Car Rental for Munich and Bavaria: Airports and Pickups
Quick summary: A rental car is the simplest way to explore Bavaria if you’d prefer hotels and guesthouses to a campervan. Munich Airport, around 40 km north of the city, has a central car rental area, while Memmingen Airport is closest to Neuschwanstein and the Allgäu. Nuremberg suits northern Bavaria, Salzburg the eastern Alps, and Stuttgart routes from the west.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Main pickup | Munich Airport |
| Allgäu and castles | Memmingen Airport |
| Northern Bavaria | Nuremberg Airport |
| Eastern Alps | Salzburg, Austria |
| West | Stuttgart Airport |
| Tours | Featured tours |
Compare car rental at Munich Airport
Where can you pick up a rental car?
| Pickup | Best for | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Munich Airport | Arrivals and trips anywhere in Bavaria | Munich Airport |
| Memmingen Airport | Neuschwanstein and the Allgäu | Memmingen Airport |
| Nuremberg Airport | Franconia and the Romantic Road | Nuremberg Airport |
| Salzburg | Berchtesgaden and Salzburg | Salzburg |
| Stuttgart Airport | Southwest Germany | Stuttgart Airport |
What do you need to rent a car in Germany?
A valid license, photo identification and a credit card. Drivers with non-EU licenses should carry an International Driving Permit. Some cars carry a surcharge for drivers under 25 or over 65.
What should you know about driving?
You drive on the right, central Munich requires a green emission sticker, and Austria requires a motorway vignette. See driving in Germany.
Car or campervan?
See campervan or car.
Compare car rental at Memmingen Airport
Frequently Asked Questions
Memmingen is closest; Munich has the most flights.
Drivers with non-EU licenses should carry one.
Usually yes. Confirm at pickup.
Usually, with a vignette for motorways. Check your rental terms.