Car Hire in Dresden
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        About Dresden

        Dresden is a city in Germany, more precisely in the federal state of Saxony. It is the capital of the state and the second most populous city in Saxony, right after Leipzig. Dresden is also the 12th most populous city in Germany. The city area includes the towns of Freital, Pirna, Radebeul, Meissen, Coswig, Radeberg and Heidenau. The city was founded on the banks of the Elbe and is the second largest city on this river after Hamburg. The first evidence of settlement in the area dates back to the Neolithic period, about 7500 B.C. Later, there were several Slavic villages in the area and in the 12th century, the city of Dresden was founded. The city experienced several ups and downs during its history. Probably the most tragic event took place during World War II, when the city was heavily bombed and almost completely destroyed. This left behind a rich and long-gone city with a completely destroyed infrastructure. After World War II, Dresden was renovated and rebuilt and many famous and iconic architectures were rebuilt so that today many tourists and travellers who come to this city can admire the wonderful scenery that this city offers with its streets, buildings and other cultural, historical and religious sites that are worth visiting.

        Today, it is one of the most visited cities in Germany, which is mainly due to the fact that this city has become a cultural, educational and political centre of Germany. It also has a well-developed industry, especially the high-tech industry, as the city is often called "Silicon Saxony" because of the many high-tech industries that are based here.

        So, if you are taking a road trip through Germany, be sure to put this amazing and unique city on your list of destinations to stop by and spend a few days. You definitely will not regret it. The city is well connected to other parts of Germany and the transport infrastructure is well developed. All you need to do is rent a car, buckle up and drive safely!

        Basic info and car hire in Dresden

        • Location: State of Saxony, Germany
        • Population: 556,227
        • Official language: German
        • Currency: Euro
        • Weather: Dresden has an oceanic climate
        • Internet coverage: Hotels, bars, restaurants, and cafés offer Wi-Fi.
        • Road conditions:  Most roads in Dresden are in good condition.
        • Car hire in Dresden:  The most common pick-up point for vehicles in Dresden is at Dresden Airport. Please note that prices vary frequently. It is best to book a car 3 to 8 weeks in advance of your desired pick-up date - this will ensure you get the cheapest rental rate. Alternatively, it is also possible to find cheap last-minute car hire. Find the best deal on car hire in Dresden!

         Driving in Dresden

        Renting a car is the best option in Dresden if you want to properly explore the city and especially its surroundings. The roads are in good condition and the city is well connected with other parts of the country. The traffic directions are clear, so all you need to do to have a great driving experience in this city is to follow the rules and obey all the road signs. Traffic can be quite heavy at times, especially during rush hours, as some parts of the city, especially the city centre, are a bit more difficult to navigate, the roads are not as wide, and traffic jams often occur.

        If you want to explore the city centre, it is best to park your car in one of the many parking lots in the city or even outside the city and then use public transportation or a combination of public transportation and walking to get the most out of Dresden.

        Dresden is also an ideal starting point for your road trip through Germany. All you have to do is rent a car, make a good plan, buckle up and drive safely.

        Before visiting other German cities, make sure you know the rules for the so-called environmental zones. An Umweltzone in Germany is a zone where motorised vehicles are only allowed to enter with an environmental badge. In German, these zones are called Umweltzone, which translates as an environmental zone. As of 2021, there are 58 environmental zones in Germany, covering more than 70 cities. The obligation to possess the environmental badge applies to both German and foreign passenger cars (M1), motor homes (M1), heavy caravans (M1), minibuses (M2), buses (M3), vans (N1), transporters (N2), trucks (N2) and heavy commercial vehicles (N3).

        • Age limits: The minimum age to drive a car in Germany is 18 years old. The minimum age to rent a car in Germany is 21 years old, however, some suppliers allow young drivers from 18 years of age to rent a car from them. A young driver fee can apply for drivers that are under 25 years of age. This information is visible in the search engine Orbit Car Hire.
        • International Driving Permit: You are required by law to carry your Drivers Licence when driving. An International Driving Permit is required in addition to a National Driving License if the National Driving License you or any of the Additional Drivers hold is not clearly identifiable as a Driving License, eg, it is in a non-Latin alphabet (eg Arabic, Chinese, Cyrillic, Japanese). It can also depend on the country or car rental company you are renting with. If you have found a car on our website, you can press the rental terms link from the supplier for more information about driving license requirements. You will need to provide a copy of your driver's license when applying for the license. If you are mailing your application in, a copy of both the front and the back of the license should be included. You also must present two passport photos to get an international driver's license in Germany.  This is all that you need to obtain an international license for driving in Germany. 
        • Additional papers:  A credit card in the name of the main driver needs to be presented. A security deposit may be required while renting a car so the credit card must have sufficient funds. You can find details about the security deposit listed while booking the vehicle as well as on your voucher. It is important to have a valid driving license with the name of the main driver as well as additional drivers when it applies.Identification(passport or ID), and valid proof of insurance. When you pick up your rental car you need to have your voucher with you. At Orbit Car Hire you can buy additional coverage so you can travel throughout Germany without worry. 
        • Additional requirements:  It is a legal requirement that vehicles have certain safety gear, such as orange vests, caution triangles, and a first aid kit. Verify with your car rental where these are located in your car. You also need to check that you have additional light bulbs (are usually already in the car and are provided by the car rental company).Glasses (in case you need glasses, you must always have a spare pair in the car),
        • Children in the car:  Everyone in the vehicle is required to wear a seatbelt. If a passenger is found without one, then the driver is held responsible with a high fine. In Germany, it is illegal to travel in a car with a child under 3 years old not strapped into an approved child safety seat. Children under twelve (and under 150cm) must have a booster or restraint system and be seated in the back. Ask when booking for a suitable system to be included when you collect your hire car.
        • Driving side of the road: Right Hand
        • Lights: You must turn your lights on any time you can't see at least 1000 feet ahead. Use your low-beam headlights whenever it is raining. 
        • General speed limits: When driving in towns, the speed limit is automatically 50 km/h unless stated otherwise. When driving out of towns, the speed limit is automatically 100 km/h unless otherwise stated. NOTE: There will not always be a speed limit sign! Therefore, you need to know that as soon as you enter a village or “built-up” area that automatically means the speed limit is 50km/h! 65% of the highways in Germany (Autobahn) have no speed limit.

        Car Hire in Dresden

        Most popular car hire at Dresden

        The most selected hire car in Dresden is the Fiat 500, Renault Clio or Opel Corsa. Renault Captur is also being a popular option. The most popular car types in Dresden are mini and economy. 

        Popular Driving Routes

        Popular One-Way car hire from Dresden

        Want to rent a car for a one-way trip? No worries! Orbit Car Hire offers a variety of one-way Car Hire options in many locations outside of Dresden. One-way car rental is ideal for cross-town or cross-country travel, saving time by not returning to your original location. Start your reservation with Orbit Car Hire and find great options on one-way car hire at locations across the Germany.

        • Dresden-Leipzig (120km with approximately 1,5 hours of drive)

        • Dresden-Berlin (193km with approximately 2,5 hours of drive)

        • Dresden-Magdeburg(237km with approximately 3 hours of drive)

        • Dresden-Gera (142km with approximately 1,5 hours of drive)

        Popular day trips from Dresden

        Most, Zoblitz, Marienberg, Pobershau, Wolkenstein, Amtsberg, Belgern, Maasdorf (Brandenburg)...

        What to see in Dresden

        Dresden is a very popular city among tourists from Germany and also tourists from all over the world. This unique city has a lot to offer for all types of tourists and travellers. It is up to you what kind of vacation you prefer, but one thing is for sure, you will not get bored in Dresden, because there are really many interesting historical, cultural and religious sights that are worth visiting.

        One of the most popular attractions of the city is the Frauenkirche, which is known as one of the largest churches in Europe. It was built in the 18th century and completely destroyed during the Second World War. After the war, the church was renovated and restored and is now one of the most visited attractions in the city.

        The Zwinger is another outstanding place to visit when you come to Dresden. The construction of this architectural masterpiece was started in the 16th century and completed in the 18th century. This building has so much to offer, from many festivals and theatre seats to beautiful decorations throughout the building and also beautiful gardens that are a masterpiece in themselves.

        The Zwinger is home to the Old Masters Picture Gallery, the great collection of Italian, Spanish, Dutch and Flemish Renaissance art. There are more than 750 paintings and other works of art on display here.

        Other sights and things to do in Dresden: Semper Opera House, Dresden Residence Palace, Green Vault, Prince's Train, Dresden Porcelain Collection, Bruehl Terrace, Albertinum, Dresden Cathedral, Neustadt, Kunsthofpassage, Pillnitz Palace & Park, Panometer...

        Drive your rental car beyond Dresden

        Germany, or the Federal Republic of Germany as the country's official name, is located in Central Europe and is the second most populous country in Europe after Russia. Germany borders Denmark to the north, Poland and the Czech Republic to the east, Austria and Switzerland to the south, and France, Luxembourg, Belgium, and the Netherlands to the west. The country's capital and largest city is Berlin, and Germany's financial centre is Frankfurt. In many ways, Germany is undoubtedly one of the strongest and most developed countries in the world. It is the country with the largest economy in Europe and the fourth largest economy in the world. It is a world leader in several industrial, scientific and technological fields and is both the third largest exporter and the third largest importer of goods.

        But of course, Germany is not just an industrial and financial giant. It is a country with many opportunities in many different fields. From arts, education, tourism, sports, etc. Germany has a long and turbulent past with all kinds of events and among these events, there are some that Germans are not very proud of, such as the World War. There are many monuments, museums and places that commemorate these events and send a warning to the world that this kind of event should never happen again.

        Germany consists of 16 states (Schleswig-Holstein, Hamburg, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Bremen, Brandenburg, Berlin, Lower Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, Saxony, Thuringia, Hesse, North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, Saarland, Baden-Wuerttemberg and Bavaria), and each of them has something different to offer and is really worth visiting. The country lies between the Baltic and North Seas in the north and the Alps in the south. So there really is a lot to see and do here, from the south to the north. One of the great advantages of this country is the fact that the road infrastructure here is really well developed and among the best in Europe. It is an ideal country for a road trip. You should probably do more than one road trip through Germany if you want to explore it properly, but you can be sure that you will have a great time no matter which part of the country you want to explore. You can either opt for the bigger cities in Germany, as there are a large number of cities in this country and there are really countless interesting things to see and do in most of the cities. Also, there are many festivals that take place throughout the year. So you just need to research well and make a good plan before coming here, because you really need to be well organized if you want to see and do as many things as possible.

        In Germany, there are also many great options for those who prefer a more active type of vacation. For those who love the mountains, there are many great mountain trails and routes that you can explore either on your own or with a guided group. In the Alps you can also do many other activities, from climbing to mountain biking, skiing, snowboarding, skating on the many great lakes, etc.

        If you are not interested in the mountains, you can always visit the lakes and rivers or even try rafting or kayaking. The countryside in Germany is also beautiful and worth experiencing. You can also drive around and visit many romantic little villages where you can learn more about the German culture and traditions, meet the locals and try some local specialities. If you decide to explore the German countryside, you can also be prepared to see some amazing castles. Some of them are abandoned and only ruins remind us that the castle was here in the past, but some castles are still alive and are being renovated to house museums, galleries, etc. and are spectacular tourist attractions. An interesting fact about Germany is that it is the country with the third largest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Besides castles, there are fascinating churches and other majestic architecture all over the country that will simply take your breath away.

        For technology freaks and lovers of the automotive industry, there are some of the most famous brands from this country whose factories and museums you can visit, e.g. BMW, Mercedez, Audi...

        The country is also famous for its gastronomy and it is important to highlight two traditional German flagships in this field. The beer is undoubtedly one, with the Oktoberfest, one of the most famous festivals in the world, where record-breaking amounts of beer are sold every year, and then of course the sausage, as it is called. If you are in Germany, you should definitely try the sausage and the beer. This is German tradition and pride.

        Dresden

        Visit Dresden

        Where to eat, drink, and party in Dresden

        If you are in Dresden, you have the perfect opportunity to explore traditional German cuisine. For example, one of the most popular traditional German cakes comes from Dresden. It is called Stollen and it is a fruit bread made of nuts, spices and dried or candied fruits dusted with powdered sugar. This cake is especially popular during the Christmas season. Of course, there are also many restaurants where you can order modern German cuisine. If you want, you can also visit some restaurants where you can order menus from all over the world.

        Best restaurant in Dresden

        Restaurant Stresa

        Restaurant Moritz

        Genuss-Atelier

        Schmidt's Restaurant & Gourmetcatering

        Mamma Mia

        Estancia Beef-Club

        Restaurant Daniel

        My Booking

        What you need to know about renting a car

        faq
        How do you make a booking with Orbit Car Hire?

        You can easily book your vehicle with Orbit Car Hire. First, you must choose the date and location of your rental in our booking form. In the next step, you can pick the vehicle you want from the list. After filling out the personal information form, there is a step where you choose the payment method and fill in your credit card information. Finally, you can print out your voucher needed at pick-up time.

        What are the charges for security deposits?

        Every car rental has a security deposit policy. You will find the information about the security deposit while booking the vehicle or on your voucher. 

        What if I would like to change my booking?

        If you need to change the booking you made through Orbit Car Hire. Don't hesitate to contact our customer support team at customerservice@orbitcarhire.com or by phone at +44 20 8089 0089. You can cancel your booking free of charge at least forty-eight hours before your rental is due to start. For further information, please read the Terms of Use. 

        How do I cancel my booking?

        You can cancel your booking free of charge at least forty-eight hours before your rental is due to start. For further information, please read the Conditions of Use. Our customer service team will address your requests in due time:

        When do I pay for the rental car?

        You pay a small deposit when making the booking as a guarantee. The remaining balance is paid when you pick up your rental vehicle. Please keep in mind that the payment at the counter is paid in local currency. 

        What is included in the price?

        Most of the reservations made by Orbit Car Hire include unlimited mileage, local tax, mandatory fees, and collision damage waiver. In steps 1 and 2 in the booking process or on your voucher, you can see all the details about your booking inclusions.

        Are there any hidden fees?

        There are no hidden charges! All mandatory surcharges and fees are presented in the 3rd step of the booking process and our Terms and Conditions. Please note that additional charges may apply for some rentals in the case of:

        • Out-of-hours surcharge (when picking up the vehicle outside of office hours),
        • One-way fee (when returning the vehicle at a different location),
        • The service charge for fuel (prepaid fuel policy),
        • Young/senior driver fee (the car hire company sets this condition and is usually not about the regulation of the specific country),
        • Excess and deposit amount (before hiring, you need to ensure your credit card limit is high enough for the deposit amount to be blocked, which usually equals the excess amount or higher).

        We advise our clients to read the Terms and Conditions carefully before the rental to avoid surprises. Our knowledgeable customer service agents will gladly help you with any questions via phone, email, or live chat during our opening hours.

        What is a voucher, and why do I need it?

        A voucher is a document that confirms your booking, the price, and the payment of your booking. Having your voucher with you at the time of pick-up is mandatory. If you do not have the voucher at the pickup, the vehicle provider may refuse to release the vehicle to you or change the rental price.

        What is an airport or premium location fee?

        A Premium location/airport fee is a fee that covers the location service costs. This fee is usually included in the price but may still occur at some locations and is charged locally.

        What is Premium Coverage, and how does it work?

        Premium Coverage is an optional service by Orbit Car Hire that, if accepted, covers your financial accountability for damage or theft to the hired vehicle. This is not insured with a car hire company that reduces the excess amount, but a cover refunds you if the car hire company charges you for damage or theft. With this option, you will be reimbursed up to 3000 EUR. You can read the Terms and Conditions or contact us for more information.

        How do I find cheap car hire online?

        Prices vary frequently. Booking a car 3 to 8 weeks before your desired pick-up date is best - this will ensure you get the cheapest rental rate. Alternatively, it is also possible to find cheap last-minute car hire. 

        How many countries do you compare to?

        We at Orbit Car Hire compare car hire prices in over 140 countries, including popular destinations within Europe such as Portugal, Spain, Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, Iceland, Croatia, Malta, France, Slovenia, and Germany. 

        What currency should I use to pay for the car?

        You can pay the confirmation fee on Orbit's page in EUR, GBP, ISK and USD. When you pick up your car hire, you will pay the remaining balance in the currency of the pickup country. 

        Can I rent a car from inside the terminal?

        You can hire a car from inside the terminal. When you compare our offers, you can filter "In Terminal" to see all the offers we have that are inside the terminal. 

        What is the cheapest car to rent?

        The cheapest car to rent is the Fiat 500, Volkswagen Up and Fiat Panda. 

        Can I add a driver to my booking?

        You can always add a driver to your booking when finding your car hire deal on Orbit Car Hire. If you have already made a booking, you can contact us to add the additional driver. You can also add a driver to your booking when you pick up the vehicle. 

        What payment methods are accepted?

        You can pay with a debit and credit card when booking with Orbit Car Hire. We accept Mastercard and Visa. 

        Can I drop off my car at a different location?

        Yes, you can. When you look for car hire deals on our webpage, you can press "Yes" to "Different drop-off location" and see all the best deals for one-way car hire. 

        How can I add a flight number to my booking?

        You can add a flight number on our webpage when booking. If you already have a booking, email us at customerservice@orbitcarhire.com, and our customer service will add your flight number to the booking. 

        Do I have to pay for toll roads?

        If you drive where toll roads are required, you are responsible for paying for the toll roads on which you drive the rental vehicle. 

        What does deductible mean?

        If a rental car is damaged or even stolen while on rent, there will be a limit to how much the renter has to pay to repair or fix it. Excess (also known as deductible) is a name for the amount that has to be paid. This excess is different between countries and car rental companies in each country. Depending on the car rental company, this can include fire, vandalism, theft, or loss of use while the car is being repaired. You can read more about deductibles right here.

        What is a Collision Damage Waiver?

        Collision Damage Waiver, or CDW, is a basic car rental insurance offered to renters by a car company. CDW limits your financial liability in case of damages to the body of the hired vehicle with an excess. The driver is responsible for paying for the excess, but the car rental company waives the rest of the cost. This excess can be different between rent a car company.

        What is Theft Protection?

        Theft Protection is a car rental insurance that car rental companies offer. It protects the renter up to a certain amount from the risk of stealing the rental car or somebody trying to steal it. An excess, also known as a deductible, comes with each Theft Protection. This excess is the limit to what the renter would have to pay if the car is stolen or if somebody tries to steal it.

        Which brands can I compare with Orbit?

        With Orbit Car Hire, you can compare car hire with all the major car rentals like Europcar, Enterprise, Alamo, Sixt and Budget. You can also compare over 100 local companies from all over the world. 

        Find The Best Car Hire Companies In Dresden

        • Ace Rent A Car
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        • Buchbinder
        • Car Hire with Keddy by Europcar
        • Dollar Car Rental
        • Enterprise Rent a Car
        • Europcar
        • Global Rent a Car
        • National
        • OK Mobility
        • Sixt Rent a Car
        • Thrifty Car Hire