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Ready to get behind the wheel, but not sure how to start? Keep reading to learn how to use a SIXT car.
Add your driving licenceAdd your driving licence
Before you take the wheel, you need to add your driving licence. Validate it by following the instructions on the screen before your first trip. It’s easy and only takes a few minutes. Plus, you’ll only need to do it once.
Remember that you have to be over 21 to drive a SIXT car. For certain vehicles (Audi A4, Jaguar I-PACE and higher), you need to be at least 25.
If you’ve already validated your driving licence, and you meet the age requirements, you’re good to go!
Find and unlockFind and unlock
Find the nearest SIXT car on the in-app map, then slide to start your reservation.
Once you slide, you’ve got 15 minutes to start your rental. That means it’s easy for you to cancel if you change your mind during that time. Don’t forget, though — after 15 minutes, your reservation will expire.
Make sure the car has enough fuel/battery before renting it. If you refuel/recharge, it will be at your own expense.
Once you’re next to the car and ready, tap “Start rental” and the car will be automatically unlocked. Jump in, follow the checks below, and you’re good to go!
Getting road-ready Getting road-ready
Once you’ve unlocked your car, here’s what you need to check before hitting the open road:
- Check if your car has any marks or damages – this is super unlikely, but if it happens, slide the renting details card up from the bottom of your screen and contact the SIXT team via the “Help” button.
- Get comfy! Adjust the seat and mirrors to your liking, and get the key from the glove compartment.
How to startHow to start
If the car is manual: Put your foot on the clutch and brake, push down, hold, and press the start button or turn the vehicle’s key.
If it’s automatic: Make sure the gear lever is in ‘Park’. Put your foot on the brake (left), push down and hold, and press the start button or turn the vehicle’s key.
Safety is keySafety is key
- Be attentive: watch out for other vehicles, always be focused on and aware of your surroundings, traffic and pedestrians.
- Please obey the local traffic and parking laws.
- Never drink and drive. If you need to get home after a drink or two, head to the ‘Taxi & Ride’ tab and get a taxi or Ride instead.
- In case of an emergency, slide the renting details card up and contact the SIXT team via the “Help” button at the bottom of the screen.
Make a stopMake a stop
Want to make a stop for some shopping, a coffee break or simply enjoy the surroundings during your rental? No problem! Turn off the engine, close all the windows and doors, leave the car and lock it using the key provided.
During this time, the rental will continue, and the car won’t be available to other users. Keep in mind that you’ll still be charged normally.
Get to and from the airportGet to and from the airport
Flying somewhere? ✈️ You can take your SIXT car to the airport in Berlin, Hamburg, Munich. You can also pick up a SIXT car in some of them. Check the table below for availability and fees.
City/airport | Pick up | Drop off | Fee |
Berlin Brandenburg (T1&2) | X | X | 8€ |
Hamburg Airport (car park P2 Terminal) | X | X | 8€ |
Munich Airport (car park P20) | X | X | 15€ |
Special drop off zones | |||
Berlin Aldershof | Possible for free | X | 4€ |
Garching | Possible for free | X | 5€ |
Ending your rentalEnding your rental
To end your trip, park the car inside the business area marked on the map in the designated parking zone. Local authorities may charge you a fine if you don’t follow these parking rules, so keep an eye out for signs and notices.
Make sure you have an internet connection to end your rental - SIXT cars should not be parked in underground garages or car parks.
Turn off the engine and check if you’ve taken all your valuables from the car. Close all the windows, boot and doors. Leave the key in the glove compartment. Open the app and tap the ‘End rental’ button.
You will see your cost split automatically on the app screen, and we’ll send it to you later via email.
We hope you enjoy your ride and see you soon!