Getting Around

Getting Around

How to get from here to there in Karlsruhe and beyond.

Bicycles in front of the main train station of Karlsruhe.

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Getting Around

Driving in Germany

The old slaughterhaus compound (Alter Schlachthof) now offers clubs, restaurants and creative spaces.

  • General Information

    • Driving in Germany is a great experience. The roads are well maintained although the lack of lights on the motorways (Autobahn) can be a little disconcerting at first. 
    • Contrary to popular belief, there are speed limits in Germany, even on the Autobahn. 
    • Permanent or temporary speed traps can be found anywhere and everywhere. Most take a photo of the front of the auto and you get a ticket in the mail a few weeks later.
    • Be aware of the signs — fines can be significant or you may lose your license (even if it's not from Germany)! 
    • Most roads are toll-free within Germany.
  • Driver's License

    • EU license holders can continue to drive on their home country driver's license (Führerschein) until it expires. Prior to expiration it would be wise to exchange it for a German one, especially if you will be here for a while.
    • Non-EU license holders will need to check on specific requirements, which vary from country to country.
    • An International Driving Permit is just a translation of your home country driver's license. Even if it is valid for one year, it is not a valid stand-alone document and must always be presented together with your home country license.
    • You can only drive in Germany with a non-EU license for six months. It may be possible to get a six month extension to your existing license if you are can prove you will not be in Germany longer than one year.
    • Getting a German driver's license is not straightforward. Depending upon your home country (and state) license, you may need to take a written test as well as a first aid course and a practical exam.
    • Download our pdf with more details.
  • Car Insurance

    • You must have insurance for your car in Germany. If the car is registered in Germany, any number of agencies will issue a policy. The cost will depend on the age of the car, your driving record etc.
    • If your car is registered outside of Germany, make sure your policy covers Germany.
    • In addition to car insurance, all cars registered in Germany must pay a yearly car tax which is organized by the customs office. The amount depends on the size and age of your vehicle. Registration can be done online. Payment is only possible via SEPA direct debit, which means you need a bank account.
  • Legalities

    • Always carry your driver's license and vehicle registration papers with you when you drive.
    • Everyone in the car must wear a seat belt.
    • Children under 12 years of age or 1.5 meters in height must have a special seat.
    • Telephoning while driving is only allowed with a hands-free system (head-set, speaker etc.).
    • For each person travelling in the vehicle, you must have a neon (red, yellow or orange) reflective vest to be worn in case you must leave your vehicle  — e.g. flat tire, engine troubles, or an accident.
    • This being Germany, there are, of course, many more rules and regulations. Be aware because ignorance of the law cannot be used as an excuse.
  • Parking in Karlsruhe

    • Your landlord will advise you if you need a Parking Permit (Bewohnerparkausweis) for street parking. The yearly fee of €180 (2024) does not guarantee that you will be able to find a spot even with a permit. However, without the permit, there are certain hours when you are not allowed to park.
    • There are more permits than spots (3:1). 
    • To get your permit in Karlsruhe, you need to fill out paperwork, most of which can be done online. To start the process go here.
    • Parking on the street in the inner city region is not always easy. Some regions are by Parking Permit only and will be posted as such. Others cost money in which case you need to go the Parking Ticket Machine (Parkscheinautomat); estimate how long you will be gone, pay the money and you will get a paper ticket. Place this on your window dash inside the car where it is clearly visible from outside. Controllers do come around checking and parking fines can be steep, depending on where you park.
    • Do not park in handicap zones unless you have a permit; the fines are especially high.
    • You should keep a Parking Disc (Parkscheibe) handy. You can buy a parking disc at most gasoline stations or your Rathaus.
    • Parking spaces in parking garages in Karlsruhe are plentiful and well sign-posted. You will find an excellent link with details of spaces available in every Karlsruhe parking garage with updated real time space availability here.
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Getting Around

Cars

  • Car Rental

    Most international car rental companies are represented in Karlsruhe.


    You will need:

    • a valid drivers license (at least one year)
    • a legal form of ID
    • a credit card

    You must be 21 years of age or older, although some companies won't allow rental for those under 25 or over 80.

  • Car Sharing

    If you don't drive a lot and live in the city, car sharing may be a good option. Short-term car rentals by the hour, day or week — depending on your needs — are available. Costs are based on the time booked and distance driven. Insurance and fuel costs are included in the price. You must have a valid drivers license and German residency — there are often initial costs to join the program and a monthly fee. The biggest agency in Karlsruhe is stadtmobil - info in German is available here.

  • Emergency Equipment

    German law requires that all automobiles be equipped with:

    • a triangle caution sign;
    • bright colored vests for all passengers in case of emergency - these must conform to the European Norm 471 (EN 471); 
    • a first aid kit (DIN number 13164). First aid kits are available at the ADAC or German service stations.

    If you have a breakdown on the Autobahn, emergency telephones are located every two kilometers. A small black arrow on the white posts will direct you to the nearest phone. If you use your mobile phone, be sure to note the kilometer marking on the side of the road so that you are more easily found.


    If you are in an accident, call the police (110) and/or emergency number (112) in case of injuries. You are not allowed to leave the scene of an accident.

  • Emissions control

    Emissions Zones

    Back in 2009 Karlsruhe began its Low Emissions Zone (LEZ) policy to reduce the amount of fine particle emissions from cars in the inner city. Other cities have also implemented this policy, so be aware when travelling.  All vehicles (even those with foreign registration) need to show an emission-control sticker (Feinstaubplakette). They come in three colors — red, yellow and green. As of 01.01.2013, only vehicles with green stickers are allowed in the LEZ. The Ministry of Environment for Baden-Württemberg has a summary of what you need to know which you can download here.

  • Vehicle Registration

    You should have a German translation of your car's registration papers. 


    EU — If your car is registered in another EU country, you can use it in Germany up to one year. See here for more information. The agency responsible for car taxes is the Customs Agency.


    Non-EU living in Karlsruhe — If you want to bring your car from a non-EU country, the vehicle may be subject to import duties and VAT, although in most cases if the vehicle is for private use and has been in your possession for at least six months, you will be exempt.  Please check with the customs office before importing your car.  


    To register your vehichle, you will need to bring your vehicle to the place of registration for proof of identification. The types of documents you need to show depend on the age of your vehicle. If it is less than 6 months old, it is considered new. Documents you may need to bring with you — check with the office to determine exactly what you will need:

    • form of identification (passport or ID card)
    • residence registration papers (Anmeldeformular)
    • vehicle license plates and registration papers
    • proof that the vehicle is roadworthy if it is older than three years - (HU - Hauptuntersuchung) - General Inspection
    • receipt or bill of sale for the vehicle (original)
    • proof of insurance (eVB Nummer - elektronische Versicherungsbestätigung) - you can obtain this number from your insurance company
    • European Certificate of Conformity (COC:  EG Übereinstimmungsbescheinigung) issued by the manufacturer or their agent (original)
    • A TÜV/DEKRA certificate of roadworthiness and emissions testing in accordance with § 21 STVZO, if you do not have a COC
    • customs clearance certificate if coming from a non-EU country
    • direct debit authorization for vehicle taxation (Einzugsermächtigung für Kfz-Steuer) — you cannot have your vehicle registered if you do not provide this information — no exceptions! Taxes will be automatically withdrawn from your bank account once a year, the amount depending on the age and size of your vehicle.

    A registration fee must be paid in cash or with an EC card and PIN number.

  • Vehicle Taxes (KfZ Steuer)

    A yearly vehicle tax is levied - this is taken care of by the Zollamt (Customs Office). All persons who have cars registered in Germany must pay this tax. It will be automatically withdrawn from your bank account once a year. There is no other way to pay this fee — you must fill out the forms to allow automatic withdrawal once a year of the car taxes. The amount will depend on the age and size of your vehicle.

  • Winter tires

    • Winter tires are required in Germany in icy or snowy conditions, i.e., your vehicle must be appropriately equipped for the existing weather conditions.
    • This holds true for all vehichles using roads in Germany, including rental cars.
    • Winter weather conditions include black ice, snow, ice, slush and hoarfrost. 
    • As winter weather is unpredictable it is advisable to have winter tires on from October through Easter. 
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Getting Around

Public Transportation (kvv)

kvv (Karlsruhe Verkehrsverbund) is Karlsruhe’s excellent public transportation system.

  • Timetables

    Timetables for trams and buses are available at kvv information centers outside the main train station and on Durlacher Allee in the Oststadt. Timetables are located at each tram/bus/train stop. Many stops/stations also have electronic signs indicating which tram/train is next to arrive and when it should arrive.

  • Ticketing System

    • Riding is on the honor system. When you enter the tram/train be sure you have a valid ticket.
    • If you purchase your ticket from a machine, the ticket is immediately valid.
    • On buses you need to show your valid ticket when entering or purchase a ticket from the driver.
    • Many electronic options are available for tickets based on regions or aerial line (Luftlinie - distance). Info in German here.
    • Occasionally, controllers go through the system and check tickets. If you don't have a ticket, the fine is €60. If you are a repeat offender, a jail sentence is also possible. The controllers have a "no excuses" policy. They will take down your name and address and you will receive a letter in the mail explaining where to send the fine money. The letter will also tell you where to go or who to talk to if you feel the warning and ticket were not correct.
  • Purchasing Tickets

    • The kvv information centers at Bahnhof and Durlacher Allee (Oststadt) sell tickets.
    • At many stops, and in many trams and trains, ticket buying machines accept both coins and paper money. Many ticket machines also accept credit and debit cards for larger purchases.
    • Tickets may be also purchased on-line and printed out at home or you can use your mobile phone. Information in German is available here. If controlled, you must show your phone.
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Getting Around

Airports

  • Franfurt International Airport

    • Frankfurt Airport is Germany's busiest airport. It serves most international destinations and is relatively easy to access from Karlsruhe.
    • The ICE high speed train leaves every hour from the Karlsruhe main train station. You can travel either directly into Terminal 1 or change trains in Mannheim. Travel time is about one hour.
    • If you plan ahead you can reserve long-stay vacation parking at Frankfurt Airport. Other options are near-by.
    • If you don't live that close to the train station, special airport taxis (Flughafenzubringer) can pick you up at home and meet your flights at the airport. It is sometimes the most convenient option and is often supported for business travel.
    • Don't confuse Frankfurt Airport with Frankfurt-Hahn Airport — the two are nowhere near each other.
  • Karlsruhe Baden Airpark

    Karlsruhe Baden Airpark  is only 40 km from Karlsruhe. The airport is used by Ryanair, Wizz Air, Eurowings and others. You can drive or go by tram/bus or private coach from the main Karlsruhe train station (Hauptbahnhof).


    Information about public transportation between the Baden-Baden train/bus station and the airpark is available on the airport's website. Be sure to read your timetable carefully before you make your plans, as they do not always seem logical.

  • Stuttgart Airport

    Stuttgart Airport is almost 2 hours from Karlsruhe by train. Train passengers from Karlsruhe must change at Stuttgart main station.

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Getting Around

Bicycles

  • General

    Bicycles are used come rain, sunshine or snow. From kindergarteners to grandmothers — all share the road to get to school, go grocery shopping or enjoy the scenery.


    Most of the rules of the road are common sense. As with any form or transportation, be aware of other vehicles and drive safely.


    Riding on sidewalks is not permitted for those over 12 years of age unless the adult is accompanying the child.


    For infomration (in German) about bicycle routes withing Karlsruhe, look here.

  • Karlsruhe Bicycling

    • Karlsruhe is especially bike friendly because it is flat! 
    • Special bike paths and bike streets (Fahrradstrasse) run within and around Karlsruhe.
    • If there is a bike path, adults must use it rather than the street.
    • To find a bike route either within Karlsruhe or for a longer trek within Baden-Württemberg try here — just type in your start and destination addresses and the route calculated will be predominantly along bicycle paths.
  • Children

    • School children in Germany take a bicycling proficiency test around age 9 or 10 and are trained for this as part of their school syllabus.
    • Children up to the age of ten should travel on the sidewalks. A parent may also travel on the sidewalk - but only when accompanying a child.
    • While there is no law about wearing a helmet (for both children and adults), it is highly recommended to do so, especially children.
  • Short-term Bike Rental

    • If you just need to quickly get from here to there within the city, it is possible to rent a bike.
    • One system is called kvv.nextbike. The bicycles are located all over the city and must not be returned to the original location (e-bikes must be returened to one of two locations). You need to register, but once you have done so, you can rent bikes using the App. Both regular and e-bikes are available.
    • Some bicycle stores rent bicycles for the day, week or month.
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Getting Around

Long Distance Trains & Buses

  • Trains: Deutsche Bahn

    Deutsche Bahn — Germany’s train system

    • Similar to plane travel, the train reservation system has several categories of ticket prices, the most expensive being the most flexible. By specifying a train and route ahead of time, you can get from here to there for as little as €19 in each direction — be aware that there is a service fee to exchange your ticket, and this can only be done at the latest on your original day of travel. Some tickets are non-refundable. As expected, there are only a limited number of seats available for the really cheap tickets and it is almost impossible to get this discount on a Friday.
    • If you travel often, it is worth learning about the discount cards, BahnCard25 and BahnCard50 — for a yearly fee you can get either a 25% or 50% discount on your ticket, including on the cheap tickets.
    • There are lots of helpful discounted tickets for travel on DB like the regional day tickets (Baden-Württemberg Tickets) or for all of Germany (Quer-durchs-Land-Ticket). These are only for use on the slower local trains (no IC, EC, ICE, TGV etc) but are a cheap way to see the region.
  • Long-Distance Buses (Fernbus)

    Long-distance buses (for distances greater than 50 km or more than one hour away) are available for routes throughout Germany. This is sometimes a good and cheap alternative to train/plane/car travel. Most tickets can be purchased on-line. As with other good deals, the sooner you book, the cheaper it is.


    The buses depart from the back entrance of the main train station in Karlsruhe. 

  • Deutschlandticket

    For just €49 a month, unlimited travel on all local public transportation (not on IC, ICE or EC trains) throughout Germany. Purchase on a subscription basis only, but cancellation possible. More info in Englsih from the Deutsche Bahn here:  https://int.bahn.de/en/offers/regional/deutschland-ticket

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Main train station of Karlsruhe.

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