The layout of Karlsruhe was planned such that 32 streets radiate out from the city's central palace, like the spokes of a wheel. Resembling the ribs of a folding fan, Karlsruhe is nicknamed the 'fan city' of Germany — and what better way to see it than with a car rental? Explore Karlsruhe's museums, parks and surrounding regions with total flexibility and freedom. Follow your own schedule and explore the best of this unique southwest German destination.
Car rental Karlsruhe: the most important rental sites
Rent a car in Karlsruhe to benefit from the ease and flexibility a rental car offers without needing to heed the timetables of tour operators. Get out of town and explore the beautiful German countryside, or head across the border into France for a truly European adventure. You can hire an auto from a number of locations around the city, including:
Rental Site | Address | Main Opening Times* |
Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden Airport | Victoria Boulevard A 106, 77836 Rheinmünster, Germany | 07:30 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. |
Karlsruhe Station | Bahnhofsplatz 1, 76137 Karlsruhe, Germany | 06:30 a.m. - 09:00 p.m. |
*The opening times may differ and vary depending on the rental site. Precise information can be found in the listing details. There are certain car rental sites that allow pick-up and returns outside of the opening times though this service may cost extra.
Rent a car: Karlsruhe and its sights
Karlsruhe Palace: The palace at the centre of the 'fan' was built by Margrave Charles III William of Baden-Durlach in 1715. The palace has trails leading to the forest in the north, and traditional English garden landscaping displaying beautiful fountains and various monuments to the city's proud heritage. Exploring Karlsruhe by car rental makes it easy to balance cultural sightseeing with daily travel around the city.
The Karlsruhe Zoo: Rent a car in Karlsruhe and drive from the Palace to the zoo. The Karlsruhe Zoo was opened in 1865 and is one of the oldest zoos in Germany. It is situated north of Karlsruhe Central Station. This zoo houses around 800 animals, varied over 150 species.
The Botanischer Garten Karlsruhe: The botanical garden has quite a few rare trees from the 19th century, in the midst of more recent plantings, like cacti and various succulents. Many buildings here were damaged in World War II and thus buildings like the tropical house, the camellia house and the flower house were reconstructed in the 1950s. The Botanischer Garten der Universität in Karlsruhe is operated by the University of Karlsruhe.
The Staatliche Kunsthalle: This art museum stands next to the Karlsruhe Botanical Garden. This neoclassical building, built by the architect Heinrich Hübsch, was opened in 1846 and displays fine art from the 14th to the 19th century with a focus on paintings. Highlights of artists in the permanent collection include Rembrandt, Rubens, Renoir, Degas, Courbet, Monet and many more.
Getting around Karlsruhe
The city’s radial layout makes driving around Karlsruhe easy. If you visit Karlsruhe and rent a car it's easy to drive to other German cities such as Stuttgart and Mannheim, French border cities like Strasbourg via the extensive autobahn. On the much faster autobahn, however, note that it is illegal to pass to the right side, and you can only overtake a vehicle from the left. City speed limits vary from 110 km/h in two-way traffic to a mere 30 km/h in residential areas, so be sure to be observant of traffic signs. Seat belts are also compulsory for both the driver and any passengers.