Europe > 🇩🇪 Germany
The city by city Car or no Car advice for Germany can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in Germany; is it worth it (based on costs), and ultimately - should you rent one? (a balance of the two).🚆 🚌⛴️ Do we need to rent a car in Germany?
These scores are based on the quality of public transport and other travel options. If these are good enough to see the main points of interest, then you don’t need to rent a car.
💰💶💳 Is it worth hiring a car in Germany?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.
🏙️ Main Cities in Germany
| CITY | IATA | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Berlin | BER | |
| Bremen | BRE | |
| Cologne | CGN | |
| Dresden | DRS | |
| Düsseldorf | DUS | |
| Frankfurt am Main | FRA | |
| Hahn | HHN | |
| Hamburg | HAM | |
| Hanover | HAJ | |
| Munich | MUC | |
| Stuttgart | STR |
Should You Rent a Car in Germany? 🚗🚄
Germany is famous for its efficient trains, historic cities, picturesque villages, and world-renowned Autobahn. With a world-class public transport system and excellent road infrastructure, travellers often wonder: should you rent a car in Germany? The answer depends on whether you plan to focus on urban travel or explore rural regions and scenic routes.
🚆 When You Don’t Need a Car
Germany offers one of the best public transport systems in the world. If your itinerary includes major cities and well-known destinations, a car is not necessary.
| Destination | Why a Car Isn’t Needed | Best Transport Option |
|---|---|---|
| Berlin | Extensive metro, tram, and bus network | U-Bahn, S-Bahn, tram |
| Munich | Excellent public transit | U-Bahn, S-Bahn |
| Hamburg / Frankfurt | Walkable centres with strong rail links | Train and tram |
| Cologne / Düsseldorf | Compact cities on main train routes | Train and walking |
| Neuschwanstein Castle (tour) | Guided tours include transport | Coach or minibus |
➡ You can travel between cities quickly using high-speed ICE trains, making car-free travel stress-free and time efficient.
🚗 When Renting a Car Is a Great Option
Renting a car lets you explore Germany’s countryside, romantic road routes, Alpine regions, and hidden gems that trains don’t reach directly.
| Benefit | What You Can Explore |
|---|---|
| Freedom | Explore small villages and lakes at your own pace |
| Scenic drives | Follow the Romantic Road or Alpine routes |
| Flexibility | Stop at vineyards, castles, and viewpoints |
| Adventure | Access rural hiking regions or fairy-tale forests |
Ideal Self-Drive Regions
| Region / Route | Highlight | Driving Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Romantic Road | Castles, medieval towns | Iconic scenic route |
| Bavarian Alps | Lakes, mountains, villages | Well-maintained roads |
| Black Forest | Dense forest and spas | Scenic winding roads |
| Moselle Valley | Vineyards and river towns | Peaceful countryside drive |
🚦 Driving in Germany – What to Expect
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Drive on the right-hand side
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Autobahn has speed-unrestricted sections but also strong safety rules
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Roads are in excellent condition
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Parking can be expensive in major cities
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Environmental zones require a green emissions sticker (Umweltplakette)
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German drivers value lane discipline and road etiquette
Car Rental Availability
You can rent cars easily at major airports, train stations, and city centres through companies like Sixt, Hertz, Europcar, and Avis. Automatic vehicles are available but often need to be reserved in advance.
🚕 Alternatives to Renting
| Transport Type | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ICE trains | Intercity travel | Fast, comfortable, scenic |
| Regional trains | Small towns | Frequent and reliable |
| Trams & buses | Urban transport | Well-integrated systems |
| Long-distance coaches | Budget travellers | FlixBus covers major routes |
🧭 Conclusion
Renting a car in Germany is ideal if you want to drive through the countryside, visit traditional villages, or follow scenic routes like the Romantic Road or Moselle Valley. However, if your journey focuses on cities and major tourist destinations, Germany’s outstanding trains and public transit make car-free travel easy and efficient. Your choice depends on whether you prefer the freedom of the open road or the convenience of seamless rail travel.
