Considering the fact that it is a big city, moving around Munich is relatively easy and comfortable and is done without toll limitations or congestion taxes. The Altstadtring ring road goes around the historic center which includes many of the attractions the city has to offer. Starting from Karlsplatz, Marienplatz and Kaufinger Street which offers cafes, shows, beer halls, folk shops and luxury shops. Please note that a significant part of the historic area is a pedestrian street closed to vehicle traffic.
Those who come to Munich and wish to tour the city without their car, can leave it in one of the park&ride parking lots located in the outer part of the city. These parking lots are effectively connected to the train and metro network and make entering the city easy and convenient.
◾ 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 Munich
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 Munich 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.
◾ Departure from Munich
As mentioned, Munich is a major crossroad for travelers in Central Europe. For example, the trip to Salzburg on the A8 highway takes less than two hours, and to Innsbruck (on the same highway) about an hour and a half. Those wishing to travel north towards the Czech border will take the A9 road and from there connect to road 93. Those traveling west towards Lake Constance and the Swiss border will take the A96 road for a beautiful trip of about three hours.
However, some vehicle groups (mainly luxury cars, automatic cars and minivans) are subject to restrictions when visiting Italy or the former Eastern European countries (Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovenia, Slovakia, Croatia, Poland, etc.). You must find out these restrictions in advance and make sure that they appear on the voucher.
Please also note that some of the countries you travel to, such as Switzerland, Austria, Slovenia and more, require a special sticker for driving on highways which can be purchased at the kiosks at the border crossings.
The responsibility for purchasing a sticker and using it correctly rests solely with the renter of the vehicle, therefore it is necessary to stick it in accordance with the instructions of the local authority. Be sure to find out about the need to purchase a sticker every time you leave one country and enter another.
◾ Rental stations in Munich
Rent a car from Munich's Franz Josef Strauss Airport, which is about 30 km northeast of the city and has a huge car rental station. It is wonderfully connected to Munich itself, as part of a functional public transport system of trains, metro, trams and buses that serves daily the 2.5 million inhabitants of the metropolis. Three main train stations operate in the city, the largest of which is Hauptbahnhof located right in the city center and has a large car rental station. The other two are Pasing that serves those coming from the west and Munich Ostbahnhof for those coming from the east.
There are several car rental stations scattered throughout Munich where it is quite convenient to pick up or return the rented car.
For your attention - it is absolutely forbidden to enter tracks such as the Nuerburgring or similar tracks with the rented vehicle. The rented vehicle is not insured on these routes and those who violate this prohibition are exposed to significant fines.
Driving in Munich 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 Munich with Ofran will allow you to enjoy the benefits of traveling with a rental car in Munich, 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 Munich