Munich car rental prices are mid-range for Germany — cheaper than Frankfurt, more expensive than Berlin or eastern cities. A compact car starts around €20-35/day when booked in advance. The advantage: German motorways are toll-free, and the car fleet is typically newer than in southern Europe.
Why Rent a Car in Munich?
Munich is Germany’s southern gateway. Within 2 hours, you can be in Austria, Switzerland, or the Czech Republic. Within 3 hours, you can be in Italy. The Alpine foothills south of Munich offer some of Europe’s best driving — winding roads through forests and lakes, with mountain views.
The rental market has strong competition. International brands (Hertz, Avis, Sixt, Europcar, Budget) dominate. German company Sixt is headquartered in Munich and often has aggressive pricing. Budget and local companies (Buchbinder, others) offer lower base rates but may have older cars.
One-way rentals work well from Munich. Drop-offs in Salzburg (€30-80), Vienna (€50-120), or Zurich (€80-200) are common. Cross-border fees vary — always declare your destination when booking.
What to Expect When You Pick Up
Munich Airport (MUC) is large — Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 both have rental areas. Allow 20-30 minutes for pickup, including walking to your car. The process is efficient by international standards.
What you need:
- Driving licence (IDP for non-EU licences)
- Passport or EU ID
- Credit card for deposit (€800-2000)
- Age 21+ for compact, 23+ for midsize
German rentals have moderate insurance excess (€800-1500). Excess reduction at the counter costs €15-25/day. Third-party insurance is cheaper but requires you to pay claims first.
Fuel policy is full-to-full. There’s a petrol station at the airport. Fill up before returning — some companies charge premium rates if they refuel for you.
Top Routes and Day Trips
Lake Starnberg (40 minutes): Munich’s closest Alpine lake. The drive south on the A95 is scenic. Boat trips, lakeside walks, mountain views. Combine with Andechs Monastery for a half-day.
Garmisch-Partenkirchen (1.5 hours): Alpine resort town with Zugspitze (Germany’s highest mountain). The drive through the foothills is beautiful. In winter, bring chains.
Regensburg (1.5 hours): UNESCO-listed medieval city on the Danube. The A93 north takes you there. Better preserved than Munich (which was heavily bombed).
Innsbruck, Austria (2 hours): Alpine city surrounded by mountains. The A8 then A93 cross into Austria. The Brenner Pass leads to Italy — a popular route south.
Lake Constance (2.5 hours): Three countries (Germany, Switzerland, Austria) share the lake. The drive west through Bavaria is straightforward. Lindau and Konstanz are highlights.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s included in German rentals? Base rates typically include unlimited mileage, CDW with excess, and taxes. Fuel, additional driver, and GPS are extras. Some companies include winter tyres in season (November-April).
Can I drive on the Autobahn? Yes, and it’s one of Germany’s attractions. About half is unlimited. Stay right unless overtaking, indicate before changing lanes, and check mirrors — cars approach fast in the left lane.
What about winter driving? Winter tyres (M+S rated) are mandatory from November to April. All rental cars should have them. Snow chains may be required for Alpine roads — ask when booking.
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