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Embark on a Seamless Drive from Cologne to Frankfurt

Enjoy the convenience of one-way car rentals with comprehensive tips and advice

Can I rent a car from Cologne to Frankfurt?

Yes, you can rent a car for a one-way trip from Cologne to Frankfurt. Many major companies offer this service, but there are specific requirements, especially for foreign renters.

Documents required for DE residents
Documents required for international visitors
  • Form of ID: A valid physical Italy national photo ID or Germany national photo ID.
  • Driving Licence: The main driver and any additional drivers must provide a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements. The licence should be held for at least 1 year.

    Notes: If you are renting a Citroen DS7 CROSSBACK or similar, Nuova C5 X Hybrid or similar, Jeep Compass or similar, AUDI Q5 or similar, or Q5 S-Tronic or similar, please ensure that both your driving license and ID document are issued by the same country.

  • Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted credit cards include Visa, Master, JCB, DinersClub, Discover, AMEX, and UnionPay. Some policies support XpCard, DcCard, or UnCard.
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be between 18 and 80 years old. Young drivers aged 18-24 may incur additional fees, such as US$ 15.01 to US$ 29.86 per day, depending on the policy. Some policies cap the total fee for young drivers.
  • Driving Licence: The main driver and any additional drivers must provide a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements. The licence should be held for at least 1 year. Accepted driving licence include:
    • Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP) (Please note that an IDP is only a translation. You must present your original driving licence with the original IDP at the counter.)
    • EU Driving Licence
    • Original driving licence + Official embassy translation in English (Please note that your English translation should be authorized by the embassy).

    Notes: Non-local licenses from countries that are part of the International Driving Permit Agreement must be accompanied by an International Driving Permit. Renters with licences from countries that are not part of the International Driving Permit Agreement should contact customer service for help.

  • Form of ID: A valid passport.
  • Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted credit cards include Visa, Master, JCB, DinersClub, Discover, AMEX, and UnionPay. Some policies support XpCard, DcCard, or UnCard.
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be between 18 and 80 years old. Young drivers aged 18-24 may incur additional fees, such as US$ 15.01 to US$ 29.86 per day, depending on the policy. Some policies cap the total fee for young drivers.
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How much does renting a car from Cologne to Frankfurt cost?

One-way rentals typically includes a drop-off fee, depending on the company and distance. Below are approximate rates for different vehicle types:

Cheapest Economy Rate

Starting from

US$ 52/day
Cheapest SUV Rate

Starting from

US$ 59/day
Vehicle Types
Vehicle TypesDaily Rate(One-way Fee Included)One-way FeeTotal(3-day Trip)Best For
SmallUS$ 109-US$ 169US$ 0-US$ 81US$ 156-US$ 211Solo travelers, couples
MediumUS$ 155-US$ 226US$ 0-US$ 81US$ 214-US$ 519Small families, light luggage
LargeUS$ 155-US$ 212US$ 0-US$ 89US$ 183-US$ 340Families, comfort seeker
SUVUS$ 152-US$ 205US$ 0-US$ 81US$ 176-US$ 340Large groups, long drivers
PremiumUS$ 246-US$ 355US$ 55-US$ 68US$ 418-US$ 605Families, comfort seeker
VanUS$ 116-US$ 437US$ 0-US$ 148US$ 210-US$ 996Large families, groups

What should I pay attention to for a one-way rental?

Key Consideration:
  • One-way fee: Ensure to review potential additional charges for returning the car to a different location than where it was picked up.
  • Drop-off restrictions: Be aware of specific limitations in returning a vehicle in another city or country as dictated by rental company policies.
  • Mileage policies: Understand if your ride limits mileage or offers unlimited daily miles to avoid unexpected fees.
  • Vehicle availability: Check the availability of your preferred car type for one-way journeys during booking.
  • Insurance coverage: Confirm whether your insurance covers journeys between different locations or regions.
Smart Planning Tips:
  • Book early: Ensure better rates and availability for one-way rentals by planning and reserving ahead of your trip.
  • Refuel before drop-off: Avoid excessive refueling charges by returning the vehicle with a full tank as agreed.
  • Explore rental options: Compare different rental agencies to secure the best deal and vehicle for your needs.
  • Verify drop-off conditions: Understand any specific measures or conditions the rental car must satisfy when returning it.
  • Plan drop-off timing: Returning the car within agreed timeframes will help avoid late return charges.
Insurance: A Critical Consideration

Rental car insurance is essential for peace of mind on your journey. Counter rates can be expensive, often adding $20-40 per day to your rental cost.

QEEQ Online Car Rental Insurance
  • Comprehensive coverage for your rental vehicle
  • Approximately 50% cheaper than counter rates
  • Easy online purchase before your trip
Learn More About QEEQ Insurance
Book Earlier for Better Rates

Car rental prices fluctuate based on demand and availability. Booking in advance typically secures better rates, especially during peak travel seasons.

QEEQ One-Dollar Freeze
  • Reserve your vehicle with just $1 upfront
  • Price Drop Protector automatically tracks price changes
  • Automatic rebooking when prices drop
Learn More About One-Dollar Freeze

Refueling, Parking and Tolls

Refueling
Parking
Refuel Policy Basic

Refuel the car before returning to avoid extra charges.

Always keep the last refueling receipt as proof.

Refuel at stations near the drop-off location for convenience.

Fuel Cost

The average fuel cost along this route is approximately €1.80 per liter.

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain a steady speed of around 90-100 km/h for optimal fuel efficiency.

Ensure tires are properly inflated to reduce rolling resistance.

Minimize air conditioning usage and keep windows closed at high speeds.

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Cologne Parking

Public parking garages are available near the city center.

Street parking is limited and often requires a permit.

Consider using park-and-ride facilities for long-term parking.

Frankfurt Parking

There are multiple parking facilities near Frankfurt's main train station.

Hourly rates vary from €2 to €4 depending on location.

Use mobile apps to find available parking spots in real-time.

Recommended Parking Apps

Parkopedia

EasyPark

PayByPhone

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Popular Self-Drive Routes

Cologne to Frankfurt Scenic Routes:
Rhine Valley Route
Scenic drive 3 hours

Experience the beauty of the Rhine River, passing through charming villages and vineyards.

Bonn , Koblenz , Mainz
Highway A3 Direct Route
Efficient transit 2 hours

A direct route with minimal stops, perfect for quick travel.

Limburg , Wiesbaden
Route Through Taunus Mountains
Nature-focused drive 3.5 hours

Drive through scenic mountain landscapes with opportunities for hiking and nature exploration.

Bad Homburg , Idstein
Road Trip Insights for Renters

Choose the right vehicle: Select a fuel-efficient and comfortable car suitable for long distances.

Know your route: Research driving routes and conditions beforehand to stay informed.

Fuel up wisely: Identify key fuel stations with competitive prices along your route.

Check rental policies: Review terms to avoid unexpected fees for one-way rentals.

Budget for tolls: Include potential highway toll costs in your travel expense planning.

Emergency readiness: Ensure basic tools and contact numbers are accessible in case of a breakdown.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

Choosing a company with comprehensive one-way rental services is crucial for your journey. This guide includes companies renowned for quality service on the Cologne to Frankfurt route.

CompanyOne-Way FeeFleet VarietyLocation CoverageKey Advantage
Company A$$HighExcellent 24/7 customer support , Wide vehicle range , Flexible return options
Company B$$$MediumGood Multiple pricing options , Generous fuel policies , Fast check-in/out processes
Company C$HighExcellent Affordable options , No hidden fees , Frequent promotions
Company D$$MediumGood Family-friendly vehicles , Seamless booking system , Convenient locations
QEEQ

Access to 110,000+ locations worldwide with 1,000+ suppliers for the best rates

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Global Coverage

200+ countries and regions

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Best Rates

Compare across providers

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24/7 Customer Services

Through phone, online chat & Whatsapp

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Exclusive Features

One-Dollar Freeze & Price Drop Protector

Explore QEEQ Car Rentals
Selection Criteria for One-Way Rentals:
Pricing Considerations
  • Base rental rate per day
  • One-way drop-off fees
  • Additional driver charges
  • Insurance costs
  • Fuel policy and potential charges
Vehicle Selection
  • Vehicle size for passengers and luggage
  • Fuel efficiency for long drives
  • Comfort features for highway driving
  • Navigation and entertainment systems
  • Vehicle condition and mileage
Company Reliability
  • Customer service reputation
  • Transparency in fees and policies
  • Roadside assistance coverage
  • Cancellation and modification policies
  • Reviews from other one-way renters

Rental Car Centers in Frankfurt

Operating Hours:

Open daily from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM.

Car Rental Center Location:

Located at Terminal 1, Level 5, near the parking structures.

Shuttle Availability:

Complimentary shuttles operate every 15 minutes from the airport terminal to the rental center.

Highway Access:

Direct highway connection facilitates quick departure to various destinations.

Pro Tips for Cologne-Bonn Airport(CGN) Car Rentals

Arrive during off-peak hours to avoid crowds, and have your booking details and ID ready for a smoother experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a one-way car rental, and is it available for the Cologne to Frankfurt route?

A one-way car rental allows you to pick up a rental car at one location and return it to a different location. Yes, this option is typically available for the route between Cologne and Frankfurt, depending on the car rental company you choose.

Are additional fees applied for returning the car at a different location?

Most car rental companies charge a one-way fee when you return the vehicle to a location different from where it was picked up. It's advisable to confirm this fee while booking as it can vary significantly depending on the rental agency and availability.

What documentation is required to rent a car for this route?

You generally need a valid driver’s license, a credit card for the rental deposit, and identification like a passport or ID card. Ensure your driver’s license is recognized in Germany if you're an international visitor.

Can I rent a car in Cologne and drop it off at Frankfurt Airport?

Yes, most car rental companies operating in Germany accommodate rentals picked up in Cologne to be dropped off at the Frankfurt Airport. Booking in advance ensures finding availability for this specific arrangement.

What are the road conditions like between Cologne and Frankfurt?

The route between Cologne and Frankfurt is serviced by well-maintained highways, including sections of the Autobahn, where speed limits may not apply. Ensure you follow the local driving laws and prepare for potential traffic during peak travel times.

Ready to Book Your Cologne to Frankfurt Adventure?

Find the best rates and exclusive features with QEEQ