Renting a Car for Just one Day to Experience the Autobahn

If the 'experience' you have in mind has to do with driving FAST, you may be disappointed. The autobahns, especially around Munich, can get so conjested that you're lucky to be able to go 50 mph. The truck traffic is especially heavy.

I was going to say from what I have heard, if you have dreams of driving 90 pm with wind blowing in your hair, good luck. I've heard tons of not good stories about the traffic there.

Driving the Autobahn was a dream of mine and I am so happy I did it. 220 kph in a BMW and got passed by a soccer mom in an Audi!! The experience was worth it!

I rented online from Sixt. Got a BMW 320D manual - awesome car and super smooth. Can't remember how much it was but the bill wasn't much more compared to when I rent a car for an equivalent time in the USA.

Sixt does one way rentals (we did Munich to Frankfurt) and when we did it last year there was no extra fee.

As for traffic, it depends on so much. But I would say don't worry about it. Get out on the road and enjoy!

Pete

It takes at least a day or so to get over the anxiety and get used to the driving, I think, so I would vote NO. I was able to drive quite fast on the Autobahn, but not for fun- it was to keep up with the other traffic. It's possible in the right places, at the right time. I also am somewhat familiar with the language and it was not my first day driving there (and I had years of observing Autobahn driving in the past.)

James, I wasn't thinking the speed so much as the rules of the road (left passing only...) and the street signs, etc. I guess if one was well rested and everything, they might feel comfortable doing it after a few hours.

If by the alps you mean something like Garmisch, there are some stretches outside Munich where you can really open it up.

James, since you are from Germany, do you suggest renting ahead of time or should we wait till we are in Munich? Is it cheaper either way?

Susan,

So you want to get off the plane (jet lagged?) and start to drive in a foreign country at 120 mph? Gee, what could be wrong with that plan.

Having lived in Germany for over 2 years, I can vouch for both the insane speed and the frequency of both stalls (traffic at a standstill) and accidents ( spectacular).

Give this plan some more thought.

First time I was in Germany, I rode in a car driven by the company's country manager for Germany. We went 320 km (about 200 mi) in 2 hrs. That's about 100 mph, in bumper-to-bumper traffic. About as exciting as driving from Denver to Colorado Springs on I-25 on a Sunday afternoon.

If this is your dream I say go for it. Do make sure you rent the right kind of car though. If you want to drive FAST, you will need a BMW, Mercedes or Audi I would think. I had a lease car, so started driving immediately upon arrival in Frankfurt. I was driving to Freiburg in the Black Forest that first day. Driving in Germany is easy, but do remember to stay to the right on the Autobahn unless you are passing. I had a minivan, so I couldn't get up to the speeds I wanted to. I did go about 155 kph going downhill at one point during the trip. Maybe some day I will have the thrill of going faster...

I would rent here before you go if you know exactly when you want the car. If you pick up the car at a location other than the airport or train station you will save money. Check autoeurope.com or one of the places that specialize in Germany. I would actually compare all to see who has the best deal.

Have fun!!!

I got my driver's licence in Germany which means you have to do mandatory driving lessons on the Autobahn. For me, driving at 160-180 km/h feels very comfortable even with a compact car. I haven't had a chance to drive a Mercedes or BMW. Many compact cars are cabable of going faster than that but I find it very difficult to control side winds at such speeds in a small car.

It is actually much more stressful to drive at much lower speeds on congested stretches.

Driving the Autobahn can certainly be a great experience - just don't do it the day you step off the plane coming from the US.

If possible try to reserve a car for a Sunday. Most trucks won't be allowed to drive and that makes for less congested streets.

Tim's response above is correct, so be warned. My brother couldn't wait to get on the autobahn. I have a photo of his standing outside our rental car with traffic at a complete stand-still, just outside of Munich.

Rob, nobody said anything about just getting off a plane - jet lagged - actually the day we are planning on renting the car is day 4 in Germany - which is also one week after we visited Amsterdam. Whew - sure am getting a lot of different opinions!

I'm not sure there's ever a situation in which waiting to rent is a better bet. It's kind of like going to the airport without a ticket thinking you'll get a good deal. Why not figure out which car rental agency is most convenient, what their hours are (if you want the car early Sunday morning, they might not be open) and who has the best deal from the comfort of your home via the internet, rather than wasting vacation time doing this? Whenever I do day long rentals in Europe I always reserve in advance. Especially if you want a particular car you should reserve.

I think there are so many negative responses because the autobahn is so different than what most Americans think it is, and there is often disappointment. In my experience it's just a 2 lane highway, full of trucks and regular speed cars in the right lane and passers in the left. It's not at all like, say, eastern Montana, where there are long straight highways with no traffic. It's very annoying for me to drive in, because I don't want to go as slow as the right lane drivers, but I don't want to go much over 90 either, so I was constantly having to change lanes. And if I got a bit lazy and tried to pass a bunch of vehicles by staying in the left lane, the tiny little speck in my rear horizon would soon turn out to be an Audi right on my tail. There definitely are so fast drivers there.

Driving in stretches of the autobahn heading to Garmisch, to Rothenburg, and towards Vienna we did encounter long stretches with almost no traffic where you can drive as fast as your heart (and courage) desires. It is a 2-lane-each-way road in most places. We spent literally hours at 100-110mph+. The roads are in impeccable condition. Quite often, though, there are stretches where they have it coned down to one lane to do the maintenance that keeps it so good. No speeding in those places.

One word of caution -- as has been pointed out, you drive in the right lane and swing into the left only to pass. If you're driving fast, much faster than the other cars, and you see a car up ahead you'll be alright pulling into the left lane and passing at speed because there's no reason for a single car to pull into the fast lane. But if you're approaching a group of cars, often with a slow truck in front, be very careful! It's not uncommon for one of the cars that has been stuck in the pack of cars to decide now is the time to get into the left lane and pass; if you're closing at 110mph and they're going 70, you are going to come up on a car that pulls into the left lane very quickly. I'd suggest slowing considerably when passing clumps of cars.

Also something that is unexpected for many US drivers is the excellent chain of service station / restaurants along the highway. In Italy they are called autogrill, forget the name in Germany. But you pull off to get gas, use the restroom, have lunch. They are very clean. You pay to use the bathroom, but get a chit that is redeemable the chit price in the store (buy a soft drink, candy bar, etc) making the bathroom use free.

Susan

As always on this site there is a variety of opinion, all based on personal experience. Germany is not a homogeneous country, no more than Illinois is the same as Florida. And the Autobahns vary quite a lot around the country. Also, different folks will have had different experiences, as I'm sure you will agree.

My experiences are these:

I drive my British car across Germany frequently, and often in Bavaria. Last year I was so frustrated by staus (traffic jams) and construction everywhere that I drove hours out of my way to cut across the Rhine to reach the French autoroute so I could get off the damn autobahn. This year I determined to plan on less than 100 km travel per hour so I could keep my patience. I also planned much more weekend driving so as to avoid the huge trains of trucks.

My car is a pretty good one and will go when I ask. Given a choice, in Germany I will cruise at about 150-170 kph, which can be done from time to time. Anybody over 200 kph is pretty rare. The thing you have to work on is reaction time. You really, truly, can be doing 150 kph one moment and 15 seconds later you can be grinding to a halt. Learn the word stau. You will live it! On the other hand, when you step out into the fast lane you need to get up to speed really quickly, or you will get run over by the fast train.

I guess that's really the biggest difference - I can rarely set my cruise control due to the constant up and down.

Also, I must say that on two occasions I have had to drive past wreckage where folks got it wrong. In 40 years of driving around the US and Europe I have never seen such carnage.

All that being said, I really love Germany, and driving in Germany. The countryside is gorgeous and people lovely; do it - just don't get in the news.

By the way == slow down in regulated areas. If you get done by the hidden radar guns you will have a MASSIVE fine. Only some of the network is permitted over 130 kph.

Enjoy!

There's so much more to Europe and especially Germany than just "driving fast on the autobahn".

Yes - I agree - there is SO much more to Germany - it is my husbands dream - I actually am afraid of it and couldn't care less - I am more into the scenery, culture,castles, etc....

We drove from Frankfurt to Rothenburg (on day one and jetlagged). I am glad we did. Well I should say that I am glad my husband did - his nerves are better than mine. But it was a different experience. We only had a VW golf since the intention wasn't really the autobahn as much as just havig a car to explore. Having said that - you can get going really fast and in our experience - a pair of motorcycles will pass you like you are standing still.

I consider it one of those inadvertant little thrills of travel.

I think all the cautions you received are good ones - just be careful. I don't know that I would put it very high on my favorite things I have done, but it was sorta cool. Now had I been in a BMW or something....even cooler.

But really to your original question - book before you go. You can compare rates and pick the car you want. If you wait - who knows what you will end up with. I highly doubt it will save you any money.

James, thanks - I guess I was just concerned about getting a nice car (BMW, Mercedes) and it will have to be on either 8/3 or 8/4 (according to our itinerary) - and I wanted to pick it up near the Central Train Station in Munich (because it is only 5 minutes from our hotel). If you don't think I will have a problem getting a car at either Sixt or AVIS - then I guess we can wait. This is going to be our first time in Europe - can you tell? LOL!

I used Sixt out of the Munich Central Station this time last year (and returned it a Frankfurt Airport). If you want a nicer car, I suggest booking ahead. It is a busy location.

Pete

In my experience, if you are a car "person", ten minutes at 220kph is worth it. It was fantastic!

Well, the OP says they are renting the car to experience the Autobahn. I would guess she is happy to hear the replies about others experience (both good and bad).

About a year ago, I met a friend in Frankfurt and then we drove together down to Freiburg in his top-of-the-line Lexus. At a stretch of autobahn with unlimited speed limit, he took it up to 220. I'm not ashamed to say that I almost peed on myself. :-)

Thanks Thomas for that visual! LOL!

Marcie, the 155mph (250kmph) limit of the German car makers isn't some evil scheme of the Greens, but a result of the technical limits of consumer grade tires (and their average replacement cycles).

I did drive with 220 Km/hr in Germany, Munich to Stutgart and it was a blast, and still alive as today.
If you like the speed, do it. You you don't do it, you will think about it all your life. :)
But I would not try in the Bavarian Alps. It might be to many turns, so it's not thats afe. I am sure you can find a good time sometime sduring the day to drive on a not crowded autobahn.
It's cheaper to rent a car from US ahead of time. Try Europcar.com

"you will need a BMW, Mercedes or Audi I would think"

Why this? All the cars in Europe can do over 250-280 Kmph. I did 220kmph in a Ford. Imagine that!

My hubby took 14 yr old son to Germany 3 years ago. Renting a car and driving over 200kph on the autobahn was trip highlight for my son.. My hubby had lived in Germany for few years so felt comfortable doing it. I just am thankful I was not there,, anything over 120-130 is too much for me to relax and enjoy.

" Why this? All the cars in Europe can do over 250-280 Kmph. I did 220kmph in a Ford. Imagine that! "

I must call BS on this post. Sorry, Bea.

Whatever your opinion is, but what I said is a fact not BS.
In Europe manufacturers don't "mess up" with the internal computer to set a speed limit like with the American cars. You don't know that, don't you?
Older cars might not be able to do such high speed because they are old, not because they have something altered.

James, I'm not a wussy! My road trip adventures (U.S. and now Europe) with the kids are usually met with "are you nuts?" ; )

It's just about situational awareness- and making sure others really think through their decision before making it. I got right off the plane and picked up a rental car and got on the Autobahn within 10 minutes- my first time driving over there. However, I know the language fairly well and had been a passenger over there for years so knew what to expect.

"you will need a BMW, Mercedes or Audi I would think"

"Why this? All the cars in Europe can do over 250-280 Kmph. I did 220kmph in a Ford. Imagine that!"

Yes, most cars can do such high speeds. But it doesn't mean it's a good thing to do or very enjoyable. When I drive something like a compact car it is much more susceptible to side winds, the steering wheel might be shaking in your hands (and I don't mean it's your hands that are shaking) - no comparison to a larger and well made car that has the larger tires and build to make driving at high speed an enjoyable AND safe experience. Especially for drivers for whom this is the first time to do so.

Pat - Yes, I feel the same way - that is why I am so anxious about it but I don't want to be a buzzkill - my husband and 22 yr. old son are so looking forward to it - guess I will just close my eyes and keepo my fingers crossed!?!

"You will need a Mercedes, BMW or Audi I would think."

I did say "I would think" and I based this on my experience of only getting the Peugeot minivan I was driving to go 155 max. Trust me, I had that sucker floored and was willing it to go faster. I do love to drive fast and have been known on a couple of occasions to hit 100 mph driving down I-5 through the central valley in California. Not on purpose of course! ;-)

Either way, no matter how fast you can get your car to go it is a thrilling experience!

Bea,I must call BS on this:

" Why this? All the cars in Europe can do over 250-280 Kmph."

There are mostly little 4 cylinder engines available.

Actually, European cars do have speed limiters on them. BMW's are limited to 150 mph thanks to the Greenies. I envy you and your husband Susan! Some day...(sigh)

I have not been able to get my compact cars to go 200 kmph although I tried a couple of times. No more tries in the future though because I have a limiter...my wife.

So they didn't catch you Andrea. lol
I agree it's a thrilling experience, but dangerous.
The fastest I've ever driven on the American continent was 110 mph, but in Canada.

Is there some documentation or proof to back up the statement that's been made that "All the cars in Europe can do over 250 - 280 Kmph" (155 to 175 mph)? especially the upper end of that range?

I've rented a couple of rental cars in Europe that I don't think would go over 175 mph? (not that I tried to drive them that fast).

So, what's the actual, uhm, evidence on this point? and especially on the upper range that's been claimed, that all rental cars will go over 175 mph?

Well Kent, of the three cars I have driven on the autobahn I have never been able to go that fast. I will usually give it one test run with the accelerater floorboarded so to me that was proof that all won't do it. After that one trial I then tone it down and drive about 85-90 mph where the speed is not restricted.

Not sure where we went wrong, but we got two traffic tickets driving the autobahn. There are camera's that will tag you if you are over the speed limit and the speed can slow down as you approach a town. I guess that was our problem...didn't see the speed limits even with slowing down..not slow enough. So, just try to be alert and see the signs.

The fact that a car's speedometer shows 280 kph at the top end of the dial is not an indication that it will actually go 280 kph. In fact, it is probably an indication that it will not.

Any meter is most accurate at the middle of its full scale, so manufacturers generally put on a speedometer that reads, max, about twice the speed at which they expect you to drive.

I remember, in my racing days, I was out at Seattle International one day, testing my car, when the local Corvette club came out to drive their cars. They were all upset because the dealer had told them the car would do 160 mph, but on the straightaway, they could only do about 110 mph. At that speed, their engines were missing badly. Maybe they needed a tune up, maybe they needed fresh, correctly gapped spark plugs, maybe they just needed colder plugs. Bottom line, they couldn't go 160.

BTW, it takes twice as much power to do 140 mph as 110 mph and three times as much to do 160.

In 1973, I had a brand new 240Z and was driving across Neveda. I had heard that the speed limit in Nevada was "reasonable and proper". It was November, and there was not another car on the road, so I opened it up. Unfortunately, the tires were not balanced for speed; at about 105 mph the car vibrated badly. But, I had plenty of power left. I backed off to just over 100 and held it there for 1:45 min while I watched the gas gauge go down. Part way through I noticed a Nevada State Patrol car up ahead. I had heard there were no speed limits in Nevada, but I really didn't know for sure. I said, "Well, I guess I'll find out". I blew by the trooper at over 100 and he never flinched.

@ Bea - When I got to 100 I was not blowing past the other cars going down I-5. The traffic moves pretty fast, even though the speed limit is 70. The only way I realized I was going that fast is because the ring of light around my speedometer that turns orange when I hit 75 actually turned red. I can set the orange light to come on at whatever speed I want. I guess the car manufacturer sets the 100 mph light. My car is built for speed and it never feels like I'm going too fast. When I bought the car the salesman told me he actually got my model up to 140 mph on a test track.

My husband likes to tell people about one time when we were headed to L.A. and we were going down the central valley, which is fairly flat and straight. I was driving. He was wondering how hot it was outside, so he put his window down and stuck his arm out. He said his arm just about came out of it's socket. He looked over and saw I was going 90. Did I mention I was driving a minivan? That was when my speed limiter came into existence. His name is Jim. When he thinks I'm going too fast he makes his whoop whoop sound to let me know!

It is very easy to do 90 on that stretch of I-5 through central CA. (I have done Tacoma to Los Angeles too many times.) Fastest in the U.S. I have experienced is a little bit over 100- in a SUBARU (on I-5 in W. Washington.)

Fastest in Germany was about 120 in my parents' old Chevy Impala V8 as a kid. I was in the front seat, because the back was full (the exception to the 12 rule), and the gas went down as the speed went up. The 120 in the Chevy felt safer than the 100ish in the Subaru.

I should move to CA Andrea.lol
I heard speed limits are higher there.
I was able to rich 80-85 with my VW cabrio a few years ago when my car was running better. But in PA, not in OH. Highways here are full of cops.

No James I don't believe any self-respecting German would buy a Ford. The Ford I was driving was a friend's of mine who bought it to sell in Romania. I was just helping him with the driving part. That was happening in '94-'95.

If I remember it right, there were Fords that were sold over here under the Merkur name, and in Germany under the Ford name. A friend over here had a Merkur, and it was a pretty fast car (til it was hit by an uninsured woman in a Ford Bronco.) I was surprised to see the same cars when we visited in '92 were sold as Fords. Just Wikipedia, but it's what I found on a quick search. And yes, they were Germans driving them, not Americans. ; ) I don't know their top-speeds, but I think they were quick.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merkur

Speed limits in CA are not as high as in some states, but higher than in others. The fastest speed limit here is 70 mph. Most freeways, besides I-5, the speed limit is 65. Of course not many people actually go 70 on I-5, so it is easy to get up to a high speed without realizing it.

Cate,

Right.That was the car I drove.