Germany is a great place to visit from the UK. Whether you want to explore its history, enjoy delicious food, or see beautiful cities, Germany has a lot to offer. Here’s everything you need to know before you go.
Do You Need a Visa?
- If you have a UK passport, you can visit Germany without a visa for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
- Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after your trip.
- From mid-2025, the ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) will be required. You’ll need to apply online before traveling.
- For the latest entry rules, check the UK government’s official website.
Best Ways to Travel to Germany from the UK
By Plane
Flying is the fastest way to get to Germany. Direct flights take 1.5 to 2 hours. You can fly from London, Manchester, or other UK cities to:
- Berlin (BER)
- Frankfurt (FRA)
- Munich (MUC)
- Hamburg (HAM)
- Düsseldorf (DUS)
Budget airlines like Ryanair, easyJet, and Eurowings often have cheap flights. Book early for the best prices.
By Train
Want to avoid flying? You can take the train.
- Eurostar from London to Brussels (about 2 hours).
- From Brussels, take a Deutsche Bahn high-speed train to cities like Cologne, Frankfurt, or Berlin.
Train travel takes longer than flying, but it’s more comfortable and scenic.
By Car and Ferry
If you like road trips, you can drive to Germany. Here’s how:
- Take the Eurotunnel from Folkestone to Calais.
- Or, take a ferry from Dover to Calais or Dunkirk.
- Drive through France, Belgium, or the Netherlands to reach Germany.
This trip takes longer but gives you the freedom to stop wherever you want.
By Coach
Companies like FlixBus and Eurolines offer cheap bus tickets from London to German cities. It’s the cheapest way to travel, but trips can take 12 to 16 hours.
Best Cities to Visit in Germany
- Berlin: The capital city, full of history, culture, and nightlife.
- Munich: Home of Oktoberfest, beer gardens, and beautiful old buildings.
- Frankfurt: A modern city with skyscrapers and great museums.
- Hamburg: A port city with lively nightlife and historic spots.
- Cologne: Famous for its stunning cathedral and Christmas markets.
How Much Does It Cost?
- Flights: From £30 (budget airlines) to £150+ (full-service airlines).
- Hotels: Budget (£30-£50 per night), Mid-range (£70-£120), Luxury (£150+).
- Food: Street food (£3-£7), restaurant meals (£10-£25).
- Transport: Metro/tram tickets (
€2.50), day passes (€7).
Best Time to Visit
- Spring (April to June): Warm weather and fewer crowds.
- Summer (July to August): Peak season, great for festivals.
- Autumn (September to October): Perfect for Oktoberfest in Munich.
- Winter (November to December): Best time for Christmas markets.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Currency: Germany uses the Euro (€).
- Time Zone: Germany is 1 hour ahead of the UK.
- Language: People speak German, but many know English, especially in cities.
- Power Sockets: Germany uses Type F plugs. You may need an adapter.
- Tipping: Not required, but it’s polite to round up the bill or leave 5-10% for good service.
Final Tips
- Book flights and hotels early to get the best prices.
- Learn a few basic German words. It helps!
- Germany has great public transport use it!
For official travel updates, visit UK Government Travel Advice or German Federal Foreign Office.
Enjoy your trip to Germany!
