Whether planning a city trip with friends or family or want to discover Dusseldorf on your own, we have the right vehicle for your unique trip requirements and budget.
Düsseldorf’s urban center and Altstadt have narrow streets and limited parking, which makes maneuvering through these in a small car like a Skoda, Volkswagen, or similar an ideal option.
Although capital of North Rhine-Westphalia region is compact, groups planning travels to the populous Rhine Valley, Eifel region, or other parts of NRW can hire multiseater vans for added comfort & flexibility.
If planning day trips to neighbouring popular destinations like Cologne, Bonn, Wuppertal, and expecting Autobahn travel, a fullsize car offers ample legroom and better cruising comfort for longer journeys.
Exploring the city or the wider Rhine-Ruhr Metropolitan Region, an SUV rental strikes strong balance between comfort and safety, offering ample seating/luggage space, and improved handling in seasonal conditions.
Those who value first class mobility can rent a luxury car in Dusseldorf to make a statement. Whether it’s an Audi, BMW, Mercedes, or Porsche you wish to drive, hire your ideal exotic car for a thrilling driving experience.
Offering plentiful opportunities to experience leisure and scenic rides, hiring a convertible can be perfect for enjoying open air drives along the Rhine promenade, through the Bergisches Land, or toward the Mosel region.
*All prices above are on per day basis and subject to change without prior notice. Since costs vary by vehicle class, dates, supplier, and collection point, we recommend checking real-time rates to get the most accurate price.
Although the difference between the two cities isn’t much - under 40 km - the drive from Dusseldorf to Cologne showcases the real spirit of Germany. This particular route isn’t the most touristy, but what makes this drive special is the true industrial, subtly cultural, crowded feel of Deutschland.
Travelers connecting from Düsseldorf to Cologne can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with reliable mobility services. Our trusted platform is designed to offer commuters high quality car rental services. Be it for business or leisure, booking a self drive car rental ensures a superior travel experience with top rated car hire suppliers who offer modern vehicles.
Whether Cologne is a stop along the way for an extended German road trip or dropping off the car in Köln is part of a short work trip, we have the right vehicle for your journey. Allow us to handle the details of your one way travel journey from Dusseldorf to Cologne, so you can focus on enjoying your drive with utmost freedom.
Travelers planning a one way car rental trip from Dusseldorf to Cologne have three primary route options. Choosing the right option will solely depend on your specific requirements. And while the distance between the two cities is merely 40–44 km, and the drive usually takes about 35–45 minutes under normal traffic conditions, the route selected can significantly impact the travel times.
Take a look at our curated navigator planner for the best routes from Düsseldorf to Cologne:
| Route | Distance | Estimated Time | Best For | Things to Consider |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A57 (via Neuss / Dormagen) | ~43 km | ~35–40 min | Airport to city transfers | Expect congestion during weekday rush hours (7:30–9:00 AM, 4:30–6:30 PM) |
| A59 + A1 (via Langenfeld / Leverkusen) | ~45 km | ~40–45 min | Renters with flexible schedules | Slightly longer route with traffic only around Leverkusen interchange |
| A46 + A3 (via Hilden / Leverkusen) | ~51 km | ~45–55 min | Off season or weekend travel plans | Longest route; expect freight traffic on weekdays |
The A57 via Neuss / Dormagen is the best route for those renting a car one-way from Düsseldorf to Cologne, owing to a plethora of reasons, most common of which are:
A57 Southbound
44 km (27 miles)
40–50 minutes
EUR 30
Most suppliers charge a drop-off fee between €30 and €70
Economy, fullsize, luxury, multiseater vans, & SUV rentals
Alamo, Avis, Enterprise, Europcar, Flex to Go, Keddy by Europcar, National, Wheego
DUS Airport, Düsseldorf Hauptbahnhof (Train Station), Düsseldorf-Reisholz, Düsseldorf-Lierenfeld, Düsseldorf-Mörsenbroich
Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN), Cologne Altstadt-Nord, Köln Hauptbahnhof (Train Station), Cologne Mülheim, Cologne Ehrenfeld
Whatever your unique itinerary has in store, we have the perfect vehicle for your journey. Solo travelers, couples, and families can choose from a range of options based on their unique trip requirements.
Below is a clear breakdown of the average one way rentals costs, so that you can compare prices and select the most suitable vehicle type as per your needs and budget:
| Car Type | Popular Models (or Similar) | Avg Daily Rate (One Way) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy | VW Polo, Opel Corsa, Toyota Aygo | €35 – €55 | Budget conscious renters, solo trips, short drives |
| Compact | VW Golf, Audi A1, Seat Ibiza | €45 – €70 | Couples, light luggage, fuel efficiency |
| SUV (Compact/Mid-Size) | Nissan Qashqai, Audi Q3, Skoda Karoq | €65 – €110 | Families, extra luggage, comfort |
| Standard / Intermediate | VW Passat, Skoda Octavia, BMW 3 Series | €60 – €95 | Business travel, highway comfort |
| Van / Minivan | VW Touran, Ford Galaxy, Mercedes V-Class | €90 – €150 | Groups, relocations, large luggage |
There are no tolls on Düsseldorf-Cologne autobahns (motorways). Whether travelling via the A57, A3, or A59 routes, no toll charges apply for your one-way drive.
For routes connecting the two cities, you’ll likely encounter one of the three A57/A59/A3 autobahns. Following the German autobahn etiquette is a key principle while driving on this route. Remember to drive in the right lane and utilize the left lane only for passing. Overtaking on the right is illegal under Section 5 of the German Road Traffic Regulations. Maintain a safe speed limit to avoid fines, as speed cameras are positioned at frequent gaps on motorways. Some areas have no speed limits, but authorities often limit speeds to 100 or 120 km/h near construction zones, dangerous curves, and city limits.
Both Dusseldorf and Köln have designated Environmental Zones, which required green sticker. These low emissions zones are active in most of the inner city and many surrounding districts. And if planning on driving the hired vehicle in these specific zones, it's advisable to double check with the rental company if the green Umweltplakette is pre-installed on the windshield or not. Driving inside these active environmental zones without a sticker can result in fines typically ranging around €80–€100 plus administrative fees.
Expect to pay higher base rates or surcharges for pick up/drop off at airport locations. The airport rental pick-ups typically add €10–€40 extra to the final rental bill. Opt for a local city location or select a shuttle pick-up service if possible to reduce costs.
Although the drive is short, weekday traffic around Neuss and the Leverkusen junctions can easily add 15–20 minutes to the journey. Locals usually avoid leaving Düsseldorf between 7:30 and 9:00 in the morning as traffic moves slowly. Cologne can also get congested during rush hours, which are around late afternoon, around 4 PM. This includes key hotspots, including the ring roads and intersections like Brabanterstr./Maastrichterstr.
Money Saving Advice: Refueling at service stations directly on the Autobahn (Raststätten) can be costlier than city or local ‘Autohof’ or village stations. Utilizing the latter options can save you €10–€15 per tank.
