Car Hire at München-Pasing Train Station

If you're from an EU/EEA country, your national licence is sufficient. Drivers from non-EU countries must carry both their original licence AND an International Driving Permit (IDP) - the IDP is a mandatory translation, not a replacement. Police often stop foreign drivers for document checks, and without an IDP you risk a fine of up to €50. An IDP costs around £15-20 in the UK and is valid for one year.

Yes, most rental companies charge a young driver surcharge for drivers under 25. Expect to pay between €20-30 per day extra on top of the base rental rate. Some premium/luxury vehicles require drivers to be at least 23-25. Always check the minimum age requirement before booking, as Bavaria (Munich) has particularly strict enforcement. Under-21s will find very limited options.

Around 70% of Germany's Autobahn network has no general speed limit - but this doesn't mean unlimited freedom. Sections with limits (typically 100-130 km/h) are clearly signposted. Where unlimited, the recommended maximum is 130 km/h, and you must stay in the right lane unless overtaking. Speed cameras are active on some unlimited sections, and crashes at high speed carry severe penalties. In Munich city centre, speed limits of 30-50 km/h are strictly enforced.

Yes - Bavaria mandates winter tyres (marked with M+S symbol) when roads are snowy or icy, typically from October to Easter. Rental companies in Munich offer winter tyres for €10-20 per day. Driving without them when conditions require them risks a €60-120 fine and potential accident liability. Snow chains are recommended for rural Bavarian routes and must be carried in the vehicle if posted. Check your rental agreement specifies winter tyre coverage before driving into Alpine areas.

Parking in central Munich is notoriously expensive - expect €2-4 per hour in the city centre, rising to €30-50 per day in public car parks. Street parking uses the 'blue zone' system requiring a parking disc (free, available fromTabak shops) for short stays. Park and ride facilities on the U-Bahn outskirts offer €1-5 per day - highly recommended for city visits. Always check if your rental includes a parking card for garage access.