I've read some of the posts on this forum about driving on the autobahn and what a stressful venture this seems to be. If you hang in the right lane and chose your opportunity to pass carfully, you'll be OK right? You'd swear we're talking about flying jet aircraft from some of the remarks. I'd appreciate any thoughts from someone who's driven these roads on just how bad they are.

It is really not that bad. We have driven it several times. The left lane is for passing. People will fly by you in that lane. If someone wants you out of the way they will bright you with the headlights. But there are plenty of slower vehicles too. Lorries (trucks) must stay to the right.

<BR>I'll take the autobahn over I-95 any day

My husband actually loved driving on the Autobahn, the roads are well maintained and at least where we were, much less crowded then our beloved, Freeways of Southern California... but then what isn't? <BR>The only thing is, unless you plan on driving 120 + be sure and stay in the slow lane. Luxury car drivers get a bit touchy if you are blocking their way!

Ted, I lived in Germany near Frankfurt and drove the autobahn every day for nearly three years. In that time, I narrowly missed being involved in two accidents, but it is better than driving on your average US interstate highway. I think it's safer. <BR> <BR>In order to get a German driver's license, new applicants go through a driver's course of instruction. What this does is raise the average level of knowledge and expertise. The result is fewer bonehead moves that result in dangerous situations. <BR> <BR>The real problem is fog or what Stacey mentioned on another thread being a "stau". A stau is a stall or stopped traffic and if vehicles at high speeds come upon one, you can get a pileup very quickly. The same for fog as some drivers will get into the left lane and drive too fast and since visibility isn't good, can hit the car ahead which may be going slower and then again, a pileup occurs. These are the two that I've seen the most. <BR> <BR>Driving on the autobahn has some rules and some etiquette. Wear your seatbelt, don't pass on the right and signal your intentions. Slower traffic moves left and I've seen cars in the farthest right lane doing just 50 MPH, so if you don't want to go fast, you don't have to. <BR> <BR>Don't run out of gas as the police will give you a fine. If your car breaks down, pull off to the side and place your warning triangle behind your car, walk over to the side of the road and look at the white pylons and you will see an arrow in black. Follow it to the nearest phone, pick it up and say "auto kaput". Return to your car and someone from the auto club will come out to see what you need. Don't drink and drive on the autobahn as it is not tolerated. <BR> <BR>That's the basics, so don't worry and have a good trip.

Thanks to all of you for being reassuring as reading some of the posts about this drive was giving me a coronary worrying about what I may be in for.

Driving on the Autobahn will not be stressful..and in fact I can be quite exhilarating. Just pay attention...keep your wits about you...and enjoy the experience. It will be a lot safer than driving on any of the Interstates in our country.

As I have posted elsewhere, driving on the autobahn can be a safe experience provided you know how to handle your - and other drivers' - high speed. Most of us are not used to driving legally and safely at 100 mph+ (as opposed to sneeking an odd dash or two when there's no police about). Germans do and expect you to know as well. In UK for example, the average speed in the passing lane is 80-90 (legal limit 70) and you can usually cruise at that speed without getting in anyone's way. If you did that in Germany, within minutes a Mercedes or Audi will be on your bumper (fender) urging you to move over. So you need to be MUCH more alert to your surroundings. Things can get a bit nervy when there's heavy traffic and some cars insist on going faster. If there is a line of trucks or caravans doing 50 on the right lane and you are doing 80, you don't really want to move over and let someone pass at 100+ and then find yourself unable to rejoin the faster lane.

I suggest hiring a private driver. I know one who works real cheap. Just mail him airline tickets.

?????? <BR> <BR>Well, I don't work quite as cheap as you might think. <BR> <BR>But cheap enough. <BR>

Many of us would re-phrase the question: <BR> <BR>Is driving on the autobahn really THAT "WUNDERBAR"? <BR> <BR>and answer... <BR> <BR>Ja, ja, gern ja, soviel so, genau!!! <BR> <BR>

I like the idea if you can drive I-95 you can drive the autobahn. You will find the fastest drivers on the 6 lane autobahns. If 4 lanes just stay to the right except to pass. If 6 lanes, the right lane is trucks and slow cars, middle lane you will find people driving around 120km, left lane for passing and very fast cars.

I hated driving on the autobahn. The right lane is very slow with campers and large trucks and the left lane is too fast for our rent car to go. Cars come up on you soo fast it is nerve racking. We are taking the train this year.

I hated driving on the autobahn. The right lane is very slow with campers and large trucks and the left lane is too fast for our rent car to go. Cars come up on you soo fast it is nerve racking. We are taking the train this year.

I will take the autobahn over Northern California freeways anytime. The people here are oblivious about driving and will hug the fast lane and never move. <BR> <BR>One thing you do need to know is that where the Germans do post speed limits, they mean it. They have moved the restricted speed areas around major cities farther out on the autobahn in recent years. You need to watch for that and not assume you can continue at unlimited speeds when the speed limit is posted. The one key rule that many mentioned is true: Stay in the slow lane unless you need to pass someone. Then move over, pass and immediately as soon as safe, move back to the slow lane. 80% of America does not do this so it is a big change for first time autobahn drivers from the US. You will soon learn this when the first Mercedes blinks at you as he is gaining on your car at 140 miles per hour and you have no where to go. That is where the stress begins. Stay in the right lane and you will be fine.

Ted, it's very easy and quite comfortable so long as you follow the rules. There are no teenagers driving in Germany... they don't get licensed until they go through lengthy and strict commercial driver training after working up from a moped/scooter. So they may drive fast and even tailgate, but they know exactly what they're doing and how to handle their autos. One note I haven't seen on this thread is that, while you will see speeders where limits are posted, it's occasionally because the limits are confusing to us "non-natives" (i.e., only when the weather is bad, only when construction is underway, etc.) and the scoff-laws may know where the cameras are set up. Yes, you are more likely to get your photo taken than to ever see a polizei vehicle. That doesn't mean you've escaped; the photo will go to the rental company if you've been snapped speeding. Best idea? Drive at a speed you're comfortable with, do as the general traffic flow is doing, and watch your rearview and left-side mirrors. You'll have no problems at all. <BR>p.s. DO take the time to find your "nebel hinten," or fog light button, which is also required by law to be lit in foggy/snowy conditions.

Hi Ted, I lived in Germany for 7 years and the biggest problem that I had was when I returned to the States and had to slow down. They really do pay attention to the rules on the autobahn and in general are quite good drivers. Just pay attention and if in the left lane (for passing of course) always check the mirror for fast oncoming cars. <BR>

I can't wait for my next trip to drive on the autobahn!! If you like to drive to begin with, you will love the autobahn ~ BUT ~ you must pay attention. <BR> <BR>Some unique things that we didn't realize, motorcycles are allowed to go down in between cars, usually this happens in a stau. If you get a ticket, be prepared to pay on the spot! <BR> <BR>When you get home & start driving again, you will go through autobahn withdrawals!!

I just wished that we had Autobahns in America. Then again, maybe not. If we had autobahns in the states, there would be so many accidents and deaths since most Americans are left lane hoggers. Why is it that the Germans are superior drivers? Or is it that American drivers are purely selfish and don't give a damn about anyone else? <BR>Driving in the Autobahn is an exhilarating experience, not only because of the sheer excessive speed but to witness how the German drivers follow the rules of the road.

i don't think that americans are selfish. it's something to do with entitlement, with the notion of class-less-ness. just as entitled to sit in the left lane in that 79 chevette as that powerful 7-series. <BR> <BR>meritocracy doesn't sit all that well with america. <BR>