Frankfurt Airport is Europe’s car rental gateway. More rental cars leave FRA than almost anywhere on the continent. Competition keeps prices reasonable — a compact car starts around €18-30/day when booked ahead. If you’re flying into Germany and renting a car, Frankfurt is likely your entry point.
Why Rent a Car in Frankfurt?
Geography. Frankfurt sits at the centre of western Europe. Within 2 hours: the Rhine Valley, Heidelberg, the French border. Within 3 hours: Cologne, Strasbourg, Luxembourg. Within 4-5 hours: Munich, Berlin, Amsterdam, Brussels. It’s the logical starting point for any central European road trip.
The rental market is competitive. All major brands (Hertz, Avis, Sixt, Europcar, Budget, Thrifty) have significant presence. German companies (Sixt, Buchbinder) often have aggressive pricing. Comparison shopping matters — the same car can vary 30-40% between companies.
One-way rentals are popular from Frankfurt. Drop-offs in Munich (€30-80), Berlin (€50-100), Paris (€100-200), or Amsterdam (€80-150) are common. Always declare your destination when booking.
What to Expect When You Pick Up
Frankfurt Airport has rental centres in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Follow the “Mietwagen” signs — the walk can be 10-15 minutes. Peak times (morning arrivals, summer weekends) have longer queues. Allow 30-45 minutes total.
Documentation:
- Driving licence (IDP for non-EU/UK licences)
- Passport or EU ID
- Credit card for deposit (€800-2000)
- Age 21+ for compact, 23+ for midsize
Insurance excess is moderate (€800-1500 for CDW). Excess reduction at the counter costs €15-25/day. Third-party insurance is cheaper but requires paying claims first.
The car fleet at FRA is typically newer than at smaller German airports. Premium brands (BMW, Mercedes) are common even in midsize categories.
Top Routes and Day Trips
Taunus Mountains (30 minutes): Frankfurt’s nearest hills. Forest roads, small villages, and castle ruins. A half-day escape from the city. The A66 then local roads.
Eltville and Rhine Castles (1 hour): Drive west through Rheingau wine country. Eltville has a riverside promenade and castle. Continue north to Rüdesheim.
Hanau and Grimm Brothers Trail (30 minutes): Start of the German Fairy Tale Route. Hanau is the Brothers Grimm’s birthplace. Continue north through the Weser Valley.
Koblenz and Moselle Valley (1.5 hours): Where the Rhine meets the Moselle. Continue along the Moselle through vineyard-covered hills. The A61 then B49.
Black Forest (2-3 hours): Southwest through Baden-Baden. Forest-covered hills, thermal spas, and cuckoo-clock villages. The drive through the hills is scenic.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s included in rental price? Base rates typically include unlimited mileage, CDW with excess, and taxes. Fuel is full-to-full. Additional driver, GPS, and child seats are extra. Premium brands may be included at FRA.
Can I return outside office hours? Yes, FRA has 24-hour returns for major brands. Put keys in the drop box and you’re done. The airport never closes.
How long does pickup take? At peak times (8-10am arrivals), allow 45-60 minutes. Off-peak, 15-20 minutes. Pre-booking and having documents ready speeds things up.
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