Car hire in Gelsenkirchen, Germany

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Find cheap car hire in Gelsenkirchen

These are the lowest Gelsenkirchen car hire prices we found over the next 30 days and are subject to change.

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There are 14 car hire providers in Gelsenkirchen. Check out the map below to find the most convenient pick-up spot.

The most popular car rental companies in Gelsenkirchen

Hiring a car in Gelsenkirchen: 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 priceRM733
Best time to book1 week before

How to book the best car rental deals in Gelsenkirchen

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 Gelsenkirchen car rental search.

How to find a cheap car hire deal in Gelsenkirchen

  • Searching for a cheap rental car in Gelsenkirchen? With an average price of RM733 a day, you're on the road to big savings. Whether you're after a small ride, a roomy SUV, or something in between, we compare all the top offers to get you more for your money.

  • RM291 is the cheapest daily price you'll find for a rental in Gelsenkirchen.

  • Thinking of staying longer? Pick up a weekly rental from RM811 and say yes to more adventures.

  • Pick up the best price on a Gelsenkirchen car hire by booking in advance. You're more likely to get a better deal and more choice.

  • Check out the offers available with Enterprise, Europcar and Keddy By Europcar. They're some of the top providers in the city.

  • The coverage Enterprise or another supplier offers for your Gelsenkirchen car hire can vary, so remember to read the fine print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will provide it for an extra fee.

  • Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to lock in a good deal if the provider needs to shift cars between sites. Find the best available rates by clicking 'Return car to a different location.'

  • Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your car with a full tank, so you're only paying for what you use. No hidden refueling charges at drop-off either.

  • Hit the highway without tracking every mile and racking up additional charges. Go to the 'Policies' filter and choose 'Unlimited mileage' to find a car that lets you travel without limits.

Best value car hire options right now

  • The best value for money comes from this company, with average prices at RM670 a day.

  • Offering daily rates of around RM663, this provider comes in next.

  • The third option also helps keep your travel costs low. Expect to pay roughly RM882 a day for one of their rentals.

  • If you're not quite sure what kind of wheels you need, choose something from the Compact rental category. It's the most commonly booked vehicle type in Gelsenkirchen.

Compare car hire types in Gelsenkirchen

  • Small: Whether you're navigating busy cities or just planning a quick trip, this car category delivers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can expect easy handling and excellent fuel efficiency.

  • Medium: Not too small, not too big, this is the kind of rental even Goldilocks wouldn't second-guess. Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they offer a mix of fuel efficiency and interior space and are great for couples and small families.

  • Large: You've got the suitcases, the kids, the snacks, the everything. Large vehicles have got the capacity to carry it all without breaking a sweat. Ideal for long-distance trips, this Gelsenkirchen car hire category includes full-size cars.

  • SUV: When adventure calls, an SUV answers. It's your perfect road trip buddy, ready for highways, country roads, and everything in between. These sports utility vehicles also deliver on space and advanced safety features.

  • Van: If you're searching for a car for rent in Gelsenkirchen that fits a small crowd (and all their gear), a van has space to spare. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're a solid pick for group travel, moving or business use.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Car rental excess insurance isn't a necessity, but is something to think about. If you're in a collision, no matter how minor, it can help you avoid paying a big excess fee. Different Gelsenkirchen car hire providers have different insurance policies and cover levels, so check the details before booking.

  • From GPS units to reverse cameras, the right extras can make all the difference. Consider which add-ons could enhance your trip when you rent a car in Gelsenkirchen.

Good to know

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

  • If you're bringing the kids along, check if you need to add a car seat to your Gelsenkirchen car hire booking. Whether local laws require them or not, they're always the safest way for youngsters to travel.

  • You'll be asked to provide some documents when you pick up your ride. As a general rule, bring your physical driver's licence, a credit card with room for the security deposit (debit cards usually aren't accepted), and additional photo ID. Your booking will lay out the exact list.

  • For first-time drivers in Germany, be aware that traffic here keeps to the right side of the road.

  • A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.05% applies in Germany. The safest way to stay legal to drive is to avoid drinking altogether.

  • Around 8am is one of the busiest times for traffic around this destination. Try to avoid busy hours generally for a smoother drive.

  • You'll be using the euro (EUR) on your trip here. Along with your debit and credit cards, have some cash on hand for smaller purchases.

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

Best hotels in Gelsenkirchen for drivers

  • Offering parking, Ibis Styles Gelsenkirchen adds extra convenience to your stay. This hotel is about 2 kilometres from central Gelsenkirchen and also comes with internet access and a 24-hour front desk.

  • Centre Hotel Essen is also a good option if your plans involve plenty of driving. It features parking, along with internet access and Wi-Fi. Base yourself here and you'll be roughly 10 kilometres from the city centre.

  • Browse the selection of hotels in Gelsenkirchen for even more choices. Use the 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' and 'Outdoor parking' filters to find what works for you. You can also apply the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to include places with charging facilities.

  • After you've locked in a car hire deal in Gelsenkirchen and the right hotel, all that's left is deciding where to head to first. Begin your sightseeing at big attractions like Schalke Museum and arena management, Zeche Nordstern and Schloss Berge.

Hit the road: Where to drive to from Gelsenkirchen

  • Navigate your way to Dortmund. Around 29 kilometres east of central Gelsenkirchen, you'll find must-see sights like Dortmund Christmas Market and Museum of Natural History.

  • Go-to accommodation options with parking in Dortmund include PLAZA INN Stays Design Dortmund and Hotel Unique Dortmund Hauptbahnhof.

  • Alternatively, collect your cheap car hire in Gelsenkirchen and then set off for Duisburg. Roughly 24 kilometres west of Gelsenkirchen, Rhine River and Botanical Garden are among the highlights that are worth going out of your way for.

  • Take it easy after a day spent exploring Duisburg at Mercure Hotel Duisburg City or Elaya Hotel Oberhausen. These hotels cater to guests with cars.

  • Up for a bigger adventure? Hannover is a popular road trip destination that's about 209 kilometres northeast of Gelsenkirchen. Plan to make a few pit stops at The Old Town and Orangerie Herrenhausen.

  • Drift off to sleep in Hannover at either DORMERO Hotel Hannover or Wyndham Hannover Atrium. They've got a bed waiting for you and space for your wheels too.

Frequently asked questions

On average, hiring a car in Gelsenkirchen will set you back around RM733 per day or RM913 per week. 
The cheapest car to rent in Gelsenkirchen is a compact estate (sometimes known as a station wagon). The most popular is Compact, 4-5 doors.
The cheapest car hire companies in Gelsenkirchen are currently FlexWays and Enterprise.
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 Gelsenkirchen is currently February.
On average, around RM913. But the best price we found for car hire for a week in Gelsenkirchen is RM811.
Based on everything we know about daily prices, the average cost to hire a car in Gelsenkirchen for a whole month is RM4,471. 

But sometimes, you'll get a discount for booking a whole month instead of 3 and a half weeks. So play with your dates to find the best deals!
If you're looking for freedom to explore Gelsenkirchen, 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 Gelsenkirchen 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 Gelsenkirchen.
Most places – Gelsenkirchen 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 RM291 per day. The average price per day is around RM423.
Of course. Most major car hire companies like Enterprise, Dollar and Hertz offer baby and child seats as an add-on when you book.
Other travellers rated Enterprise as the best overall in terms of experience.
Yes – van hire is available in Gelsenkirchen.