Connecting drivers with local operators across the country
4Drive Germany is a booking platform that connects drivers with local vehicle operators in major cities. We work with established rental companies that provide everything from compact hatchbacks to estate cars, SUVs, and commercial vans. Each booking is processed through our system, and the vehicle is supplied by the partner company at your chosen location.
Our team is based in Mitte, Berlin. We handle online reservations, payment processing, and customer support before and during your rental period. The rental agreement itself is signed directly with the local operator when you collect the vehicle, and their contact details appear in your voucher.
The booking process follows four clear steps. First, you search by location and dates, filtering by vehicle type, transmission, fuel policy, and other parameters. Second, you pay a booking advance online by card - this secures your reservation and goes toward the total cost. Third, you receive a voucher by email with collection instructions, the operator's address, opening hours, and the balance due.
Fourth, you collect the vehicle at the designated point - either a desk at the airport terminal, a downtown office, or by delivery to your hotel, depending on the operator. You present your licence, pay the remaining balance (methods accepted for each vehicle are shown during booking and in the voucher), sign the rental agreement, and complete a walk-around inspection. Any existing scratches or marks are noted in the contract.
Additional services such as a second driver, child seat, or written permission for cross-border travel to neighbouring countries are available for a fee and must be requested at the time of booking or upon collection.
We currently serve Berlin, Hamburg, Cologne, Dusseldorf, Koln, and Bonn. Each city has multiple partner operators, giving you a choice of collection points - airports, central railway stations, and downtown offices. Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) lies 30 km south-east of the city centre via the A113 and Stadtring. Hamburg Airport sits 8 km north of the Hauptbahnhof, accessible by the A7. Cologne Bonn Airport straddles both cities, connected by the A59.
Cross-border travel to most neighbouring EU countries is permitted with prior written approval from the operator. Distances from Berlin include 290 km to Hamburg, 190 km to Dresden, 550 km to Frankfurt, and 575 km to Cologne. The Rhine Valley wine regions lie roughly 600 km west of Berlin, while the Black Forest is about 700 km to the south-west.
Many of the vehicles in our network are offered without a deposit requirement - meaning the rental company does not place a hold or block on your card at pick-up. This is a separate matter from the excess (the amount you are responsible for in case of damage). The excess still applies and is stated in your rental terms.
No-deposit options suit drivers who prefer not to have funds tied up during the rental period or who use debit cards with lower available limits. If a vehicle does require a deposit, the amount and accepted card types are always shown before you complete your booking. We recommend ensuring your card has sufficient available balance or raising your limit in advance if needed.
Our support team is available Monday to Sunday, 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM (GMT+1). You can reach us by email at [email protected] or visit our office at Mitte, Berlin, Germany. For detailed enquiries, rate requests, or booking amendments, please use the contact form and we will respond within one business day.