Driving to Berlin
Another means of transportation is a private car or a rented vehicle. Drivers are warned: Police is serious about driving within the speed limit: 30-50 km / h urban roads and 100 km / h bi-Orbital called Schnellstrecke, i.e. a fast track. No speed limit exists on highways (Autobahn) outside the city, unless otherwise noted.
The highways to Berlin are in a good shape. The road between Berlin and Hanover (A 2) even has 6 lanes. This road is coming to Berlin from the west. The roads coming from south are A9 (from Hoff) or A13 (from Dresden and Cottbus). Highway A12 comes from the east(from Frankfurt -am-Oder) and the roads coming from the north are A11 (from Szczecin) and A24 (from Hamburg).
All highways are connected to the ring road (Berliner Ring) A10, surrounding the city center, similar to ring tracks.
A network of roads
Drivers who get to Berlin through the ring road, should know there are two city centers in Berlin: central West- and central East Berlin. The eastern center is called Mitte (middle, in German). The western Center is located around Kurfuerstendamm. Travel time between the two centers is about fifteen minutes. If you wish to reach the center of West Berlin, to get on Route A115. If you want to get to the east get on Route A113. To go to Reinickendorf district get on Route 111. To get to northern Berlin get Route A114 (signs: Pankow / Weissensee).
A trip by car takes about two and a half hours from Berlin to Dresden and three hours to Hamburg. In the entrances to the Berlin, particularly on the ring road, traffic jams is frequently created. Within the city, drivers should take into account the frequent blocking of routes because of construction and refurbishment works. There are many wears and tears on the streets of Berlin, and they have quite many potholes.
The Berliner driver
Another point: the right path in every street is kept for buses, taxis and bicycles only. While turning right, a right of way must be given to each of these vehicles. Some lanes are for buses only during certain hours, and other lanes at other times.
Moreover, the Berlin drivers are notoriously known for their lack of civility. Minimum age for driving in Germany is 18. Traffic moves on the right side of the road. Wearing safety belts is imperative. Children less than 12 should not sit in the front seat without a special device.
Major rental companies are represented in Berlin, including Europcar, Hertz, Sixt and Avis. To rent a car, you must present a driver's license. Lessee must be at least age 21, although there are some rental companies who accept younger drivers.
Bicycles: all streets have marked bike lanes, usually dark red. You have to watch carefully lest cyclist suddenly pops up when you turn right.
Parking agony
In many areas of the city parking tickets must be purchased. Usually, parking at 9 am to 18 or 20 at night must be paid for. However, there are areas where the payment obligation continues until midnight (especially around Rosenthalr Street).
These parking areas also have a great advantage.It's relatively easy to find parking there. Many public and private parking lots are available as well.
Parking in shopping areas is especially difficult on weekends, so it is recommended to get to them early.
If you change your mind and decide to use public transportation, you may opt for "Park and ride" lots of the public transport company BVG.
