Car Rental in Mulhouse

Why rent a car in Mulhouse?

Mulhouse is a great holiday destination. Retaining many qualities of a charming provincial French town, it at the same time has many qualities of a large and modern city, such as great restaurants and high-quality museums. Mulhouse can serve as a perfect base to explore the beautiful Alsace region or see the rest of France or even visit its neighboring countries like Germany or Switzerland.

Top ways to enter Mulhouse

• EuroAirport Basel Mulhouse Freiburg: Although physically located in France, the airport serves cities in three different countries - Mulhouse in France, Basel in Switzerland, and Freiburg im Breisgau in Germany. The airport’s landside area is divided into French and Swiss sections. It’s important to note that some rental car providers do not permit crossing international borders - if that is the case with your provider, you should make sure to pick up your rental car in the airport’s French section. Ask your rental car provider about the permission to cross the border before booking the car. EuroAirport is about 30km (19 miles) southeast of Mulhouse and can be reached in about 25 minutes.
• Strasbourg Airport: Serving one of the capitals of the European Union, Strasbourg Airport handled 1.3 million travelers in 2018. In addition to connecting the city to many destinations in Europe, the airport also hosts a number of flights to North Africa and the Middle East. Located 110km (68.3 miles) north of Mulhouse, the airport can be reached in about one hour.
• Dole-Jura Airport: A small regional airport formerly known as Dole-Tavaux, it hosts flights to and from other destinations in France, as well as London in the United Kingdom, Fez and Marrakech in Morocco, Cagliari in Italy, Corfu and Rhodes in Greece, and Brač in Croatia. Located near the city of Besancon, the airport is 190km (118 miles) southwest of Mulhouse and can be reached in about two hours.
• Zurich Airport: The largest in Switzerland and among the 15 busiest in Europe, Zurich Airport served more than 31 million travelers in 2018. The airport is a hub for Edelweiss Air and Swiss International Air Lines and is also served by a large number of other companies. There are flights to and from countless destinations in Europe as well as Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Located 120km (74 miles) east of Mulhouse, Zurich Airport can be reached in just 1 hour and 40 minutes. You’ll have to cross the border between Switzerland and France, so ask your rental car provider in advance if they permit it.
• Metz–Nancy–Lorraine Airport: A small airport located halfway between the cities of Nancy and Metz, it hosts a number of domestic flights as well as flights to and from such varied destinations as Greece, Algeria, Morocco, Bulgaria, and Spain. The airport is 236km (146 miles) northwest of Mulhouse and can be reached in about 2 hours and 40 minutes.
• By rail: If you arrive in Mulhouse by train, you can conveniently pick up your rental car at Gare de Mulhouse-Ville Train Station.

City facts

• Located in the northeastern part of France, Mulhouse has a temperate oceanic climate with warm summers and cool winters. The average high temperature is 26°C  (79°F) in July, the warmest month, and 5°C  (41°F) in January. Summers are much more humid in Mulhouse than in much of the rest of France, with precipitation especially high from May to September. Mulhouse experiences some snow every year, especially from December to February.
• Mulhouse is located in a highly and densely populated part of Europe, and many other famous cities are near it. In addition to many French cities, Stuttgart, Heidelberg, and Frankfurt in Germany, Innsbruck in Austria, Milan in Italy, Geneva and Zurich in Switzerland, and Luxembourg City in Luxembourg are located 400km (250 miles) or less from Mulhouse.

Top sights and activities

• The Musée de l'Automobile (Collection Schlumpf) exhibits an impressive collection of old and modern cars and motorbikes and cycles. Made up of three different sections, the museum has an especially impressive collection of old racing Bugattis, but has at least one exhibit of practically every classic car imaginable. Even if you’re not a fan of motor vehicles, seeing this museum is one of the highlights of Mulhouse.
• The Musée de l'Impression sur Étoffes is also very interesting, highlighting Mulhouse's history and evolution of textile printing. 
• The Musée des Beaux-Arts offers a fine selection of European works of art from the Middle Ages to the contemporary period. 
• The EDF Electropolis Museum, dedicated to the history of electricity, is a unique museum offering interactive and exciting exhibitions for the whole family. 
• The Musée du Papier Peint in Rixheim houses exceptional collections of wallpapers and decorative art objects. 
• The Zoological and Botanical Park in Mulhouse is a must-see, with more than 1,200 animals and 3,500 plant species. 
• To the north of Mulhouse, the Écomusée d'Alsace is the largest open-air museum of France. It offers an immersion into traditional rural life in Alsace, with some 70 authentic reconstructed houses and buildings, without forgetting gardens, farm animals and interactive workshops. 
• The heart of historic Mulhouse is the Place de la Réunion, lined with beautiful buildings, including the impressive Renaissance Town Hall and the neo-Gothic Temple Saint-Étienne, the highest Protestant church in France.

Traffic and parking

• The speed limit in cities is 50km/h, although in certain areas the speed limit may be reduced to 30km/h. Unlike with inter-city roads, the urban speed limit is unaffected by weather.
• Outside cities, as of July 2018 the speed limit depends on the type of the road. Highways are limited to 130km/h, 4-lane expressways to 110km/h, and 2- or 3- lane roads to 90km/h. When it is raining, the limits are respectively lowered to 110km/h, 100km/h, and 80km/h. The general speed limit is lowered to 50km/h during heavy fog or other cases of bad visibility.
• The insurance and car documentation needs to be in the car whenever you’re driving.
• If you’re the driver, you need to have your passport or ID card with you at all times.
• As of 2018, hands-free mobile phone use is banned in France and the fines are hefty.
• The legal alcohol limit is 0.05% for experienced drivers and 0.02% for novice drivers.
• The emergency number is 112.

Toll roads

Most of the main highways in France (autoroute in French) are toll roads. Their names start with a letter A and you can recognize them by a red number sign. The fee for taking a toll road depends on the specific route, the distance traveled, as well as the type of your vehicle - cars with trailers and caravans have to pay more than regular cars. You can pay by credit card or with cash. You’ll be given a ticket that you have to keep while on the toll road.

Some rental cars are equipped with toll road transponders and can use the automatic toll road payment booths (Télépéage). Ask your rental car provider to find out if they offer cars with toll road transponders.

Ideas for day trips

• The Ballons des Vosges Regional Natural Park. The Ballons des Vosges Regional Natural Park is ideal for nature lovers, hikers, sports enthusiasts and local culture lovers. It lies astride the historic regions of Alsace, Lorraine and Franche-Comté. The natural park offers breathtaking landscapes and rich and diverse flora and fauna. About 20 km (12 miles) from Mulhouse, the Route des Crêtes des Vosges rises from Cernay to reach the Vosges ridge. The spectacular panoramic road was created during the First World War to follow the ridge line of the Vosges over 60 km (37 miles) to the Bonhomme pass. In doing so, it crosses the emblematic summits of the Vosges (Grand Ballon, Markstein, Hohneck) and offers breathtaking views of the Alsace plain, the Black Forest, the Jura and the Alps on a clear day.
• Colmar. Located 45 km (28 miles) from Mulhouse, Colmar is a charming Alsatian town attracting many visitors yearly. The old town's cobbled streets are lined with colorful half-timbered houses and picturesque canals, providing a dramatic and romantic setting. History and culture lovers will be delighted by the city's many museums, such as the Unterlinden Museum, which houses works of art from the Middle Ages to the 20th century, or the Bartholdi Museum, which pays tribute to the famous sculptor who created the Statue of Liberty. The city's many Christmas markets are also top-rated, offering a festive and warm atmosphere during the festive season.
• Alsace Wine Route. The scenic itinerary starts at 20 km (12 miles) north west of Mulhouse in Thann and crosses the vineyards of Alsace on a 170 km (105 miles) route to Marlenheim. The route offers an insight into the vineyards of Alsace and its traditions. Among the wine route's most popular towns and villages are Andlau, Bergheim, Eguisheim, Guebwiller, Kaysersberg, Molsheim, Niederbergheim, Obernai, Ribeauvillé, Riquewihr, Rouffach and Turckheim. The Alsatian villages along the wine route also offer charming architecture and an authentic atmosphere. Colorful half-timbered houses, cobbled streets and village squares lined with cafés and restaurants create a romantic and welcoming atmosphere. 
• Strasbourg. The capital of Alsace and of the Grand-Est region lies 115 km (71 miles) north of Mulhouse. Located on the banks of the Ill River, the city is famous for its architectural heritage, rich history and Alsatian gastronomy. Two districts of Strasbourg are listed as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO: the Grande-Ile (historical center) and the Neustadt (district built during the German period from 1871 to 1918). The Notre Dame de Strasbourg cathedral is one of the city's most emblematic monuments, recognisable by its 142-meter high Gothic spire. The Petite France district is also a famous picturesque. The half-timbered houses, cobbled streets and water canals give the area a romantic atmosphere. Visitors can also take a boat ride to see the city from the water. History buffs can visit the Palais Rohan, which houses the Musée des Beaux-Arts, the Musée Archéologique and the Musée des Arts Décoratifs. Finally, gourmets will not be outdone in Strasbourg, with many culinary specialities to sample, such as sauerkraut, tarts, pretzels and the famous foie gras. Finally, the city's Christmas markets are top-rated, offering culinary specialities and local crafts.
• Basel. Switzerland’s third-largest city, Basel is a mix of proud local culture and recent international influences. Here you’ll find beautiful Protestant churches like Basel Münster and Elisabethenkirche and also the Ethnographic Museum with famous exhibits from Tibet, Indonesia, and pre-Columbian Americas as well as the Museum of Ancient Art with collections from Greece, Egypt, and Mesopotamia. Just 36 km (22 miles) south of Mulhouse, Basel can be reached in about 30 minutes. You’ll have to cross an international border, so make sure in advance that your rental car provider permits it.
• Freiburg im Breisgau. Situated on the edge of the Black Forest, Freiburg is a university city in Southern Germany. Its medieval city center boasts old city gates and a number of impressive churches, the first among them Freiburg Minster, while the city’s newer districts have some of the most innovative eco-friendly buildings in Europe. Just 59 km (37 miles) northeast of Mulhouse, Freiburg can be reached in 50 minutes by car. Like with Basel, ask your rental car provider in advance if they permit you to cross the international border.
• Belfort. Belfort is a historic city located 40 km (25 miles) west of Mulhouse. The city is known for its famous citadel and the iconic statue of the Lion of Belfort, sculpted by Bartholdi, the creator of the Statue of Liberty. The city also offers a rich historical heritage, with many remarkable buildings such as the Saint-Christophe cathedral and the remains of the fortifications. Visitors can also stroll through the picturesque streets of the city center and sample the local culinary specialities in the traditional restaurants.
• Besançon. Known as Bisanz in German and Vesontio in Latin, this lovely city has been inhabited for more than 2,000 years. Known for its picturesque setting on the Doubs River, it is one of the easternmost cities of the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region and boasts such attractions as Porte Noire, the Roman triumphal arch, the Citadel of Besançon which is a World Heritage Site, and Kursaal, one of the prettiest theater venues in all of France (catch a show during your visit if you can). The drive from Mulhouse takes only about two hours.

Most popular cars

The most popular rental car in Mulhouse is the Opel Adam. Many travelers also go for the Renault Twingo and the Fiat 500. The most popular rental car types are mini, economy, and compact.

Further destinations

• Nancy. Nancy is a historical city in the Lorraine region located 175 km (109 miles) northwest of Mulhouse. Nancy, the former capital of the Dukes of Lorraine, is famous for its architectural and artistic heritage. The town has three UNESCO World Heritage squares, including the magnificent Place Stanislas, a masterpiece of 18th-century classicism. Visitors can also discover Nancy Cathedral, the Palace of the Dukes of Lorraine, the Museum of Fine Arts and the Art Nouveau heritage of the Ecole de Nancy. Nancy is also known for its culinary specialties, such as quiche lorraine and Nancy macaroons, which can be enjoyed in the city's many restaurants and patisseries.

• Doubs Regional Natural Park. Also located just across the border in Switzerland, Doubs Natural Park is situated around the river of the same name. Although the mountains here are not as high as further south, the region’s beautiful forests and waterfalls make it a beloved nature destination. The drive from Mulhouse takes about an hour and 35 minutes; as with other foreign destinations, ask your rental supplier in advance if they permit it.

• Dijon. Located 220 km (137 miles) west of Mulhouse, Dijon is the historic capital of Burgundy, famous for its rich gastronomy and medieval architecture. Visitors can explore the city on foot, passing through the cobbled streets and half-timbered houses of the historical center, full of monuments such as the Cathedral of Saint-Bénigne, the Palace of the Dukes and the Tour Philippe le Bon. The city is also renowned for its gastronomy, with its Dijon mustard and outstanding wines from the Burgundy wine region. Visitors can explore the delicatessens and markets to discover local specialities or sample traditional Burgundian dishes in the city's restaurants. Dijon is an ideal destination for history, culture and food lovers, offering an authentic and captivating insight into medieval France.

• Lyon. Located 380 km (236 miles) south of Mulhouse, Lyon is a vibrant city between the Massif Central and the Alps, known for its rich history, delicious cuisine and fascinating architecture. Visitors can explore the cobbled streets of Vieux Lyon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its colorful facades, secret traboules (alleyways) and traditional bouchons (restaurants). The city is also famous for its art museums, such as the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon, one of the largest museums in France. Lyon is also renowned for its cuisine, specializing in quenelles, charcuterie and local cheeses. Visitors can explore Lyon's food markets and bouchons to discover local flavors or sample gourmet dishes in the city's many Michelin-starred restaurants. 

• The Rhine Falls. Located in northern Switzerland just north of Schaffhausen and 130 km (81 miles) from Mulhouse, the Rhine Falls are considered one of the most impressive waterfalls in Europe. The Rhine Falls are awe-inspiring in the spring and summer when the snowmelt increases the water flow. Visitors to the Rhine Falls can take a short boat ride to the base of the falls and experience the power of the water up close. There are also several observation points along the banks of the Rhine, where visitors can admire the falls from a distance. The site is home to several nearby attractions, including a castle, a wildlife park, and many outdoor activities, making the Rhine Falls an ideal destination for a day trip or a weekend getaway. Ask your rental car supplier in advance if they permit you to cross the border.

• Lausanne and Geneva. The two beautiful, French-speaking Swiss cities are located at either end of Lake Geneva (also known as Lake Leman), with a one-hour drive between them. Each of the cities has its own unique character, but both are known as hubs of architecture, culture, and arts; both cities also provide easy access to Jura Vaudois Nature Park. The drive from Mulhouse to Lausanne, the nearest of the two, takes just under three hours. Ask your rental car supplier in advance if they permit you to cross the border.

• The Black Forest. Located just across the border to the east, the Schwarzwald is one of the most beautiful nature destinations in Germany. Characterized by low hills, waterfalls, thick woods, and endless hiking trails, the region is steeped in history and its landscape is said to have inspired some of the most famous German fairy tales. A visit to the Black Forest can be combined with a trip to the famous cities of Freiburg or Stuttgart.

Car rental prices in Mulhouse

• Station wagons - from €70 per day
• Premium cars - from €197 per day
• Small cars - from €31 per day
• Medium cars - from €43 per day
• Large cars - from €60 per day
• SUVs - from €56 per day
• Vans - from €76 per day

Money-saving and other tips

Try out these tips and see if you can land a great rental car in Mulhouse:

• Compare the rates of different rental car providers
• Book your rental car well in advance
• Plan your route before you go
• Know your fuel and mileage requirements
• Visit during the month when the rental prices are the cheapest. According to our data, visiting Mulhouse is the cheapest in April when renting a car is about 36% cheaper than the yearly average. Come visit Alsace in early springtime!