Rental tips
15 car rental tips for Düsseldorf
The habits that save our readers the most money and stress when renting at DUS.
Updated By the DUS Car Hire editorial team How we research
Our 15 tips
- Book early with free cancellation. Book early on a free-cancellation rate and check again later – if the price drops, rebook.
- Compare the total, not the daily rate. One-way fees, extra drivers and the excess belong in the comparison.
- Choose full-to-full fuel. With a full-to-full policy you only pay for the fuel you use.
- Book an automatic explicitly. Manual is standard in small classes – an automatic is only guaranteed if you book one.
- Check your credit-card limit. The deposit is blocked; leave enough headroom, especially for premium classes.
- Add your flight number. The supplier then knows if you are delayed.
- Photograph the car at pickup. All sides, wheels, glass, fuel gauge and mileage.
- Check the green sticker. Without it you may not enter low-emission zones.
- Declare trips abroad. Name every country at booking or at the desk.
- Pre-book child seats. Children under 12 or 150 cm need a seat; supply is limited.
- Don’t double-insure. Check what your booking or credit card already covers before you arrive.
- Look at city branches. Picking up in Lichtenbroich or Rath can be cheaper than the terminal.
- Avoid trade-fair weeks. Prices rise sharply during big fairs.
- Allow time for the return. At least 20–30 minutes plus check-in time for a return at DUS.
- Keep your receipts. Fuel receipt, return confirmation and photos for a few weeks.
Next steps
Use our pickup and return checklist and the total cost calculator before you book.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
7 answers
As early as possible for summer and trade-fair weeks; a few weeks ahead is usually enough off-season. Free cancellation lets you rebook if prices drop.
Full to full: you collect the car full and return it full, paying only for the fuel you use at pump prices.
Photograph or film the car from all sides, the wheels, windscreen, fuel gauge and mileage at pickup and return.
Only if you really need more space. Desk upgrades are often more expensive than booking the larger car online.
Yes. If your flight is delayed, the supplier can hold the car for you – within its opening hours.
For longer rentals, bringing your own seat can be cheaper – many airlines carry them free. Otherwise book them in advance.
Fuel level, the warning triangle, hi-vis vest and first-aid kit, the green sticker, and that you know how to open the fuel cap and use the lights.
Still have a question? Contact our support team.
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