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Finding a rental car in Frankfurt am Main is easy with Road Genius. Compare prices of vehicles from dozens of suppliers across Germany with no booking fees. Choose the city center or Frankfurt Central Station to avoid airport surcharges. For late arrivals and quick access to the A3 and A5, pick up at Frankfurt Airport.
| Location Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Frankfurt Central Station (Hauptbahnhof) | • No airport surcharge • Convenient for train arrivals • Multiple companies in Mietwagenzentrum • Close to city attractions |
• City traffic when departing • Limited operating hours (often until 18:00) • Parking may be limited at pickup • Difficult navigation on one-way streets |
| City Center (Innenstadt) | • No airport surcharge • Convenient for city-based travelers • Options near financial district • Walk-in availability |
• Dense urban traffic • Limited vehicle selection • May have restricted weekend hours • Parking challenges during pickup |
| Frankfurt East/Messe | • Less congested than center • Easier highway access • Near exhibition grounds • Better parking at pickup |
• Less convenient for central hotels • May have limited operating hours • Fewer walk-in options • Potentially limited vehicle selection |
On average, car rentals in Frankfurt cost around €58 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from €31 per day.
Compare airport vs city pickup: Frankfurt city locations like Hauptbahnhof or Innenstadt avoid the airport surcharge, but have shorter hours. If your timing fits, city pickup can be cheaper.
Match booking to season: For summer and big Messe weeks, booking 3-4 weeks ahead usually beats last-minute spikes. In Nov-Mar, compare over time and rebook if prices drop.
Check weekly rates for 5+ days: A weekly deal often beats day-by-day pricing for longer trips.
Keep drivers to a minimum: Extra drivers typically add €5-10 per day each.
Use Park & Ride for city days: P+R lots around Frankfurt are about €2-5 per day vs €15-30 per day in central garages.
Refuel off the Autobahn: Fill up in the suburbs rather than on the highway or in the city center to avoid higher fuel prices.
| Parking Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Street Parking | • Limited availability in center • Payment via meters or apps • Time restrictions in many areas • Active enforcement issuing tickets |
| Car Parks | • Recommended options: Am Dom, Börse, Hauptbahnhof • Konstabler, Skyline Plaza near Messe • Electronic signs show available spaces • Pay at machine before returning to car |
| Park & Ride | • Available at outer transport hubs • Connect to U-Bahn/S-Bahn for city access • More economical for day visits |
Old Town/Römer: Use Dom/Römer garage or Parkhaus Hauptwache
Zeil Shopping District: Konstablerwache or MyZeil center car park
Museumsufer (Museum Row): Street spots along Schaumainkai or nearby garages
Messe Frankfurt (Exhibition Center): Dedicated Messe structures
Is a car necessary for visiting Frankfurt city?
Not for the city center. Frankfurt has excellent public transport, including the U-Bahn, S-Bahn and trams. You'll find a car most useful for exploring areas outside the city.
How is parking in Frankfurt compared to other German cities?
You'll find it's similar to other major German cities. Parking in the center is limited and quite expensive, but you can find many parking garages. Outside the center, it's easier to park and often free.
What's the best route to avoid central Frankfurt when passing through?
You can take the A5/A3 routes around the west and south, or the A661 on the east side, to bypass the city entirely. For east-west travel, taking the A3 south of the city is better than driving through the center.
Are there any driving restrictions during major Frankfurt events?
Yes, during big events like the Frankfurt Book Fair or major exhibitions (e.g., Ambiente, Automechanika, Light + Building), authorities may manage traffic differently on some roads around the exhibition grounds. You'll also find that parking becomes very limited and expensive in these areas.
What's the best time to drive in Frankfurt to avoid traffic?
You'll find less traffic mid-day (10:00-15:00) on weekdays and early in the morning on weekends. Try to avoid rush hours (7:00-9:00 and 16:00-18:30) on weekdays.
Can I easily drive to neighboring countries from Frankfurt?
Yes, Frankfurt's central location makes it a great place to start international road trips. France is about 2 hours west, Luxembourg 2.5 hours, Belgium 3 hours, Switzerland 3.5 hours south and the Netherlands 4 hours northwest.
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