Car Rental Frankfurt

Frankfurt might be the jumping off point for people to discover the rest of Germany, but those who leave without exploring the city and surrounding areas are missing a trick.

As in the rest of mainland Europe you’ll be driving on the right-hand side of the road. The main speed limits are 50km/h in built-up areas and 100km/h outside.

Germany’s famous Autobahn network allows for quick journeys between cities, with limits of up to 130km/h. Sections in more rural areas may have no upper speed limit. If you’re using it for the first time, a good rule of thumb is to stay in the right-hand lane unless you’re overtaking

From Frankfurt you can take Autobahn 5 south to get to the historic city of Heidelberg in just over an hour. Head out on the A66 and B52 and follow the river to Rudesheim in the Rhine Valley for medieval riverside villages where jutting church spires stand out against vineyard-clad hills.

To explore further afield, Autobahn 3 north will get you to the beautiful city of Cologne in just over two hours. Branch off at the B56 to head into the heart of Bonn, the birthplace of Beethoven.

Fairy tale forest glades and Hansel and Gretel villages are an easy drive down the A6 to the spa town of Baden-Baden in the north of the Black Forest. Try one of Europe’s most beautiful drives by joining the Romantic Road from Frankfurt. Follow the A3 to Würzburg where this 400km route begins, slowly winding its way to the German Alps at Füssen.

Discover the culture and diversity of this historic yet modern metropolis. From baroque architecture to 16^th century gabled houses, lively plazas and impressive skyscrapers, Frankfurt embraces its past while looking to the future. 

Soak up the city

The Römerberg public space is a taste of traditional Germany. One end of this picture-perfect square is a line of historic gabled houses, with the iconic copper Justice Fountain standing in front of them.

In summer, the square fills with al fresco seating so you can relax with a coffee in the sunshine or tuck into hearty German fare. In winter, little wooden huts dappled in fairy lights line the square. If you’re here in winter, shop for trinkets and ornate gifts at the Frankfurt Christmas Market.

In behind the square, the cathedral of St Bartholomew’s spire juts out against the sleek skyscrapers. Explore the quiet interior of this magnificent building and ascend the tower for a magnificent view over the city’s skyline where the medieval buildings of the Römerberg stand against glass skyscrapers.

Get your culture fix at Museum Embankment on the banks of the River Main. The city’s various museums span centuries of German history and culture, including the Städel, an art museum with one of the most important collections in Germany. There’s also a film museum, Jewish heritage museum and even a childhood museum. 

Heidelberg and the Rhine Valley

Visit Heidelberg, Germany’s oldest university town on a day trip from Frankfurt. Explore the baroque Old Town and the ruined hilltop Heidelberg Castle, the latter featuring a huge courtyard and magnificent terrace.

The wine cellars hold the world’s largest wine barrel, dubbed the Heidelberg Tun, while the town itself mixes both baroque and Renaissance architecture with modern buildings.

Take your rental car from Frankfurt along the romantic UNESCO-listed Rhine Valley, driving past sweeping vineyards, medieval towns and mountain top castles.

Stop to explore historic Rudesheim and walk down Drosselgasse, a 15th century lane in the Old Town, or visit the Benedictine Abbey of Saint Hildegard located among the vineyards above the town to get a flavour for old Germany. 

Explore mountains and rivers

Enjoy a relaxing soak in the thermal springs in the Taunus, a mountain range north of the city centre – the main spa town of Bad Homburg is an easy drive from Frankfurt.

Once here, you can enjoy indoor and outdoor thermal pools, a cooler bathing lake, a cold plunge pool and whirlpools.

A relaxing stroll around Kurpark, a sizeable park close to the heart of the city with a number of mineral water fountains and monuments, is also highly recommended.

Start your journey in the bustling metropolis of Frankfurt, but leave time to explore the Rhine Valley and historic cities of the wider Hesse region. It’s all possible with car rental from Hertz.