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Hamburg Airport

Discover the vibrant city of Hamburg with unparalleled freedom and convenience by choosing Green Motion Car Rental!

Hamburg Airport (Flughafen Hamburg Helmut Schmidt, HAM) is located about 8–10 kilometers north of the city center and offers excellent connections to the heart of Hamburg. Renting a car here is a fantastic idea if you want the freedom to explore not only Hamburg but also nearby destinations like Lübeck, Bremen, or even the North Sea coast. The drive from the airport to downtown Hamburg is smooth and usually takes around 20–30 minutes depending on traffic.

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Driving in Hamburg – Car rental at Hamburg Airport

 

Once you've landed at Hamburg Airport and picked up your rental car, we wish you a safe and pleasant journey!

For those driving in Germany for the first time, it’s important to get familiar with local traffic regulations. Use GPS or navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze to plan your routes efficiently.

In Germany, driving is on the right-hand side. A valid national driver's license is required, and depending on your home country, an International Driving Permit (IDP) may also be needed. Rental cars are equipped with mandatory safety items such as a warning triangle, reflective vest, and a first aid kit.

Speed limits in Germany are 50 km/h (31 mph) in urban areas and 100 km/h (62 mph) on rural roads. There's no general limit on many Autobahn sections (recommended speed 130 km/h / 81 mph).

Be mindful of Hamburg's Low Emission Zones (Umweltzones), where only vehicles with a green emissions sticker can drive. Our rental vehicles usually comply, but it's always good to confirm with us. No worries, we'll let you know about this!

During rush hours (7:00-9:00 AM and 4:00-6:30 PM), traffic can be heavy, particularly near the city center and on ring roads.

Parking in Hamburg is well-organized, with plenty of garages and street parking available. Use apps like Parkopedia to find available spaces and pay easily.

Fuel stations are common, but always top up before heading out into rural areas or late at night when some stations may close.

If you need assistance while driving in Germany, don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions. In an emergency, dial 112 for immediate help.

Enjoy exploring Hamburg’s historic ports, modern architecture, and scenic surroundings!

Germany

Things to Do in Hamburg – Driving around the country

 

One of the great advantages of renting a car in Hamburg is the easy access it offers to many charming nearby cities and towns. Germany’s efficient Autobahn network makes road trips fast and convenient.

Begin your Hamburg journey at the historic Speicherstadt, the world’s largest warehouse district and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Take a harbor boat tour through the busy port or visit the stunning Elbphilharmonie concert hall. Explore the vibrant nightlife and cafés of the St. Pauli district, or stroll around the scenic Alster Lakes in the city center. For families, the Miniatur Wunderland (the world’s largest model railway exhibition) is a must-see. Art lovers should head to the Hamburger Kunsthalle, one of Germany’s top art museums. With a car, you can also make easy day trips to the charming medieval town of Lübeck or the beaches of the North Sea.

Lübeck, known for its medieval old town and marzipan, is just a 1-hour drive northeast via the A1 motorway. Bremen, with its beautiful historic center and famous Town Musicians statue, is around 1 hour and 15 minutes southwest via the A1. For a coastal escape, head to Cuxhaven at the North Sea, about 2 hours northwest, where you can experience sandy beaches and the UNESCO-listed Wadden Sea.

Driving outside Hamburg is straightforward, with well-maintained roads and clear signage. Always check for any construction updates or environmental zones (Umweltzones) when planning your trip, especially when entering other cities.

Whether for a cultural visit, beach day, or countryside exploration, Hamburg is the perfect base for unforgettable day trips by car!

Useful Information about car hire in Hamburg

Where do you pick up your car?

We are located at the airport. You'll find specific instructions on top of this page, under the "Find Us" -section!

Side of road

Drive on the right side of the road

Local currency

Euro (€)

Nearest Gas Station

Shell Tankstelle Flughafenstraße (about 2 km from the terminals)

Nearest Train Station

Hamburg Airport S-Bahn Station (directly connected to Terminal 1)

Nearest Bus Station

Hamburg Airport Bus Terminal (directly at the airport serving local and regional buses)

Average temperature

0°C (32°F) to 23°C (73°F)

Car hire in Hamburg Airport Germany – FAQs about renting a car

Is it easy to drive in Hamburg?

Yes, Hamburg is modern and well-signposted, but expect congestion during peak hours, especially near the city center.

Are there toll roads in Germany?

There are no general tolls for private cars on German highways (Autobahns), but some tunnels or bridges might have separate fees.

How is parking in Hamburg?

Parking garages and street parking are widely available in Hamburg, but parking fees apply in the city center. Always pay attention to signage.

Are there Low Emission Zones (Umweltzones) in Hamburg?

Yes. Only vehicles that meet certain emissions standards (with a green sticker) are allowed in certain areas. Rental cars are usually compliant.

Can I use a credit card for fuel in Germany?

Yes, most gas stations accept credit cards, but it’s good to have some cash just in case.

What should I watch out for when driving in Hamburg?

When driving in Hamburg, be mindful of cyclists, as the city is very bike-friendly and many roads have designated cycling lanes. Watch for pedestrians, especially at zebra crossings where they always have the right of way. In the city center, be aware of environmental (Umweltzone) regulations — you need a valid emissions sticker (usually already provided with rental cars). Also, parking can be limited and expensive downtown, so plan ahead for parking garages or park-and-ride options.