Last updated: April 2026
Driving in Germany: What You Need to Know
Before you rent a car in Germany, here are the essential driving facts:
| Drive Side | Right |
|---|---|
| International Driving Permit | Recommended |
| Speed Limit (Motorway) | No limit on some Autobahn sections |
| Average Fuel Price | €1.70/L |
| Minimum Rental Age | 21+ |
Sources: ADAC (German Automobile Club) · Germany Travel — Driving
💡 Insider Tip
Most rentals are manual transmission — book automatic explicitly if you need it.
Best Cities for Car Hire in Germany
Click on any city below to see detailed rental information, driving tips, and provider comparisons.
Munich is the launchpad for the Romantic Road and the Bavarian Alps. Drive south to Neuschwanstein C...
Car hire in Munich →Berlin itself is flat and well-served by transit, but a car unlocks the surrounding Brandenburg regi...
Car hire in Berlin →Frankfurt airport is one of Europe's busiest — and a prime starting point for driving the Rhine Vall...
Car hire in Frankfurt →From Hamburg, drive north to the windswept beaches of Sylt, east to the medieval Hanseatic city of L...
Car hire in Hamburg →Düsseldorf provides easy access to Germany's most scenic river valley — the Moselle. Drive through v...
Car hire in Düsseldorf →