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HomeRoad TripsEuropeWest EuropeGermanyRhine River Valley
Koblenz

Rhine River Valley Road Trip

Cologne - Königswinter - Unkel - Linz am Rhein - Andernach - Koblenz - Boppard - Sankt Goar - Bacharach - Rüdesheim - Mainz

Expect on your itinerary

Benefit-stress ratio Benefit-stress ratio
Landscape Landscape
Culture Culture
Historical sites Historical sites
Comfort Comfort
Road conditions Road conditions
Security Security
Urban life Urban life
Rhine River Valley Road Trip ACTIVATE MAP Stages10 km226 h/stage0.4

Best months to drive

I II III IV V VI
VII VIII IX X XI XII

Road Trip Costs

How much does it cost to go on a Rhine River Valley Road Trip in Germany?

Economy
Low budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 108EUR drive & more 25EUR sleep & more 121EUR eat & more 144EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 290EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 398EUR
Standard
Mid budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 126EUR drive & more 38EUR sleep & more 187EUR eat & more 216EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 441EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 567EUR
Premium
High budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 162EUR drive & more 50EUR sleep & more 330EUR eat & more 288EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 668EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 830EUR
Camper
On the road in RV, overnight at camp grounds with self-catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 450EUR drive & more 63EUR sleep & more 110EUR eat & more 144EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 317EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 767EUR
Car rental Book hotel Flights
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Rhine River Valley Road Trip Itinerary

The Rhine River Valley Road Trip is an unforgettable journey along one of Europe's most beautiful rivers. Starting in Cologne, Germany and ending in Mainz, Germany, this 226km (140 mile) route will take you through the towns of Königswinter, Linz am Rhein, Koblenz, Sankt Goar, and Rüdesheim. This road trip is suitable for all types of drivers, and can be done on a moderate budget. The best time to take this road trip is in the spring or summer months, when the picturesque landscapes along the Rhine come alive with vibrant colors. You will have the opportunity to witness some of Germany's most iconic UNESCO Heritage Monuments, including the Middle Rhine Valley and the Upper Middle Rhine Valley. You can also explore some of the area's historical sites, such as the Marksburg Castle and the Lorelei Rock. The Rhine River Valley Road Trip is an excellent way to experience some of Germany's most stunning scenery and historical sites. With its excellent road conditions and breathtaking views, this road trip is sure to provide you with an unforgettable experience and lots of memories.
number of days 2 number of days
route length 226 km route length
budget fair budget
good for family good for
traffic direction on the right traffic direction
accident level low accident level

START Cologne

Distance 226 km Driving time 4.3 h Pace: modest 58.7 kWh Airports CGN , DUS
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Cologne is the perfect starting point for a road trip along the Rhine River Valley. The city has a long history, with plenty of sights to visit, from its iconic twin-spired Cathedral to the city's oldest church St. Gereon. Visitors can explore the old town, take a stroll along the cobblestone streets and visit the many museums, galleries and cafés. The city also boasts a vibrant nightlife scene and plenty of shopping opportunities. Those flying in can do so via Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN), located just 12 miles southeast of the city. Car rental services are available, making it the ideal starting point to the Rhine River Valley Road Trip. From here, travelers can explore the cities along the Rhine, including Bonn, Koblenz, Speyer, and Heidelberg. No matter how long you stay in Cologne, you're sure to see sights that will remain with you for a lifetime. Take in the breathtaking views of the Rhine River, visit the Roman-Germanic Museum, or marvel at the many works of art in the Wallraf-Richartz Museum. There's something for everyone to enjoy in Cologne.

1 Cologne - Bonn - Königswinter

Distance 61 km Driving time 1.0 h Pace: modest 15.9 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips UNESCO World Heritage Site interesting  historic site accommodation options camper parking available interesting cultural site
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Are you ready for an unforgettable road trip? Start your journey in Cologne and drive through the beautiful Rhineland to Bonn, the former German capital city. Here you can explore the old town with its many historical sites, such as the magnificent Poppelsdorf Palace and the impressive City Hall. Then, keep your journey going to Königswinter, a stunning town located on the Rhine River. Along the 61km route, you will be able to admire some UNESCO Heritage sites, so make sure you don’t miss them! The drive will take you less than an hour, so you will have plenty of time to explore the town and its surroundings. The breathtaking view of the Siebengebirge Mountains will leave you speechless. Don't forget to visit the Drachenfels Castle, a majestic old ruin, and the charming town of Bad Honnef. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the Itinerary of this stage. You won't regret it!

2 Königswinter - Unkel

Distance 14 km Driving time 0.2 h Pace: fast 4.3 kWh View map Itinerary
accommodation options camper parking available
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Are you ready for an amazing road trip from Königswinter to Unkel? This 14km journey will take you less than 1 hour, and you will be able to explore some of the most interesting places in the region. In Königswinter, you can visit the famous Drachenfels mountain, where you can take a cable car to the peak and enjoy spectacular views of the Rhine valley. The city's old town is also worth a visit, where you can find a variety of shops and restaurants. In Unkel, you can take a stroll along the banks of the Rhine and explore the picturesque old town. In the city, you can find the ruins of the old Unkel Abbey, which was founded in the 12th century. Along the way, you can also visit the beautiful Monrepos Palace and its lovely gardens. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!

3 Unkel - Remagen - Linz am Rhein

Distance 5 km Driving time 0.1 h Pace: modest 1.4 kWh View map Itinerary
accommodation options camper parking available
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Start your journey in Unkel, Germany and explore the old town and its picturesque riverbank. From here, you are only 5 km away from the beautiful Remagen, a town that is known for its vineyards and picturesque landscape. Visit the famous Remagen Bridge and take a stroll along the Rhine River. From Remagen, you will drive to Linz am Rhein, a town that is famous for its rich history and cultural heritage. Visit the St. Martin Church and the ruins of the old castle. Enjoy the views of the Rhine Valley and the surrounding vineyards. In less than an hour, you will reach the destination of this stage of your journey. We hope you enjoyed this stage of your tour and that you were able to explore the most interesting places in Unkel, Remagen, and Linz am Rhein. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage.

4 Linz am Rhein - Andernach

Distance 21 km Driving time 0.4 h Pace: modest 5.4 kWh View map Itinerary
accommodation options camper parking available
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Welcome to the Linz am Rhein to Andernach stage of your road trip! This 21km stretch of road will take you less than an hour to drive, and it's full of interesting sites and attractions. Start your journey in Linz am Rhein, where you can take in the sights of the historic old town and the beautiful riverside. Don't miss the Linzer Burg, a castle built in the 12th century, and the Church of the Assumption of Mary, a beautiful Baroque church. Continue your journey to Andernach, where you can explore the ruins of Andernach Castle, a medieval fortification built in the 13th century. You can also take a walk around the old town and visit the many churches and monuments. Make sure to take some time to enjoy the scenery along the way and to take in the sights of the Rhine River. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the "Itinerary" of this stage. Happy road tripping!

5 Andernach - Koblenz

Distance 19 km Driving time 0.3 h Pace: fast 5.8 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips interesting  historic site attractive landscape accommodation options camper parking available
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Embark on a 19 km journey from Andernach to Koblenz, Germany, and explore some of the most interesting places in the region. This drive will take you less than an hour and you will be able to admire the picturesque landscapes and historical sites along the way. Start your journey at Andernach, a small town located at the Rhine river, and enjoy its beautiful old town, the Andernach Geyser, and the medieval castle. Then, drive to the city of Koblenz and explore the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, the Deutsches Eck, and the beautiful old town. During your drive, you can also admire the vineyards and the romantic Rhine river. Don't forget to stop at some of the small towns along the way, such as Brohl-Lützing, Urmitz, and Lahnstein. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!

6 Koblenz - Lahnstein - Boppard

Distance 24 km Driving time 0.6 h Pace: modest 6.2 kWh View map Itinerary
accommodation options camper parking available
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Embark on an exciting road trip from Koblenz to Boppard and explore the picturesque Rhine Valley! This 24km route takes less than an hour to drive, and is part of a larger tour through the area. Start your journey in Koblenz, a city with a rich history and many attractions, such as the Electoral Palace, the Deutsches Eck, and the Koblenz Cable Car. As you drive along the Rhine, you will pass through Lahnstein, a charming town with a historic old town and a beautiful castle. Continue your journey to Boppard, a romantic town on the banks of the Rhine. Here you can visit the old town and the city walls, the Gothic Church of St. Severus, and the Imperial Palace. For more detailed information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage.

7 Boppard - Sankt Goar

Distance 14 km Driving time 0.2 h Pace: modest 3.8 kWh View map Itinerary
interesting  historic site accommodation options camper parking available
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Embark on an unforgettable road trip from Boppard to Sankt Goar, a distance of just 14km, taking no more than an hour of driving. Along the way, you'll pass through some of the most beautiful and historic parts of Germany. Start your journey in Boppard, a charming town known for its vineyards and breathtaking views of the Rhine Valley. As you drive along the river, you'll be able to spot some of the area's most impressive castles, including the Rheinfels Castle, the Marksburg Castle, and the Ehrenfels Castle. Continue your journey to Sankt Goar, a picturesque town located on the Rhine and surrounded by vineyards. Here you can take a boat ride on the Rhine or visit the ruins of the Rheinfels Castle, one of the largest castles on the Rhine. You can also explore the local market and sample some of the region's famous wines. No matter which attractions you choose to visit, you're sure to have an amazing time on your road trip from Boppard to Sankt Goar. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the Itinerary of this stage.

8 Sankt Goar - Bacharach

Distance 13 km Driving time 0.2 h Pace: modest 3.5 kWh View map Itinerary
interesting  historic site accommodation options camper parking available
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Embark on a 13 km road trip from Sankt Goar to Bacharach, Germany. This drive will take you less than an hour and is one of the most beautiful stages of this larger tour. As you drive, you will be able to admire the stunning landscapes of the Rhine Valley, and the medieval castles that dot the area. In Sankt Goar, you can visit the ruins of Rheinfels Castle, the largest castle on the Rhine. You can also explore the city's old town and its many historical sites. In Bacharach, make sure to visit the medieval town walls, the 13th century Stahleck Castle, and the Gothic church of St. Peter. There are also some great restaurants and wineries in the area, so be sure to try some of the local wines. Along the way, you can also enjoy the beautiful views of the Rhine Valley. The drive is a great way to explore the area and its many historical sites. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy the journey!

9 Bacharach - Rüdesheim

Distance 20 km Driving time 0.6 h Pace: slow 4.5 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips interesting  historic site accommodation options camper parking available
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Embark on a road trip from Bacharach to Rüdesheim, Germany and explore the quaint towns and gorgeous landscapes of the Rhine Valley. The journey is only 20 km long and can be completed in less than an hour. As you drive, take in the sights of the medieval castle ruins in Bacharach, the vineyards and the Loreley Rock in St. Goar, and the stunning views of the Rhine Valley. Be sure to stop in the charming town of Rüdesheim and explore its cobblestone streets, half-timbered houses, and the Niederwald Monument. You can also take a cable car ride up to the Ehrenfels Castle ruins for a unique view of the valley. For more information about attractions, accommodation, restaurants, and campsites along the route, refer to the Itinerary. Enjoy your journey!

10 Rüdesheim - Mainz

Distance 33 km Driving time 0.6 h Pace: modest 8.6 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips interesting  historic site accommodation options camper parking available
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Welcome road-trippers! Get ready for an unforgettable journey from Rüdesheim to Mainz. This 33km trip will take you less than an hour and will take you through some of the most interesting places in Germany. Start your journey in Rüdesheim, a charming town with a great wine-making tradition. Here you can visit the famous Drosselgasse, a picturesque street with many restaurants and wineries. Don't miss the opportunity to try some of the delicious local wines! Continue your journey to Mainz, a city full of history and culture. Here you can visit the Mainz Cathedral, one of the most important churches in Germany. Enjoy the beautiful architecture and the amazing view from the top of the tower. Also, don't forget to visit the Gutenberg Museum, where you can learn about the history of printing and the invention of the printing press. As you drive along the route, don't forget to pay attention to the beautiful landscapes and historical sites. This is one of the stages of a larger tour, so don't forget to check the "Itinerary" of this stage for more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. We hope you have a great journey from Rüdesheim to Mainz!

  Mainz

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Mainz is the perfect ending point for your Rhine River Valley Road Trip. Located on the banks of the Rhine, it is the capital of the Rhineland-Palatinate state of Germany. It is also home to the Gutenberg Museum, dedicated to Johannes Gutenberg, the inventor of the movable type printing press. The city is also home to the Mainz Cathedral, a large Romanesque church built in the 12th century, and the Mainz State Theatre, which hosts operas, musicals, and plays. The city is full of history, culture, and beautiful sights. The Mainz Citadel, a former fortress, is an iconic landmark of the city, and the Rheingoldhalle, a concert hall, is a popular local attraction. For those interested in art and culture, there are several galleries in the city, including the Museum für Antike Schifffahrt and the Museum for Ancient Navigation. The city also has plenty of parks and gardens to explore. The Rheingarten Park is a great place to take a walk, and the Gonsenheimer Wald is home to a variety of wildlife. For those looking to do some shopping, the Mainz Market is a great place to find unique souvenirs and gifts. For those traveling by car, the city is located just a few hours away from Frankfurt International Airport (FRA). So, whether you’re looking to explore the city’s rich history, explore its parks and gardens, or simply relax and enjoy the beautiful views, Mainz is the perfect ending point for your Rhine River Valley Road Trip.

Rhine River Valley Road Trip at a glance

We believe that our journey idea gave you numerous inspirations for your future holiday excursions.
The itinerary we’ve suggested can be used as a template that you can recreate in its entirety or only partially and that can be enriched with interesting stopovers of your choice.
If car travel is a travel mode that you prefer, there are a number of important road rules to follow and a bunch of things to bear in mind to turn your journey into pure pleasure. These tips will surely become useful for tourists who are interested in car hire or camper hire.
When driving around Germany, you should pay attention to the local traffic rules. Alcohol is best to be avoided at any expense while moving in a car around Germany. Travellers should remember that the amount of alcohol that can be consumed is very low and equals only 0.5‰. Exceeding the maximum speed limit, which is 50km/h, when driving around the the city streets may result in a speeding fine. The maximum car speed around non-build-up-areas is 100km/h. Avoid exceeding the permissible speed of 130km/h when driving along highways. In order to stay safe, it is best to drive with your headlights on at daytime and equip your car with a fire extinguisher and first aid kit.
You’re probably wondering about the costs of the whole trip. The amount of money that you have to spend during the whole adventure may vary depending on the budget option of your choice. A wide range of budget options is showed below.
We estimate that the cheapest offer when it comes to gasoline to cover the planned 226km across Germany may amount to 25 EUR. Economy accommodation options may cost holidayers approximately 121 EUR. Tourists should also take into consideration the fact that they will spend more or less 144 EUR for food and restaurants in this option. The budget car rental option will also cost approximately 108 EUR. Thus, going for car rental will increase the expenses of the road trip from roughly 290 EUR to roughly 398 EUR.
When it comes to the standard offer, the gasoline for 11 stages around Germany can amount to 38 EUR. If you are into standard accommodation options, you should remember that the expenses may amount up to roughly 187 EUR. The slightly increased standard in comparison to the budget option entails costs amounting to more or less 216 EUR. Travellers who want to cover the trip in a standard rental car can expect a cost of approximately 126 EUR. Summing up the standard offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total about 567 EUR for travellers who would like to try car rental and 441 EUR for those who are not interested in rental.
The highest level of comfort of the premium option will come up to the expectations of the most demanding holidayers. When it comes to this offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total around 830 EUR for holidayers who are considering car hire and 441 EUR for those who do not need a rental car. Travellers who would like to cover the tour in a premium rental car should expect a cost of about 162 EUR. When it comes to the top standard version of the road trip, you need to spend the maximum of 50 EUR on the gasoline needed to cover the tour. Tourists who would like to go for top services in all aspects of their itinerary should expect to pay around 330 EUR for hotels and about 288 EUR for restaurants and food.
Rhine River Valley Road Trip is also an exquisite opportunity for all camper lovers. When it comes to this travel means, you will pay up to more or less 450 EUR. Travellers will spend around 63 EUR on gasoline allowing to cover all stages of the itinerary. Drivers who are considering camper hire should expect to pay approximately 110 EUR for accommodation and about 144 EUR for expenses connected with food.
You can check all of the details connected with expenses in the section Road Trip Costs.
The part of Germany showed in our Rhine River Valley Road Trip is perfect to be explored between May and September. There are numerous exciting road trips that we offer on our website if you like Rhine River Valley Road Trip. We hope that the wide spectrum of ideas will definitely match up the expectations of the most demanding tourists.

Facts for safer driving in Germany

drink drive limit drink drive limit 0.5
max speed urban max speed urban 50 km/h
max speed rural max speed rural 100 km/h
max speed highway max speed highway 130 km/h
headlights at daytime headlights at daytime off
fire extinguisher fire extinguisher no
tolls tolls no
seat belts seat belts yes

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