Berlin covers a huge geographical area. A third of it is dedicated to forests, green parks, lakes and public gardens, which give the city its unique natural-urban mix. Getting around in Berlin is easy, both by public transport and by rental car, because the road system in Berlin is of the highest level. As a result, renting a car in Berlin is the best way to experience the city and its surroundings.
◾ Rental stations in Berlin
Berlin's international airport: Berlin- Brandenburg, was opened in October 2020 and replace both Tegel and Schoenefeld airports.
Ofran operates at Berlin Brandenburg airport through several car rental companies. In addition, Ofran allows you to rent a car in Berlin in the city center, and offers a variety of stations spread throughout the city.
Germany in general, and Berlin in particular, has the largest selection of luxury vehicles at low and affordable prices, so if you've always dreamed of driving a Mercedes, Audi or BMW on the amazing autobahns, you've come to the right place.
◾ Toll roads
Germany enjoys an excellent road system that includes more than 11 thousand kilometers of highways known as autobahns. Unlike other European countries, traveling on autobahns is free and does not involve tolls or additional payments. A pleasure for all driving lovers.
Recently an app where you can pay the tolls directly was launched, you can read more details here-
https://www.asfinag.at/en/toll/vignette/digital-vignette/
◾ Driving within the city of Berlin
Umweltzone - green areas
It is important to make sure that the rented vehicle includes a green UMWELTPLAKETTE sticker whose purpose is to prevent polluting or old vehicles from entering the areas defined as green. These areas are marked with a sign and vehicles entering them without the sticker are subject to a fine. The car rental companies in Berlin are obliged to provide the customer a car with a sticker, so it is very important to verify this when picking up the rental car.
In addition, in certain areas within the city (mainly in residential neighborhoods and near educational institutions), there are signs called "30 ZONES" where the speed limit is lower than usual - up to 30 km/h only.
The streets in Berlin
If you choose to enter the center of Berlin with the rental car, please note that not all streets have house numbers going up/down when driving in the same direction. In some streets the house numbers go up on one side of the sidewalk but go down on the other side and this can confuse the driver. In such cases it is recommended to take a look at the signage at the nearest intersection. For your attention, the Germans usually add the words "street", "square" or "park" to the names of places. Therefore, if for example you are looking for the street "Krausen", it will appear on the maps and signs "Krausenstrasse".
Unlike other large European cities, Berlin is more convenient for car renters when it comes to parking. However, of course in the city center and in the tourist areas it is a more difficult task. Parking is done using meters but you can also park in regulated parking lots. Please note that in many places around the city the speed limit is 30 km/h.
◾ Travelling outside of Berlin with the rented car:
It is possible to travel from Berlin to neighboring countries. Be sure to mark the countries to which you wish to travel to already when you start booking the car on our website (or telling our representative if you are making the booking via phone), so you will receive written confirmation from the supplier and will be covered in terms of insurance and road service.
Please note that in some countries in Europe, a special sticker is required for driving on highways, which you can purchase in kiosks at the borders.
The responsibility of purchasing the sticker is the renter's alone, so make sure to stick it according to the local guided and make sure if a sticker is needed whenever you exit a country and enter another.
Driving in Berlin during winter
◾ Winter tires and snow chains
winter tires are mandatory in certain areas of Germany even if you do not drive in snowy or mountainous areas, so it is recommended to verify the issue in advance and at the rental station. A vehicle with summer tires in the winter season is subject to fines and even immediate shutdown. It is recommended to order snow chains in advance and in any case make sure before leaving the rental station that you know how to put them on and that they fit your vehicle's tires.
◾ Going Skiing?
Book the Ski Rack on which you can assemble your skis to the car in advance. Please note that the device is intended for two ski sets only. In addition, it is worth knowing that rental companies do not offer a device for snowboarding.
◾ Driving a diesel/electric vehicle during winter time
Please note, that in very low temperatures, diesel fuel may freeze, so it's important to prepare accordingly when you are in driving in especially cold conditions. It is recommended to park the vehicle in a covered parking lot and purchase anti-freeze liquid to prevent the freezing of the fuel. Also note that electric cars are also affected by the cold, and it is possible to experience a drop of up to 30% in the range of use of the battery.
For more tips regarding renting a car during wintertime click here
and for important tips regarding renting a car abroad click here
Booking a car in Berlin with Ofran will allow you to enjoy the benefits of traveling with a rental car in Berlin, exploring all the sites and attractions that interest you and the freedom to do so according to your schedule.
Also, you'll be able to choose from a wide range of car groups the most suitable car for your vacation in an easy and comfortable process and with great prices.
Ofran wishes you a safe and pleasant trip with your rental car in Berlin