Frankfurt Airport Car Rental: Is It Really the Best Option for Travelers?

Frankfurt Airport (FRA) is one of the busiest international airports in Europe and a major hub for both leisure and business travelers. If you’re planning to explore Germany or surrounding countries by road, you might be considering renting a car directly at Frankfurt Airport. It seems convenient: you land, pick up your car, and drive off. But is this really the best option for all travelers?

This guide breaks down the pros and cons of renting at the airport versus alternative locations, considers cost-saving strategies, and walks through common traveler scenarios. Whether you’re traveling for a weekend, a long road trip, or a business meeting, knowing your options can help you save time, stress, and money.

Pros of Renting a Car at Frankfurt Airport

✅ Convenience

• You can pick up your car immediately after landing, avoiding taxis or public transport.
• Rental car centers are located in Terminal 1, easily accessible via signs in the arrivals area.
• No need to haul luggage across the city to get to a rental office.

✅ Availability

• Frankfurt Airport hosts major international brands and local providers, offering a wide range of vehicles — from compact cars to luxury sedans, SUVs, and vans.
• Rental desks are usually open longer hours, some even 24/7, catering to early arrivals and late flights.

✅ One-Way Rentals

• It’s easier to arrange one-way rentals from a major hub like FRA.
• If you’re planning to return the car in another city or country, the airport location might give you more flexible options.

✅ Time-Efficiency for Tight Schedules

• Business travelers on a short itinerary can benefit from the instant access to vehicles without needing to travel into the city first.

Cons of Renting at the Airport

❌ Higher Prices

• Airport surcharges are common and can significantly increase the total rental cost.
• Prices at airport rental desks are often higher due to convenience fees and premium location charges.
• Additional daily costs like parking garage fees may be added to the bill.

❌ Long Wait Times

• During peak hours (especially summer weekends and holidays), rental desks at FRA can experience long queues.
• Pre-booked cars may still require processing time, and customers have reported waiting 30–60 minutes or more.

❌ Less Room for Negotiation

• Staff at busy airport counters may not have time or authority to negotiate prices or upgrade deals.
• Walk-in customers are often limited to whatever vehicles are available, not necessarily what suits your trip best.

How to Save Money on Airport Rentals

If you decide to rent at Frankfurt Airport, here are some smart tips to reduce costs:

1. Book in Advance Online
   1. Use platforms like getmancar.com/frankfurt/rent to compare prices and lock in early bird discounts. Booking in advance often reduces or avoids airport markups.
2. Avoid Add-ons at the Counter
   1. GPS, child seats, and insurance can be cheaper if added online or brought from home. Use your phone for navigation and check if your travel insurance or credit card covers rentals.
3. Return with a Full Tank
   1. Refueling charges at the airport are expensive. Fill up at a nearby station before returning the car.
4. Compare Pickup Locations
   1. If you have time, compare prices between airport pickup and downtown Frankfurt. Sometimes a short train ride into the city can save €50–100 on a multi-day rental.
5. Look for Discount Codes or Loyalty Programs
   1. Use promo codes or check if your airline or credit card offers rental discounts.

Traveler Scenarios: What’s the Best Choice?

�� Business Traveler with a Tight Schedule

Best Option: Rent at Frankfurt Airport
Time is money. Renting directly at the terminal allows for a quick transition from flight to road, even if it costs more. Book online to skip the counter wait.

�� Couple on a Weekend Getaway

Best Option: Compare both
If you’re arriving early and not in a rush, consider taking the S-Bahn into Frankfurt and renting from a downtown location to save money. But if you’re eager to get to the countryside or wine region fast, airport rental is convenient.

��‍��‍��‍�� Family Road Trip Starting in Frankfurt

Best Option: Airport Rental with advance booking
Families benefit from airport pickups, especially with kids and luggage. Book well in advance to get child seats and the right vehicle size without extra fees.

�� Tourist Planning a Multi-City Trip

Best Option: Airport Rental with one-way return
For travelers starting in Frankfurt and ending in Berlin, Munich, or even across the border, renting from FRA offers the most flexibility for one-way returns.

Driving from Frankfurt Airport: What to Expect

Once you’ve picked up your car, getting on the road is easy:

• Autobahn Access: FRA is directly connected to major highways like A3 and A5, making it quick to reach cities like Cologne, Stuttgart, and Munich.
• Navigation: Most rentals come with built-in GPS, but having Google Maps on your phone (download offline maps) is always a good backup.
• Driving Rules:
  • Drive on the right side.
  • Speed limit in cities: 50 km/h, highways vary with no strict limit on certain stretches of the Autobahn.
  • Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers.
  • Use headlights in bad weather even during daytime.
• Parking:
  • Expect paid parking zones in cities. Look for “Parkhaus” (parking garage) signs.
  • Use apps like EasyPark or Parkopedia to find and pay for parking.

Final Verdict: Is Airport Rental Worth It?

Renting a car at Frankfurt Airport is worth it for travelers who value convenience, flexible hours, and quick road access, especially for short trips, business travel, or one-way itineraries. However, if you’re trying to cut costs, not in a hurry, and staying in Frankfurt for a day or two first, renting from a downtown location might be a smarter financial move.

For the best of both worlds — convenience + competitive pricing — book online through a trusted provider like Getmancar. This ensures availability, saves money, and reduces time spent at the rental counter.

Whichever option you choose, plan ahead, compare wisely, and enjoy your drive across Germany — starting with Frankfurt.