Car Hire in Frankfurt

About Frankfurt am Main

Frankfurt or officially Frankfurt am Main is a city in Germany, more precisely in the state of Hesse. It is the most populous city in the state and the fifth most populous city in Germany. Together with the surrounding areas, Frankfurt am Main forms the Rhine-Main region, the second largest region in Germany. The city was founded by the Holy Roman Empire on the beacons of the Main River. In the beginning, it was a small settlement, which grew over the years and became one of the most important German and European cities. In the past, it was a city-state and one of the most important cities of the Holy Roman Empire.

Today it is a city with many faces and each of these faces is interesting and, let us say, very successful and important. It is a global hub for trade, culture, education, tourism and transportation and has been ranked as an "Alpha World City" according to GaWC. It is also a major financial centre with many important headquarters such as the European Central Bank, Deutsche Bundesbank, Frankfurt Stock Exchange, Deutsche Bank, DZ Bank, KfW, Commerzbank... In addition, Frankfurt also has a very well-developed industry. There are many different industries here, from automotive to creative, etc.

Another strong field that you should not miss is undoubtedly education. There are several important institutions here in Frankfurt that are important and must be highlighted when talking about this extraordinary city, for example, Goethe University, University of Applied Sciences, FUMPA, Frankfurt School of Finance & Management...

But Frankfurt is not only industry, finance, transport, education and so on. This city is also a very attractive destination for all kinds of tourists and travellers. Frankfurt Airport is one of the busiest airports in Germany, Europe and even the world. This means that many tourists come here to fly to different destinations in the world. Frankfurt has a lot to offer, there are many historical, cultural and religious sights that are worth visiting. Moreover, the nightlife in the city is very lively and you can always find something for yourself here. If you feel like partying, you can find one every day in Frankfurt.

The city is really huge and well connected with other German cities. So, if you are going on a road trip through Germany, you should put Frankfurt on your list of destinations to visit and explore. The city is also a perfect starting point for your road trip. So, it's up to you what your plans are, but one thing is for sure: you definitely will not get bored in Frankfurt. The city has everything to offer, you just have to inform yourself well and find the places that interest you. Buckle up and drive safely!

Basic info and car hire in Frankfurt am Main

• Location: State of Hesse, Germany
• Population: 764,104
• Official language: German
• Currency: Euro
• Weather: Frankfurt has a temperate-oceanic climate   
• Internet coverage: Hotels, bars, restaurants, and cafés offer Wi-Fi.
• Road conditions:  Most roads in Frankfurt are in good condition.
• Car hire in Frankfurt am Main:  The most common pick-up point for vehicles in Frankfurt is at the Frankfurt 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 Frankfurt!

 Driving in Frankfurt am Main

Frankfurt is a huge city that never sleeps. This means that there is a lot of traffic everywhere in the city. If you want to explore the city and its surroundings properly, you should rent a car and explore the city on your own. At first, the traffic here is a bit stressful, but if you follow the rules and pay attention to the traffic signs, you will have no problems driving through Frankfurt. The signalling in the city is very clear, the roads are in good condition and the drivers are cultured.

Frankfurt is very well connected to other parts of the country, so this is an ideal place to start your road trip through Germany, or if you are already on the road, be sure to stop here for a few days and explore this unique modern city.

If you want to explore the city centre, it's best to park your car and go exploring on foot or combine walking with using public transportation. Finding a parking space in the city can sometimes take a little longer than expected, so it's best to park your car outside the city centre and then use public transportation.

Since Frankfurt, and actually the whole region, has a strong industry, the so-called environmental zones were introduced to maintain a healthy environment for the people who live here. An environmental zone 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 cars (M1), motor homes (M1), heavy caravans (M1), minibuses (M2), buses (M3), vans (N1), transporters (N2), trucks (N2) and heavy commercial vehicles (N3).

Vehicle registration and city government sell stickers. Local garages and vehicle inspection centres such as TUeV and DEKRA are also authorised to sell stickers. If you buy them directly from municipal offices, they cost €5. Online, they can cost more. And if they need to be shipped abroad, that can sometimes be a bit more expensive. The city of Berlin sells stickers online (in English or German) for 6 €. TUeV-SUeD offers stickers for 15 € in German, Česky, Français, English, Italiano, Polski, and Tuerkçe. TUeV-NORD sells stickers for 9,90 € if the vehicle is registered in Germany, for 17,50 € if the vehicle is not registered in Germany.

Buy the stickers only on the official websites of the city or the TueV. Other websites are often much more expensive if you get a valid sticker there at all.

• 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.

Popular day trips from Frankfurt am Main

Wiesbaden, Idstein, Heidelberg, Neuschwanstein Castle, Baden, Mainz, Speyer, Marburg, Cochem, Strasbourg...

What to see in Frankfurt am Main

The first impression of Frankfurt is that it is a modern industrial city, with many business opportunities and many financial, educational and political institutions. All this is true, but it is also very important to know that Frankfurt is far from being only that. It is also a city with many interesting historical, political and religious sites that you should visit. It is also a city with a strong tradition and a place where modernity and tradition mix and create a fantastic blend that will enchant any kind of tourist and traveller. The special thing about Frankfurt is that it is a city for all generations and for all tastes and preferences.

If you come to Frankfurt and like museums, you will be impressed. One of the destinations you should definitely visit is the Museumsufer. This makes Frankfurt one of the most important German and also European cities in the field of art, culture and history. There are 39 museums on both sides of the Main River, some of which are among the world's most popular and important institutions, such as Giersch Museum, Liebieghaus, Staedelsches Kunstinstitut / Staedtische Galerie (Staedel), Museum fuer Kommunikation, Deutsches Architekturmuseum, Deutsches Filmmuseum, Museum fuer Weltkulturen, Museum fuer Angewandte Kunst, Ikonen-Museum, Dr Schmidt-Voigt-Stiftung.

The Old Town is definitely a place not to be missed during your visit to Frankfurt. This lively and charming neighbourhood with its small alleys and pretty bars and boutiques is something very special. It is one of the most popular places to meet and drink coffee, both among locals and tourists. Around the old town, there are numerous small squares with pretty statues, fountains, etc. The special attraction is the river Main, which flows through the old town.

One of the most famous buildings in the city is undoubtedly the Roemer (City Hall). This was a patrician villa and has been Frankfurt's city since the beginning of the 15th century and it still is today.

Paulskirche is a building of great importance both for Frankfurt and for the whole of Germany. It was here that the National Assembly created the first democratic constitution for Germany. Today it is a very popular tourist attraction and an important building where many different events take place.

Other places to visit in Frankfurt:  Museumsufer, Städel Museum, Main Tower, Goethe House and Museum, Frankfurt Cathedral, Römerberg, Palmengarten, Eiserner Steg, Mainkai, St Paul's Church, Senckenberg Natural History Museum, Old Sachsenhausen, Hauptwache, Schirn Kunsthalle, Berger Straße, Deutsches Filmmuseum, Frankfurt Zoo, Liebieghaus, Grüneburgpark, Museum Angewandte Kunst, Eschenheimer Turm, Klassikstadt, Green Sauce (Grüne Soße), Apfelwein (Ebbelwoi), Kleinmarkthalle...

Drive your rental car beyond Frankfurt am Main

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 the 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.

Where to eat, drink, and party in Frankfurt am Main

Frankfurt is a modern German city and accordingly, you can expect to find numerous restaurants serving all types of cuisine. You can find restaurants with traditional local dishes or dishes that are traditionally German. Then there are also many restaurants where you can experience modern German cuisine, or you can find places where you can order menus from all over the world. So, it's up to you what kind of culinary you prefer, but one thing is for sure, Frankfurt can offer you everything, you just have to decide what you prefer and find a place that meets your expectations.

You can also choose from all kinds of beers, wines and even cider, which is very popular here in this part of the country. Gastronomy is really well developed here and if you are a foodie, then you should definitely plan a visit to this city.

Here are some traditional dishes from Frankfurt: Frankfurter Sausage, Grüne Soße (Green Sauce), Apfelwein, Handkäs mit Musik, Rindwurst, Frankfurter Kranz, Sachsenhäuser Schneegestöber, Frankfurter Rippchen, Bethmännchen, Mispelchen...

Best restaurant in Frankfurt am Main

THE SAKAI

Maindiner

Elia

Trattoria i Siciliani

KISH

The Legacy Bar & Grill

Restaurant Medici

Bidlabu – Bistro und Bar

African Queen