Millions of football fans will be travelling to Germany next month for the UEFA Euro 2024 games. The matches will be spread across various stadiums around the country from June 14 to July 14. If you happen to be one of the many supporters making the journey for the world’s most-loved sport, or are simply visiting as a tourist, hiring a car might help you escape the city crowds during an extremely hectic season!
Although we recommend using public transport to get you to and from the games themselves, when the football shirt isn’t on and outside the tournaments’ festivities, you may want to explore Germany beyond the city borders.
Driving in Germany
Germany is renowned for their automotive industry, which is complimented by their well-established road network, or as most know it, the Autobahn. This is the highway system that you will most likely use when travelling between cities during your stay in Germany. There is no speed limit for most of the Autobahn, but the recommend speed sits at 130kph (80mph). Before you get too pedal-happy though, be aware that 30% of the Autobahn does have speed limits that are heavily enforced with hefty fines!
Outside of the rules and regulations of the road (which you should always check before driving in another country), experiencing the sprawling landscape of the German countryside at your own leisure is reason enough to rent yourself a car.
Landmarks to visit
One of the biggest pulls of a rental car is opening the door to experiences many other tourists may not have the flexibility or time scale to achieve. All the host cities hold a rich history of their own, with incredible things to see and do – but with the Euros drawing in so many people, you may be sharing this experience with thousands of others.
If you plan to venture further afield, you’ll not be disappointed by Germany’s wealth of natural beauty and outer-city charm. There’s the Black Forest, located near Stuttgart in the south-west of the country, where you’ll find miles upon miles of unspoiled woodland. Or you can venture north to Lubeck – a medieval city that’s home to Germany’s most extensive UNESCO World Heritage site (and only an hour drive from Hamburg!).
The largest cluster of host cities can be found to the west of Germany, where Cologne, Dortmund, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt and Gelsenkirchen will be hosting a multitude of matches. Exploring this region will give you access to incredible landmarks like the Rhine River, various castles, and Beethoven’s birthplace, Bonn.
Requirements to drive in Germany
Germany doesn’t have toll roads, but they do have environmental zones. Driving within these zones means you’ll be required to display a sticker (or “Umweltplakette”) that represents the emissions standard of your vehicle. Luckily, the vast majority of rental cars fall within the green category meaning you’ll likely have access to all environmental zones. Rental cars will often come with a sticker, but it is worth double checking with your rental provider.
Lastly, you will need proof of insurance when driving a car in Germany. You should receive the relevant documents along with your car rental if you have purchased it through your provider, broker or travel agent. You can read more about car rental insurance here.
To enjoy your journeys stress-free with extra security, Zest also provides the option of Top-up insurance which offers reimbursement cover against loss or damage to the vehicle not covered by the standard car hire insurance.
Where can I rent a car?
Booking through Zest gives you access to over 70 pick up locations across Germany, including all major airports. On top of this, the host cities also have pick-up locations, with the one exception being Gelsenkirchen (but still only an 8-minute train ride away!).
Curious about your options? Get yourself a quote below!
