Car Rental for Berlin and Eastern Germany
Quick summary: A rental car is a flexible way to explore beyond Berlin if you’d prefer hotels to a campervan. Berlin itself is best seen by public transport, so collect a car when you’re ready to head to Potsdam, the Spreewald, the Baltic coast or Saxony. You can compare car rental across Germany, including Dresden and Hamburg airports, and Prague Airport for trips that start in Czechia.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Berlin | Best explored without a car |
| Germany | Compare rentals nationwide |
| South | Dresden Airport |
| North | Hamburg Airport |
| Czechia | Prague Airport |
| Tours | Full-day tours |
Where can you pick up a rental car?
| Option | Best for | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Germany-wide comparison | Berlin and nationwide trips | This page |
| Dresden and Hamburg airports | Saxony or the north | Dresden and Hamburg airports |
| Prague Airport | Starting in Czechia | Prague Airport |
What do you need to rent a car in Germany?
Rental desks in Germany typically check your license and passport and take a card deposit. Licenses from outside the EU may need an International Driving Permit alongside them, and young-driver charges depend on the car class.
What should you know about driving?
Berlin’s center has a low-emission zone, trams and many cyclists, and autobahns have posted limits in many sections. See driving in Germany.
Car or campervan?
See campervan or car.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, public transport is excellent within the city.
Compare rentals across Germany, or at Dresden, Hamburg or Prague airports.
Yes, in the low-emission zone. Rentals usually have one.
Often yes. Check your rental terms.