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Finding a car rental in Berlin is simple with Road Genius. Compare prices from dozens of suppliers in Germany with no booking fees. Pick up a car rental at Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER), Berlin Central Station or city branches like Alexanderplatz and Kurfürstendamm and choose from economy, SUV, electric and van options. Filter for automatic transmission, one-way rentals or cross-border travel to Poland and book early for summer and major events.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) | • All major rental companies in Terminal 1 • Cars located in adjacent garage P2 • Counters open until 23:00 (some until midnight) • Direct access to A113 Autobahn |
• Airport surcharge on rental rates • Approximately 25 km (15.5 miles) from city center • Traffic jams possible when driving to city • Waiting times during peak arrival periods |
| Berlin Central Station (Hauptbahnhof) | • No airport surcharge • Central location for city stays • Several rental agencies available • Ideal if exploring the city by public transport first |
• Shorter opening hours than the airport • Requires driving in city traffic immediately • Fewer cars to choose from than at BER • Garage pickup points vary by company |
| City Locations (Alexanderplatz, Kurfürstendamm) | • Convenient for city center stays • May offer competitive rates • Easy to reach by public transport (U-Bahn/S-Bahn) • Potentially cheaper than airport |
• Shorter operating hours • Limited parking at rental office • You start driving directly in busy city traffic • Cars may be parked in a nearby garage |
On average, car rentals in Berlin cost around €65 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from €20 per day.
Compare pickup locations: Airport rentals add surcharges. City spots like Hauptbahnhof or Alexanderplatz can be about 10-15% cheaper.
Book with timing that fits Berlin: For summer and big events (Marathon, ITB, Berlinale) book 3-4 weeks ahead. Off-season, 1-2 weeks is usually fine. Re-check prices before pickup.
Right car, right price: Manuals are more common and cheaper than automatics. Smaller cars cost less and fit Berlin’s tight parking.
Play with dates and length: Weekly deals often beat daily pricing for 5+ days. Shifting pickup/return by a day can change the rate.
Skip add-ons: Extra drivers typically cost €5-10 per day. Use your phone for navigation instead of paying for a GPS.
Fuel and parking smart: Return with a full tank. Use Park & Ride at outer S-Bahn stops like Olympiastadion or Südkreuz and parking apps to avoid pricey central garages.
| Type | Cost (Approx.) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Street Parking | Varies by zone | • Divided into zones, many require payment Monday-Saturday 9 AM-8 PM • Payment via meters or apps (EasyPark) • Residential areas may require permits (look for "Parkzone" signs) • Yellow lines or "Halteverbot" signs indicate no parking |
| Parking Garages / Lots | Varies by facility | • Good options: Alexa Mall (Alexanderplatz), Mall of Berlin (Leipziger Platz) • Sony Center (Potsdamer Platz), Europa Center (Zoo) • Electronic signs show available spaces • Pay at machine before returning to car |
| Park & Ride | Often free or low cost | • Available at outer S-Bahn stations (Olympiastadion, Südkreuz) • More economical for day trips into city • Connect to public transit for city center access |
Brandenburg Gate/Reichstag: Limited street spaces; use Unter den Linden garage
Museum Island: Use Alexanderplatz or Rathaus garages and walk
Kurfürstendamm shopping: Multi-level garage at Los-Angeles-Platz is centrally located
East Side Gallery: Street spaces available on side streets; watch for residential zones
Book a rental so you can get to:
Potsdam & Sanssouci – Sanssouci Palace, Neues Palais
Sachsenhausen Memorial – Oranienburg Palace
Spreewald (Lübbenau) – Lübbenau, Lehde
Saxon Switzerland – Bastei
Baltic Sea (Usedom) – Ahlbeck, Heringsdorf
Poland (Szczecin) – Old Town, Pomeranian Dukes’ Castle
Is a car necessary for visiting Berlin?
No, you don't need a car to explore the city itself. Berlin has excellent public transport. You'll find a car most useful for day trips outside the city or for getting to certain spots in the suburbs.
Where can I find fuel stations in Berlin?
You can find major chains like Shell, Aral and Total all over the city. Some are hidden in small lots or under buildings. Stations in the city center might close at 10 PM or midnight, but the ones on major roads are often open 24 hours.
How can I avoid parking tickets in Berlin?
You should always check signs carefully for any rules and payment instructions. You can use parking apps to see the exact time limits. In residential areas, look for "Bewohnerparkausweis" signs. These show that you need a permit to park there.
Can I drive directly to tourist attractions in Berlin?
Many major sites are in or near pedestrianized areas. You can find parking at the Berlin Wall Memorial, East Side Gallery and Olympic Stadium. For attractions in the center, like Brandenburg Gate, it's better to park in a nearby garage and walk.
Are there any driving restrictions during major Berlin events?
Yes, big events like the Berlin Marathon, public holidays and demonstrations can cause major road closures, especially in the city center. You should check with local authorities or your hotel about any planned closures during your visit.
How does car sharing work in Berlin?
Companies like ShareNow and Sixt Share let you rent cars for short periods, by the minute or hour. They can be a good option instead of a normal car rental for quick trips in the city. You can usually drive outside Berlin, but you have to end your trip inside the company's service area. You cannot take the cars across the border, and the company might restrict long-distance driving or charge you extra fees.
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