Car Hire in Germany - Getting to Germany

Frankfurt is one of mainland Europe’s busiest air transport hubs, servicing all regions of the world, but long distance international flights also arrive at Hamburg, Stuttgard, Berlin and Munich. Berlin has three airports, Tegel (European), Schonefeld (international) and Templehof (both). Berlin’s international scope is limited though. All have regular services into the their respective cities.

Bordering nine countries, Germany’s extensive road network of autobahnen make it extremely easy to drive to France via Freiburg, and Heidelberg, Switzerland via Lake Constance, Austria via Fussen and the Alps, the Czech Republic and Poland in the east and Denmark in the North. The built up Rhine valley region has numerous routes into Luxembourg, Belgium and the Netherlands. Such is the state of the EU and schengen visa system that crossing the border at the numerous posts (big and small) along all the international borders, is merely a formality. The autobahnen famously have only a minimum speed limit, though safety restrictions are in place in parts.

The train network is fast, efficient, extensive and reliable, making it possible to reach most major European cities from all busy centres within Germany, without having to change.

Buses depart from major centres non-stop to destinations as far away as Istanbul and Tangiers. The extensive network makes it convenient to plan an escape from any one of the towns and cities that are close to a border.

There are also ferries to the UK (ex Hamburg) and across the Baltic (including cars).