We have great offers for daily, weekly and long term rentals in Essen. Find the cheapest prices online, for your future Car Rental in Essen in 4 quick easy steps. Book now at the lowest possible rates only with a small down payment and pay the rest when you pick up the car.

  • Customer benefits:
  • Quality & Expertise
  • Free amendments before rental start
  • Free cancellation up to 48h before rental
  • 24/7 customer service
  • Club Member Discount

Flexible Booking Process

No need for huge up-front costs. Search for the best deal for you in Essen and book it with only a small advance payment, you will pay the remaining amount during the car pickup time.

Free Extras & Cancellation

In case your plans change you can cancel or do minor modifications for free up to 48 hours before your rental starts. We will also include all special offers in Essen and surcharges from our partners on the final price.

Quality & Expertise

We constantly evaluate our partners in the level of service they provide in Essen so we can ensure the quality of service you will receive.


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Why rent a car in Essen?

Renting a car in Essen provides the flexibility to explore the city's diverse attractions at your own pace, from the UNESCO-listed Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex to the serene Grugapark. With a vehicle, you can easily access both urban highlights and nearby destinations, enhancing your travel experience.

Additionally, having a car allows for convenient day trips to surrounding areas, such as the picturesque town of Kettwig or the historic Villa Hügel, without the constraints of public transportation schedules.

Car rental tips for Essen

  • Essen is well-connected by major highways, making it convenient to pick up a rental car from the city center or nearby airports. Ensure you have a valid driver's license and familiarize yourself with local traffic regulations before driving.
  • While driving in Essen, be mindful of environmental zones ('Umweltzonen') where only vehicles meeting specific emission standards are allowed. Ensure your rental car has the appropriate emissions sticker to avoid fines.
  • If you plan to visit neighboring countries, confirm with the rental agency that cross-border travel is permitted and inquire about any additional fees or requirements.
  • Essen's public transportation is efficient, but having a rental car provides the flexibility to explore attractions outside the city center, such as the Villa Hügel or the Baldeneysee, at your own pace.

FAQs about renting a car in Essen

What is the recommended car type/category?

A compact or mid-sized car is ideal for navigating Essen's urban environment and nearby attractions. If planning excursions to rural areas or neighboring cities, a vehicle with comfortable seating and efficient fuel consumption is advisable.

What are the parking options?

Essen offers numerous parking garages and on-street parking options throughout the city. While parking is generally available, it's advisable to check for any parking fees or restrictions, especially in the city center.

What's the speed limit?

In Germany, the general speed limits are 50 km/h (31 mph) within urban areas, 100 km/h (62 mph) on rural roads, and on the Autobahn, while some sections have no specific limit, a recommended speed of 130 km/h (81 mph) is advised. Always adhere to posted signs and adjust speed according to road conditions.

Popular attractions

  • Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this former coal mine now serves as a cultural hub, housing museums like the Ruhr Museum and the Red Dot Design Museum, showcasing the region's industrial heritage and contemporary design.
  • Museum Folkwang: Renowned for its extensive collection of 19th and 20th-century art, including works by Van Gogh and Picasso, this museum is a must-visit for art enthusiasts.
  • Grugapark: A vast public park featuring botanical gardens, animal enclosures, and recreational facilities, offering a green oasis within the city.
  • Villa Hügel: Once the residence of the Krupp family, this 19th-century mansion set in a sprawling park now hosts art exhibitions and concerts.
  • Essen Cathedral (Essener Dom): Dating back to the 9th century, this cathedral is home to the Golden Madonna, one of the oldest known sculptures of the Virgin Mary.

More places to visit

  • Kettwig: A charming district of Essen, Kettwig boasts well-preserved half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets, and scenic views along the Ruhr River.
  • Baldeneysee: An artificial lake offering opportunities for sailing, cycling, and lakeside dining, popular among both locals and visitors.
  • Mülheim an der Ruhr: A neighboring city known for its historic old town, the Camera Obscura museum, and the Aquarius Water Museum.

Highly recommended by our customers

All Car Rental Brands in Essen

Experience the difference with rentals from trusted brands. We focus on quality and customer satisfaction, so you can enjoy every mile of your journey.

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Enterprise Car Rental

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National Car Rental

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Alamo Car Rental

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SIXT Car Rental

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Budget Car Rental

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Hertz Car Rental

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Europcar Car Rental

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Keddy Car Rental

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Thrifty Car Rental

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AVIS Car Rental

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Firefly Car Rental

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: This company has yet to receive any customer evaluations.

Find a car according to your needs


Small / Economy

You want a small, fuel-efficient vehicle for your trip? We provide a large range of options for you to select from. Save money while still getting a reliable vehicle!

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Hybrid / Electric

A hybrid car rental gives you the option to travel using different kinds of power, save energy, and cut down on emissions. Get where you need to go without constantly stopping for gas.

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Prestige Cars

Renting a luxury car gives you the chance to drive your dream car at an affordable price. This puts you in the driver’s seat of luxury cars from internationally renowned brands.

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Stationwagon / Minibus

You are on a family vacation or group outing? Our minibus and station wagons are perfect for the job. Minivans and 7-9 seaters are designed to provide a comfortable ride for everyone to enjoy.

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Essen: Most popular locations



The cheapest car rental deals


*Displayed prices are the best daily rates found by our customers during the last two weeks. (Subject to change)

Website advantages

  • Destinations in almost every city in the world.
  • Competitive prices from trusted car rental brands
  • Genuine customer evaluation scores for each brand
  • Multilingual website

Customer benefits

  • Free amendments before rental start
  • Free cancellation up to 48h before rental
  • 24/7 customer service
  • Club Member Discount

One ways are supported! You want to pick up your car and return it to a different location, we can do it!

No hidden fees with us! Select your preferences and see the total prices before booking! Any extra fees that may apply because of driver's age or late pick up time selection, will always be included on the total price.

No need for full payment! Book your car with just a small amount and give the rest upon pick up.