Germany
Free for carsGerman motorways (the Autobahn) are free for cars; the planned car toll was scrapped.
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German motorways (the Autobahn) are free for cars; the planned car toll was scrapped. The two things that cost money are the city low-emission zones, which need a green Umweltplakette sticker, and two small toll tunnels in the north.
Good news: motorways are free for cars here.
City & emission zones
- Umweltzonen (low-emission zones, about 60 city centres)
Nearly all need the green Feinstaubplakette sticker (Euro 4 diesel or better; any petrol car qualifies). Without it the fine is about 80 euro. Buy it before you go from a TUV or DEKRA station, a vehicle-registration office, or online for a few euro, and allow days for post. Cities include Berlin, Munich, Cologne, Stuttgart and Hamburg.
Toll bridges & tunnels
- Warnowtunnel (Rostock)€4.90
About 4.40 euro in winter and 5.40 in summer at the booth, or 3.49 cashless with a tag. A free crossing exists upstream.
- Herrentunnel (Lubeck)€2.30
About 2.30 euro per passage for a car. A free bridge nearby adds a little distance.
Fuel
Local tips
- Get the green Umweltplakette before you leave home; it sticks to the windscreen and lasts the life of the car. Entering a big city without one risks an 80 euro fine.
- The Autobahn is free for cars; the truck toll (Toll Collect) does not apply to you.
- Driving through Rostock or Lubeck, check the free alternative crossings before paying the tunnel.
- Many stretches of Autobahn still have no speed limit, but watch for posted limits and roadworks.
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