Car hire in Erfurt, Germany

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Choose from 18 pick-up spots

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There are 18 car hire providers in Erfurt. Check out the map below to find the most convenient pick-up spot.

The most popular car rental companies in Erfurt

Hiring a car in Erfurt: Fast facts

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy.
Most popular car hire companyBudget
Most popular carCompact, 4-5 doors
Average daily priceR 2,226
Best time to book2 weeks before

How to book the best car rental deals in Erfurt

We’re frequently named as the most trusted travel search site out there. We scan hundreds of trusted travel providers and put it all in one place, allowing you to instantly compare car hire rates and then book with no fees. Here's how to get the most out of your Erfurt car rental search.

How to find a cheap car hire deal in Erfurt

  • In search of a cheap rental car in Erfurt? With an average price of R 2,208 a day, your trip is already off to a wallet-friendly start. Whether you're after a compact ride, a spacious family car, or something in between, we round up all the best offers to get you more for your money.

  • The cheapest daily price for a rental in Erfurt is R 777.

  • Staying a while and want to explore beyond the tourist trail? R 4,353 is the best rate for a weekly rental.

  • Book early to secure the best price for a Erfurt car hire. On top of better deals, you're more likely to get the vehicle you actually want.

  • Rent your wheels from Enterprise, Keddy By Europcar or Sixt. They're some of the most popular providers in the city.

  • The coverage Enterprise or another company includes with your Erfurt car hire can differ, so always read the fine print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will charge extra for it.

  • Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to score a bargain if the provider needs to relocate some of its vehicles. Find the best available rates by clicking 'Return car to a different location.'

  • Spend less on fuel by picking a vehicle that offers a 'Fair fuel policy.' You pick up the car with a full tank and drop it off full, so you only pay for what you use.

  • Go wherever the road takes you by choosing a rental with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, it means you can drive as far as you want without extra charges.

Best value car hire options right now

  • Coming out on top for value is this company, with prices averaging R 1,609 a day.

  • Coming in second is this provider, which offers daily rates of around R 2,692.

  • The third option also stacks up well on price. Hop into one of their rentals for roughly R 6,338 a day.

  • If you're having trouble deciding what kind of ride you need, consider something from the Compact rental category. It's the most widely booked type of car in Erfurt.

Flying to Erfurt? Think about an airport pick-up

  • Start exploring Erfurt sooner by booking a car hire at Erfurt Airport. The city centre is about 10 kilometres from this airport, which is a drive of around 15 minutes.

Compare car hire types in Erfurt

  • Small: These cheap rental cars in Erfurt may be small in size, but they're big where it counts. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're easy to drive, fuel efficient, and just the thing for city driving.

  • Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine comfort, space and fuel efficiency. Easy to handle in cities and roomy enough for longer drives, they make sense for just about any journey.

  • Large: Offering a more comfortable driving experience and enhanced tech features, this Erfurt car hire category includes full-size cars. With larger rear seats and ample storage space, they let you load up and take everyone, and everything, with ease.

  • SUV: When adventure calls, an SUV says, 'let's go.' It's your ultimate road trip companion, ready for highways, backroads, and anything in between. These sports utility vehicles also come with extra space and advanced safety features.

  • Van: If you're searching for a car for rent in Erfurt big enough for a small crowd (and their suitcases), a van has space where it counts. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're just the thing for group trips, business use or moving.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Choosing excess insurance for your Erfurt car hire offers peace of mind. It protects you from paying a hefty excess fee in case of theft or damage. Insurance policies aren't the same across all rental providers, so always compare your options.

  • From navigation systems to mobile Wi-Fi, the right extras can make all the difference. Consider which add-ons could enhance your trip when you rent a car in Erfurt.

Good to know

  • Check each company's age requirements before booking your rental in Germany. Rules can vary, and added costs or restrictions may apply if you're a younger driver. At the start of your search, uncheck the 'Driver aged between 25–70' filter and enter your age to explore your options.

  • Add a car seat to your Erfurt car hire booking if you're bringing the kids. Requirements change from place to place, but using a child seat suited to their age, weight and size is always the safest option.

  • You'll be asked for some documents when you get to the rental desk. As a rule, bring your physical driver's licence, a credit card with enough funds to cover the excess (debit cards usually aren't accepted), and another form of photo ID. Your booking will lay out the exact list.

  • If you're new to driving in Germany, keep in mind that traffic here keeps to the right side of the road.

  • The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in Germany is 0.05%. Since alcohol's effects vary from person to person, it's best to skip drinks entirely so you remain legal to drive.

  • Aim to travel outside heavy traffic periods for a smoother trip. 8am is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.

  • You'll be using the euro (EUR) for everyday expenses here. You may find it useful to carry a mix of cash and cards so you always have a backup option.

  • German is the language most commonly spoken throughout this country.

Best hotels in Erfurt for drivers

  • Spend less time looking for a parking spot and more time relaxing at LÉGÈRE Hotel Erfurt. Around 3 kilometres from central Erfurt, it comes with accessible parking, internet access and a spa.

  • NYX Hotel Erfurt by Leonardo Hotels keeps guests happy with valet parking and features like tour services and a restaurant. It's roughly 0.80 kilometres from the city centre.

  • Explore the full range of hotels in Erfurt and pick the stay that fits your itinerary. Filters make it easy to tailor your search to what you need — like 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' or 'Valet parking.' There's even an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to find hotels with charging access.

  • Once you've found a car hire deal in Erfurt and the right hotel, the only thing left is figuring out where to go first. Begin your sightseeing at leading attractions like Historische Altstadt, Zitadelle Petersberg and Erfurter Domberg.

Hit the road: Where to drive to from Erfurt

  • Halle (Saale) has to be on your itinerary if you'd like to visit Händel-Haus Halle and Stadtgottesacker. This city is about 88 kilometres northeast of central Erfurt.

  • Dormero Hotel Halle and H+ Leipzig-Halle are recommended accommodation options with parking in Halle (Saale).

  • Alternatively, collect your cheap car hire in Erfurt and drive around 97 kilometres northwest to Göttingen. Featuring Museum of Geology and Göttingen Zentrum, its highlights live up to the buzz.

  • Unwind after a big day out in Göttingen at Four Points Flex by Sheraton Goettingen or Hotel Freizeit IN. These hotels cater to guests with cars.

  • Got a little fuel left in the tank? Take off to Essen, about 290 kilometres west of Erfurt. From PACT Zollverein to Philharmonie Essen, it'll round out your trip nicely.

  • Next up: catching some z's. Four Points Flex by Sheraton Essen and Ramada by Wyndham Essen have room for both you and your wheels while visiting Essen.

Frequently asked questions

On average, hiring a car in Erfurt will set you back around R 2,208 per day or R 4,611 per week. 
The cheapest car to rent in Erfurt is a compact estate (sometimes known as a station wagon). The most popular is Compact, 4-5 doors.
The cheapest car hire companies in Erfurt are currently Enterprise and Budget.
On average, around R 4,611. But the best price we found for car hire for a week in Erfurt is R 4,353.
If you're looking for freedom to explore Erfurt, choose a car with unlimited mileage, or look for car hire deals with a ’full to full' fuel policy as opposed to a 'half-full to full' one.

We also clearly highlight car and van hire options in Erfurt that have free cancellation
Yes – you can easily find car hire companies that allow you to pick up your car in one place, and then drop it off in another. Just select ‘Return car to a different location’ when you search with us.
Public transport can only get you so far, and could be tricky to navigate with children or luggage. With your own set of wheels, you can go wherever you want, whenever you want, for as long as you want. And you'll be able to discover more outside of Erfurt.
Most places – Erfurt included – allow under 25s to rent a car as long as they provide a valid driver's license and the correct documentation. It may cost slightly more due to a higher insurance excess for young drivers. 
The cheapest price we found for an economy car is R 1,166 per day. The average price per day is around R 1,166.
Of course. Most major car hire companies like Budget, Avis and Thrifty offer baby and child seats as an add-on when you book.
Other travellers rated Europcar as the best overall in terms of experience.
Yes – van hire is available in Erfurt.