch
4.8
The way to SIXT
n.
5.0
Best car rental experience.
Anuj M.
5.0
Recently returned my car rental (pickup in Munich) here after a 2 week road trip through Germany. Drop off was prompt and efficient, a quick check followed by digital signoff and final invoice with deposit reversal was instant. Please note the return location is the shared parking garage with Hilton in the narrow street behind the hotel. Very convenient location in the heart if the city.
Rey L.
5.0
Penn was so amazing. Very accommodating and friendly.

*Our Customer Excitement Score is based on a survey sent to all customers who booked in Cologne. The score is an average of all customer responses.

Good to know when renting in Cologne

What's the minimum age to rent a car in Cologne?
To rent a car with SIXT in Cologne you need to be at least 18 with a valid license. Some car categories have a higher minimum rental age, and an underage driver fee may apply.
Can I modify, extend, or cancel my reservation?
You can modify, extend, or cancel your reservation in Cologne through your manage booking section or through the app.
Can I choose a different drop-off location in Cologne?
It is possible to rent a car one way between stations for pickups in Cologne. A fee may apply.
You will need a full, valid driver's license along with a passport or identity card when picking up your car. More detailed information can be found in our rental information. These rules vary from country to country so please always check local regulations before making your travel arrangements.