Car hire - Germany

Famed for its beer and sausages, Germany’s blend of the modern and traditionalmakes it an ideal destination for business or pleasure. With scenery that varies from the Bavarian Alps in the south to the beach resorts in the north and cities like Berlin, Munich and Dusseldorf, there is something to interest everyone.

For those who enjoy visiting cities, Berlin, the county’s capital, is renowned for its history, culture and nightlife. Munich boasts the Allianz Arena, home of the mighty Bayern Munich, while Dusseldorf has one of the longest bars in the world.

If the outdoor life is more your thing, then the vast forests and numerous lakes will have much to offer.

With so much to explore, it is little wonder that Germany is one of the world’s top ten tourist destinations.

Germany is the largest economy in Europe and most of its airports, cities and towns offer a choice of car hire companies. This means plenty of choice for the traveller, as well as ensuring a competitive price.

Using our booking engine, you’ll be able to get the best deals for the car you want, where you want it. In most cases, you will even be able to pick up and drop off the vehicle at different places, giving you an even better chance to see everything that Germany has to offer.

To make the most of your visit, you’ll need to pick a hire car supplier that suits you. There is a choice of companies at most of the airports. You can even pick up a car from the nearest city if that’s what you’d prefer.

Although you can select your car supplier when you arrive, booking in advance is always a good idea to secure the vehicle you want at the price you want. Holiday Autos also offer 24/7 support and will resolve any problems quickly.

Germany is a big place, so you would need a long visit to see its best attractions, however, even those on a short break can still get a flavour of the local culture.

One of Germany's best-known features is its forests, with the Black Forest being the most famous. Within a couple of hours’ drive of Stuttgart, the Forest has of course gateaux, plus hiking, skiing, lakes and museums.

Cologne Cathedral is the county’s most visited landmark, and the city offers a host of museums, parks and its old town. Berlin meanwhile is known for its architecture, culture and nightlife.

For car lovers, there is a huge choice to visit, including Stuttgart’s Porsche factory, Munich’s BMW factory and Volkswagen’s Transparent Factory in Dresden. If racing is more your thing, then there’s the Hockenheim racing circuit and, of course, the famous Nordschleife or Nürburgring.

While Germany is known for having autobahns with no speed limit, this actually only applies to around half of the network. You will also need to make sure that you are carrying your driving licence with you if you are driving. The German police have powers to ask foreign motorists to deposit a sum of money when they enter the country. If they refuse or are unable to pay, their vehicle can be confiscated, so be careful and, like in many other European countries, you need to remember to drive on the right!

Immortalised by synth-pioneers Kraftwerk there is an extensive motorway (or autobahn) network linking the larger towns. In fact, there are more than 8,000 miles of autobahn. As long as you are not driving a truck, there are no motorway tolls to worry about.

Germany is a land of contrasts - with countryside, villages, cities, woods, mountains and lakes. The Alps offer skiing, walking and breathtaking views, while the more urban areas are known for their architecture, museums, parks and culture. There is plenty to see, but you may also want to visit some neighbouring countries, like Austria, Switzerland and Luxembourg.

Southern Germany is famous for its many lakes fringed by sandy beaches, whose clear waters are perfect for fishing, swimming and watersports. If you are a Disney fan, you may recognise Neuschwanstein Castle near to Füssen in south-west Bavaria, the inspiration for Sleeping Beauty’s castle. The castle also features in a number of movies, including the Great Escape and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

Motorway service areas are also well appointed if you need to stop, with fuel, restaurants, toilets and shops. Some of the larger ones benefit from hotels, showers, playgrounds and even chapels.