Car rental Cologne

Driving in Germany can be a genuine pleasure. Spacious, two-lane routes make it relatively easy to navigate your way around the city of Cologne, while modern, toll-free highways – called autobahns – lead out to wider adventures in western Germany.

Like many German cities, Cologne has a Low Emission Zone in the centre to help reduce pollution. Only vehicles with a green-status sticker displayed in the window can enter these restricted zones. The border of the Green Zone is indicated by signs which say ‘Umwelt’ or ‘Umweltzonen’.

The Cologne Ring is a major circular route which runs around the centre, providing access to the train station and Old Town among many other sights. Cross the river via the Deutzer Brucke or Bundesstrasse 55 to reach the KolnTriangle, a statement skyscraper which boasts panoramic city views from its open-air platform.

Parking is plentiful on the western banks of the river. Follow the one-way system and you’ll find garages every few blocks. On-street parking is also available in the heart of Cologne, though often for a higher fee. For those interested in a day of sightseeing, there are a number of park-and-ride lots on the outskirts of the city, providing a convenient and comfortable place to leave your car and explore the historical centre on foot.  

For adventures further afield, drive to the nearby city of Dusseldorf for a day of high-end shopping. Follow the Autobahn 57 north for approximately 50 minutes, providing you avoid peak commuting times. The historic city of Bonn is just 40 minutes’ drive away in the opposite direction via the A59 highway southbound. You’ll pass Cologne-Bonn airport on your way, approximately 15 minutes after leaving the centre.

In Cologne, the top speed is usually 50 km/h unless otherwise signed, with lower limits signposted in some areas. Though German autobahns sometimes lack universal speed limits, more than half have posted limits which are monitored by radar speed cameras. You should always ensure you check signs for the route you are on.

For a city with such a lively soul, you might be surprised to learn that Cologne is among the oldest in Germany.

Originally a Roman settlement, it flourished during the Middle Ages and now combines the very best of the past, present and future. Visit the original historic sites, discover the story of the city, and relish the cosmopolitan atmosphere which flows through the streets.

Weird and wonderful museums

The quirky spirit of Cologne is reflected in its diverse range of museums. The Chocolate Museum is the natural choice for sweet-toothed visitors.

Book a themed tour and explore 5,000 years of chocolate-coated history, passing by greenhouses filled with flourishing cocoa trees – and a three-metre-tall chocolate fountain which is the very epitome of indulgence. The Fragrance Museum is another treat for the senses, taking you on a journey through perfumes past and present.

Cologne is also well-respected on the international art stage, and is home to a number of notable galleries. Appreciate fine art collections at the Wallraf-Richartz Museum, which spans the centuries from the medieval era to the modern day. Then head out into the fresh air to the Sculpture Park Cologne, to discover ever-changing contemporary sculptures tucked among the trees.   

Go Gothic

Cologne Cathedral is probably the landmark historical attraction of the city. Its towering twin spires are easy to spot wherever you are, but the incredible detail of the Gothic facade is something best appreciated up close.

This medieval masterpiece dates all the way back to 1248, with the famous spires built in the 19th century following the discovery of the original architectural plans. Upon their completion, the cathedral briefly became the world’s tallest building – and it remains one of the tallest church structures in the entire world.

Attracting thousands of visitors every day with its stone carvings and stained-glass windows, step inside to explore the winding network of spiral staircases and secret chambers which are hidden within this breathtaking structure

In ancient times, the Romans named this city ‘Colonia’. And one of the best places to uncover this fascinating heritage is at the Romano-Germanic Museum.

This centre presents an incredible collection of archeological finds from the area surrounding Cologne, including precious gold items hailing from the 5th century, and the largest collection of Roman glass vessels in the world.

Exploring western Germany

The city’s star theme park offers the perfect day trip, located around 30 minutes’ drive south from the centre of Cologne. Phantasialand is packed full of thrilling rides in all shapes and sizes – and then there’s Taron. Holding the title of the world’s fastest multi-launch roller coaster, this twisting and turning ride will send your adrenalin levels sky-high.  

Continue on the A555 highway for half an hour to the city of Bonn, famous as the birthplace of renowned composer Ludwig van Beethoven. Visit his former home, eat in the Em Hoettche restaurant where it is said he dined and danced, and enjoy a month-long celebration of his compositions at the annual Beethovenfest.  

Car rental in Cologne offers a fantastic way to explore this part of Germany, allowing you to venture through the historical heart and contemporary cultural scene of the city, and beyond.