Synonymous with exquisitely crafted cars, precision engineering, and efficient road networks, there are few places better suited to an adventure-packed driving holiday than Germany. The land of the Autobahn – as referenced in the timeless Kraftwerk track – is an obvious choice for a road trip, especially when it’s so easy to drive to Germany from the UK.
Cutting-edge infrastructure aside, Germany is a land steeped in tradition. Fairytale castles, medieval cities, and ancient timber-framed houses ensure you’ll encounter photo-worthy surprises around every corner of this European gem.
Northern Germany is full of industry, with urban strongholds such as Berlin, Hamburg, Bremen and Hanover each their own fascinating blend of old and new. Head south to find landscapes carpeted with thick forests, and mysterious mountains intersected by the Danube (Europe’s second longest river) as well as the scenic Rhine Valley, an area famous for its gastronomy and wine. A country of endless variety, driving is the best way to explore Germany at your leisure. Broad horizons, open stretches of road and a full tank of petrol offer limitless possibilities.
Before setting out on your self-drive holiday to Germany, it’s important to make sure you choose the right route. With that in mind, here are our top tips for how to drive to Germany from the UK.
Planning your road trip from England to Germany
At first, a drive to Germany from the UK may seem like a stretch. In fact, getting to Germany by ferry in the comfort of your own car is far easier than you may think. Situated prominently right at the heart of Europe, Germany borders France to the southwest, rubs shoulders with The Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg to the west, and shares its entire southern border with Switzerland and Austria.
Wherever you plan on visiting in Germany, you’ll be able to get there with ease via ferry. P&O Ferries offer two route options: Dover to Calais, which is most suitable for those wishing to visit southwest German cities like the innovation hub Stuttart or the gothic town of Heidelberg. You can reach these destinations in under seven hours from Calais by car.
Alternatively, you can travel by ferry with your vehicle on our Hull to Rotterdam route and reach key cities like Cologne, Frankfurt and Dusseldorf in under four hours. For those wishing to visit northern destinations such as the capital, Berlin, or the maritime heritage hub of Hamburg, Rotterdam is closer than Calais, so it is recommended that you drive there via The Netherlands.
The ferry journey
Once you’ve chosen your most suitable ferry route and planned how you’ll reach your German holiday destination, the adventure can truly begin. Travelling via ferry with your own vehicle means you can take as much luggage as you like, and you’ll have the freedom to stop over at as many locations as you want on the drive from Rotterdam or Calais to Germany.
At P&O Ferries, we’ve taken extra care and caution to maintain high standards of health and safety on board our ships during this time. Our top priority is keeping everyone safe, so we’re doing everything we can to minimise any risk of contamination and ensure high levels of hygiene on board our ships. We therefore ask that before travelling with us, you make sure to bring masks and refrain from travelling if you suspect you are displaying any coronavirus symptoms.
With ample space and plenty of food and entertainment options, your holiday begins as soon as you step on board. Take in the fresh air and stunning sea views, refuel in one of our food outlets, treat yourself to some duty-free shopping, and get ready to embark on your driving adventure to Germany.
Driving from Rotterdam to Germany
Rotterdam is a great location to begin your German driving holiday due to its close proximity to plenty of key German cities and towns. Our Hull to Rotterdam ferry crossing runs once a day with a sailing duration of 12 hours, so you can sit back and relax on board and gear up for your big drive.
Before travelling, make sure you read about the road rules in both countries. In the Netherlands, bicycles and mopeds have priority over cars so it’s important to be extra careful near cycle lanes. In Germany, any vehicle over 7.5 tonnes must pay a toll fee, though that’s a lot more than the typical weight of a car. When crossing the border at Germany, there are currently no coronavirus restrictions affecting entry. However, given the recent pandemic, it’s more important than ever to get travel insurance and make sure that it provides sufficient cover for your trip.
Once you reach the port of Rotterdam, you can drive to the vibrant city of Hamburg in as little as five hours. This scenic drive is a great way to explore both the Netherlands and Germany in one trip. While there are multiple routes to choose from, it’s good to select a route that allows you to stop for rests at popular destinations along the way.
Start by taking in the modern architecture in Rotterdam, then head towards Utrecht to begin your road trip. For the most scenic stops, be sure to stop here and at Apeldoorn in the Netherlands, as well as Bremen once you cross over into Germany.
Arriving at Hamburg
Germany is packed with fascinating cities, but they don’t come much cooler than Hamburg. Affectionately known as the ‘gateway to the world’, this remarkable maritime city is packed full of memorable experiences!
Hamburg’s emblematic port played a key role in its history as a leading centre for international trade. You’ll find lots of remnants of the city’s rich maritime past as you wander around the vast port, with its beautiful medieval-style buildings and multiple seafood eateries.
Water is a running theme across Hamburg. There are three rivers spanning the city, as well as many canals and waterways – little wonder there are more bridges here than in any other city in the world! You’ll also find Hamburg offers a distinctive mix of both ancient and modern architecture. In particular, the striking Elbphilharmonie building is a work of art. Built in 2017, this iconic concert hall is a bright mix of modern brick and glass, giving Hamburg the world-class music venue its heritage deserves. After all, master composer Johannes Brahms was born here, while the Beatles made this fascinating city their home back in the early 1960s.
The second largest city in Germany, Hamburg is also the wealthiest, and as such, you can expect unrivalled dining. Restaurants offer everything from local specialities to trailblazing world cuisine. Classy cocktail bars, intimate candlelit pubs and nightclubs that stay open until the small hours make the nightlife in Hamburg second to none – with St. Pauli’s Reeperbahn an internationally famous hub.
If the sights and sounds of Hamburg leave you hungry to experience another German city, the obvious option is to drive further on to Berlin. With only 247 miles separating the two locations, it takes just three hours to drive to the nation’s electric capital. Simply follow the well-travelled and clearly marked A24, which connects the large metropolitan regions of Hamburg and Berlin.
If you’re ready to hit the open road and drive to Germany from the UK, check out our Hull to Rotterdam and Dover to Calais routes to start planning your next adventure!
