Compare 7 seater car hire at Memmingen Airport. Discover realistic rental costs, insurance, Autobahn driving, Alpine routes and practical family travel advice.
Memmingen Airport (FMM), often marketed as Munich West Airport, has become one of southern Germany’s busiest airports for low-cost airlines. Despite its relatively small size, it is an excellent arrival point for travellers heading to Bavaria, the German Alps, Austria and even northern Italy.
Unlike Frankfurt or Munich Airport, collecting a hire car at Memmingen is usually fast, with shorter walking distances and fewer queues. Within minutes of leaving the airport you can join Germany’s excellent motorway network or head directly into the Allgäu region, one of Germany’s most scenic areas for hiking, cycling and winter sports.
A 7 seater is particularly popular with families visiting ski resorts, touring Bavaria’s castles or combining Germany with Austria and Switzerland.
Where Can You Drive from Memmingen Airport?
The airport sits close to the A7 and A96 motorways, giving excellent access across southern Germany.
- Memmingen town centre – 10 minutes.
- Kempten – 30 minutes.
- Ulm – 45 minutes.
- Füssen (Neuschwanstein Castle) – 50 minutes.
- Oberstdorf – 1 hour.
- Lake Constance (Lindau) – 50 minutes.
- Munich – 1 hour 30 minutes.
- Innsbruck (Austria) – 2 hours.
- Bregenz (Austria) – 1 hour.
- St. Gallen (Switzerland) – 1 hour 20 minutes.
Many visitors never travel to Munich at all, instead exploring the quieter Alpine landscapes of Bavaria and neighbouring Austria.
Why Choose a 7 Seater?
A larger vehicle works particularly well if you are:
- Travelling with children.
- Visiting Bavaria’s Christmas markets.
- Heading to Alpine ski resorts.
- Touring castles and lakes.
- Staying in mountain apartments or chalets.
- Combining Germany, Austria and Switzerland in one holiday.
The region is designed for road travel, with many attractions located well away from railway stations.
Choosing the Right Vehicle
Typical 7 seat vehicles available include:
- Volkswagen Touran.
- Ford Galaxy.
- Peugeot 5008.
- Volkswagen Sharan.
- SEAT Alhambra.
- Opel Zafira Life.
- Mercedes-Benz V-Class.
If you’re travelling with skis, bicycles or hiking equipment, book a full-size people carrier wherever possible. Compact SUVs lose most of their luggage space when the third row is in use.
Why Memmingen Is Popular for Alpine Holidays
Although many people immediately think of Munich Airport for southern Germany, Memmingen is considerably closer to parts of the Allgäu Alps and western Austria.
This often reduces transfer times for visitors staying near Oberstdorf, Füssen or the Austrian border.
During winter, the airport is particularly busy with skiers travelling to resorts across Germany, Austria and western Tyrol.
Driving in Bavaria
Bavarian roads are generally excellent.
Motorways are modern and well maintained, while smaller rural roads pass through picturesque villages, forests and lakes.
When driving in rural Bavaria, expect:
- Agricultural vehicles during harvest periods.
- Cyclists on scenic routes.
- Reduced speed limits through villages.
- Rapid weather changes in Alpine areas.
Cross-Border Travel
One of Memmingen Airport’s biggest advantages is its proximity to three countries.
Many rental companies allow travel into:
- Austria.
- Switzerland.
- Liechtenstein.
- Northern Italy.
Always declare international travel before collecting your vehicle, as additional documentation or administration fees may apply.
Winter Driving
If you’re travelling between November and March, prepare for genuine winter conditions.
Snowfall is common throughout the Allgäu and neighbouring Alpine regions.
Before leaving the airport, check:
- Winter tyres are fitted.
- The vehicle includes an ice scraper.
- Snow chains are supplied if required by your accommodation.
- You understand any local winter equipment requirements in Austria if crossing the border.
Motorway Tolls
Germany does not charge motorway tolls for private passenger cars.
However, if you cross into Austria, you will require a valid Austrian motorway vignette to use Austrian motorways. Most German rental vehicles do not automatically include one unless arranged by the rental company.
If travelling into Switzerland, be aware that Swiss motorways also require their own motorway vignette.
How Much Does 7 Seater Car Hire Cost at Memmingen Airport?
Memmingen often offers slightly better value than Munich Airport, although availability is more limited because the airport is considerably smaller.
Typical Daily Prices
- January to March: €75 to €150 (£65 to £129 / $82 to $164).
- April to June: €70 to €140 (£60 to £121 / $76 to $153).
- July and August: €110 to €220 (£95 to £190 / $120 to $240).
- September to October: €75 to €145 (£65 to £125 / $82 to $158).
- November to December: €70 to €160 (£60 to £138 / $76 to $175).
Prices rise significantly during Christmas markets, school holidays and the peak winter ski season.
Additional Costs
- Additional driver: €10 to €18 per day (£9 to £16 / $11 to $20).
- Child seat: €8 to €15 per day (£7 to £13 / $9 to $16).
- Booster seat: €5 to €10 per day (£4 to £9 / $5 to $11).
- Snow chain hire.
- Cross-border administration charges.
- Austrian or Swiss motorway vignette if required.
Suggested Road Trips
Bavarian Castles
Memmingen → Füssen → Neuschwanstein Castle → Hohenschwangau → Memmingen.
Allgäu Explorer
Memmingen → Kempten → Oberstdorf → Kleinwalsertal → Memmingen.
Three Countries Tour
Memmingen → Lindau → Bregenz → St. Gallen → Memmingen.
Alpine Adventure
Memmingen → Innsbruck → Stubai Valley → Seefeld → Memmingen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Memmingen Airport a good place to hire a 7 seater?
Yes. It is an excellent gateway for Bavaria, western Austria and the Alps, with fast access to Germany’s motorway network.
Are German motorways free?
Yes. Passenger cars do not pay motorway tolls in Germany, although Austrian and Swiss motorways require their own vignette systems.
Will I need winter tyres?
If travelling during winter, they are usually fitted by rental companies, but you should always confirm this before leaving the airport.
Can I drive into Austria and Switzerland?
Usually yes, but you must declare cross-border travel to your rental company beforehand and ensure you meet motorway vignette requirements.
When should I book?
Reserve at least four months ahead for Christmas, February ski holidays and the summer season, as larger vehicles are limited at this smaller airport.
Memmingen is an excellent starting point for a ski holiday with numerous ski resorts within driving distance.
Memmingen Mentions
- Benninger-Ried Museum
- St. Martin
- City Museum
- Ulmer Gate
- Stadtpark Neue Welt
- Antonier House
- Steuer House
- MEWO Art Hall
- Kreuzherrensaal
