Car Hire Stuttgart

Stuttgart is a big city with a small-town vibe, comprised of many suburbs and towns. Driving down its winding roads is a great way to see the place, just watch out for the various pedestrianised zones and one-way systems.

Once inside the city the roads are well connected, with several major highways leading in and out of Stuttgart – including the B27 and B14. When arriving from Stuttgart Airport, the centre is only a 20-minute drive away via the B27 north.

Parking is limited in the centre, with only parking garages available at an hourly fee. However, the city does offer Park and Ride services in the outer districts, which can also help avoid getting stuck in congestion during peak hours.

Nestled between Frankfurt and Munich, Stuttgart is in a prime location to explore wider Germany. The Black Forest, said to be the inspiration behind many of the Brothers Grimm fairy tales, is less than two hours away via the A81 motorway. Or take a trip to the quintessential Germany town of Heidelberg, about an hour-and-a-half away to the north-east, promising palaces, castles and Gothic churches.

When driving in and around Stuttgart, you’ll need to drive on the right-hand side of the road and stick to the speed limits – displayed in km/h. In Germany’s cities and towns, the speed limit is mostly 50km/h (31mph). Then, when driving on highways and open roads, this

increases to 100 km/h (62mph). The autobahn doesn’t have a standardised speed limit, with many parts unrestricted. However, the recommended speed limit is 130km/h (80mph).

Stuttgart is a big city with a small-town vibe, comprised of many suburbs and towns. Driving down its winding roads is a great way to see the place, just watch out for the various pedestrianised zones and one-way systems.

Once inside the city the roads are well connected, with several major highways leading in and out of Stuttgart – including the B27 and B14. When arriving from Stuttgart Airport, the centre is only a 20-minute drive away via the B27 north.

Parking is limited in the centre, with only parking garages available at an hourly fee. However, the city does offer Park and Ride services in the outer districts, which can also help avoid getting stuck in congestion during peak hours.

Nestled between Frankfurt and Munich, Stuttgart is in a prime location to explore wider Germany. The Black Forest, said to be the inspiration behind many of the Brothers Grimm fairy tales, is less than two hours away via the A81 motorway. Or take a trip to the quintessential Germany town of Heidelberg, about an hour-and-a-half away to the north-east, promising palaces, castles and Gothic churches.

When driving in and around Stuttgart, you’ll need to drive on the right-hand side of the road and stick to the speed limits – displayed in km/h. In Germany’s cities and towns, the speed limit is mostly 50km/h (31mph). Then, when driving on highways and open roads, this

increases to 100 km/h (62mph). The autobahn doesn’t have a standardised speed limit, with many parts unrestricted. However, the recommended speed limit is 130km/h (80mph).

From motoring museums to grand palaces, botanic gardens to lively markets, this German city is bursting with things to do. Ensure you make the most of your stay in the Baden-Württemberg state when you a hire car in Stuttgart.

Experience life in the fast lane

Stuttgart prides itself on being the birthplace of two of the world’s most famous car manufacturers – Porsche and Mercedes-Benz.

The Porsche Museum is located on the outskirts of Stuttgart, next to the manufacturer’s headquarters. Inside, over 80 vehicles are on show, from early 20^th century sports cars to the race cars of the future.

Wander through the exhibition to discover more about the founder, Ferdinand Porsche, and his engineering achievements. Then embark on a factory tour to delve into the production process of Porsche, from the warehouse to the assembly line.

Speed and luxury don’t end there though, as just to the east of Stuttgart’s centre lies the Mercedes-Benz Museum. Explore the timeline of this manufacturing powerhouse, spanning more than 125 years, and discover 160 vehicles that led the way for innovation.

Explore palaces trapped in time

Baden-Württemberg may be an innovative state always looking to the future, but this doesn’t mean it has abandoned its history.

Stuttgart is home to two grand palaces – New Palace and Solitude Palace. Despite the name, New Palace is an 18^th-century Baroque masterpiece in the centre of Stuttgart. Once home to royalty, the quarters now serve as offices for government ministries. When the weather is sunny, locals and tourists flock to Palace Square to relax or catch an open-air concert against the backdrop of this staggering palace.

Solitude Palace is on the western outskirts of Stuttgart and offers a stunning glimpse into the creative flair of the wealthy German duke Charles Eugene. The building itself is designed in a Rococo style and lavishly decorated inside, representing his opulent lifestyle. Enjoy a guided tour to fully soak in the architectural feat, alongside stunning views of the Baden-Württemberg countryside.

Just under 30 minutes away lies Ludwigsburg Residential Palace. Also inhabited by Charles Eugene, before he set his sights on Stuttgart, the palace has been beautifully preserved.

Visitors can explore the various rooms offering insights into the different periods and royalty who resided here. There are also several museums to dive deeper into the lifestyles of aristocrats from the 18^th to 20^th centuries. These include a children’s museum, where little ones can dress up and play traditional games and activities from the period. 

Taste food from around the world at Markthalle

Back in the present, let your senses take over at Stuttgart Markthalle. Nestled inside an art nouveau building in the city centre, it’s now a popular market hall featuring over 43 different stalls.

Walk through the open plan building and sample food from around the world, from traditional German delicacies to Asian and Hungarian treats. If you prefer to sit back and enjoy the range of flavours, there are also several restaurants offering Swabian specialities. Indulge in some Spätzle, an egg noodle dish often served with various sauces and side dishes, as well as other Mediterranean dishes.

Experience Stuttgart’s colourful past, lively present and promising future when you hire a car with Hertz.