Germany: 8 Tips for driving the Autobahn
The German Autobahn. Who hasn’t dreamt about speeding down the nation’s highway system in a red convertible with the pedal to the metal the entire way?
However, before you head to Germany, hop in a car, and head for the nearest highway, there are a few things you should know about autobahn driving. Below we’ve gathered the most important tips.
Related: Search for affordable rental cars in Germany and all over Europe
1. The same Autobahn can have different names
Each Autobahn in Germany has several different names. For example, Bundesautobahn 5 is also called “BAB 5”, while Autobahn 5 is also called “A 5”. On the road, you will only see the number listed in a blue square.
To make matters a bit more confusing, the A 5 is also part of the E 35, E 40, E 52, E 54, and E 45 (the “E” designates an international European route). The longest of these, the E 40, is 4,971 miles long and crosses through France, Belgium, Poland, Germany, Ukraine, and Russia.
Although you may not feel up to driving the whole distance (though who knows?), it’s still important to know the E 40 and A 5 are the same route when driving in Germany, otherwise the signs can get confusing. The good news: Unlike several of the countries listed in European route 40, you never have to pay to drive on the German Autobahn.
Related: 10-Day itinerary through Germany: Berlin, Potsdam, Hamburg, Munich and Neuschwanstein
This sign shows speed limits in the city and a recommended 130 speed limit on the highway. Photo: Jo.
2. Yes, you really can (almost) always drive as fast as you want
The German Autobahn is famous for its lack of a speed limit, and you really can drive as fast as you want (or as fast as your car can handle). But not always. Occasionally a speed limit is posted — usually 80, 100 or 120 km per hour — in a white circle with a red border. Speed limits are mostly posted around cities or are due to dangerous road conditions (windy mountain roads, around construction sites, etc.).
When a speed limit appears, there are sometimes automated roadside radar photo devices that measure your speed and take your photograph if you’re over the limit — Germans call it getting geblitzed (flashed) because of the bright white light from the camera flash. When you get geblitzed, you can expect a ticket in the mail within the next six weeks (and yes, even for rental cars). The amount varies depending on how much you were speeding, but in most cases it will still be under €100.
On the Autobahn you will also sometimes see square blue signs with “130” written in white letters. These signs are a reminder that 130 km per hour (80 mph) is the “recommended” national speed limit. But, unless an actual speed limit is posted, people can–and certainly will–be driving faster.
3. Driving “as fast as you want” isn’t always what it’s cracked up to be
Many German Autobahns have only two lanes. What this means is you’ll usually either be stuck in the right lane with the big trucks and campers or be in the left lane… with a Porsche or BMW sports car constantly on your tail, aggressively making it clear they want you out of the way.
In other words, it’s not always an easy cruising experience. Driving the Autobahn can at times be pretty stressful.
4. Cruise the Autobahn on Sundays for a less stressful drive
If you just want to get a feel for what it’s like to drive on the Autobahn, we suggest you go for a drive on Sundays. On Sundays, big trucks are not allowed to drive on the Autobahn, so if you do (inevitably) get some speedster on your tail in the left lane, at least the right lane will be a more pleasant driving experience.
5. Sometimes you can’t drive at all
It’s not uncommon for the Autobahn to be backed up with traffic jams for miles and miles. Although this is sometimes due to accidents, it is more likely caused by construction sites.
While a popular German stereotype portrays them as a very efficient bunch, it could also be argued that they tend to make things far more complicated (and even stressful!) than necessary. This definitely holds true when it comes to Autobahn construction. From the spring to the fall, entire stretches are (sometimes inexplicably) blocked off for miles and miles, causing major delays. Nine times out of ten, when you drive by, you’ll never actually see anyone working, giving rise to the rumor they only set up the construction sites to annoy as many drivers as possible.
Related: 10-Day itinerary through Germany: Berlin, Potsdam, Hamburg, Munich and Neuschwanstein
6. Avoid holidays and vacation weeks
To avoid traffic jams, you should also be aware of any school holidays in the area. German schools have fall vacation (two weeks in October), Christmas vacation (ten days over Christmas and New Years), winter vacation (one week in February), Easter vacation (two weeks over Easter), and summer vacation (six weeks).
If you’re traveling during any of these times, you should avoid taking the Autobahn on either the first or last weekend during the school holidays, as it’s guaranteed to be packed. Since the starting dates vary from state to state, it’s best to check the schedule in the area you’re visiting (here’s a list of school vacation dates).
Cruising at high speeds along the Autobahn. Photo: beigephotos
7. It’s illegal to pass on the right
Most rules of the Autobahn are the same as driving in the United States (e.g., use your turn signal, slower traffic stays to the right, etc.). However, it is important to know that it is illegal to pass a vehicle on the right side.
In order to pass, you must always first move into the left lane — otherwise, it is verboten — and potentially very dangerous, since no one will be expecting it. The only exception to this rule is when traffic is moving at a very slow speed, such as during a traffic jam.
8. Get off the Autobahn for more scenic driving
Although a drive along the Autobahn is definitely an interesting experience for any tourist, if you’re not in a hurry, it might be a better idea to stick with a more scenic route along the Landstrassen or Kreisstrasse. Kreisstrasse are smaller, rural roads while Landstrassen are usually busier.
Both of these types of roads will take you through the countryside and towns. Unlike Autobahns, both have a marked speed limit, usually 80 or 100 km per hour (around 50 to 60 miles per hour). Not exactly for speed demons, but you will get to see more of the country and, in the end, you may just feel 60 miles per hour is fast enough after all!
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