Car Rental at Frankfurt Airport
Renting a car at Frankfurt Airport (FRA) is the most flexible way to explore Germany at your own pace — from day trips into the Rhine Valley and Heidelberg to the spa towns of the Taunus and beyond. All the major rental companies have desks in the airport's car rental centres, so you can pick up your car within minutes of clearing baggage reclaim. This guide covers who rents at FRA, what it costs in 2026, the documents you need, and how to avoid the most common extra charges.
Car Rental Companies at Frankfurt Airport
Frankfurt Airport has car rental desks in both terminals. The main car rental centre (Mietwagenzentrum) is in Terminal 1, on Level 0 (the arrivals level), in the Hall B area; there is a second set of desks in Terminal 3. After you collect your luggage, simply follow the overhead signs for the car key symbol and “Car Rental Center / Mietwagenzentrum”. You will find all the big international brands:
- International: Sixt, Avis, Hertz, Europcar and Enterprise, usually alongside their partner brands (National, Alamo, Budget, Dollar and Thrifty).
- Opening hours: most desks operate seven days a week, typically from early morning until late evening (roughly 06:00 to 23:00), with Sixt and Hertz often open until around midnight.
Booking online in advance almost always beats the walk-up rate and guarantees availability, especially in summer, during major trade fairs (Messe Frankfurt) and over public holidays. Comparison sites are useful for a quick price check, but always read the individual supplier's terms before you commit.
How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Car at FRA in 2026?
| Car class | Example model | Typical price / day |
|---|---|---|
| Mini / economy | VW up!, Fiat 500 | from ~€30–40 |
| Compact | VW Golf, Opel Astra | ~€40–55 |
| SUV / family | VW Tiguan, minivan | ~€60–100 |
Off-season rates start low, but the advertised price rarely includes full protection — adding a collision-damage waiver with zero excess can push the real daily cost up by €10–25. Always compare the total price with insurance and any young-driver or one-way fees, not just the headline rate.
Documents and Requirements
To collect your car at Frankfurt Airport you will need a valid driving licence held for at least one year, a passport or ID card, and a credit card in the main driver's name for the security deposit (debit cards are often refused for the deposit). Drivers from outside the EU/EEA whose licence is not in the Latin alphabet should carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence. The minimum age is usually 21, and drivers under 25 typically pay a young-driver surcharge.
Driving in Germany: What to Know
- The Autobahn: Germany's motorways are famous for their derestricted stretches (where an advisory limit of 130 km/h applies), but many sections do have speed limits. Keep right, overtake only on the left, and never pass on the inside.
- Umweltplakette (low-emission sticker): Frankfurt has an environmental zone (Umweltzone), and you need a green Umweltplakette on the windscreen to drive into the city. Rental cars already carry one — just check it is there.
- No motorway toll for cars: unlike Austria or Switzerland, Germany does not require a vignette for passenger cars. If you plan to cross those borders, you will need to buy one separately.
- Fuel: choose the “full-to-full” fuel policy and return the tank full to avoid inflated refuelling charges.
- Parking in the city: central Frankfurt parking is limited, paid and enforced. A car is far more useful for day trips than for the city itself — for the airport run, a train, taxi or pre-booked transfer is usually easier. If you are driving, check the airport parking options and book ahead.
Is Renting a Car the Right Choice?
If your plans centre on Frankfurt itself, you probably don't need a car — the S-Bahn reaches the centre in about 11 minutes and an airport taxi or pre-booked private transfer covers the airport run. A rental makes sense when you want to explore beyond the city. If you also want a car for the city or a different pickup point, see our wider guide to renting a car in Frankfurt.