Car Rental in Berlin

Why rent a car in Berlin?

One of the great old cities of Europe, the capital of Germany is a fascinating place to visit. As notable for its monumental history as it is for its culture, nightlife, and contemporary art scene, Berlin has something for everyone. Better yet, it can serve as a hub for exploring the rest of Northeast Germany.

Top ways to enter Berlin

• Berlin Brandenburg Airport: Finally opened in late 2020, Berlin Brandenburg Airport replaced the old Tegel and Schoenefeld airports. Served by tens of airlines, including multiple low-cost carriers, the airport is located southeast of the city center and can take some 40 minutes to reach by car.
• By rail: If you’re arriving in Berlin, you can conveniently pick up your rental car at the main station (Hauptbahnhof), the Zoo Train Station, the Friedrichstrasse Station, or at some of the other train stations of Berlin.
• By bus: By bus: There are several long-distance bus companies that travel to Berlin from other cities in Germany or from abroad. The best-known long-distance bus is FlixBus. For example, there are long-distance buses to Berlin from Dresden, Leipzig, Hamburg, Hanover, Cologne, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Munich, Amsterdam, Prague, and Vienna.

City facts

• Berlin has a temperate oceanic climate with warm summers, cool winters, and rather high precipitation throughout the year. The average temperature is 25 °C  (77 °F) in July, the warmest month, and 0.6 °C  (33 °F) in January. There are at least a few days with snow every year.
• Berlin is made up of 12 boroughs that are further divided into localities. Many of the neighborhoods are culturally and architecturally distinct. Native Berliners take great pride in their neighborhoods of origin and will often refer to themselves as being from their neighborhood instead of saying they’re from Berlin. Spandau is picturesque and historic, Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf is the busiest part and has the best restaurants, and Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg has very active art, music, and theater scene. The most populous borough is Pankow and the most densely populated one is Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg.

Top sights and activities

• Berlin Cathedral. Der Berliner Dom is not only the largest church of the city, it’s also the most famous one. Built in a Neo-renaissance style in 1905, it lost its roof during the bombing of the Second World War, but the rest of the building withstood, and was later renovated to receive back its former glory. Nowadays, in addition to being a major tourist landmark, it also still functions as a parish church.
• Topography of Terror. Documenting the crimes of the Nazi regime against the Jewish people and other minorities before and during the World War Two, this open-air museum is not an easy to place to visit at first, but of those who do go there, very few regret it; not only does it provide an important, if terrifying, history lesson, it also tells the story of the strength of human resilience.
• Brandenburg Gate. Built more than 200 years ago, the gate is a beautiful architectural monument, but also a symbol of the fall of the Berlin Wall that again united the east and the west of the city in 1989. For many locals, it is the most important place in the city. Right at the gate begins Unter den Linden, the most famous boulevard of Berlin.
• Pergamon Museum. One of its kind, Pergamon Museum reconstructions of famous structures of the ancient world. These include the Ishtar Gate from Babylon that’s more than 2,500 years old, Market Gate of Miletus in Ancient Greece, and the Mshatta Facade from an Umayyad Palace. The museum’s other branches include the Antiquity Collection (which hosts a tablet with a fragment of the Epic of Gilgamesh), the Islamic Art Museum, and Middle East Museum.
• Berlin Reichstag. The original Reichstag building was completed in 1894 and served as the home of the German parliament until 1933 when it was severely damaged by a fire that was later attributed to the Nazis. The building was then abandoned and fell into disrepair for many years. Following the reunification of Germany in 1990, the decision was made to restore the Reichstag as a symbol of German democracy. The restoration project was completed in 1999, and the building was transformed into a modern parliamentary complex. The Reichstag is now home to the Bundestag, the German parliament, and it is open to the public for tours and visits. Visitors can take a tour of the building and learn about its history, architecture, and role in German politics. The glass dome is a particular highlight and offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding area.
• East Side Gallery. The East Side Gallery is the longest remaining stretch of the Berlin Wall, which separated East and West Germany from 1961 until 1989. After the fall of the Wall, a group of artists from all over the world transformed the 1.3-kilometer stretch into an open-air gallery, covering it with murals and graffiti. The East Side Gallery opened in 1990 and quickly became a popular spot for tourists and locals alike.
• Berlin TV tower. The Berlin TV tower, in German known as Fernsehturm, is a tall tower that stands at a height of 368 meters (1,207 feet), making it the tallest building in Germany. The TV tower has an observation deck that offers panoramic views of the city from a height of 203 meters (666 feet). Visitors can take an elevator to the top of the tower and enjoy breathtaking views of Berlin's landmarks, such as the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag building, and the Berlin Wall.
• Charlottenburg Palace. One of the symbols of the city for the last 300 years, Charlottenburg Palace is one of the most impressive buildings in Germany. Built under the orders of Sophie Charlotte, the wife of the Prussian king Friedrich I, the Baroque palace is known for its gardens, statues, and a vast collection of art.
• Egyptian Museum of Berlin. Even if you’re not someone with an avid interest in Ancient Egypt, this museum can only be missed at your own peril. Considered one of the best of its kind on the planet, it provides a fascinating insight into the daily lives, aristocracy, and art of one of the oldest cultures in world history. The Egyptian Museum is located on Berlin’s Museum island and is part of the New, or Neues, Museum – you can visit its website to learn more.
• Alte Nationalgalerie. Built during the second half of the 19th century under the orders of King Frederick William IV of Prussia, the Old National Gallery is one of the most beautiful Neorenaissance buildings in the German capital – and one of its prime art spaces. The museum largely showcases the dominant art of the era when it was created, namely, the Neoclassical and Romantic styles, and focuses on works of German creators (although foreign masters, such as Monet, are also represented). Like several of the aforementioned museums, the gallery can be found on the so-called Museum Island. Visit its official website to learn more.

Traffic and parking

• Unless specifically indicated otherwise, the speed limit is 50 km/h (31 mph) in populated or built-up areas. There is no national speed limit on the autobahns (highways) and many of them don’t have a set speed limit. However, contrary to what is sometimes stated, about 50% of the autobahns do have their own individual speed limits, so carefully follow the speed limit signs on each road that you’re driving on.
• Where the speed limits are enforced, the tolerance for speeding is low. Driving just 3 km/h (2 mph) above the speed limit can, and often will, lead to fines. Many roads that do have speed limits have radars in place.
• Some autobahns have a minimum speed limit that applies to specific lanes, for example, a minimum speed of 110 km/h (68 mph) for the left and 90 km/h (56 mph) for the center lane. 
• Because of the very high speeds used by some on the German autobahns, be extra careful before switching lanes.
• It is illegal to use a mobile phone while driving. This is strictly enforced and the fines are high.
• Children under the age of 12 have to use a child safety seat.
• The legal alcohol limit is 0.05% for experienced drivers and 0.00% for novice drivers. Exceeding these limits can lead to high fines and a license ban. 
• The car’s registration and insurance documents must be in it at all times.
• If you’re the driver, you need to have your passport or ID card with you at all times.
• The general emergency number, like elsewhere in the EU, is 112. 

Toll roads

Although Germany has a large number of high-speed motorways, only vehicles that weigh more than 7,5 tons need to pay a toll. This excludes practically all types of rental cars.

There are two tolled tunnels in Germany, the Herren Tunnel in Schleswig-Holstein and the Warnow Tunnel in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Neither of them is near Berlin.

Find out more about the toll roads in Germany on the European toll road website. 

Ideas for day trips

• Potsdam. The capital city of the Brandenburg state that completely surrounds Berlin, Potsdam is a tranquil and picturesque place, especially if you’re visiting it after Berlin. Travelers love exploring the Sanssouci park with its many avenues, Roman baths, and the picture gallery, as well as the city’s many palaces. Potsdam is just a 45-minute drive southwest of Berlin.
• The Spreewald. A green area of forests and meadows is crisscrossed by the river Spree that gives it its name. Thanks to its impressive landscapes and ecological importance, Spreewald is a UNESCO biosphere reserve. Come here for long hikes, wildlife spotting, and a breath of fresh air after city life. The forest is just an hour’s drive east of Berlin.
• Usedom. An island in the Baltic Sea, but well connected to the German mainland with numerous bridges, Usedom is another great place for relaxing, especially during the summer months when you can swim, sunbathe, and do water sports. If you’re coming with your own vehicle that’s not too small in size, it’s quite possible to also explore the many wilderness areas of the island, probably the closest thing to a safari that you can find in Germany. Located 225 km (140 mi) north of Berlin, Usedom can be reached in less than three hours.
• Szczecin. Located just 150 km (93 mi) northeast of Berlin, the Polish city of Szczecin is a great - and doable - day-trip destination. The city is home to a well-preserved old town, impressive Pomeranian Dukes Castle, and a promenade along the River Oder, while the Lower Oder Valley Landscape Park is just outside. You’ll have to cross an international border to go from Germany to Poland, so ask your rental car provider in advance if they permit it.
• Dresden. One of the most beautiful cities in Germany is located about 190 km (118 mi) from Berlin. Both cities are well-connected via the A13 motorway and train connections. Dresden has a rich cultural and architectural heritage, with numerous landmarks and historic buildings that bear witness to its long and storied past. Perhaps the most iconic landmark in Dresden is the Frauenkirche, a Baroque-style church that was originally built in the 18th century. The church was heavily damaged during the bombing of Dresden in World War II, but it was later reconstructed and reopened to the public in 2005, becoming a symbol of peace and reconciliation in the process. Other notable landmarks in Dresden include the Zwinger Palace, a magnificent Baroque palace that was built in the early 18th century; the Semper Opera House, a stunning neo-Renaissance building that is widely regarded as one of the finest opera houses in Europe; and the Dresden Castle, a sprawling complex that dates back to the 16th century.
• Lower Oder Valley National Park. The only national park in the state of Brandenburg, it is also one of the nicest nature day trips from Berlin. Located about a 90-minute drive to the east of the capital, Unteres Odertal is known for its wetlands, meadows, and a variety of flora and fauna. It is shared by two countries; about 65% of the park is situated in Germany while the rest is in Poland. 

Most popular cars

The most popular rental car in Berlin is the Skoda Fabia. Many travelers also like the Ford Focus and the Fiat Panda. The most popular car type is compact, followed by economy and mini. 

Further destinations

For more about traveling around Germany with a rental car, check out our complete guide.

• Leipzig. Previously part of East Germany, Leipzig has been rising slowly, but recently the city has fully come into its own. A growing hub of technology, science, and art, and home to awesome museums and many city festivals, not to mention beautiful nature areas nearby, the city is called “the New Munich” by some people in Germany. Better yet, it is just 190 km (118 mi) southwest of Berlin and can be reached in just a tad more than two hours.
• Rostock. Combining Hanseatic heritage with more recent East German influences, Rostock is one of Germany’s largest ports – and, for many, one of its most interesting cities. Known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and, naturally, its harbor area, it is about 235 km (146 miles) north of Berlin and takes under three hours to reach by car.
• Hamburg. Germany’s second-largest city is just as freethinking, innovative, and cultured as Berlin, but its location on the North Sea and proximity to Denmark gives it something of a Scandinavian flavor. Hamburg is about 290 km (180 mi) from Berlin, but thanks to those awesome German highways, it can be reached in just a bit over three hours by car.
• Prague. Some people find it too full of tourists, but if there’s any truth in that, then only because Prague offers so much to see and do. The Czech capital is one of the most beautiful cities of Europe, mixing Eastern, Western, and Central European influences in architecture, cuisine, and lifestyle. It takes less than four hours to reach it by car from Berlin, so drive there and see for yourself! Do keep in mind, though, that you’ll be crossing a national border, so first ask your rental car provider if they permit it.
• Nuremberg. Located in Northern Bavaria, Nuremberg has an incredible amount of things to see. These include the Nuremberg Castle, Imperial Castle, Albrecht Dürer's House, Toy Museum, Natural History Museum, and Industrial History Museum. Located 440 km (273 mi) south of Berlin, Nuremberg can be reached in just under four hours. After exploring everything this city has to offer, it’s easy to travel and see the rest of Bavaria.
• Poznan. Historically known as a working class city that’s somewhat rough around the edges, it is perhaps exactly this image of grittiness that has recently transformed Poznan into something of a creativity hub. With many of the city's buildings repurposed for arts and entertainment – while others are maintained for their historical value – Poznan offers an exciting mix of the old and new that the more curious kind of traveler will appreciate. A car trip from the German capital takes only three hours – as with other foreign destinations, ask your rental car provider in advance if they permit it.

Car rental prices in Berlin

• Vans - from $80 per day
• Small cars - from $40 per day
• Medium cars - from $42 per day
• SUVs - from $49 per day
• Station wagons - from $50 per day
• Premium cars - from $75 per day
• Large cars - from $26 per day
• Convertibles - from $67 per day

Money-saving and other tips

These are some of the things to keep in mind when booking a rental car in Germany’s capital:

• Compare rates of different rental car providers
• Book your rental car well in advance
• Plan your route before you go
• Know your fuel and mileage requirements
• Visit on the month when the rental prices are the cheapest. According to our data, visiting Zagreb is the cheapest in September when renting a car is about 29% cheaper than the yearly average and a whole 50% cheaper than renting a vehicle in May. Come visit Berlin in early spring!