German cities, like most major European and world cities, are old and crowded. Driving in these cities is generally more of a hassle than a necessity, especially with the excellent public transportation available in most places. Still, there may be times when you want or need a car in town, so here's some things to know and keep in mind regarding driving and parking in German cities.

The central parts of most German towns and cities feature a lovely system of narrow, disjointed, one-way streets lined and clogged with cars. You may find yourself feeling like a rat trapped in a maze. A recent study determined that the average German spends 65 hours a year stuck in traffic or waiting at traffic lights. Having said that, I can say that driving in town, even "downtown", usually isn't too bad. After the war, many German cities rebuilt their downtown districts and designed them to make navigation a little easier. If you're used to driving in urban areas, you should manage fine in most German cities.

(Right: Berlin residential street.)

Of course, the best advice is to get a good city map, study it, and make sure you know where you're going before you head out.

Another piece of advice I would offer is this: park your car somewhere convenient and use public transportation to reach your final destination. This may save you a considerable amount of time and money. You'll find many German cities have Park + Ride locations for this purpose.

Pay attention to signs and signals. Look closely for and signs. Signals are usually easy to see, but sometimes right-of-way signs may be difficult to spot. Also, look closely for parking or no parking signs before you park on the street to make sure that you may legally park there. Especially watch for the many hidden driveways marked with obscure "Ausfahrt freihalten!" ("do not block the exit") signs.

Another sign to watch for is the sign. This sign marks a bus lane. You'll find these along some major boulevards in the larger cities. You may use this lane only if you're turning right, and you must not enter the lane until just before you make your turn.

Keep a sharp eye out for unmarked intersections, especially in residential areas, and yield the right-of-way to traffic approaching from the right.

German motorists are rather "trigger-happy" when it comes to green lights. Many drivers are already entering the intersection when the signal turns green, so be prepared to go or expect some cranky honking from the guy behind you just mere microseconds after the green comes on.

To avoid the one-way maze, use larger two-way avenues and boulevards to get as close to your destination as possible, then use the one-ways as needed to finish the job.

To help reduce congestion, many of the largest German cities have multi-level intersections in their downtown areas. You'll often find that through traffic passes in a tunnel under major signalized intersections. In some of the busiest places, there may be extensive underground trafficways. Again, make sure you study a good city map before you start out.

Congestion in German cities is no better or worse than other European and world cities. Rush hours are generally 7.00-9.00 and 16.00-18.00 on weekdays. In some of the trendy nightlife districts, you may find yourself staring at brake lights until well after 23.00. Popular shopping areas will usually be congested and parking hard to come by on Saturdays and other "long" shopping days as well.

Definitely be on the watch for pedestrians. They always have the right-of-way in zebra marked crosswalks, but oftentimes they'll dart-out between cars and other locations. In residential areas, be on the lookout for children playing near streets.

Basically, driving in cities in Germany involves the same skill and patience as driving in cities in the US and elsewhere. Use common sense and good judgment and you should do fine.

Your biggest problem may not be navigating cities, but finding someplace to (legally) stash your vehicle reasonably close to your destination.

In most German cities, you have a selection of parking facilities. There is the ubiquitous on-street parking and off-street parking lots (Parkplatz), above-ground garages (Parkhaus), and underground garages (Tiefgarage). Most large cities have extensive parking facilities, and parking maps are usually available from the tourist information offices. Unfortunately, there are often not enough spaces to go around, and you may have to drive around a little while before you find a place. Still, except on the busiest days and during the peak times, you should be able to find a place within a reasonable amount of time.

On-street parking

Parking on the street is the most common means of parking in Germany. Unless specifically prohibited by a sign or general regulation, on-street parking is usually permitted everywhere (see the parking section of the traffic regulations page for laws regarding on-street parking). The sign along the street specifically indicates where such parking is permitted, although when used it is usually accompanied by additional signs indicating when parking is permitted, who is permitted to park, or requiring the use of a parking permit, voucher, or disc:

Parking only for residents with indicated permit number	Parking requires purchase of a parking voucher (Parkschein)	Parking only with a parking disc: You may only park for the length of time indicated (e.g. 2 hours).

As noted above, on-street may require you to use a parking voucher, parking disc, or parking meter. Here are directions on the use of each:

Parking vouchers (Parkschein): The sign "nur mit Parkschein" requires you to purchase a parking voucher before leaving your vehicle. These are obtained from a nearby machine (Parkscheinautomat, see photo)-- look for elevated signs marking the location of these. The operation of these machines varies, and some of them will give you instructions in English-- press the button marked with a British flag if there is one. Generally, you'll want to locate the parking rates (Parkgebühr) on the front of the machine. Determine how much time you'll need, then deposit the corresponding amount. The display will indicate how many minutes the amount you've inserted will buy. On some machines, you can press the "+" or "-" buttons to add or subtract time from that amount. If you add time, the machine will indicate how much additional money to insert-- do so. Once you've selected and paid for the time you'll need, press the green or other indicated button and the machine will dispense a small ticket (voucher) as well as any change. Return to your vehicle and place the voucher on the dashboard where it may be easily seen from the outside. You must return to your vehicle before the expiration time shown on the voucher. If the nearest voucher machine is out of order, you should use another one in the same area; you will usually find another one across the street, at the other end of the block, or around the corner. If you cannot locate another machine, use a parking disc instead (see below.) Some areas only require you to use a parking vouchers during certain times; check the signs or schedule on the machine. Oftentimes, the machines will turn off when parking vouchers are not required. (Left: Parking voucher machine.)

• Parking discs (Parkscheibe): A parking disc is a small blue card with a time dial (see photo). You can obtain these for free or for minimal cost from most gas stations, newsstands, tobacco shops, and police stations. Rental cars should already have them (if yours doesn't, get one from the agent before leaving with the car.) Signs indicating that you must use a parking disc will usually show a small picture of the parking disc along with a time restriction (see example above). Turn the dial so that the arrow points to the time of your arrival, rounded-up to the next half hour (i.e. if you arrive at 10:40, set the disc for 11:00 [as shown in the example on the right]), then place the disc on your dashboard. The signs will indicate how long you may park. You must return to your vehicle within the indicated time period. So, for instance, if you arrived at 10:40 and the signs said that you could park for 2 hours with a parking disc, you would set your disc for 11:00 and you would have to return to your vehicle by 13:00 (1:00pm). As with many things in Germany, this mostly works on the honor system, but spot checks are conducted. Many areas only require you to use a parking disc during certain times; be sure to check the signs.

(Right: Parking disc.)

• Parking meters (Parkuhr): Parking meters in Germany work just like their US counterparts, although they're not as common. Deposit your money and return to your vehicle before the time expires. In the event of a defective meter, you must use a parking disc. You may then park up to the maximum time normally permitted at that location (e.g. the maximum time shown on the meter.)

Violations: Parking fines generally range from €5-25 and if you are obstructing traffic or a driveway, your vehicle will almost surely be towed, and quite quickly. In such an event, call the police to settle the situation.

Parking lots and garages Besides indicating where parking is permitted on the street, the sign also gives directions to off-street parking facilities. Directions to garages are usually indicated by signs. In many larger cities and towns, there are electronic signs indicating which lots and garages are _Frei _ (available) or _Besetzt _ (full), or show the number of available parking places (see photo). Parking facilities are often numbered to assist you in finding them. (Left: Parking availability sign.)

Payment systems: Only a few parking garages and lots are manned by cashiers and attendants. Instead, most are controlled by some sort of self-service payment system. Some lots use parking vouchers, parking discs, or parking meters; see the "Street Parking" section above for details on using these. Most, however, use an automated cashier system. Here is how it works: When entering the parking lot/garage, you obtain a time-stamped ticket from the entry gate. Park your vehicle and take this ticket with you. When you are ready to leave-- but before you get into your vehicle-- find a parking payment machine (Kassenautomat, usually near major pedestrian entrances). Insert the ticket you received from the entry gate into the slot and the amount due will be displayed . Pay the amount shown and the machine will return your ticket or dispense a new one. (If you also want a receipt, push the button marked "Quittung" immediately after the ticket appears.) Then, return to your vehicle and exit the lot/garage. At the exit gate, insert the ticket into the machine there and the barrier will open. You generally have 15 minutes to reach the exit gate from the time you pay. If you don't make it within this time period, go back to the payment machine and start the process again using the ticket that you received from the previous payment. (Right: Parking payment machine.)

Most lots and garages are open 24 hours, however, some are only open 6.00-23.00 daily or other varying times. If you're going to be out late, make sure that the lot or garage you use will still be open when you return!

Costs for parking in Germany are a little on the pricey side.

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NOTICE: The information contained on this site is provided "as-is". Although I make reasonable efforts to keep it updated, I make no guarantee regarding accuracy and assume no responsibility for inconveniences or other issues arising from its use. All opinions expressed are strictly my own.