Should I rent a car while in Germany?

When visiting Germany, one of the essential things to think about is how you will get around once you arrive. Whether you want to see major cities or go on a day trip out to the countryside, renting a vehicle may be helpful.



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Germany accepts driving licenses from all foreign countries for six months of residence or for 12 months if the visit is temporary. Drivers are required to obtain a valid German after that time. Licenses from EU member states are accepted.

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How to Get Around Germany
  • Public transportation – Germany has some of the best public transportation in the world. ...
  • Train – Train travel is an incredibly efficient way to get around Germany, though it's not cheap. ...
  • Bus – Aside from hitchhiking, buses are the cheapest way to get around Germany.


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Uber now manages to operate in Germany and the EU only as a regulated taxi service. The US-style UberPop (called UberX in the US) freelance ride service can't be found in Germany or anywhere in the EU. Anyone who wants to drive for Uber in Germany, needs a professional chauffeur's license.

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Many who come from other parts of the world also fly into one of Germany's major cities and then continue their journey by bus or train.

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Germany uses the “zipper system” or Reissverschlussverfahren. The system is in the German Road Traffic Regulations (§ 7 (4) StVO) and dictates that when two lanes converge into one, drivers should proceed all the way to the front of their respective lane and wait to merge at the last possible point.

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In addition to essential documents (for tourists, that would be a valid driver's license and passport), motorists are required by law to carry the following items: Reflective high-visibility vests. Warning triangle. First-aid kit (only required for four-wheeled vehicles registered in Germany)

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Traffic lights: The colors on the signals represent the same things in Germany as they do just about everywhere else: Green: Proceed with caution. Yellow: Prepare to stop. Red: Stop.

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