Car Rental Germany

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GERMANY

Germany, (officially: the Federal Republic of Germany; German: Bundesrepublik Deutschland) is the largest country in Central Europe. It is bordered to the north by Denmark, to the east by Poland and the Czech Republic, to the south by Austria and Switzerland, and to the west by France, Luxembourg, Belgium and the Netherlands. Germany is a federation of 16 states, roughly corresponding to regions with their own distinct and unique cultures.

Germany has a world-famous network of excellent roads and Autobahnen (motorways) with no toll or fees for cars (trucks have to pay), but gasoline prices are kept high by taxation. As of October 2013 prices float around €1.60 per litre for petrol (91 and 95 octane), and around €1.50 per litre for diesel. Oddly, normal petrol and "super" is the same price in Germany. At petrol stations, you have the choice between Diesel, Benzin (91 octane, not very common), Super (95 octane), Super E10 (95 octane also, but higher share of biofuel; inquire with car rental or petrol station since it might damage your car) and SuperPlus (98 octane) or Ultimate (100 octane). Also, LPG (liquid petroleum gas) is available with few problems on highways. Here and there, you might find "Erdgas"; this is compressed natural gas not gasoline. In Germany, you may first fill up your tank and pay afterwards (only if the petrol station is staffed, of course). Some stations will not release the fuel to pump unless you pay first or at least hand over a credit card in advance.

Fuel stations situated at the autobahn are quick and convenient and usally accepts international debit/credit cards, but as a rule, fuel is generally more expensive. Save a few euros by filling up your car at fuel stations situated in smaller cities or on the countryside - just be aware that small petrol stations does not always accept international debit/credit cards, so keep some cash on hand!

Rules & Regulations

Here are some rules and regulations that you should know before you start your journey in Germany: 

• Many driving regulations are common to England and other countries, but remember to drive on the right and that priority must be given to traffic from the right at junctions. Do not signal when entering a roundabout, but when leaving it. 
• In Germany, as in the UK, you must give way to emergency vehicles and this applies whether or not the siren is sounding. 
• Drink driving is not tolerated in Germany any more than it is elsewhere and on the spot fines can be applied to offenders. The alcohol limit is 0.5, but in drivers under 21 and new drivers this drops to zero and the laws on this point are very strict. 
• A great tip for driving in Germany is that it is compulsory to carry a warning triangle and to have headlamp beam deflectors. Currently under discussion is the requirement to carry reflective jackets, and it is advisable to carry a first aid kit. 
• It is also always a good idea to carry bottled water, warm clothing, a torch, mobile phone and snacks in case of breakdown or emergency. 
• If you use a GPS system when driving in Germany bear in mind that it is illegal to use speed camera detectors and this includes on a GPS. 

Speed Limits

The 2 standard speed limits are: 

• 50 km/h in rural areas 
• 100 km/h in built up areas 
• A useful driving tip to know when driving in Germany is that on the Autobahns there are no limits to the speed which you can travel as long as you are in full control of the vehicle. 

Things to Bring Along

Here are the tips on what equipment you need when driving in Germany:

• The first essential is a full driving license, and this must be carried with you and produced on request. EU and EEA licences are accepted. Drivers must be 18 or over.
• You must also carry proof of insurance, a full passport for ID purposes, and your V5C Certificate as proof of ownership. Of course if you hire a car from Sixt you should carry proof of hire.

Additional Information

• Germany is a country of massive variety with many thrilling and beautiful destinations. With 10,000 towns and cities to choose from there is no shortage of places to visit. 
• Kassel home of the brothers Grimm, this is a fairy tale town in more ways than one. Visit the Palatial Wilhelmshohe Gardens or the Hercules Museum. 
• Leipzig is often thought of as the musical heart of Germany. Music certainly thrives here, from the Opera House to the Gewandhaus Concert Hall and much in between. 
• Koblenz where the Rhine and Moselle meet is one of the oldest and most scenic destinations in Germany. Surrounded by forests, vineyards and mountains, it will take your breath away. 
• The Black Forest is an area of outstanding natural beauty with many fascinating towns to visit. 
• Nuremburg is rich with medieval architecture and cultural venues. Visit the Old Town to see this Nuremburg at its most picturesque, or head over to the Germanic National Museum for a fascinating cultural experience.
• Driving in Germany does indeed offer an amazing variety and a marvellous road network and can be a rewarding experience, the more so when you hire a car from a reliable rental company such as Sixt. Founded in 1912 Sixt car rental is a family owned company with depots in many locations throughout Germany, including Munich, Frankfurt and Kassel Calden airports. You will find a friendly team waiting for you in 22 different regions of Germany, including Bavaria, the Black Forest, Saxony, Rhineland and Brandenburg. Most German cities are covered including Bonn, Berlin, Cologne, Dresden, Frankfurt, Hamelin, Leipzig, Stuttgart and Nuremburg.

 * Please note: All information was correct at the time of publication.