Hamburg Airport lies around a 30-minute drive just north of the city centre. If you’re wanting to head straight into the heart of this port city, take the B433 road to the south. The city itself spans across the River Elbe, and when driving around Germany’s second city, you’ll find yourself crossing the river via one of the many bridges.

If you’re planning on heading out into the wider area, you’ll find Hamburg is well connected to many nearby towns and cities by a comprehensive network of roads.

In Germany, you must drive on the right hand side of the road. Germans tend to be very considerate drivers and the road conditions are some of the very best in Europe.

Within built-up areas, you should stick to a speed of 50 km/h or lower, whereas, like in many European countries, a speed of 100 km/h should be observed on all roads outside of towns.

If you’re travelling across a few different cities, the Autobahns provide an excellent way to travel. Many have incredible views to take in as you travel from one place to another.

You should always carry your driving licence and a valid passport with you when driving in Germany. It’s also required that you carry a reflective vest, a first aid kit, and a warning triangle, in the event of an accident or breakdown.

All occupants, front or back, must wear seatbelts at all times and people under the age of 13 must sit in the rear passenger seats of the car.

Hamburg is perhaps Germany’s most happening city. A hub of music, culture and art, it’s the go-to destination for people all across the continent.

Madness at the Miniatur Wunderland

Miniatur Wunderland is a must-visit location for couples, friends and families alike. It’s home to the world’s largest model railway, among many other captivating sights – such as the model steam trains, as well as the Lufthansa planes taking off from a replica of Hamburg Airport.

But that’s not everything. There are also models of Rome’s Colosseum, St Peter’s Basilica and many other iconic structures. Make sure that you give yourself plenty of time, though. The museum constitutes many rooms, and the model railway spans for a whopping ten miles. We would recommend booking online in advance.

Experience the Flohschanze

The Flohschanze Market is one of the most exciting arenas in Hamburg city centre. Located in the Sterhchanze district, an area previously known for its meat packing factories, the weekend market is a treasure trove of vintage clothing, dusty antiques and old books.

After a long day of rifling through the bric-a-brac, stop by for a drink or a bite to eat in the Pfortner Hauschen, housed in a former abattoir gatehouse. The fischbrotchen sandwiches are a speciality, as are the many German wheat beers and Helles lagers. If you enjoy your pale ales and gherkins, this is the place for you.  

Get forty winks in the Gasworks

The Gastwerk Hotel is a hip hotel housed in, you guessed it, a former gasworks. The 120-year-old structure, located in the west end commune of Bahrenfeld, is the hotel of choice for in-the-know visitors to the city. But if you want to stay here, you need to book well in advance.

The minimalist rooms and steel structure give the hotel a modern yet industrial feel, and the Moroccan spa will relax you just as much as the stylish bar. The hotel has a sister branch in the St Pauli area of the city.  

Car hire in Hamburg is an ideal way to explore this fantastic German city. Visit us at the airport and we will get you on your way to a quirky and fun visit to this hip and remarkable city. We know you’ll love every single minute of your time spent in the city of Hamburg.