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Compare car rental prices from leading companies in Munich with Road Genius. From affordable cars to premium SUVs and minivans, you'll find vehicles at great prices in convenient locations. Pick up at Munich Airport (MUC) for the widest selection and longer hours, or choose city center locations to avoid the airport surcharge. Popular drives include Neuschwanstein, the Romantic Road and Salzburg, and if you plan to enter Austria, carry your passport and buy a highway vignette.

Map of campervan rental depots near 539184

Location Type	Pros	Cons
Munich Airport (MUC)	Largest selection of vehicles 24-hour service available Direct autobahn access Convenient for immediate departures	Airport surcharge (approximately €30) Potential for longer wait times during peak travel seasons 40 km (25 miles) from city center (30-45 minute drive)
City Center	No airport fees Convenient if staying in Munich Multiple locations around the city Near main train station (Hauptbahnhof)	Limited operating hours (usually 8 AM-6 PM) More limited vehicle selection Navigating city traffic at the start Finding the rental office in an unfamiliar city
Train Station (Hauptbahnhof)	Central location with easy transit connections Convenient for rail-to-car transitions Multiple agencies on-site	Premium location fee (around 20% surcharge) Potential for crowds when trains arrive Traffic and short-term parking can be challenging
Suburban Locations	Sometimes lower rates Less busy than central locations Often near S-Bahn stations	Potentially inconvenient to reach More limited hours Reduced vehicle selection

Car Rental Prices

How much does it cost to rent a car in Munich?

On average, car rentals in Munich cost around €58 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from €31 per day.

Low-cost rental tips

Compare pickup spots. Munich Airport adds about €30 or ~20%. City center avoids airport fees but has shorter hours. Suburban branches near S-Bahn can be cheaper if convenient.
Time your booking to the season. Book early for Oktoberfest, summer and Christmas markets. In off-peak winter (except December), prices often drop, so compare rates before locking in months ahead.
Pick a smaller manual to save. Automatics cost 15-25% more, and economy cars are the cheapest to rent and park in Munich.
Use length-based deals. Check weekend specials and weekly rates. Friday to Monday promos and 7-day bookings can be 10-20% cheaper than day-by-day.
Skip paid extras. Use your phone for navigation, bring child seats if practical, and limit extra drivers. These add €5-15 per day each.
Avoid add-on fees and pricey fuel. Collect and return during standard hours, return full-to-full, and refuel in town instead of autobahn stations. Driving into Munich? Use P+R lots (€1.50-3/day) to avoid city garage prices.

Local Parking and Driving

Parking Type	Cost Range (Approximate)	Time Limits	Tips
Street Parking (Blue Zone)	Paid	Usually 2-4 hours max	Look for blue lines or signs Pay at machines and display ticket Limited availability in central areas Free on Sundays and holidays in most areas
Parking Garages	Varies	Usually no time limit	"Parkhaus" signs display electronic boards More expensive in the city center Some offer early bird rates (entry before 9 AM) Height restrictions (usually 2m (6.5 ft))
Park & Ride (P+R)	Low cost	All day	Located near outer S-Bahn and U-Bahn stations Combined tickets available for public transport Much cheaper than city center spots Fill up early on weekdays
Resident Zones	Permit only	For residents	Blue zones have additional resident restrictions Strictly enforced and carry fines Avoid leaving your car in these areas

Low Emission Zone (Umweltzone):
- Covers the entire area inside the Mittlerer Ring
- Rental cars will have the required green sticker
- Entry without proper sticker results in a notable fine
Speed Limits:
- City streets: 50 km/h (31 mph)
- Residential areas: Often 30 km/h (19 mph) (watch for signs)
- Mittlerer Ring: 60-80 km/h (37-50 mph) (variable)
- Autobahns: Often 120 km/h (75 mph) near the city, unlimited in some rural sections
Mittlerer Ring Road:
- The main ring road around central Munich
- Connects to all major highways
- Several tunnels have specific regulations
- Good alternative to crossing through the city center
Pedestrian Zones:
- Extensive in the city center (Marienplatz, Kaufingerstraße)
- No vehicle access (enforced by bollards and cameras)
- GPS might not reflect all restricted zones
- Heavy fines for unauthorized entry

Why rent a car in Munich

Rent a car to see:

Neuschwanstein Castle – A96, B17, parking €8–10, Füssen
Bavarian Alps / Deutsche Alpenstraße – Berchtesgaden, Lindau, photo stops, hiking trailheads
Salzburg, Austria – A8, passport, vignette
Bavarian Lake District – Starnberger See, Ammersee, Chiemsee
Rothenburg ob der Tauber – Romantic Road, parking lots by city walls
Lake Constance – Lindau, A96, border crossings Austria, Switzerland

Local Rental Locations

Driving Distances from Munich

FAQs

How do I navigate Munich's Low Emission Zone (Umweltzone)?

Munich's Low Emission Zone is the area inside the Mittlerer Ring. All major rental agencies will give you a car that has the needed green environmental sticker (Umweltplakette). The zone is always active, and if you drive in without the right sticker, you could get a big fine.

What's the best way to handle parking in Munich?

You'll find street parking in central Munich is hard to come by and usually limited to 2-4 hours. You can use parking garages (Parkhäuser), which are handy but expensive at €2-4 per hour. If you need to park for longer, we suggest using Park & Ride (P+R) facilities near S-Bahn or U-Bahn stations. You can park there for €1.50-3 a day and then take public transport to get into the city center.

Do I need special preparation for driving in the Alps?

If you are traveling to the Alps, especially in winter, you should make sure your car has winter tires. Rental cars usually have them from October to Easter. You should check the weather and road conditions before you leave, because snow can close mountain passes. You also need to carry the right clothes and emergency supplies. Make sure you are comfortable driving on winding roads up steep hills and follow any signs that say you need to use snow chains.

Can I drive my Munich rental car to other countries?

Most major rental companies let you drive to nearby countries like Austria, Switzerland, France and Italy. They might charge you extra for certain places. You must tell the rental company your plans to drive abroad when you pick up the car. Remember that other countries have their own driving rules, like needing a special highway sticker in Austria or a highway tax sticker in Switzerland.

What should I know about the autobahns around Munich?

You'll find several major autobahns around Munich (A8, A9, A92, A94, A95, A96, A99). Some parts have no speed limits, but many sections around the city have limits of 120 km/h (75 mph) or less because of heavy traffic. You can use the A99 ring autobahn to avoid city traffic if you're driving between different autobahns. You can get traffic updates from digital signs and local radio stations.

Is it worth renting a car if I'm only staying in Munich?

If you're only planning to stay in Munich's city center, you'll probably find public transport is easier than a rental car because of traffic, parking limitations and pedestrian-only zones. However, renting a car is a great idea for day trips to places like Neuschwanstein Castle, the Alpine Road or the Bavarian lakes. For these trips, public transport can be limited or take a lot of time.