Car Rental Frankfurt Rhein-Main Airport

Frankfurt is a modern city which is easy to navigate by car. The airport is just a short drive from the center, and provides immediate access to the autobahn network – the German freeway.

The majority of German autobahns are toll-free, allowing you to travel the country with ease. Famously, the autobahn has no speed limit – the only road network in the world with such freedom – however, there are actually sections with maximums. Inside cities, towns and built-up areas, speed limits are clearly signposted.

From the airport, you can head north on the A5 to Hamburg and Hannover - two bustling German cities. If the historic city of Cologne with its incredible Gothic cathedral is on your bucket list, follow the A3 westbound and experience all this friendly city has to offer.

Owing to its central location, Frankfurt Airport is an excellent base for exploring the wild and natural beauty of Germany’s rural lands. Plan your route, hop on the autobahn and you can drive to the Black Forest Nature Reserve in under four hours.

The city itself sits on the river Main and there are numerous bridges connecting the northern and southern parts of Frankfurt. The heart of the old town is on a rough grid system, but there are highways threading through the city, making it accessible to all. As in most of mainland Europe, you’ll be driving on the same side of the road as at home. If you do have any specific questions about driving in Germany, our location teams will be happy to help, and you can always call our 24-hour helpline.

During World War II, Frankfurt was almost totally destroyed by bombs and explosions. Since then, it has completely reinvented itself and now it’s a thriving, cosmopolitan destination with a whole range of attractions including art galleries, leafy parks and upmarket shopping areas. They’ve also painstakingly and sensitively rebuilt many of the city’s lost buildings, replacing destruction with a daring approach to the past.

Galleries and Goethe

Frankfurt is home to over 40 museums, which are dotted along the meandering Main river. Perhaps one of the most famous, the 200-year-old Städel museum, has a beautiful array of art to its name. You’ll see timeless pieces by Rubens, Rembrant, van Eyck, Monet, Picasso and more. On the other side of the river, the Museum of Natural History boasts Europe's only complete Diplodocus skeleton - plus an abundance of plants, animals and family-friendly dioramas.

Famously, Frankfurt is the birthplace of Germany's most esteemed writer - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. His home was destroyed during the war, but has since been restored so you can gain an insight into his family life and see where he composed his masterpieces.

A triumph of restoration

Severe wartime damage means that much of the old town is actually rather new. Despite only being refurbished in the 1980s it still has an old-world charm. On your travels, you’ll see traditional half-timbered houses and the Rathaus city hall building, which dates back to 1405.

The Römerberg square - translated as ‘Roman Mountain’ - is the historic heart of old town Frankfurt, proudly retaining its 18th century appearance and hosting part of the Frankfurt Christmas Market every year.

The Black Forest and Baden-Baden

Frankfurt Airport is also an excellent base for exploring Germany. The pine-clad Taunus mountains provide incredible views of the nearby city, while the spa town of Wiesbaden offers a rare glimpse into the past, having retained most of its pre-war beauty.

The city of Hanau is just 20 miles east of the airport, offering an easy and enjoyable day trip. The not-so-new New Town Hall - built in 1733 - stands proudly in the old Marktplatz and a colorful calendar of fairytale festivals celebrate the city as the birthplace of the Brothers Grimm.

If you’re looking to relax in style, drive south along the Rhine river for an hour and a half to the spa town of Baden-Baden – a destination popular with spa-goers since Roman times. This historic town is the gateway to the Black Forest, a densely wooded area famous for its wolves, bears and idyllic, isolated villages.

Frankfurt Airport opens the door to an enchanting world of dark woods, snow-capped mountains and picture-book German towns. Whether you’re spending time in Frankfurt or exploring the nearby sights, hiring a car here is the fastest way to explore this remarkable part of Europe.