Forget the hassle of waiting for buses or trains; with a rental car, you have the freedom to visit Dortmund’s iconic sights whenever you please. Explore everything from the Reinoldikirche, the city’s oldest church, to the bustling Rheinische Straße district, filled with trendy cafes and local artists. Whether you’re in town for a few days or planning a longer stay, having a vehicle on hand allows you to move effortlessly between the city’s historic quarters and modern developments.

Customize Your Journey with Extra Features

Beyond just choosing the right car, we understand that comfort and convenience are essential for an enjoyable trip. That’s why we offer a range of optional extras to enhance your driving experience. Need a GPS to help you navigate the Ruhr region? No problem. Traveling with kids? Add a child seat for peace of mind. Want to share the driving responsibilities? Simply add a second driver to your booking. For those who want extra coverage, we also offer comprehensive no-excess insurance, meaning you’ll have total protection against any damage or incidents, including coverage for tires, windows, and more.

Where to Find the Best Car Rental Deals in Dortmund

Our platform, Economy.Rentals, offers a fast, streamlined way to find the perfect rental car in Dortmund. By simply inputting your pick-up location and travel dates, you can quickly compare the best deals from top rental agencies. Whether you need to collect your car from Dortmund’s International Airport, downtown, or even near the train station, we provide you with a range of options, ensuring that wherever you land, your rental car will be ready and waiting for you.

Dortmund International Airport – Your Gateway to the Ruhr

Flying into Dortmund? The city’s international airport is conveniently located just 11 kilometers from the city center, making it an ideal place to pick up your rental vehicle. With numerous low-cost carriers serving this rapidly growing hub, Dortmund Airport offers easy access for international travelers. Upon landing, head straight to the rental car desks on the ground floor of the arrivals terminal, where your vehicle will be prepared and ready to go.

Alternatively, public transportation options are also available if you prefer. Regular buses run between the airport and Dortmund’s central train station, with travel times ranging between 25 to 40 minutes, depending on the service. But why wait for a bus when you could be driving off in your rental car, ready to explore?

Dortmund Hauptbahnhof – Train Station Car Rentals

Dortmund’s Hauptbahnhof (main train station) is another excellent pick-up point for those arriving by rail. The station is well-connected with regional and national lines, including Deutsche Bahn’s high-speed services, making it an easy access point for travelers across Europe. With multiple rental car agencies operating nearby, you can easily step off the train and into your rental car, ready to start your journey through the Ruhr region.

To secure your rental, all you need is a valid driver’s license and a credit card to cover the deposit, making the process as seamless as possible.

Dortmund – The Heart of the Ruhr

As the largest city in the Ruhr Valley, Dortmund is the perfect base for exploring this historically industrial region. Known for its steel production, mining heritage, and world-class beer, the city is now a bustling hub of high-tech industries and culture. While its industrial roots are still visible, Dortmund has reinvented itself as one of Germany’s most sustainable cities.

From the architectural marvels of the Bauhaus-inspired buildings to the lush expanse of Westfalenpark, there’s something for everyone in this fascinating city. Be sure to check out the iconic Westfalen Stadium, home to Borussia Dortmund, one of Europe’s top football clubs, or take a trip to the nearby Phoenix See, a former steelworks turned picturesque lake and leisure area.

Easy Access to the Ruhr and Beyond

One of the biggest advantages of renting a car in Dortmund is its prime location at the crossroads of several major highways. Whether you’re heading further into Germany or venturing into neighboring countries like Belgium or the Netherlands, Dortmund is perfectly situated for road trips. Major highways such as the A1, A2, A40, and A45 connect the city to Europe’s broader motorway network, while smaller federal roads like the B1 and B54 make regional travel a breeze.

If you plan to drive into Dortmund’s city center, be aware that it is an environmental zone (Umweltzone), meaning vehicles must display a green environmental sticker (Umweltplakette) indicating low emissions. If you’re renting a car, this sticker is typically provided by the rental company, but it’s always worth checking before you hit the road.

Explore Dortmund and Beyond with Confidence

Whether you’re visiting Dortmund for business or leisure, renting a car offers you the ultimate freedom and flexibility to explore both the city and its surroundings. From its rich cultural landmarks to its cutting-edge industries, Dortmund is a city where history and modernity blend seamlessly.

When renting a car in Dortmund, here are some additional points and tips that can help ensure a smooth experience:

1. Environmental Zones (Umweltzonen)

• Like many German cities, Dortmund has established low-emission zones (Umweltzonen), particularly in its city center. If you’re driving a rental car, ensure that it has the required green environmental sticker (Umweltplakette), which indicates that the vehicle meets the necessary emissions standards. Most rental cars in Dortmund are already equipped with this sticker, but it’s a good idea to confirm this when picking up the vehicle to avoid fines.

2. Fuel Options

• Most car rental companies in Dortmund offer a full-to-full fuel policy, which means you will receive the car with a full tank and are expected to return it full. Be sure to refill the tank before dropping the car off, as rental companies charge significantly higher prices if they need to refuel it for you.
• There are plenty of gas stations in and around Dortmund, including those near the airport and major highways, so finding a place to refuel should not be difficult.

3. Parking in Dortmund

• Parking in the city center of Dortmund can sometimes be challenging, especially during peak hours. There are many public parking garages and on-street parking spaces, but they may fill up quickly. Parking in designated areas is often subject to payment via parking meters or apps.
• Many hotels in Dortmund offer parking options, but some may charge an extra fee. If you’re staying in the city center, it’s worth confirming with your accommodation whether parking is included or available.

4. Driving Rules

• Speed Limits: In built-up areas such as the city center, the speed limit is typically 50 km/h. On country roads, it’s usually 100 km/h, while sections of the Autobahn (such as the A1 and A2 near Dortmund) have recommended speeds of 130 km/h, though certain sections may have no official limit.
• Seat Belts: Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers, and failure to wear them can result in fines.
• Right of Way: In Germany, vehicles coming from the right at intersections generally have the right of way unless otherwise indicated by signs.

5. Winter Driving

• If you’re renting a car in Dortmund during the winter months (November to March), ensure that the vehicle is equipped with winter tires. Winter tires are mandatory by law in certain weather conditions, such as snow, ice, and slush. Many rental companies automatically provide them during this period, but it’s always worth double-checking to avoid any legal issues or safety concerns.
• Be cautious of icy roads and reduced visibility during this time, especially if you plan to drive through rural or mountainous areas near Dortmund.

6. Age Restrictions and Fees

• In Germany, the minimum age for renting a car is typically 21 years, though some rental companies may have higher age limits for certain vehicle categories. Drivers under 25 years old may be subject to a young driver surcharge. It’s best to check the specific terms of the rental company when booking.
• Additionally, if you want to add a second driver to the rental agreement, they will need to meet the same age and license requirements, and there may be an extra fee involved.

7. Cross-Border Travel

• Dortmund’s central location makes it an ideal starting point for exploring nearby European countries like Belgium, the Netherlands, or France. However, if you plan to take the rental car across borders, you should inform the rental company in advance, as certain restrictions may apply. Some rental companies may charge extra for cross-border travel or restrict you from driving into specific countries.

8. Insurance Options

• Car rentals in Germany typically include basic third-party liability insurance, but you may want to consider additional coverage such as a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Theft Protection (TP) for extra peace of mind. Many renters also opt for a full no-excess insurance package, which covers potential damages or theft without any deductible. This is especially recommended if you plan on doing a lot of driving or parking in busy areas.

9. Road Tolls

• Germany does not have general road tolls for cars on highways (Autobahn), but be aware that if you drive to neighboring countries such as Austria or Switzerland, road tolls may apply. You can purchase a vignette (toll sticker) at border crossings or gas stations before entering these countries.

10. Using Public Transport as a Backup

• Dortmund has an excellent public transportation system, including buses, trams, and trains. If you find parking difficult or if you prefer not to drive in certain areas, public transport can be a convenient backup. Dortmund’s main train station (Dortmund Hauptbahnhof) is a major hub for regional and national train services, making it easy to explore other parts of Germany.

11. Availability of Electric Vehicles

• Dortmund, like many German cities, is becoming more eco-conscious, and some rental agencies offer electric or hybrid vehicles. If you’re environmentally minded or just curious to try an electric car, check if these options are available. Be sure to confirm the locations of charging stations, as they are less common than regular gas stations but are steadily increasing in the city and along major roads.

12. Special Events and Traffic Considerations

• Dortmund hosts a variety of events throughout the year, from football matches at the famous Westfalenstadion (Signal Iduna Park) to festivals and trade shows. These events can cause significant traffic congestion, especially around the stadium and city center. It’s worth checking for any major events during your stay and planning your routes accordingly to avoid delays.

And with Economy.Rentals, you’ll have the confidence of knowing that you’re getting the best price and the most convenient car rental service available. So why wait? Book your car rental today and discover all that Dortmund and the Ruhr Valley have to offer on your own terms.