How to find a cheap car hire deal in Dortmund
Whether you need a compact for zipping through the city streets or an SUV built for road trips, we'll help you find a cheap rental car in Dortmund. Pick from options averaging $156 a day and travel your way for less.
Daily rental prices in Dortmund start from just $79.
Staying a while and want to go further than the usual stops? $208 is the lowest rate for a weekly rental.
Timing makes all the difference when it comes to finding the best price on a Dortmund car hire. Try booking around one week before your departure date.
Enterprise, Alamo and Keddy By Europcar are some of the top-ranked providers in the city. Use them as a starting point to compare offers.
Whether you book with Enterprise or another supplier, double-check the coverage on your Dortmund car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others sell it as a separate extra.
Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to pick up a bargain if the provider needs to relocate some of its vehicles. Discover the best available rates by selecting 'Return car to a different location.'
Avoid any unexpected fees by booking a ride with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Begin and end your trip with a full tank, and pay only for what you use.
Explore without limits by booking a rental with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, it means you can drive as far as you want without extra charges.
Best value car hire options right now
You'll find the best deal with this company. Prices average $152 a day.
Next in line is this provider, offering daily rates of around $178.
The third option also helps keep costs down. Expect to pay roughly $164 a day for one of their rentals.
The Compact rental category is a dependable pick if you're not quite sure what kind of ride you need. It's also the vehicle type that's booked more than any other in Dortmund.
Flying to Dortmund? Think about an airport pick-up
Make arrival day easier by picking up a car hire at Dortmund Airport. If you're flying to Dortmund through this hub, simply collect your wheels after landing and head out. The drive to the city centre is about 13 kilometres and takes around 20 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Dortmund
Small: Whether you're weaving through city traffic or taking a quick trip, this car category delivers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can look forward to excellent fuel efficiency and easy handling.
Medium: Not too small, not too big, this is the kind of rental even Goldilocks wouldn't second-guess. Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they strike a balance of fuel efficiency and interior space and are good for couples and small families.
Large: You've got the kids, the toys, the bags, the works. Large vehicles have got the space to pack it all in without breaking a sweat. Ideal for long-distance trips, this Dortmund car hire category includes full-size cars.
SUV: SUVs are ready whenever wanderlust hits. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for urban streets and winding backroads alike.
Van: Choose this category of vehicle when you want a car for rent in Dortmund that can handle the heavy stuff. Typically featuring commercial vans and trucks, they're built to carry more, whether that's supplies, baggage or a bunch of your favourite people.
Insurance and optional extras
Excess insurance covers what you'd otherwise have to pay if your Dortmund car hire is stolen or damaged. While not mandatory, it can be a real lifesaver if something goes wrong. Keep in mind that not all insurance policies are equal, so make sure you know exactly what's included.
Make travel easier when you rent a car in Dortmund by adding a few handy extras. Think things like a GPS unit to be your trusty co-pilot, or reverse cameras that make parking feel effortless.
Good to know
Rental age requirements aren't the same everywhere. Companies can set their own policies, and if you're under the minimum age, you could be hit with extra charges or rules. Check the terms set by each supplier before booking your car hire in Germany.
If you've got the kids in tow, find out if you need to add a car seat to your Dortmund car hire booking. Whether a legal requirement or not, they're always the safest way for youngsters to travel.
Make sure you have the necessary documents when you pick up your ride. As a general rule, bring a valid driver's licence, a credit card with enough balance for the excess (debit cards usually aren't accepted), and additional photo ID. Your booking will confirm exactly what's required.
Get familiar with your rental. Set up your seat and mirrors, find the lights and blinkers, and get a feel for its handling before you drive away. And remember to stick to the right side of the road in Germany.
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.05% applies in Germany. The safest way to stay legal to drive is to avoid drinking altogether.
Around 8am is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination. Try to avoid peak times generally for a smoother trip.
You'll be using the euro (EUR) here. Along with your bank cards, consider having some cash handy for minor purchases.
German is the language you'll most often encounter in this country.
Best hotels in Dortmund for drivers
Pull in, drop your bags, and start relaxing at Hotel Esplanade Dortmund. Offering parking as well as a restaurant and room service, this hotel is about 3 kilometres from central Dortmund.
Radisson Blu Hotel Dortmund is another good fit if your plans involve plenty of exploring. It features accessible parking, plus a pool bar and a garden. Make this your base and you'll be roughly 2 kilometres from the city centre.
Explore the full lineup of hotels in Dortmund and pick the stay that suits your plans. Filters make it easy to tailor your search to what you need — like 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' or 'Outdoor parking.' There's even an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to find hotels with on-site charging.
After you've locked in a car hire deal in Dortmund and your hotel, the only thing left to decide is where to explore first. Get started with big attractions like Dortmund Christmas Market, Museum of Natural History and Deutsches Fußballmuseum.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Dortmund
Navigate your way to Essen. Around 32 kilometres west of central Dortmund, you'll find must-sees like PACT Zollverein and Philharmonie Essen.
You'll be well looked after at Four Points Flex by Sheraton Essen and Super 8 by Wyndham Oberhausen, two reliable accommodation options with parking in Essen.
Add Duisburg to your holiday plans too. Pick up your cheap car hire in Dortmund and drive about 48 kilometres west to discover main draws such as Rhine River and Botanical Garden.
Relax after a day out and about in Duisburg at Mercure Hotel Duisburg City or Elaya Hotel Oberhausen. These hotels cater to visitors bringing their own car.
Stretch your journey and road-trip it to Hannover, roughly 177 kilometres northeast of Dortmund. First, visit The Old Town, then follow it up with Orangerie Herrenhausen.
All that's left to do now is sleep. DORMERO Hotel Hannover and Wyndham Hannover Atrium have space for both you and your wheels while visiting Hannover.
