Cross-border route
France Germany
France 
GermanyDriving across the border
Yes — you can drive from France into Germany, and you should carry an International Driving Permit alongside your national licence. Germany expects foreign drivers to hold an IDP, in the Both format. Both countries drive on the right, so there is no change of driving side at the border. The A4/A5 corridor crosses near Strasbourg and Kehl over the Rhine.
Last reviewed June 2026
Route at a glance
FromFrance
ToGermany
IDP in GermanyRequired
Accepted formatBoth
Driving sideright (no change)
Currency in GermanyEUR
France → Germany
Crossing the border
The A4/A5 corridor crosses near Strasbourg and Kehl over the Rhine.
Driving rules in Germany
- Autobahn: keep right except to overtake; some sections have no speed limit.
- Winter tyres mandatory in wintry conditions.
- Environmental (Umweltplakette) sticker required for low-emission city zones.
- 0.05% alcohol limit; zero for drivers under 21.
What to see when you arrive in Germany
- Neuschwanstein Castle
- the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin
- Cologne Cathedral
- the Black Forest
- Munich's Oktoberfest and Marienplatz
Common questions
01
Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive from France to Germany?
Yes — Germany requires foreign drivers to carry an IDP with their national licence. Germany recognises the Both format, which is what we issue.
02
Does the driving side change between France and Germany?
No. Both France and Germany drive on the right.
03
How quickly can I get an IDP for this trip?
International Driver Licence issues your digital IDP in as fast as 8 minutes, so you can have it ready before you set off.
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