We have great offers for daily, weekly and long term rentals in Ilmenau. Find the cheapest prices online, for your future Car Rental in Ilmenau 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 Ilmenau 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 Ilmenau and surcharges from our partners on the final price.

Quality & Expertise

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


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Why rent a car in Ilmenau?

Renting a car in Ilmenau offers the flexibility to explore the picturesque Thuringian Forest at your own pace, allowing you to visit secluded natural spots and historical sites that are less accessible by public transport. With a personal vehicle, you can comfortably travel to nearby attractions such as the Kickelhahn mountain and the Schaubergwerk 'Volle Rose' mine, enhancing your experience of the region's rich cultural and natural heritage.

Car rental tips for Ilmenau

  • Ilmenau does not have its own airport; the nearest major airport is Erfurt-Weimar Airport, approximately 40 km away. It's advisable to rent a car from the airport upon arrival to facilitate easy travel to Ilmenau and the surrounding areas.
  • The Thuringian Forest region features winding and sometimes steep roads. Ensure your rental car is equipped with appropriate tires, especially during winter months, and familiarize yourself with the vehicle's handling on such terrains.
  • If you plan to visit nearby cities like Erfurt or Weimar, be aware that some urban areas have environmental zones requiring a special emissions sticker. Verify that your rental car complies with these regulations to avoid fines.
  • Before embarking on your journey, check the fuel policy of your rental agreement. Some rental companies require you to return the car with a full tank, so plan accordingly to refuel before returning the vehicle.

FAQs about renting a car in Ilmenau

What is the recommended car type/category?

A compact or mid-sized car is ideal for navigating Ilmenau and the surrounding Thuringian Forest. These vehicles are well-suited for the region's narrow and winding roads, and they offer better fuel efficiency, which is beneficial given the hilly terrain.

What are the parking options?

Ilmenau offers various parking options, including public parking lots and street parking. In the city center, parking spaces can be limited during peak hours, so it's advisable to use designated parking areas or garages. Always check for parking regulations and fees to avoid fines.

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 speed limits and adjust your speed according to road conditions.

Popular attractions

  • Kickelhahn: Standing at 861 meters, Kickelhahn is the highest point in Ilmenau, offering panoramic views of the Thuringian Forest. The mountain is historically significant, as Johann Wolfgang von Goethe wrote his famous poem 'Wanderer's Nightsong' here in 1783.
  • Schaubergwerk 'Volle Rose': This show mine provides insights into the region's mining history. Visitors can tour the underground tunnels and learn about the extraction of minerals like manganese and fluorspar, which were vital to Ilmenau's industrial past.
  • Goethe-Stadt-Museum: Located in the former Amtshaus, this museum showcases Ilmenau's history and its connection to Goethe, featuring exhibits on the poet's visits and the town's development over the centuries.
  • Jagdhaus Gabelbach: A historic hunting lodge built in 1783, now serving as a museum that highlights 18th-century hunting and forestry practices, as well as Goethe's involvement in the region's cultural life.

More places to visit

  • Erfurt: Approximately 33 km north of Ilmenau, Erfurt is the capital of Thuringia, known for its well-preserved medieval city center, including the impressive Erfurt Cathedral and the Krämerbrücke bridge.
  • Weimar: About 50 km northeast of Ilmenau, Weimar is renowned for its cultural heritage, being the home of Goethe and Schiller, and the birthplace of the Bauhaus movement.
  • Oberhof: Located roughly 25 km west of Ilmenau, Oberhof is a popular winter sports destination, offering facilities for skiing, biathlon, and bobsleigh.

Highly recommended by our customers

All Car Rental Brands in Ilmenau

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

National Car Rental

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Alamo Car Rental

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SIXT Car Rental

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Enterprise Car Rental

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Budget Car Rental

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Europcar Car Rental

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Hertz Car Rental

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Thrifty Car Rental

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Keddy 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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Ilmenau: 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.