How much does it cost to visit Germany?

A direct round-trip flight from the USA (e.g., JFK) to Germany (FRA, MUC, or BER) typically starts around $600–$950 in economy class, including one checked bag up to 50 lb (23 kg) and one carry-on. Prices peak during the summer months of June through August, as well as the December Christmas market period and the Munich Oktoberfest in late September. You’ll often save by flying in the shoulder seasons (spring or fall), being flexible with dates, or choosing connecting flights via major European hubs like London, Paris, or Amsterdam—especially if you’re continuing beyond Frankfurt or Munich to regions like the Black Forest, the Rhine Valley, or the Bavarian Alps.

Prices for a 4-star hotel in Germany typically start at about $160 to $220 per night. You can also find comfortable 2–3 star accommodation from around $50 to $110 per night. During the low season, particularly in January or February, rates are often up to 20–30% lower than peak periods.

For luxurious 5-star hotels, historic grand properties in cities like Berlin or Munich, or exclusive lakeside resorts, there is virtually no upper limit; premium suites and private residences can easily exceed $1,500 per night during major events like Oktoberfest or during the peak summer months. Whenever possible, we recommend choosing a locally owned boutique property or a traditional historic hotel over a large international chain to experience more authentic charm.

Small, often family-run Gasthöfe (inns) and Pensionen (guesthouses) are hallmarks of an authentic German vacation. Rooms are usually simple but welcoming, featuring traditional craftsmanship, a cozy atmosphere, and the genuinely personal service that reflects the country’s famed Gemütlichkeit.

Prices for popular guided tours in Germany typically range from $25 to $85 per person. With this budget, you might join a street art tour in Berlin, take a guided walk through Munich’s historic Altstadt, explore the medieval halls of the Wartburg Castle, or sample regional Rieslings in the Rhine Valley.

Tickets to major sights generally cost $15–$45 per visitor—think the Pergamon Museum, Neuschwanstein Castle, the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, or the Berlin TV Tower. By contrast, private mountain guides for exclusive summits in the Bavarian Alps or private evening cruises and luxury gala dinners in a historic castle can run several hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the level of exclusivity and the season.

Germany also offers plenty of free experiences: hike clearly marked trails through the Black Forest, stroll the historic East Side Gallery in Berlin, wander the UNESCO-listed streets of Quedlinburg, enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the Viktualienmarkt, and relax in pristine city parks like the English Garden in Munich or the Tiergarten.

Car rental prices in Germany vary by season and location, starting around $60–$100 per day for a small car during peak months in major hubs like Berlin, Munich, or Frankfurt. In the low season, rates can drop by 20–40%. Fuel adds a significant cost, with gasoline prices in early 2026 averaging roughly $2.07 per liter. Inventory often tightens during the summer months and the December holiday season, so it is wise to book at least several weeks in advance to avoid price spikes.

Germany’s public transportation is a world-class alternative. High-speed ICE (Intercity Express) and regional trains connect every corner of the country, while urban networks (U-Bahn, S-Bahn, tram, bus) are exceptionally dense. A single ride in Berlin currently costs about $4.00 (€3.80). For those traveling extensively, the Deutschland-Ticket offers unlimited regional and local transport nationwide for $68 (€63) per month as of 2026.

Taxis and rideshares are convenient but generally pricier than in neighboring Austria; a typical airport-to-city transfer in Berlin or Munich runs about $45–$95, while short inner-city rides typically range from $25–$45 depending on traffic.

Prices for a meal in a German restaurant typically range from $15 to $35 (€14 to €32) for a main course, while a 3-course fixed-price menu at a mid-range establishment often costs $35 to $75 (€32 to €69) per person. Snacks and traditional treats are an essential part of the culture, usually $3 to $8 for a large soft pretzel, a Currywurst with fries, or a slice of Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte (Black Forest gateau). Unlike in many other countries, tap water (Leitungswasser) is rarely served for free in German restaurants; while safe to drink, establishments are not obliged to provide it and will often charge a service fee or encourage you to buy bottled mineral water instead.

To explore German cuisine, try regional favorites like Sauerbraten (marinated pot roast), Käsespätzle (cheese egg noodles), Schweinshaxe (roasted pork knuckle), and various types of Bratwurst. For the most authentic experience, seek out a traditional Biergarten in Bavaria, a historic Brauhaus (brewery tavern) in Cologne or Munich, or a local Imbiss stand for quick street food. In major cities, dining follows standard European schedules: typical lunch hours are 11:30 am to 2:00 pm, and dinner is usually served from 6:00 pm to 9:00 or 10:00 pm. It is always wise to check opening times for smaller, family-run inns in rural areas, as they may close between lunch and dinner service.