How to Get From London to Germany By Car + Essential Tips
For Londoners exploring the continent is nothing new. However, most travellers leaving from London and heading any where in Europe usually choose to fly.
Travelling from London to Germany by car is not only possible but it is also a fun way to explore parts of France, Belgium and the Netherlands before your final stop in Germany.
How long does it take to drive from London to Germany?
Depending on whether you choose to cross the English channel on the ferry or the train the journey will take around 11 hours, with out stops.
However, you may choose to take a few days to complete the drive and turn it into a European road trip.
Of course, the journey time depends on where about’s in London you are leaving from and where you are arriving in Germany.
London to Düsseldorf will take approximately 7 hours, London to Frankfurt will take 9 and a half hours and London to Berlin will take 13 hours.
What is the distance from London to Germany?
Depending on where you are heading in Germany the distance will vary but on average it is around 550 miles (885 kilometers) from London to Germany.
From Central London to Berlin is 689 miles (1108 kilometers). Where as from Central London to Düsseldorf is 354 miles (569 kilometers) and London to Frankfurt is 482 miles (775 kilometers).
How to get from London to Germany by Car using the train?
As an Australian it seems so foreign to put a car on a train but for people who cross the English channel regularly it is no big deal.
The Channel Tunnel is a railway tunnel that connects the United Kingdom with France.
The tunnel runs for approximately 31 miles (50 kilometers) under the English Channel at the Strait of Dover.
It is the only tunnel (or passage) that connect Great Britain with mainland Europe. Many travellers travelling from London to Paris will do so on the Eurostar.
The “quickest” route from London to Germany by car is to cross the English Channel using the Eurotunnel.
The train departs from the terminal at Folkestone in England, which is easily reached from the M25 and the M20. The train arrives to France at the terminal in Calais.
The whole journey takes 35 minutes from one terminal to the next. You will spend the journey in your relaxing in your car, which means you can bring your pets with you.
You will need to allow at least one (but no more than two) hours before departure to check in and go through passport control.
There are four departures per hour so you should be able to find a crossing that fits in with your journey.
How much does it cost to travel on the Eurotunnel?
Depending on the type of ticket you choose to purchase tickets will cost you between £87 (for a short stay ticket – less than 5 days) to £269 for a FlexiSaverPlus.
Ticket prices are based on a vehicle, no matter whether you have one traveller or 5, each way.
It is best to book your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment. You can book your tickets here.
How to get from London to Germany by Car using the ferry?
To travel from London to Germany using the Ferry you can depart from Dover and arrive in France in either Dunkirk or Calais.
The Ferry crossing with take two hours and is like a mini cruise. You can leave your car when you board the Ferry and enjoy the views from the deck, shop in the duty free shops (I’ll take a saving of 20% from the high street), have a meal in the restaurant and stretch your legs before commencing your drive again.
There are 24 crossing per day with plenty of options from early in the morning to late at night and everything in between.
Check in for each crossing closes 45 minutes before departure, so make sure you are not late or you will not be permitted to board.
All ferry crossings are pet friendly, so feel free to bring your pooch for your journey.
How much does it cost to travel on the Ferry?
To travel from Dover to Calais (or Dunkirk) prices begin at £68 per car for a one way ticket economy ticket.
Economy tickets:
- Allow travel on one sailing before or after your booked time for free
- Include a £10pp charge each passenger, where there is more than four people per car (unless the passenger is under 3 years of age
- Include £50 fee for travel within 24 hours of booking
- Include a fee where tickets need to be ammended
To travel from Dover to Calais (or Dunkirk) with a premium ticket starts at £118 per car for a one way ticket.
Premium tickets:
- Allow you to amend your booking up to 72 hours either side of your booking for free
- Full refund 48 hours before your booking time
- No admin fees for amendments, you may need to pay the price difference if there is one
For both Ecomomy and Premium tickets, travel is cheapest before 8am and gets more expensive through out the day.
Prices are also significantly more expensive the closer you get to your travel day so it is recommended to book well in advance.
Wrap Up: Travelling from London to Germany by road
Whilst flying from London to any major Germany city might be quicker, why not enjoy the journey and not just the destination.
On your journey to Germany you could take one route and stop in some towns and cities through France, Belgium and the Netherlands and on the return road trip you could take a slightly different route so you can see some new places.
Overall, driving allows you to take as much luggage as your car will permit, you can bring your pets and you’re in control of your journey, from departure times to often you stop for snacks.
Are you planning are UK to Germany road trip next summer?
FAQs: Driving from London to Germany
Do I need my passport when driving from London to Germany?
Yes, when travelling from London to Germany by car you will be required to travel with your passport.
If you are driving to Germany via the Eurotunnel your passport with be checked at frontier controls where your passport, vehicle and official documentation will be checked.
Is it possible to drive from the UK to Germany?
Yes, it is possible and quite easy to travel from the UK to Germany by road.
Depending on where you are travelling to in Germany it will take you around 11 hours and 550 miles from Great Britain to Germany.
As you will need to cross the English Channel you will need to either cross in the Eurotunnel (train) or the Ferry.
How much does it cost to drive from London to Germany?
Depending on whether you are you are taking the Ferry or the train, the journey from London to Germany will cost around £250 including your crossing ticket and you petrol.
If you are travelling with a car of four people it will cost approximately £62 per person.
Let me know in the comments below if you have driven from London to Germany (or Germany to London). I’d love to hear your experiences.
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