Cars & Transportation Germany

Germany is known for its extensive and efficient public transportation system, covering both urban and regional areas. The main types of public transportation include:

U-Bahn (Metro): Subways operate in major cities such as Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, and Nuremberg; they provide quick and frequent transportation within cities and suburbs, with a network of stations located at key city points.

S-Bahn (Suburban Trains): Connect cities with their suburbs and neighboring regions. It is a convenient mode of transport for those who live in suburbs but work or study in the city. Systems are integrated with other modes of transport, allowing easy transfers to buses, trams, or metros.

Trams: Trams are popular in historic centers and densely built-up areas, such as Berlin, Frankfurt, Stuttgart, and others.

Buses: Bus networks cover almost all cities and villages, providing transport where there is no rail service. Buses are often the main form of transport in smaller towns and rural areas.

Long-distance Buses: Intercity buses, such as FlixBus, provide an inexpensive alternative to trains for long trips between cities.

Regional Trains: Regional trains connect major cities with smaller localities and neighboring regions; they provide essential transport services for residents of small towns and villages.

Intercity Trains: Intercity expresses connect major cities in Germany and neighboring countries; they offer comfortable conditions and high speeds, making long-distance trips fast and convenient.

Trolleybuses: In Germany, trolleybuses are not as widespread as in some other countries, but they are still used in a few cities (Eberswalde, Esslingen, Solingen).

Air Transport

Germany has several major international airports that are key transport hubs: Frankfurt Airport, Munich Airport, Berlin Brandenburg Airport, Düsseldorf Airport, and Hamburg.

The system of domestic air transportation in Germany allows for quick travel between the largest cities in the country, such as Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, Hamburg, and Düsseldorf. Regular flights are operated by major airlines such as Lufthansa, as well as low-cost carriers like Eurowings and Ryanair.

Types of tickets and how to purchase them

Single Tickets

Single ticket: Suitable for a one-time trip and available at vending machines at stations, as well as from bus drivers; the price depends on the zone and duration of the trip.

Day ticket: Valid for the entire day, allowing for unlimited travel within selected zones.

Subscriptions

Weekly ticket: Valid for a week and allows travel within specified zones.

Monthly ticket: Suitable for those who frequently use public transport; available at vending machines and online.

Germany ticket: Costs 49 euros per month; allows unlimited use of all local and regional transport throughout Germany; available by subscription and can be purchased online on the Deutsche Bahn website or through various public transport apps. Note: The 49 euro ticket DOES NOT apply to high-speed trains like IC and ICE.

Ticket purchasing process

Ticket vending machines: Machines are located at all S-Bahn, U-Bahn stations, and tram stops. They support multiple languages, which is convenient for tourists.

Online and mobile apps: There are many apps, such as DB Navigator, BVG Ticket App, that allow you to buy tickets, plan routes, and get schedule information. These apps are available in several languages and can be used to purchase various types of tickets, including the Deutschlandticket.

From the bus driver: Tickets can be purchased from the driver upon boarding the bus. This is usually applicable for single trips.

Ticket sales points: At some major stations and transport hubs, there are ticket sales points where tickets can be purchased from staff.

Ticket Validation

When purchasing tickets from machines, they are not always automatically validated. For this, special validators are installed at stations, where you need to validate your ticket before the trip. This applies especially to paper tickets. Electronic tickets purchased through mobile applications usually do not require additional validation.

Control and Fines

Passengers are required to have a valid ticket for the entire duration of the trip. In the absence of a ticket or using an invalid ticket, fines are imposed, which can reach 60-80 euros.

If you are traveling with a bicycle or bulky luggage, you need to purchase an additional special ticket. In the event of a high load on the route, priority is given to passengers without bicycles, and you may be denied boarding.

Taxi

Taxi Apps: Popular apps include Free Now and Uber. Uber operates in major cities such as Berlin, Hamburg, Cologne and Frankfurt, providing services through licensed taxi drivers and rental companies, not private drivers.

Payment: Trips can be paid for in cash or by credit card. Many taxis are equipped for contactless payments.

Car-sharing services in Germany offer a wide selection of vehicles for every taste and budget. The most popular companies include:

Share Now: The largest car-sharing operator in Germany, offering cars throughout Berlin, Munich and other major cities.

WeShare: An operator specializing in electric cars.

Sixt Share: Offers a wide range of vehicles with rates starting at 9 cents per minute.

Miles: Billing is based on the distance traveled, allowing savings during rush hour.

Flinkster: Registration requires a minimum of 9 euros, and rates depend on the city and rental time.

Electric scooters and bicycles have become popular means of transportation in German cities. Major companies include:

Lime and Tier: These companies offer electric scooters that can be rented through mobile applications.

Nextbike and Call a Bike: Bicycles for rent, which can be found and booked through mobile applications.

Usage Features

Registration: Most services require prior registration through a mobile app. You need to upload a photo of your driver's license and, in some cases, a passport.

Parking: Car-sharing vehicles and scooters can typically be left in any permitted place within a defined coverage area, making them very convenient for short trips and daily errands.

Yes, it is possible to live comfortably in Germany without a private car. This is due to a well-developed public transportation system, convenient car-sharing services and infrastructure for cyclists and pedestrians. In rural areas, the situation may be more difficult, but even there, solutions exist to minimize reliance on a personal vehicle. In big cities, having a car is rather problematic as availability and cost of parking often pose an additional burden on the owner. In small towns or when frequent travel between them is necessary, a car is an advantage since public transport schedules may not be suitable (bus 2-3 times a day).

Registration and Required Documents

Registration in Germany: You need to have a valid residence in Germany and register with local authorities.

Application and Documents:

- Passport or ID card.

- Biometric photo.

- Existing driver's license (if available).

- Translation of the driver's license (if it is not in English or German).

Before applying for a driver's license, you need to complete a first aid course and vision test:

First Aid Course: Mandatory for all categories of driver's licenses. Courses usually last 9 hours and can be completed at various accredited institutions.

Vision Test: It can be performed by any certified optician or ophthalmologist.

Driving School Training

Attending a driving school is mandatory. The cost of training is quite high, ranging from 1500 to 2500 euros for the full course.

Theoretical Classes: Include a minimum of 14 hours of lectures covering traffic rules, signs, and the basics of safety.

Practical Classes: Necessary to acquire driving skills. The minimum number of hours depends on the category of the driver's license and may include night and intercity driving.

Examinations

Theoretical Exam: Conducted on a computer and includes questions on the understanding of traffic rules. The exam is available in several languages, including English; the cost is approximately 25 euros per exam.

Practical Exam: Lasts about 45 minutes and is conducted in real traffic conditions; the examiner assesses driving skills, rule compliance, and the ability to operate the vehicle; the cost is approximately 120 euros per exam.

After successfully passing both exams, you will receive your driver's license:

It is usually issued several weeks after passing the exams. It can be sent by mail or picked up in person at the local authority responsible for issuing driver's licenses.

Exchanging a Foreign Driver's License

If you already have a driver's license issued outside the EU or EEA, you can exchange it for a German one:

Countries with Mutual Agreements: Driver's licenses from certain countries can be exchanged without taking exams.

Countries without Mutual Agreements: You will need to pass a theoretical and/or practical exam.

Purchasing and Registering a Car

Registration: All vehicles must be registered with the local registration authority. When moving between cities, the vehicle must be re-registered.

Registration Documents: You will need a passport, vehicle documents, insurance, and proof of technical inspection.

Technical Inspection

Technical Inspection: Mandatory every two years after three years of car ownership. The inspection can be done at organizations such as TÜV or DEKRA. The cost of inspection varies from 65 to 210 euros depending on the type of vehicle.

Maintenance: Regular car maintenance and replacement of parts are also mandatory. Winter tires are mandatory during the winter period.

Taxes and Insurance

Vehicle Tax: Calculated based on the type of car and CO2 emissions. Usually ranges from 100 to 130 euros per year.

Insurance: Car insurance is mandatory and can cost from 100 to 1000 euros per year depending on the policy and insurance company.

Traffic Rules

Basic Rules

Age and Driving License: The minimum age for driving is 18 years. All drivers must have a valid driver's license.

Traffic Rules: In Germany, driving is on the right side of the road. Priority at intersections is given to vehicles coming from the right unless there are signs indicating otherwise.

Speed Limits: In populated areas - 50 km/h, on main roads - 100 km/h, on highways speed limits may be absent, but it is recommended not to exceed 130 km/h.

Eco Zones: In cities with low emission levels, only cars with certain environmental standards can enter zones marked with "Umwelt ZONE" signs. You will need a sticker of the corresponding category (green - Euro 4 and above).

Drunk Driving and Safety

Permissible Alcohol Level: For drivers with more than two years of experience - 0.5 per mille, for new drivers and those under 21 years - 0 per mille. Violation of these rules results in severe fines and possible license suspension.

Use of Mobile Devices: It is prohibited to use mobile phones without a hands-free system. Violation is subject to a fine.

In Germany, there is a strict system of fines and penalties for traffic violations. It is important to know and comply with these rules to avoid serious consequences. Here are the main categories of violations and their corresponding fines:

Speeding

In populated areas: fines range from 30 euros for exceeding up to 10 km/h to 800 euros for exceeding by more than 70 km/h. Violations may also lead to the imposition of one or two penalty points and temporary confiscation of the driver's license.

Outside populated areas: fines range from 20 euros for exceeding up to 10 km/h to 700 euros for exceeding by more than 70 km/h.

Drunk Driving

0.5-1.09‰: fine of 500 euros, 2 penalty points, and a driving ban for 1 month.

More than 1.1‰: a criminal offense, fine or imprisonment, 3 penalty points, license revocation.

Parking and Mobile Phone Violations

Parking in an unauthorized place: fine from 10 to 100 euros and possible towing costs.

Using a mobile phone while driving: fine of 100-250 euros and 1 penalty point. The use of hands-free systems is allowed.

Other Common Violations

Not wearing a seat belt: 30 euros for adults and 60 euros + 1 penalty point for children.

Running a red light: fine from 90 to 320 euros, 1-2 penalty points, possible driving ban for 1 month.

Violation of intersection rules: fine from 15 to 120 euros.

Special Zones and Conditions

Entering an environmental zone without the appropriate sticker: fine of 80-100 euros.

Lack of winter tires in the winter period: fine of 60 euros.

Germany has a penalty point system, and the accumulation of a certain number of points can lead to temporary or permanent confiscation of the driver's license. For example, accumulating 8 points results in the driver's license being revoked for a certain period.

Inspection

Initial inspection: A new vehicle must undergo its first inspection 36 months after registration; subsequent inspections are every 24 months for cars younger than seven years and annually for those older than seven years. It includes checking technical condition and emissions.

Required documents: For the inspection, you need to provide the vehicle's registration certificate and the previous inspection report (if available).

Registration

Required documents:

A valid ID card or passport.

Proof of vehicle insurance.

Vehicle registration documents.

Inspection certificate.

Sales contract (if the vehicle is used).

IBAN for automatic deduction of vehicle tax.

Registration is carried out at the local registration office; the registration fee typically ranges from 30 to 60 euros.

Obtaining license plates: License plates can be ordered online or made at workshops near the registration office. The cost of the license plates ranges from 20 to 40 euros.

Completing registration: After obtaining and installing the license plates, you must return to the local registration office to complete the registration and receive the registration certificate (Teil I and Teil II), which should be kept in a safe place.

Taxes and Insurance

You will receive a notice from the customs office with a tax calculation and instructions on how to pay it.

Temporary stay:

Vehicles registered in another EU country can be used in Germany for up to six months without needing registration. It is advisable to have a translation of the registration documents into German.

Vehicles registered outside the EU can also be used temporarily but may require payment of customs duties and VAT if they remain in the country for more than six months. If the vehicle is present for more than six months and you intend to use it permanently, it must be registered in Germany.

Tax exemption: If the vehicle was purchased more than six months ago and used in the country of origin, the owner may be exempt from customs duties and VAT upon import to Germany.

Registration of a foreign vehicle

Required documents:

Identity card (passport or ID card).

Residence registration documents in Germany.

Insurance policy.

- Vehicle registration documents and license plates.

- Technical inspection and environmental compliance certificate.

- European certificate of conformity (if applicable).

- Vehicle purchase agreement (if purchased from a private individual).

- Customs declaration (for vehicles from outside the EU).

Registration procedure:

- Schedule an appointment at the local registration office; this can be done online to avoid long waiting times.

- On the day of the appointment, present all the collected documents.

- Pay the registration fee, which ranges from 30 to 60 euros depending on the region and type of vehicle.

- Obtain license plates, which can be ordered and fabricated at specialized workshops located near the registration office.

- After receiving and installing the license plates, return to the local registration office to complete the registration and obtain registration documents (Part I and Part II).

Vehicle tax: The tax is calculated based on the engine capacity and CO2 emissions level of the vehicle. The tax is usually charged annually and is automatically debited from the owner's bank account through a direct debit mandate.

Number of charging stations: In Germany, there are already over 100,000 AC charging stations, and the government plans to increase this number to 1 million by 2030. This growth will help meet demand and improve access to charging stations, especially in rural areas where they are less available.

Types of charging stations: The country has a developed network of both standard charging stations and fast charging stations.

Service centers: In Germany, many service centers specializing in electric vehicles operate. These centers provide maintenance, repair, and support for electric vehicle owners.