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Hire a car in Cologne with Hertz
Hire a car in Cologne and explore centuries of history in Germany’s fourth-largest city, home to the Rhine River and the spectacular twin spires of Cologne Cathedral.
Discover the city’s unique attractions, from leading art museums to gems of culinary heaven. Visit the Cologne Chocolate Museum, experience a taste of Brauhaus culture and explore the city’s roman and medieval history and churches.
Our Cologne car hire offices can be found in several locations across the city, including Cologne Bonn Airport, just 14 minutes from the city centre. And why not travel a little further afield and visit other well-known German cities, including Bonn and Dusseldorf.
Choose from our great range of hire cars today and start your adventure with Hertz in Cologne.
Pickup locations in Cologne
- Cologne - Robert-Perthel-Strasse 14-16
- Cologne-Godorf-IKEA
- Cologne- ROLLER
- Cologne, Home24 Outlet Cologne
- Cologne, OBI Koeln Dellbruck
- Cologne, JYSK Cologne Ossendorf
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- Add your spouse as a second driver without an extra fee
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Points are earned on per day time and mileage charges only. Free rental days cover base rate (time and mileage) only. Taxes, optional extras and any other fees are excluded. One-car-class upgrade applies to Compact, Intermediate, Standard & Full-size rentals with a maximum upgrade to a Premium. Additional terms and exclusions apply
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You can skip the counter once your membership is activated after your first rental. Available at select locations only.
Benefits from day one.
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Skip the rental counter at selected locations – just head to your car and go. At selected US rental locations, you can also choose from a wider selection of cars, including exclusive vehicles for top-tier members.
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Earn free rental days with every booking. The more you rent, the faster you unlock elite status.* *Points are earned & redeemed on the base rental rate only. Taxes, fees, & options are excluded. Additional terms apply.
- Share the drive for free
Add your spouse or partner as an additional driver for free.
Cologne car rental driving guide
Parking in Cologne
- Parkhaus An Farina (50667) with 305 spaces, is an affordable car park in the centre of Cologne, a short walk from the train station, cathedral and Museum Ludwig.
- CONTIPARK Parkhaus Am Friesenplatz (Alte Wallgasse) (50672) is open 24/7 near the Cologne Ring road. It's close to local hotels and just a 10-minute walk from major high street shops.
- Park & Ride Parkhaus Kln-Mngersdorf (50933) is one of many park-and-ride services, ideal for cheap parking and public transport into the city. Handy if staying outside Cologne.
Key roads in Cologne
- The Cologne Ring road (Klner Ringe) also known as the Bundesstrae 9 (B9) is a convenient road system that surrounds central Cologne in a semi-circle for moving easily around the city.
- The A1 is one of Germany's Autobahn routes. Head north from Cologne to visit Munster or Hamburg.
- Bundesautobahn (A3) runs from the Germany-Netherlands border near Wesel to the Germany-Austria border near Passau. It can take you southeast to Bonn or Frankfurt
How to get from Cologne to Dusseldorf
It's just under an hour's drive, and 45km, from Cologne to Dusseldorf.
- Leave Cologne on the B57 and head north.
- As you approach Dusseldorf, continue on the B46 and then pick up the A1.
- Finally turn right onto Fritz-Roeber-Strae, and head into the city centre.
How to get from Cologne to Brhl Castle
The palaces of the World Heritage Site Brhl Castle are about a half hour drive, 18km, from central Cologne. Follow the A51 out of the city and pick up the Autobahn A555 (Cologne-Bonn) until you reach the exit for Godorf/ Brhl.
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A quick guide to Cologne
Excelsior Hotel Ernst am Dom
Trankgasse 1-5, 50667 Cologne
A landmark luxury hotel opposite Cologne Cathedral, offering classic elegance, Michelin-starred dining, and personalised service. Valet and garage parking make arriving by car seamless - even in the heart of the Altstadt.
NH Collection Köln Mediapark
Im Mediapark 8B, 50670 Cologne
Modern and stylish, this hotel overlooks a lake and park in Cologne’s business district. Spacious rooms, wellness facilities, and underground parking offer a peaceful stay just minutes from the city centre by car or on foot.
Hotel Lyskirchen
Filzengraben 26, 50676 Cologne
Just south of the old town, this four-star hotel combines comfort with location. Enjoy an indoor pool, sauna, and secure parking - ideal for those who want quick access to the riverfront, shops, and museums.
Gruber’s
Clever Str. 32, 50668 Köln
A contemporary restaurant offering a blend of classic and modern European dishes with a focus on fresh ingredients. Known for its elegant setting and warm atmosphere, it’s perfect for a sophisticated meal. Convenient parking is available nearby for easy access.
Bei Oma Kleinmann
Zülpicher Str. 9, 50674 Köln, Germany
A beloved local favourite, Bei Oma Kleinmann serves hearty traditional German dishes, including famous schnitzels, in a warm, homely atmosphere. Located in the vibrant Zülpicher Strasse, it offers a cosy dining experience with nearby parking for convenient access.
Ox & Klee
Im Zollhafen 18, 50678 Cologne
A Michelin-starred restaurant offering a unique ‘experience menu’ with local ingredients reimagined in creative formats. Located in the stylish Rheinauhafen district with valet and secure garage parking nearby.
Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom)
Domkloster 4, 50667 Köln
Germany’s most visited landmark towers over the city. Climb the south tower or explore the treasury. Underground parking nearby makes visiting easy, even in the busy Altstadt.
Museum Ludwig
Heinrich-Böll-Platz, 50667 Köln
Next to the cathedral, this museum houses modern art icons like Warhol, Picasso, and Lichtenstein. Parking is available at the nearby Dom and Philharmonie garages.
Rheinauhafen District
A revitalised area along the Rhine River, Rheinauhafen boasts modern architecture, cultural attractions, and waterfront cafés. Perfect for a leisurely walk or exploring art galleries, it’s easily accessible with parking nearby, making it a popular destination for visitors and locals alike.
Rent an electric car in Cologne
Looking for a greener way to explore Cologne? Hertz offers electric car hire at Cologne, making sustainable travel easy and convenient. Choose from the latest EV models and enjoy a smooth, quiet, eco-friendly drive with zero emissions. Experience the future of driving.
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