Car rental in Berlin

Berlin is located close to key autobahns (federal highways), making it is easy to access by car. On those sections of autobahn where a limit applies, and on highways, it is 130 km/h. The speed limit on other roads is 100 km/h and is reduced further in residential areas and around schools.

Many stretches of autobahn have no speed limit, though heavy fines apply for dangerous driving on any road in Germany.

The streetcar system in Berlin is the third largest in the world, with 22 lines. You must pass streetcars on the right, unless there is not enough room, in which case you may do so on the left. Watch out for passengers getting on or off.

Cycling in the city is also very popular, so be aware of cyclists - especially when cycle paths merge onto the road.

There are several underground parking facilities where you can park for 24 hours or more. Berlin has several free parking areas outside of the city centre.

There are no toll charges for private cars on German roads.

Discover Berlin and surroundings by car

There are five immense museums on Museum Island (Museumsinsel), including the Pergamon Museum, where visitors can view the remarkable Ishtar Gate, and the Neues Museum, where the famous bust of Queen Nefertiti is the showpiece exhibit.

After the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, a 1.3-kilometer stretch of it was turned into a blank sheet for artists. Today, East Side Gallery stands as the largest outdoor mural in the world, with over 100 paintings from international and local artists - a vivid insight into the political and cultural history of Berlin. Feel like a change of scenery? There are some memorable day trips to be had around Berlin.

Tropical Islands Resort, 45 miles or one hour away, is the largest indoor pool in Europe. Check out the spa, sauna, water slides, and lagoon area complete with waterfalls.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Spreewald National Park is a beautiful getaway just 45 miles or an hour and a half from Berlin by car. Enjoy the lakes and canals of the River Spree in this peaceful biosphere reserve. Leipzig (120 miles away) and Hanover (180 miles) are within easy driving distance.

Visit Schloss Charlottenburg

Built by Frederick III in 1699 as a summer palace for his wife Sophie Charlotte, this regal estate, the largest palace in Berlin, is framed by a baroque-style garden. The ornate building is filled with lavish apartments, beautifully decorated and displaying paintings by French masters. The ceremonial halls and Golden Room with green marble and rococo features are stunning. Make sure you visit the Neuer Pavillon (the summer retreat), the mausoleum, and the private rooms of Frederick the Great. To get the most out of your trip, buy the charlottenburg+ ticket, which gives you access to all the museums and sites in the palace grounds. Parking is available at Schloss Charlottenburg, which is located in the western district of Charlottenburg, close to the river Spree.

Visit Markthalle

Neun Situated to the south of town, near Görlitzer Park, Markthalle Neun has evolved into one of the biggest foodie venues in the city. Filled with local restaurateurs serving up global street food, the best time to visit is on Street Food Thursdays from 5pm-10pm. There is no better place to eat your way around the world. Markthalle also hosts a farmers’ market on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Things to see in Berlin

Berlin offers a mix of historic and modern culture. The backdrop to famous films and revolutionary moments in European history, and a stage for David Bowie, the city has witnessed some truly iconic events. Visit the Friedrichshain neighbourhood to see the Berlin Wall and hang out in hipster warehouses, or the Kreuzberg district with its boho cafés and street art. Sample traditional German food like the ‘Berliner’ hot dog, and of course the famous beer taverns. The nightlife in the city is rightly legendary – from dance temples to underground clubs, whatever your mood, Berlin has a party to suit.

Use your Berlin car rental to take a trip along the S-Bahn to the south-west of Charlottenburg and discover the fairy tale aura of Grunewald Forest. Pack a picnic for a tranquil afternoon or book a tour to climb the manmade hill and find great views over the woodland. Or, why not head to the spa town of Bad Saarow or enjoy the clear water of lake Liepnitzsee? The choice is yours.

Understanding Berlin

As a city with a rich and complicated history, Berlin is a fascinating place to learn more about. Be sure to spend a day at Museum Island, an amazing complex boasting five of the city's most prominent museums. A trip to the Jewish Museum is another enlightening experience, as is a walk through the Holocaust Memorial.