Car Rental in Hamburg
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The above prices are only approximate and were last updated at 19:33 on 2021-11-29. Prices may vary based on the booking dates, length of rental, and car class.
Travel Information
Language
German
Currency
EUR
Country code
49
Traffic direction
Right-hand
Speed limit out of town
100 km/h
62 mi/h
Speed limit within town
50 km/h
31 mi/h
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.05%
Why rent a car in Hamburg?
Hamburg is a great city to visit. Notable for its impressively historic city center, Germany’s second-largest city is also notable for its large port and many distinct neighborhoods. A true modern metropolis that could be enjoyed for weeks, Hamburg can also serve as a hub for exploring the rest of Northwestern Germany.
One-Way Car Rentals in Hamburg
The most popular one-way rental options for pick up in Hamburg and drop off in another city include:
- From Hamburg to Flensburg - 134 offers from US$ 30.76 per day
- From Hamburg to Berlin - 302 offers from US$ 30.76 per day
- From Hamburg to Bordeaux - 87 offers from US$ 70.47 per day
- From Hamburg to Kiel - 179 offers from US$ 30.76 per day
- From Hamburg to Stuttgart - 74 offers from US$ 33.47 per day
Top ways to enter Hamburg
- Hamburg Airport: Among the busiest in Germany, Hamburg Airport handles more than 17 million travelers every year. The airport has flights to and from more than 120 European destinations as well as some destinations in the Middle East and Asia. The airport is located just 8.5km (5.3 miles) north of the city center.
- Bremen Airport: With more than 2.5 million travelers every year, Bremen Airport is served by 16 different airlines including some low-cost carriers like Ryanair and Wizz Air, making it one of the cheapest airports to fly to in North Germany. Bremen Airport is located about 120km (75 miles) southwest of Hamburg.
- Hannover Airport: Serving the capital city of Lower Saxony, Hannover Airport has flights by more than 30 different airlines. Located 140km (87 miles) south of Hamburg, the distance between the two can be traveled in about 1 hour and 40 minutes.
- Berlin Tegel Airport: Also known as Otto Lilienthal Airport after the German aviation pioneer, Tegel Airport is the fourth-busiest in Germany. Divided into four terminals, the airport hosts flights to and from most European countries as well as destinations in Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and North America. Tegel Airport is located about 275km (170 miles) southwest of Hamburg.
- By rail: If arriving in Hamburg by train, you can conveniently pick up your rental car at Hamburg Hauptbahnhof or Hamburg-Altona stations.
Useful city facts
- Thanks to its proximity to the North Sea, Hamburg has a temperate maritime climate. The average temperature is 17°C (63°F) in July and August, the warmest months, and 1°C (34°F) in January. Precipitation is rather even throughout the year, with August being the rainiest month and April the least rainy.
- Not only the second-largest city in Germany, Hamburg is also one of the 16 federal German states, retaining something of its old status (it was once a free imperial city of the Holy Roman Empire). Hamburg is bordered by Lower Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein, and some of its suburbs are located in those states. The city itself is divided into seven boroughs.
- Although a large port city, Hamburg is actually not on the coast. Instead, it lies on the Elbe which connects it to the nearby North Sea. By far the busiest container port in Germany, it is also the second-busiest in Europe (behind only Antwerp in Belgium) and among the 20 busiest on the planet.
Top destinations and activities
- St. Michael’s Church. Hauptkirche St. Michaelis is the only baroque church in Hamburg and therefore something of an outlier. It is, nonetheless, one of the most beautiful buildings in the city. The original church was built in the mid-17th century and later destroyed by lightning. The one that replaced it has been safely standing at its place for more than 200 years. Famous for the statue outside of it which shows Archangel Michael conquering the devil, the church also boasts an impressive tower, a city symbol so famous that many native Hamburgers have tattoos of it.
- Rathaus. It’s not often that the city hall is one of the most important or interesting places in town, but the one in Hamburg is surely an exception to that rule. Although not particularly old (it was built in 1897), the neo-Renaissance Rathaus is instantly recognizable as one of the most impressive buildings in Germany. Still serving its governmental purpose, the city hall’s impressive halls and tower are also open for tourists.
- St. Pauli Elbe Tunnel. Connecting both shores of the River Elbe, the impressive tunnel is 24m (78ft) underground and 427m (1,400ft) long. Though you can walk through it, it can be even more fun to go through it in a rental car which is possible for a small fee. The tunnel is decorated with interesting maritime and seafaring motifs paying homage to the main industry of Hamburg. Although going through the tunnel can feel slightly claustrophobic, it is one of the Hamburg experiences that every visitor of the city has to try at least once.
- Hamburger Kunsthalle. A complex of three buildings, the Hamburg Art Museum is one of the most interesting attractions in the city. Now more than 150 years old, it has works by some of the most important German artists, as well as world-famous masters like Goya, Manet, Degas, and Bacon. In addition to the permanent collection, the museum also hosts different temporary exhibits and shows.
Traffic and parking tips
- Unless specifically indicated otherwise, the speed limits it 50km/h (31 mph) in populated or built-up areas. There is no national speed limit on autobahns (highways) and many of them don’t have a set speed limit. However, contrary to what is sometimes stated, about 50% of the autobahns do have their own individual speed limits, so carefully follow the speed limit signs on each road that you’re driving on.
- Where the speed limits are enforced, the tolerance for speeding is low. Driving just 3km/h (2 mph) above the speed limit can, and often will, lead to fines. Many roads that do have speed limits have radars in place.
- Some autobahns have a minimum speed limit that applies to specific lanes, for example, a minimum speed of 110km/h (68 mph) for the left lane and 90km/h (56 mph) for the center lane.
- Because of the very high speed used by some on the German autobahns, be extra careful before switching lanes.
- It is illegal to use a mobile phone while driving. This is strictly enforced and the fines are substantial.
- Children under the age of 12 have to use a child safety seat.
- The legal alcohol limit is 0.05% for experienced drivers and 0.00% for novice drivers. Exceeding these limits can lead to high fines and a licence ban.
- Proof of insurance and the car’s documentation need to be in the car whenever you’re driving.
- When driving, you need to have your passport or ID card with you at all times.
- The general emergency number, like elsewhere in the EU, is 112.
Toll roads
Although Germany has a large number of high-speed motorways, only vehicles that weigh more than 7,5 tons need to pay a toll. This excludes practically all types of rental cars.
There are two tolled tunnels in Germany, the Herren Tunnel in Schleswig-Holstein and the Warnow Tunnel in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
Find out more about the toll roads in Germany on the European toll road website.
Ideas for a day-trip
- Lübeck. Although nowadays Lübeck is a relaxed and quiet coastal city, it was once one of the most powerful and wealthy centers of the Hanseatic League. This proud heritage still survives in the city’s architecture which is best observed in the well-preserved Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located near the Baltic Sea only 67km (41 miles) northeast of Hamburg, Lübeck can be reached in about one hour, making it a perfect day trip destination.
- Bremen. Another German city with the status of a separate state, Bremen is an impressively historical destination. Some famous landmarks include the Statue of Roland, the 1,200-year-old Cathedral of St Peter located on the city’s main square, and Böttcherstraße, one of the most impressive Art Nouveau (or Jugendstil) streets in Europe where some of the city’s finest museums and buildings are located. Bremen is about 125km (77 miles) southeast of Hamburg and can be reached in about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea National Park. A protected wetland area bordering Hamburg, this national park incorporates much of the Wadden Sea, an intertidal zone of the much larger North Sea. The area is home to an impressive variety of wildlife including marine mammals like porpoises and seals and birds like Eurasian oystercatchers and barnacle geese. Located just northwest of Hamburg, the national park can be reached in less than an hour and offers many hiking and other touristic opportunities.
- Kiel. The northernmost state capital in Germany, Kiel is also one of the most interesting cities in this part of the country. Known for its Hanseatic heritage (although the city was eventually expelled from that trading union for providing a haven to pirates), it features such varied attractions as the City and Maritime Museum, Geomar Aquarium, and even the world’s only U-Boat surviving to the present day. The drive between Hamburg and Kiel takes about 90 minutes.
Most popular rental types and cars
The most popular rental car in Hamburg is the Fiat Panda, although many travelers also go for the Skoda Fabia and the Volkswagen Up. The most popular rental car types are mini, economy, and compact.
Further destinations
- Berlin. As famous for its museums as it is for its many distinct neighborhoods and bohemian atmosphere, Berlin might be less glamorous than some other European capitals, but you’d be hard pressed to find a city that’s more fun. Located just 288km (179 miles) southeast of Hamburg, it can make a perfect next stop on your German vacation.
- Amsterdam. Equal parts historic and exciting, the capital of Netherlands really has it all from its many canals, bridges, and museums with world-famous paintings to an upbeat arts and culture scene and fun nightlife. Located just 465km (289 miles) west of Hamburg, Amsterdam can be reached in about 4 hours and 30 minutes. Keep in mind that to go from one city to the other, you’d have to cross an international border, so ask your car rental provider in advance if they permit it.
- Denmark. Boasting the impressive titles of the oldest kingdom and also the happiest nation in the world, Denmark is a slightly underrated, but up-and-coming travel destination. Its capital city Copenhagen is one of the most interesting cities in Europe, but there’s plenty more to explore, from Legoland in Billund to small islands with unique landscapes, fishing villages, and protected areas. Copenhagen is about 335km (208 miles) northeast of Hamburg (you’d have to take a ferry from Puttgarden to Rødby), with many other Danish destinations located much closer. Keep in mind that you’d have to cross the border between Germany and Denmark, so first ask your rental car provider if they permit it.
- North Rhine-Westphalia. Germany’s most populous state is best known for its industrial prowess, but can also be a fascinating place to visit. Attractions include historic cities like Cologne and Aachen, plenty of well-preserved castles, small river valleys, and former mining sites turned into heritage attractions. The state capital, Düsseldorf, is about a four-and-a-half-hour drive northwest of Hamburg.
Car Rental Prices in Hamburg
- Station wagons - from $50 per day
- Large cars - from $47 per day
- Medium cars - from $39 per day
- Vans - from $76 per day
- Premium cars - from $76 per day
- Small cars - from $32 per day
- SUVs - from $55 per day
How can I save money on my rental car?
Try these tips to get a great rental car in Hamburg:
- 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 Hamburg is the cheapest in August when renting a car is about 52% cheaper than the yearly average. Come visit Northern Germany in early summer!
Top 20 Cities near Hamburg
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Berlin Car Rentals from $24.50 per day249.5 km / 155.0 miles away
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395.8 km / 245.9 miles away
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613.4 km / 381.2 miles away
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365.6 km / 227.2 miles away
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Stuttgart Car Rentals from $20.50 per day544.4 km / 338.3 miles away
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Dusseldorf Car Rentals from $20.68 per day346.4 km / 215.2 miles away
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Dresden Car Rentals from $34.65 per day368.6 km / 229.0 miles away
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Hannover Car Rentals from $19.64 per day130.0 km / 80.8 miles away
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465.0 km / 288.9 miles away
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Dortmund Car Rentals from $19.64 per day289.7 km / 180.0 miles away
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Bremen Car Rentals from $28.12 per day106.4 km / 66.1 miles away
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Leipzig Car Rentals from $19.50 per day293.6 km / 182.4 miles away
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Essen Car Rentals from $26.12 per day315.6 km / 196.1 miles away
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Baden-Baden Car Rentals from $32.35 per day552.8 km / 343.5 miles away
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Mannheim Car Rentals from $17.05 per day472.8 km / 293.8 miles away
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Münster Car Rentals from $29.58 per day247.8 km / 154.0 miles away
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Memmingen Car Rentals from $51.99 per day622.6 km / 386.9 miles away
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Koblenz Car Rentals from $24.18 per day396.3 km / 246.2 miles away
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Weeze Car Rentals from $39.71 per day347.1 km / 215.7 miles away
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Flensburg Car Rentals from $24.63 per day139.4 km / 86.6 miles away
Top 17 Locations near Hamburg
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Hamburg Central Train Station Car Rentals from $21.37 per day7.8 km / 4.9 miles away
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Hamburg Airport Car Rentals from $17.77 per day9.7 km / 6.0 miles away
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Hamburg West Car Rentals from $19.13 per day13.1 km / 8.1 miles away
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Bremen Airport Car Rentals from $28.12 per day106.4 km / 66.1 miles away
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Bremen Strom Car Rentals from $25.31 per day108.2 km / 67.2 miles away
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Hannover Airport Car Rentals from $27.04 per day128.2 km / 79.6 miles away
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Hannover North Car Rentals from $19.64 per day130.0 km / 80.8 miles away
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Hannover South Car Rentals from $19.64 per day138.8 km / 86.2 miles away
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Brunswick North Car Rentals from $19.64 per day144.5 km / 89.8 miles away
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Rostock Warnemünde Cruise Center Car Rentals from $33.85 per day145.4 km / 90.4 miles away
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Magdeburg North Car Rentals from $19.50 per day188.0 km / 116.8 miles away
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Osnabrueck East Car Rentals from $25.31 per day199.3 km / 123.8 miles away
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Münster Osnabrück Airport Car Rentals from $57.32 per day229.3 km / 142.5 miles away
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Berlin Tegel Airport Car Rentals from $26.75 per day240.8 km / 149.6 miles away
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Paderborn Lippstadt Airport Car Rentals from $54.60 per day241.3 km / 149.9 miles away
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Berlin Zoo Train Station Car Rentals from $22.56 per day246.3 km / 153.0 miles away
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Berlin Steglitz Car Rentals from $33.52 per day249.2 km / 154.9 miles away
Map of Car Rental Locations
Which is the cheapest month to rent a car in Hamburg?
Car rental prices in Hamburg vary a lot according to the time of year. This graph compares month-to-month price changes to help you find the best offer.
Average Rental Price in Hamburg
The best month to rent a car in Hamburg is August (when prices for an Economy class start from $36.23). This is 52% cheaper than the yearly average and 75% cheaper than renting in November (when rental prices start at $144.48 for a Compact class). Knowing this can help you find the best price.
What’s the usual rental length in Hamburg?
Travel lengths vary from month to month: in October, travelers rent a car for an average of 17 days in November, the average rental period is 4 days.
Average Rental Length in Hamburg
What's the most popular month to rent a car in Hamburg?
While travelers visit Hamburg year-round, the most popular month for renting a car is March, and the least popular is April.
Popularity of Car Rental in Hamburg by Monthly Searches
Most Popular Car Models of Rental Suppliers
| Rental Agency | Model | Doors | Luggage | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Global Rent A Car | Hyundai i20 | 5 | 2 | Small cars |
| Enterprise | VW Golf | 5 | 2 | Medium cars |
| Global Rent A Car | Opel Crossland | 5 | 2 | Medium cars |
| Global Rent A Car | Fiat 500 | 3 | 1 | Small cars |
| Enterprise | Toyota Aygo | 3 | 2 | Small cars |
| Buchbinder | Hyundai i20 | 5 | 2 | Small cars |
| Alamo | Toyota Aygo | 3 | 2 | Small cars |
| Enterprise | Opel Corsa | 4 | 1 | Small cars |
| Enterprise | Fiat Ducato | 4 | 13 | Large cars |
| Alamo | Seat Arona | 4 | 2 | SUVs |
Our Customers Reviews
Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have an option to post a review here. Instead, we ask each and every customer to leave a review after they return their rental. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic, verified, and trustworthy.
TC
Ireland
Opel Corsa
August 9, 2019
Hamburg is an easy city to get around even though there was a lot of roadworks which caused a lot of traffic congestion which causd delays.
EB
Israel
VW Golf
June 16, 2018
The agent mr. Sebastian Kegel was the best of the best. kind, profesional and very helpful but he was not in downtown Hamburg ' he was in
heidhorst.
Top 13 Suppliers in Hamburg in 2021
Keddy
+49407661330
WINSENER STRASSE 210
Working hours
Mon:08:00-11:00; 14:00-17:00
Tue:08:00-11:00; 14:00-17:00
Wed:08:00-11:00; 14:00-17:00
Thu:08:00-11:00; 14:00-17:00
Fri:08:00-11:00; 14:00-17:00
Sat:08:00-11:00
National
+4904051316170
Flughafenstr. 1-3, 22335 Hamburg
Alamo
+494051316170
Flughafenstrasse 1-3, 22335 Hamburg
SIXT
+498966060060
Hachmannplatz 16 im Hbf
Enterprise
+4904032521670 / +490402800560
Heidhorst 7,21031 Hamburg
Europcar
+4940335941
HEIDI-KABEL-PLATZ 10
Working hours
Mon:07:00-18:00
Tue:07:00-18:00
Wed:07:00-18:00
Thu:07:00-18:00
Fri:07:00-18:00
Sat:08:00-13:00
Sun:13:00-18:00
Avis
040431004
Stader Strasse 20
Working hours
Mon:07:00-18:00
Tue:07:00-18:00
Wed:07:00-18:00
Thu:07:00-18:00
Fri:07:00-18:00
Sat:08:00-12:00
Budget
040431004
Stader Str 20
Working hours
Mon:07:00-18:00
Tue:07:00-18:00
Wed:07:00-18:00
Thu:07:00-18:00
Fri:07:00-18:00
Sat:08:00-12:00
Alamo
04051316170
Enterprise Rent A Car
Working hours
Mon:08:00-21:00
Tue:08:00-22:00
Wed:08:00-21:00
Thu:08:00-21:00
Fri:08:00-22:00
Sat:08:00-19:00
Sun:08:00-20:00
Buchbinder
+4940236482410
Amsinckstr. 43,20097 Hamburg
Working hours
Mon:08:00-16:00
Tue:08:00-16:00
Wed:08:00-16:00
Thu:08:00-16:00
Fri:08:00-16:00
Sat:09:00-11:00
Interrent
+4940520187222
Heidi-Kabel-Platz 10
Interrent
+4940236482410
Amsinckstr. 43
Working hours
Mon:08:00-16:00
Tue:08:00-16:00
Wed:08:00-16:00
Thu:08:00-16:00
Fri:08:00-16:00
Sat:09:00-11:00
Global Rent a Car
+4940696481610
Ahrensburger Str. 138-148,22045 Hamburg
Working hours
Mon:07:30-18:00
Tue:07:30-18:00
Wed:07:30-18:00
Thu:07:30-18:00
Fri:07:30-18:00
Sat:08:00-12:00