Getting There By Road

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Stuttgart is proud of its longstanding connections with the automotive industry and the high performance vehicles which are designed and built in the city. Therefore, it won't come as a surprise to learn that the city's roads are good and well maintained. In common with most other European countries, German traffic drives on the right hand side of the road. Drivers must be at least 18 years of age. Third party insurance is a compulsory minimum. Since 4 December 2010 winter tyres must be fitted, even on foreign vehicles, if driving during winter conditions. A speed limit of 50kmph (31 mph) is the general rule in urban areas; exceptions are signposted. Signs stating Umwelt mean Stuttgart is a Low Emissions Zone (LEZ) and drivers should check that their vehicle complies with exhaust emissions guidelines. The city's guidelines are even stricter than other cities in Baden-Wuerttemberg. Compliance stickers may need to be purchased. Non-compliance, even for foreign cars, means a fine.

Emergency breakdown services
The Allgemeine Deutsche Automobil Club (ADAC) (tel: (0180) 222 2222 or 222 222 from mobile phones) and Auto Club Europa (ACE) (tel: (01802) 343 536) provide emergency breakdown services.

Routes to the city
In terms of Europe's geography, Stuttgart occupies a central position and has good road connections. The A8 and A81 Autobahns (motorways) serve the city, providing fast links with other major cities. There is also a network of good, very drivable highways. Frankfurt is 213km (132 miles) to the north, Munich lies 220km (137 miles) to the south-east, Berlin is 625km (388 miles) to the north-east and Hamburg is 698km (434 miles) north.

Driving times to the city
Driving to Munich takes about two-and-a-half hours and the drive to Berlin take seven hours. Be aware that journeys tend to take longer on a Friday afternoon and evening, and Sunday afternoon and evening, when the roads are busy with people heading to and from the city.

Coach services
Deutsche Touring Gmbh (tel: (0711) 273 0962; www.touring.de) operates scheduled intercity and international coach services to and from Stuttgart. The bus terminal is located in Hafenbahnstrasse, next to the Stuttgart-Obertuerkheim S-Bahn station.