Car Rental in Luxembourg City

Why rent a car in Luxembourg City?

Recognized for its political stature and very high standard of living, the capital of Luxembourg is well known, but not that visited by foreign travelers, especially if compared to its neighbors like Paris or Brussels. Those who make their way to this somewhat enigmatic city will discover a cozy destination with plenty of history, sophistication, and scenery to explore. 

Top ways to enter Luxembourg City

• Luxembourg Airport: Also known as Luxembourg-Findel, the only international airport in the country served more than 4 million travelers in 2018. A large hub for Luxair, Luxembourg’s flag carrier, the airport is also served by some 15 other airlines including low-cost companies like easyJet and Ryanair. In addition to serving passenger traffic, Luxembourg Airport is also one of the busiest cargo airports in Europe. Located just 7km (4.3 miles) northeast of Luxembourg City, the airport can be reached in about 10 minutes.
• Metz-Nancy Airport: Also known as Lorraine Airport after the region in which it is located, this small international airport serves Northeastern France. As of July 2019, five different airlines fly to Metz-Nancy, connecting it with destinations in the rest of France as well as Belgium, Greece, Morocco, and other countries. Many flights are only scheduled during the summer months. The airport is 100km (62 miles) south of Luxembourg City and can be reached in about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
• Hahn Airport: Sometimes also called Frankfurt-Hahn, this small airport in the German state of Rhineland-Palatinate serves around two million travelers every year. Only three airlines fly to and from it - low-cost carriers WizzAir and Ryanair as well as Air Serbia. Located 113km (70 miles) northeast of Luxembourg City, the airport can be reached in about 90 minutes.
• Brussels Airport: The primary airport serving the capital city of Belgium and the European Union, Brussels-Zaventem is one of the largest airports in Western Europe. Served by nearly 40 different airlines, it offers countless flights to and from Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Just 215km (133 miles) northwest of Luxembourg City, the airport can be reached in about 2 hours and 20 minutes.
• Frankfurt Airport: With nearly 70 million travelers served in 2018, Frankfurt Airport is the fourth-busiest in Europe. The airport is a large hub for Lufthansa but is also served by tens of other airlines including a number of low-cost carriers. The airport is located 220km (136 miles) east of Luxembourg City and the distance between the two can be traveled in 2 hours and 30 minutes by car.

Note: If you plan to arrive in Luxembourg by flying to an airport in Germany, France, or Belgium, and then picking up a rental car to drive the rest of the way, ask your rental car provider in advance if they permit you crossing the border. While all four countries are part of the Schengen Area and there are no border checks between them, some rental car providers might not permit it; others will allow crossing the border, but will not permit dropping off a car in another country. If that is the case, another option is to travel from the airport to Luxembourg City by public transportation and to pick up a rental car after arriving there.

City facts

• Despite not being located on the coast, its proximity to the North Sea means Luxembourg City has a mild oceanic climate. The average high temperature is 23°C  (74°F) in July, the warmest month, and 3°C  (38°F) in January. The precipitation in the city is moderate and steady throughout the year; there is usually some snowfall from December to February.
• One of the six founding states of the European Union (EU), Luxembourg is also its second-smallest and second-least populous member state (ahead only of Malta). As of 2019, Luxembourg had a population of 589,000. On the other hand, Luxembourg has the fifth-highest population density among the 28 EU member states. It is also the country with the highest GDP per capita among EU members; it has more than double the GDP per capita of Sweden, which is the fourth-richest member.
• Luxembourg City is frequently mentioned as one of the European cities with the highest quality of living, outscoring nearby Brussels, Paris, and Amsterdam. High levels of income, low unemployment, and low crime rates are some of the factors contributing to its high ranking.

Top sights and activities

• Bock Fortifications. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Bock is a natural fortification in the northeastern part of Luxembourg City. The impressive fort has been standing in defense of the city for centuries and has experienced attacks from the Habsburgs, Prussians, Castilians, and many other invading armies. In the 18th century, a labyrinthine network of passages or casemates was created underneath it. Nowadays, a tour through them is one of the main reasons why tourists visit Bock. 
• Luxembourg City History Museum. Although the area around Luxembourg City has been inhabited since at least the Roman times, the founding of the city itself dates back to the late 10th Century. Luxembourg City History Museum is dedicated to telling this 1,000-year-long story through displays of various artifacts as well as audio-visual exhibits. 
• Cathedrale de Notre Dame. Luxembourg City’s own Notre Dame, this beautiful church was built in the early 17th century by Jesuit monks. Built in the Gothic-Renaissance style, it received cathedral status in 1870 and was significantly enlarged in the 1930s. To this day, it remains the only cathedral in Luxembourg.
• Grand Ducal Palace. Luxembourg is a monarchy, so seeing the official residence of the grand duke is definitely one of the main experiences in the country. While you’re not going to meet the distinguished man himself — the beautiful building is only open to tourists for six weeks in July and August when the royal family is on vacation — a tour of this beautiful palace can give you a surprisingly fun insight into the history and politics of the country.
• Kirchberg. A northeastern quarter of the Luxembourgish capital, Kirchberg is the central business district of the city, and also the location of some of the most interesting modern architecture in the country. Some of the highlights of the area include the National Library of Luxembourg and the main building of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU).

Traffic and parking

• Luxembourg drives on the right-hand side of the road.
• Unless specifically indicated otherwise, the speed limits are 130km/h (80 mph) on motorways (but lowered to 110km/h (68 mph) if it’s raining), 80km/h (50 mph) on all other roads outside populated areas and 50km/h (31 mph) within urban and built-up areas. Fines for speeding are among the highest in Europe.
• It is illegal to use a mobile phone while driving.
• The legal alcohol limit is 0.05% for experienced drivers and 0.02% for novice drivers. Exceeding the limit can lead to large fines, a licence ban, and even imprisonment. 
• Speed cameras are in use in Luxembourg.
• Proof of insurance and the documentation of the car need to be in it whenever you’re driving.
• All cars have to be equipped with winter tires in case of snowy and icy road conditions. Do ask your rental car provider about winter tires if you’re visiting Luxembourg during the winter months. 
• When driving, you need to have your passport or ID card with you at all times.
• The emergency number, like elsewhere in the European Union, is 112.

Toll roads

As of August 2019, there are no toll roads in Luxembourg. 

Ideas for day trips

• Esch-sur-Alzette Canton. Also known as the Land of the Red Rocks, this southwestern region of Luxembourg is its former industrial heartland. It is not shy about this heritage and from heritage railways and the National Museum of Luxembourg Iron Mines to a narrow-gauge train tour through some of the empty mines, there’s plenty to explore. The town of Dudelange also has interesting museums that aren’t related to former industry, the Nei Liicht / Dominique Lang Contemporary Art Museum and the National Museum of Resistance. Dudelange is just 18km (11 miles) south of Luxembourg City and can be reached in about 25 minutes.
• Ardennes. A patchwork of woodlands, hills, and streams, Ardennes is a beautiful area in the northern part of the country. Shared with France, the area is also famous for its unique rock formations. A great place to spend the day outdoors, Luxembourgian Ardennes are mainly made up of the Diekirch District. About 40km (25 miles) northwest of Luxembourg City, the area can be reached in about 35 minutes.
• Mondorf-les-Bains. Founded by the Celts and later inhabited by the Romans, the small town of Mondorf punches away above its weight when it comes to historical attractions. It is also famous as a spa town with Mondorf’s warm and mineral-rich waters having attracted visitors for centuries. When it comes to more contemporary attractions, Mondorf is also home to the Aviation Museum of Luxembourg. Located 30km (18 miles) southeast of Luxembourg City, Mondorf can be reached in about 30 minutes.
• Moselle Valley. The southeastern region of Luxembourg includes the aforementioned Mondorf but deserves a mention of its own as one of the most interesting parts of the country. Situated along the beautiful Moselle river that it shares with Germany, it is home to Roman sites, the Schengen Palace, and some of the bucolic vineyards in this part of Europe.
• Mullerthal. Known for its strong industrial roots and high rates of present-day urbanization, Luxembourg is not thought of as a nature destination, but luckily for lovers of the outdoors, there remain places to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. In addition to the aforementioned Moselle Valley, one such place is Mullerthal, a village of 62 souls, but also a northeastern region of the country known for its hiking trails and unique rock formations. Sometimes called Little Switzerland, Mullertahl is only a 35-minute drive from the capital.
• Echternach. Small even by Luxembourgish standards – it is home to only 5,000 permanent inhabitants – Echternacht is nonetheless a notable travel destination as it is the oldest settlement in the country. Its historical character is cemented by such landmarks as the Basilica of Saint Willibrod, the Prehistoric Museum, and even the remains of an Ancient Roman villa. Located in the eastern part of the country on the border with Germany, Echternacht is only half an hour’s drive from Luxembourg City.

Most popular cars

The most popular rental car in Luxembourg is the Volkswagen Up, although many travelers also go for the Renault Zoe and the Skoda Fabia. The most popular rental car types are mini, economy, and standard.

Further destinations

• Trier. Located on the banks of the beautiful Moselle River, Trier is the oldest city in Germany. Once Inhabited by Romans, it still has plenty of ancient sites and relics such as the Porta Nigra Gate, the Basilica of Constantine, and the Trier Imperial Baths. When it comes to more recent attractions, the city is also known as the birthplace of the German philosopher Karl Marx; his childhood residence has now been turned into a museum. Located just 49km (30 miles) northeast of Luxembourg City, Trier can be reached in about 50 minutes.
• Metz. A small and picturesque city in Northeastern France, Metz is best known for its rich history. The number one attraction is Cathedrale St-Etienne, one of the most famous (and most beautiful) churches of France, but travelers also love the Moyen Pont Bridge and the Metz Opera House. Located 100km (62 miles) south of Luxembourg City, Metz can be reached in about 1 hour and 10 minutes.
• Liege. The largest city of French-speaking Belgium, Liege combines the old and the new to create a unique personality of its own. Most visitors go to see Liege’s historical center which features landmarks like the exquisite Hôtel d’Ansembourg Museum, the Palace of Prince-Bishops, and the Archeoforum, a Roman site. But those who venture outside the old town will also not be disappointed, since the Outremeuse museum district, the hedonistic Carré area, and some great local restaurants await. Located 132km (82 miles) north of Luxembourg City, Liege can be reached in about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
• Strasbourg. Not just one of the capitals of the European Union, Strasbourg is also one of the finest cities in France and perhaps the main tourist attraction of the country’s northeast. Known for its beautiful architecture, as well as museums, galleries, and other cultural institutions, it also offers access to the surrounding Alsatian vineyards and countryside. Located 225 km (140 miles) southeast of Luxembourg City, Strasbourg is just a two-and-a-half hour drive away.

Note: To go from Luxembourg to either Germany, Belgium, or France with a rental car, you’ll have to cross a border. Even though all four countries are members of the European Union and the Schengen Area, and therefore no physical borders are in place, you should still ask your rental car provider in advance if they permit you crossing the border. In case not, it’s always possible to travel by public transportation and pick up a rental car after arriving at your destination.

Car rental prices in Luxembourg City

• Large cars - from €35 per day
• Station wagons - from €37 per day
• Small cars - from €34 per day
• Medium cars - from €34 per day
• SUVs - from €35 per day
• Premium cars - from €115 per day

Money-saving and other tips

Follow these tips to land the best available rental car in Luxembourg City:

• 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 Luxembourg is the cheapest in December when renting a car is about 70% cheaper than the yearly average and a whole 85% cheaper than renting a vehicle in May. Why not go to Luxembourg for your Christmas vacation?