Car hire in Dresden, Germany

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There are 20 car hire providers in Dresden. Check out the map below to find the most convenient pick-up spot.

The most popular car rental companies in Dresden

Hiring a car in Dresden: Fast facts

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy.
Most popular car hire companyEnterprise
Most popular carCompact, 4-5 doors
Average daily price$254
Best time to book4 weeks before

How to book the best car rental deals in Dresden

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 Dresden car rental search.

How to find a cheap car hire deal in Dresden

  • Need a cheap rental car in Dresden? With an average price of $254 a day, you're headed for some big savings. Whether you're after a zippy little number, a road trip-ready SUV, or something else entirely, we compare all the top deals to help you spend less.

  • $146 is the cheapest daily price for a rental in Dresden.

  • Staying a little longer? Pick up a weekly rental from $461 and take the time to discover more.

  • Here's your clue on when to book. Three weeks in advance gives you the best shot at finding the best price on a Dresden car hire.

  • Line up your ride with Enterprise, Keddy By Europcar or Alamo. They're some of the most popular providers in the city.

  • Check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Dresden car hire policy, whether you go with Enterprise or another supplier. Some companies offer it as a paid extra instead of including it.

  • Booking one-way could land you a discount on your rental. Providers sometimes offer lower prices when vehicles need to be relocated. Just click 'Return car to a different location' when searching the range of cars for rent in Dresden.

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

  • Want to explore freely without stressing about how many miles you clock up? Search for rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and drive as far as you like without the extra fees.

Best value car hire options right now

  • You'll get the best value with this company. Prices average $347 a day.

  • Coming in next, this provider offers daily rates of around $360.

  • The third option won't break the bank either. You'll pay roughly $327 a day with this supplier.

  • The Compact rental category is a dependable pick if you can't decide which wheels are right for you. It's also the vehicle type that's booked the most in Dresden.

Flying to Dresden? Think about an airport pick-up

Compare car hire types in Dresden

  • Small: Whether you're zipping around busy cities or taking a short trip, this car category delivers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can expect easy handling and great mileage.

  • Medium: Not too small, not too big, this is the Goldilocks of rentals! Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they offer a mix of interior space and fuel efficiency and are popular with couples and small families.

  • Large: Offering a more comfortable driving experience and advanced tech features, this Dresden car hire category includes full-size cars. With larger back seats and plenty of storage space, they let you load up and transport everyone, and everything, with ease.

  • SUV: Get a higher ground clearance and a commanding view of the journey ahead in an SUV. Whether you're navigating trickier terrain or cruising along wide-open highways, many offer all-wheel drive to help you take on any road.

  • Van: If you're searching for a car for rent in Dresden big enough for a small crowd (and their luggage), a van is the practical pick. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're a great choice for group trips, moving or business needs.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Excess insurance covers the cost you'd have to pay if your Dresden car hire is stolen or damaged. While not compulsory, it's worth considering for extra protection. Keep in mind that not all insurance policies are equal, so make sure you know exactly what's included.

  • Level up your ride with extras like mobile Wi-Fi or a reverse camera. They can make your journey easier and more relaxed when you rent a car in Dresden.

Good to know

  • Age requirements often vary by company (and even car type), so be clear on the rules before you book. Some providers in Germany may rent to younger drivers for an additional fee. If you fall outside the typical age range, simply uncheck 'Driver aged between 25–70' and then enter how old you are to unlock the right options.

  • Kids coming with you? Child car seat laws vary according to the location, and the best setup may depend on their age, height and weight. Be sure to add the right one to your Dresden car hire booking.

  • Come prepared to keep the pick-up process smooth. You'll typically need your physical driver's licence (no copies) plus another photo ID. Also keep a credit card handy to cover the required excess. If extra requirements apply, your booking will list them.

  • Familiarise yourself with your rental. Adjust your seat and mirrors, learn where everything is, and get a feel for its handling before you drive away. And remember to stick to the right side of the road in Germany.

  • In Germany, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.05%. If you intend to have a few drinks, get someone else to do the driving or arrange a taxi or ride-share instead.

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

  • You'll be using the euro (EUR) on your trip here. As well as your credit and debit cards, consider taking some cash for minor purchases.

  • The language most commonly used in this country is German.

Best hotels in Dresden for drivers

  • Spend less time circling for a parking space and more time enjoying your stay at Landhotel Rosenschänke. About 10 kilometres from central Dresden, it comes with accessible parking, internet access and Wi-Fi.

  • Or take advantage of the parking at Hotel Villa Noel am Hauptbahnhof. The city centre is roughly 2 kilometres from this option, which also features a games room and an airport shuttle.

  • Browse the lineup of hotels in Dresden for even more choice. Use the 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' and 'Valet parking' filters to find exactly what you're after. You can even use the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to narrow it down to EV-friendly stays.

  • It's time to start exploring now you've locked in a car hire deal in Dresden and your hotel. From Dresden Christmas Market to Zwinger and Dresden Elbe Valley, you'll never run out of things to do here.

Hit the road: Where to drive to from Dresden

  • Chemnitz has to be on your itinerary if you'd like to visit Rathaus and Rosengarten. This city is about 64 kilometres west of central Dresden.

  • Congress Hotel Chemnitz and Co56 Hotel Chemnitz are reliable accommodation options with parking in Chemnitz.

  • Add Zwickau to your travels too. Grab your cheap car hire in Dresden and drive about 97 kilometres west to take in major highlights such as August Horch Museum and Christuskirche.

  • Zwickau has some great places to stay such as ACHAT Hotel Zwickau and First Inn Hotel Zwickau. Both are practical choices for guests with cars.

  • Ready to go the extra mile? Braunschweig is a popular road trip destination that's around 257 kilometres northwest of Dresden. Consider making a few pit stops at Braunschweiger Dom and Altstadtmarkt.

  • Browse the room options at Pentahotel Braunschweig or Lessinghof. They're a convenient base for exploring everything Braunschweig has to offer. They come with space for your wheels too.

Frequently asked questions

On average, hiring a car in Dresden will set you back around $254 per day or $495 per week. 
The cheapest car to rent in Dresden is a compact estate (sometimes known as a station wagon). The most popular is Compact, 4-5 doors.
The cheapest car hire company in Dresden is currently Alamo, followed by Europcar.
Bagging the best car hire deal depends on when you book  – often, it pays to book your wheels as far in advance as possible. But according to our data, the cheapest month to rent a car in Dresden is currently May.
On average, around $495. But the best price we found for car hire for a week in Dresden is $461.
If you're looking for freedom to explore Dresden, 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 Dresden 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 Dresden.
Most places – Dresden 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 $148 per day. The average price per day is around $231.
Of course. Most major car hire companies like Enterprise, Europcar and Keddy By Europcar 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 Dresden.