Cologne City Car Hire

Cologne Central Station is the city's busiest hub and a perfect place to pick up your rental car right after your train journey. With 12 rental companies on site, you have a wide selection of vehicles, from compact city cars to spacious family cars. From here, you can reach Cologne Cathedral in a 2-minute walk and the A57 motorway in approximately 10 minutes' drive.

The station is located in the heart of Cologne with direct views of the iconic Cologne Cathedral. The Rheinufer promenade along the river can be reached on foot in 5 minutes, and Cologne-Bonn airport is approximately 18 km southeast via the A559. The Parkhaus Bahnhofsvorplatz car park is located directly next to the station for convenient pickup.

Book your rental car in advance during high season – Gamescom in August and Cologne Carnival in February fill up the station. Choose a vehicle with GPS if you plan to continue driving along the Rhine Route towards Bonn or Koblenz. Check whether your rental company has a dedicated desk inside the station building or in the adjacent car park.

Which rental companies are located at Cologne Central Station? There are 12 rental companies represented at Cologne Central Station, including major chains such as Hertz, Avis, Europcar, and Sixt with desks inside or directly outside the station building. How long does it take to drive from Cologne Central Station to Bonn?

Bonn is approximately 28 km to the south via the A555 and normally takes 25–35 minutes depending on traffic. Can I return the car late in the evening at the station? Many rental companies at Hauptbahnhof offer evening hours or key boxes for late returns, but check the conditions with your specific rental company at the time of booking.

We compare prices from all major providers at Koln Central Train Station so you can see the total cost upfront — including insurance, fuel terms and any extras. Most bookings include free cancellation up to 48 hours before pickup, giving you flexibility if your plans change.