Browse our extensive range of vehicles, then pre-book online to guarantee a seamless transition from plane to car. Whether you are visiting for the day on business or for leisure purposes, Avis has the right choice for your Hamburg car rental. Choose from economy, luxury, family saloons or SUVs among others, and don’t forget to check out additional features such as one-way drop off, sat nav and child seats.

Located just 10km from Germany’s second city, Hamburg Fuhlsbüttel Airport, is one of the country’s main transport hubs. It is well connected to the city of Hamburg via the B433, making it easy for you to reach the city centre and its wealth of attractions in a little over 25 minutes. Once you arrive, there is plenty of parking throughout the city and many of the attractions can be visited on foot.

Hamburg itself is a key destination in Germany for culture, shopping, entertainment and gastronomy, famous for its glittering harbourfront and many canals (more than Venice and Amsterdam combined!). The city’s north-east location and network of major roads that surround it means that it is also extremely well placed for whichever direction you are going in.

If you are travelling towards Berlin, the A24 connects you with the vibrant capital in around three hours, while the A7 directly south will bring you to Hanover in less than two hours. Hamburg is also well placed for those venturing north to Denmark—in under five hours you can be in the city of Copenhagen.

Driving in Germany is easy and straightforward, as roads are in excellent condition and well signposted. With an Avis hire car you can benefit from the comfort and freedom of travelling in your own time.

Which side of the road?
In Germany, please drive on the right side of the road.

Country driving laws

• Mobile phones may only be used with a headset or hands-free device
• Be aware that on unrestricted motorways (autobahns) you can still get a speeding ticket for driving too fast for the prevailing traffic or weather conditions
• In cities, if you see a blue sign with white car, children and bike symbols on it, you must drive at walking speed

• At crossroads or junctions in urban areas, you have the right of way if there is a road sign with a yellow diamond at the intersection. A white triangle with a red border indicates you must wait for the oncoming traffic to clear
• A number of German cities have low emission zones that require you to have a special permit to drive through them
• If you're caught committing a driving offence, the police can issue an on-the-spot fine

Speed limits

All speed signs will be in km/h.

For a standard Avis rental vehicle with no trailers:

• Urban areas: 50 km/h (30 mph)
• Motorways (autobahns): None unless shown. 130 km/h (80 mph) is the suggested maximum

• Rural areas: 100 km/h (62 mph)

Unless indicated by road signs.

Child safety / Seatbelt laws

• It is compulsory for the driver and all passengers to wear a seatbelt

• Children aged under 12 and less than 150 cm tall must be seated in an appropriate child restraint for their size

Please note - It is the child’s parent/guardian or vehicle renter’s responsibility to fit the child seat.

This road rules information is for provided for general guidance only. We endeavour to keep the information up to date and accurate, but any reliance you place on this information is at your own risk.

We’ve unlocked Germany’s driving rules and regulations for your journey to help keep you safe and avoid the unexpected. Familiarise yourself with our comprehensive guide.

Once you have had your fill of this cosmopolitan city, jump behind the wheel and explore further. The fairy-tale architecture of Bremen is only 1.5 hours away along the A1 motorway. Make a stop to visit the Marktplatz boasting Gothic and Renaissance facades and lose yourself in the enchanting cobbled streets. If you are in the area in December be sure to experience the festive Christmas markets.

The roads out of Hamburg also link you to the invigorating shores of the Baltic and North Sea in only an hour. Other regional highlights include the medieval town of Lüneburg, also known as “the salt town”, 40 minutes away via the A39 southbound, or the half-timbered houses of picturesque Lübeck, connected to Hamburg via the A1 northbound.

How many days should you spend in Hamburg?

2-3 days in Hamburg should give you enough time to enjoy everything this vibrant city has to offer, including its famous port, canals, quirky neighbourhoods and fascinating museums.

Which part of Hamburg is best to stay in?

The best areas for visitors to stay in, include the Altstadt (old town) and Neustadt (new town) where you’ll find there’s a great number of appealing tourist attractions at your fingertips. You could also consider St Pauli to have Hamburg’s famed nightlife on your doorstep, while those on a budget can check out accommodation in Altona.

In which state of Germany is Hamburg located?

Hamburg is the second largest city in Germany and is classed as a city-state in itself.

What is Hamburg famous for?

Hamburg is best known for its harbour area (the Port of Hamburg), eye-popping architecture, thriving cultural scene, historic warehouse district, and 300-year-old fish market. It is also home to one of Europe’s largest red-light districts.