Car Hire In Kempten (Allgäu): Great Value, Easy Pick-Up, Local Know-How

Compare competitive prices and use this practical UK-focused guide to pick the right pickup point, avoid common extra charges, and drive the Allgäu, Neuschwanstein and the Alps with confidence.

Terminal Guide

Car Guide

Deals

Compare

Rental Tips

Expert Advice

Popular Routes

Routes

Travel Info

FAQ

Awards

UK Driver Essentials

Kempten Car Hire Guide For UK Travellers

Kempten is an excellent base for exploring the Allgäu: public transport is workable in-town, but a hire car makes day trips far simpler—especially for rural lakes, mountain roads, castles and ski areas. For travellers from the United Kingdom, driving is straightforward: you drive on the right in Germany, most cars are manual (automatics cost more and book out earlier), and winter conditions can require more planning. Choose your pickup based on your arrival route: airports offer longer opening hours and more vehicle choice, while Kempten town branches can be cheaper and avoid airport surcharges. Always check what is included in the price (collision/theft cover, excess amount, mileage, fuel policy, and deposit).

Memmingen Airport (FMM) – Allgäu Airport

Nearest airport to Kempten (about 35–45 minutes by car). Follow signs to the terminal arrivals hall car rental desks, then collect your vehicle in the adjacent car park. Pros: closest airport, typically quick exit to the A7/A96 routes, good for low-cost flights. Cons: fewer suppliers than Munich, limited out-of-hours service, peak periods can sell out of automatics.

Kempten Hauptbahnhof (Main Station) Area

Convenient if you arrive by rail from Munich, Ulm or Austria. Pros: walkable access, easy to collect a car after a city break, often cheaper than airport pickup, good for avoiding airport fees. Cons: limited weekend hours at some branches, fewer large SUVs/automatics, parking can be tighter around the station.

Kempten City Centre (Innenstadt) Branches

Best for travellers staying centrally or collecting after a couple of days in town. Pros: excellent for short hires, easy access to hotels and pedestrian-friendly areas, potential for lower daily rates outside peak times. Cons: collection/return may require navigating one-way streets, limited nearby parking, queues possible at busy times.

Choose Your Ride

Find the perfect vehicle for your trip. Compare options below.

More Choice And Longer Hours From Nearby Airports

Airport collection (especially Munich or Memmingen) usually means broader fleets, clearer wayfinding, and better availability for automatics, larger cars and winter-ready options. It suits UK travellers flying in and driving straight to the Allgäu, with the trade-off that airport surcharges and higher deposits are more common—so compare total price, fuel policy and excess carefully.

Car Hire at FMM Airport – Trusted by Real Kempten Travellers

Browse genuine customer reviews of car rental services near Kempten, and choose with confidence from real experiences shared by fellow drivers.

Rental company	Rating	Avg. Daily Rate	Pickup Method/Distance	Security deposit	Key Advantages
Best Overall	4.2 6576+ reviews	$128	0.9 mi from Kempten Downtown	$347 - $1,246	●Super service and friendly staff ●Top vehicles and easy process ●Fast and efficient rental experience
	2.5 5 reviews	$46	0.8 mi from Kempten Downtown	$465	●Good price and service ●Delivered as promised ●Smooth pickup process
	2.1 7000+	$71	0.8 mi from Kempten Downtown	$349	●Friendly and helpful staff ●Smooth problem-free rental process ●Competitive pricing with transparency
	1.7 42 reviews	$117	1.7 mi from Kempten Downtown	$460 - $593	●Efficient counter service ●Fast return processing ●Smooth rental process
	1.4 1,400+ reviews	$100	1.8 mi from Kempten Downtown	$460 - $541	●Friendly and professional staff ●Quick deposit refund process ●Transparent pricing with no surprises

*Rating and review data are sourced from Trustpilot. Policy details may vary by location and vehicle type. Please confirm at the time of booking.

Data source: QEEQ Car Rental

Last updated: Jun. 14 2026

Essential Rental Hub

Everything you need to know before you drive off. Select a topic to get the full brakdown.

A First-Timer's Guide to Fuelling a Hire Car in Germany

This guide provides a step-by-step walkthrough for first-time visitors on how to refuel a hire car in Germany, covering fuel types, payment methods, and tips for a smooth experience.

View details

Platform Insights

Car Rental Expert Advice

By QEEQ Platform Expert Team

Expertise Metrics

Platform Recognition

Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2023&2024

Booking Volume

Review Quality

10,000+ verified 5-star reviews

Market Experience

Data Authority

Expertise Verification

QEEQ data verified against local official data sources

Key Expert Insights

Platform Analysis

"Airport locations dominate car rental bookings, holding 38% of market revenue in 2024, with online bookings comprising 71% of all reservations. Convenience and proximity to travel hubs remain the primary reasons customers select pickup points."

Booking Patterns

"Economy cars lead the market with a 32% revenue share, while SUV rentals are projected to grow at 10.7% CAGR through 2030. Affordability drives 77% of consumer choices, with 48% opting for fuel-efficient vehicles to reduce costs."

Customer Pain Points

"56% of consumers report a disconnect between advertised prices and final bills, making hidden fees the most common customer complaint in the car rental industry."

Data Sources

QEEQ internal booking databse
Grand View Research - Car Rental Market Size And Share Industry Report, 2030
Grand View Research - Car Rental Market Size And Share Industry Report, 2030
Zubie Survey - Rental Fleet Management Consumer Insights
Grand View Research - Car Rental Market Size And Share Industry Report, 2030

Popular Self-Drive Routes And Trips From Kempten (Allgäu)

Top Scenic Driving Routes:

Kempten To Neuschwanstein Castle Via Füssen

Scenic / Cultural Highlights1 hr 10 mins–1 hr 30 mins (one way, depending on traffic and parking)

A classic Allgäu drive through rolling countryside to Bavaria’s most famous fairytale castle. Ideal for a full day with time for castle tickets, lakeside viewpoints and a stroll around Füssen’s old town.

Füssen Old Town, Lechfall, Hohenschwangau Village, Neuschwanstein Castle, Marienbrücke (Mary’s Bridge)

Allgäu Alpine Road Loop (Oberstdorf–Bad Hindelang–Tannheim Valley)

Mountain Scenic Loop3 hrs 30 mins–5 hrs driving time (loop from Kempten, excluding stops)

A high-reward loop for mountain scenery, valley villages and short walks. Expect tighter roads and slower progress in peak season, with plenty of viewpoints and cafés along the way.

Sonthofen, Oberstdorf, Breitachklamm, Bad Hindelang, Tannheim Valley

Lake Constance Day Route (Lindau–Bregenz–Meersburg)

Lakeside / Cross-Border2 hrs–2 hrs 30 mins (one way to Lindau), or 5–7 hrs as a day loop with stops

Head to Bodensee for harbour views, lakeside promenades and the option to hop across borders into Austria (Bregenz) and on to Germany’s wine villages. Great for relaxed driving with plenty of parking options outside old towns.

Lindau Island Harbour, Bregenz Seepromenade, Pfänder Panorama (Bregenz), Meersburg Old Town, Friedrichshafen Lakeside

Popular Day Trips By Car:

Oberstdorf And The Nebelhorn Area

Full day (45–60 mins each way driving, plus time for walks and lifts)

A straightforward drive to Allgäu’s best-known mountain resort, with panoramic viewpoints and easy-to-moderate walks around the valley and higher elevations.

Lindau On Lake Constance

Half day to full day (1 hr 15 mins–1 hr 30 mins each way driving)

Explore the historic island old town, lighthouse and harbourfront, then unwind with lakeside cafés and sunset views across the water.

Garmisch-Partenkirchen And Zugspitze Foothills

Full day (1 hr 45 mins–2 hrs 15 mins each way driving)

A bigger day out for dramatic Alps scenery, with options for gorges, cable cars and traditional Bavarian town streets—best started early to beat traffic and queues.

Ulm Old Town And Minster

Half day to full day (1 hr–1 hr 20 mins each way driving)

An easy motorway run north to one of Germany’s most impressive church towers, plus the riverside Fishermen’s Quarter for photos and dinner.

Car Rental Planning Tips For Kempten And The Allgäu

Bring The Right Driving Documents: Carry your driving licence, passport/ID and rental card. If your licence is not EU/EEA, check whether an International Driving Permit is recommended by the rental firm.

Plan Around Autobahn And Alpine Road Conditions: Autobahns can be fast but busy around weekends and holiday changeovers. In the Alps, expect slower speeds, sharp bends and occasional closures for weather or works.

Use Park And Ride Or Edge Parking In Old Towns: Füssen, Lindau and many village centres have limited parking. Aim for signed car parks on the edge and walk in to avoid tight streets and fines.

Book Major Attractions Early: For Neuschwanstein/Hohenschwangau, reserve time slots in advance where possible and arrive early for parking, shuttle queues and the walk up to viewpoints.

Refuel Smartly Before Mountain Drives: Fuel stations are common around Kempten and main valleys but can be less frequent in smaller mountain areas. Top up before long loops and keep an eye on Sunday opening hours.

Winter: Check Tyres And Carry Essentials: From late autumn to spring, winter conditions can appear suddenly. Confirm winter tyres are fitted, and consider carrying a scraper, warm layers and washer fluid rated for frost.

Understand Insurance And Excess Before You Drive: Confirm what’s covered (damage, glass, tyres, underbody) and the excess amount. Take a quick video walkaround at pick-up and drop-off to document the car’s condition.

Kempten Germany Driving Guide: Your Alpine Road Companion

Discover driving rules, car hire prices, fuel costs, and traveller insights for your journey through Kempten, the historic gateway to Germany's Bavarian Alps.

LANGUAGES

German

CURRENCY

EUR

DRIVE ON

Right-hand side

COUNTRY CODE

+49

AVERAGE CAR RENTAL PRICE

$63 per day

AVERAGE CAR RENTAL LENGTH

3 days

SPEED LIMIT WITHIN TOWN

50 km/h (30 km/h in residential zones)

SPEED LIMIT OUT OF TOWN

100 km/h rural roads; 130 km/h advisory on Autobahn

ACCEPTABLE LIMIT OF BAC

0.05% (Strictly Enforced; 0.00% for novice drivers)

AVERAGE GAS PRICE

$1.79/L

LOWEST / HIGHEST GAS PRICE

$1.60/L - $2.20/L

TRAVELER RATING

8.0 / 10

Kempten Car Hire FAQs

Practical answers on driving rules, winter tyres, tolls and alpine road conditions in the Allgäu

Can I drive in Kempten on a UK licence without an IDP?

Yes, your valid UK photocard licence is accepted in Germany for tourist driving — no International Driving Permit is required. You must carry the licence (and a photo ID) at all times. Under-25s typically face a young driver surcharge of around €8–12 per day from most rental firms in Kempten; a credit card pre-authorisation of roughly €300 is also standard.

Are winter tyres compulsory when renting a car in Kempten?

Yes, between 1 November and 15 April (and in wintry conditions outside that window) German law requires tyres marked M+S with at least 3 mm tread. Most Kempten rental desks include winter tyres automatically from late November to March; if not, expect €6–10 per day. Snow chains are recommended — and sometimes mandatory on the B19 into the Alps — and usually cost about €15 per day.

Is there a motorway toll for driving from Munich to Kempten?

No vignette or toll sticker is needed for private cars on German motorways, including the A7 to Kempten (about 1 hour 30 minutes, roughly €15 in fuel). Beware, though: fuel is far cheaper on the autobahn than at Allgäu Alpine Service stations, where petrol can be 20–30 cents dearer per litre. Fill up before heading into rural valleys.

How do I pay for parking in Kempten city centre?

Most central streets (Königstraße, Bahnhofstraße) are paid Mon–Sat 9 am–6 pm, costing about €0.50–1.20 per hour, payable at the ticket machine with coins or a German girocard. Free blue-zone spots ring the old town for 1–2 hours if you set a disc. Returning to a hire car with a ticket under the wiper is the single most common fine tourists collect, so always pay or set a Parkscheibe.

What is the speed limit and are there speed cameras near Kempten?

Outside built-up areas 100 km/h applies, dropping to 50 km/h in town and 30 km/h on many residential streets in Kempten. Fixed cameras and section-speed checks (Section Control) are common on the A7 around Dietmannsried. Fines start at €20 for 10 km/h over the limit and double for foreign drivers, so keep well below the posted limit, especially on alpine descents near Immenstadt.

QEEQ Platform Awards

Recognized globally for excellence in car rental booking services and customer satisfaction.

Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2025

Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2024

Asia's Best Car hire Booking Website 2023

Asia's Best Car hire Booking Website 2022

Best Car hire Platform Partner 2022 OF ABG

Business Excellence Awards 2024

The Magellan Awards in Car hire Service Category

The Travolution Awards for Best On the Road

Recommended by our customers

Trusted by customers worldwide and we're always working to improve.