Driving in Germany?

rhk109 · 05-02-2005, 06:05 PM

My wife and I are taking a trip to Germany in a month. We are staying near Frankfurt with my cousin. We are planning on going to Stuttgart (guess why), then Pfaffenhause (guess why), then Munich and then back to Frankfurt.

My cousin says to use the super efficient German train system. Besides only Germans should be allowed to drive in Germany.

Co-workers have told me to rent a car for the trip. Although, they did warn about parking.

Anyone driven this route or a similar one lately? Suggestions, comments, concerns? Any advice greatly appreciated.

Jared at Pelican Parts · 05-02-2005, 06:09 PM

Ive been there, and it's a waste of time and money to rent a car.

The traffic can be really bad. And the autobahns really arent that great because there's construction everywhere.

The only thing i could think that would be worth renting a car is the Nurburgring, although you need insurance

Erakad · Erakad's Garage

Well, Frankfurt to Stuttgart, staus (traffic jams rendering the autobahn a parking lot...for miles) always has heavy traffic (unless you want to drive at night), Stuttgart to Munich....well, staus in Stuttgart, staus going into Munich. There may or maynot be construction, trucks are always slowing you down...but still....if I was you...I'd drive!! I like the option of stopping when I want and checking out the small towns (many historical), like driving fast when it opens up. Just remember, the left lane is for passing and is enforced. Last item...since you're driving from Munich to Frankfurt anyway...stop at Rothenburg odT, or Dinklesbuhl...nice walled cities...pretty cool. Don't miss Kathies Wolfarts Christmas shop in Rothenburg, you'll be impressed. Another thought...gas will be expensive...very. Also, may want to contact K9Handler (on this forum) for current intel on the roads. Anyway, so much more....just need to think about it.

stomachmonkey · 03:24 AM

Train it. Scenery is better. Autobahn is around 3% of the road system and speed is regulated as you get closer to populated areas anyway.

Traffic can suck and the parking definately sucks.

You know what gas costs in Germany?

You may need to take out a second mortgage.

Scott

Rikao4 · 05-03-2005, 07:25 AM

Rob covered it quite well, the Autobahn can to be fun, but like all good things..population and rules have mucked it up .Be on your toes,and drive it...Hertz friend tells me they get calls a the time from renters that have pulled over and state " I can't drive here". Stationed in Stuttgart for years, nice city with lot's to do and see. Remember a flash of lights behind you means get over NOW, and turn signal flashing means he's coming out Now, not after you pass,watch your Exit's, as they are far apart and AUSFAHRT is the largest city in Germany.
have a fun time
Bruce

CamB · CamB's Garage

Depends whether the train goes anywhere near where you want to go.

I've driven in Germany - it was fine (admittedly didn't make it into any cities much). Zurich on the other hand...

bryanthompson · bryanthompson's Garage

only Germans should be allowed to drive in Germany.

...amazing the things europeans get away with...

FrayAdjacent911 · 05-03-2005, 01:34 PM

Yep... Germans are definitely more hard-core about driving. Thus no cupholders in Porsches! You should be DRIVING your car, not eating lunch in it!

I'd love to drive over there, but yeah, it's expensive... I'd love to see Germany again.

Joeaksa · 05-03-2005, 04:34 PM

Lived there for years and its a lot of fun to drive on the Autobahn. You should get a car just to try it.

Now, after saying that, get ready for the traffic jams (stau) and the $5+ a gallon that gas costs. As well many of the roads are limited to 130 klicks these days but there is still loads of unlimited areas.

Always watch in your rear view mirror for passing traffic. Never pass on the right side of a car, period, always on the left. Go to the AAA office near your house and get a international drivers license.

JoeA

stomachmonkey · 05-03-2005, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bryanthompson
only Germans should be allowed to drive in Germany.

...amazing the things europeans get away with...

As a general statement it has merit. We hand out drivers licencses like candy in this country.

In Germany it'll cost you $3-4000 to get a license.

Here any 16 year old with $30 and mommy's forged signature can get a learner's permit and cause havoc.

There they go to a professional driving school, kinda like Skip Barber for the street.

Here daddy let's them learn their chops by driving to the supermarket and back.

You gotta admit we've got some bad drivers in this country.

Hell, I just got back from a week in FL. The Q-tips down there have all got one foot in the grave already and could care less if they take you out while cutting across three lanes of traffic to make a left while their turn signal is indicating a right turn.

I nearly died 10 times in 5 days.

And A LOT of Germans vaca in FL. Does not help their perception of American driving skills.

Scott

VaSteve · 05-03-2005, 06:07 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Rikao4
AUSFAHRT is the largest city in Germany.

I took a trip last may for European Delivery on a new BMW. It was a great trip. We did 900 miles in 5 days through much country that the train doesn't go (well not the same routes). Country roads, small town, autobahn, long tunnels. It was great. Stop when ever you want to eat or do whatever. Buy whatever you want and carry it around with you.

This was my first driving experience outside the US (in my brand new car

) and it was worth it all the way.

We did park in the cities (Munich, Zurich, Stuttgart, Heidleburg) and take the public transportation to avoid the parking problems. Stuttgart kinda sucked, Munich was much nicer. Check out the Romantistrasse ( a nice drive). The autobahn around Stuttgart was choked up but I live in DC where traffic is unbearable at best.

Certain other autobahns were slower that others, but I managed to keep it up around 100 mph for long stretches during the day somewhere between Stuttgart and Munich. We did all travel during the day because I really didn't want to drive a brand new car at night in a foreign country. I could dig out my map if you need route suggestions.

FrayAdjacent911 · 05-03-2005, 06:58 PM

When we were stationed in Ramstien, dad had a '75 911 coupe. This was in 85. Dad got the sunroof working, and put new Pirellis on it. One of the POs ran out of oil on the autobahn and seized the engine, so the one in it was a transplant from a '78. Black, leather interior... it was nice, and it (and the neighbor's 82 pearl white SC with the whale tail) was the start of my love for the P-car.

Dad later related to me that he had to go to Bitburg one day, and drove the Porsche. Says he got to 130mph out there, and the car felt like it lowered itself a couple inches and just got solid.