Overview
Gibraltar is a country in Europe according to programingplease. Gibraltar is full of surprises: from its lively population of Barbary macaques to its subtropical climate, this little British enclave on the Mediterranean has a lot to offer. The Rock, as Gibraltar is known, is a limestone peninsula with numerous interesting caves and tunnels. The local vegetation, the breathtaking views and the many species of migratory birds that stop here are unique and make Gibraltar a popular destination for nature lovers. Most of the city of Gibraltar is on the west side of the Rock. Those interested in history will get many insights into the past of the small rock state, which was determined by the Moors, Spaniards and British, in the Gibraltar Museum. Above all, fresh seafood and colorful Spanish dishes promise culinary delights.
Getting there
Arriving by plane
There are no direct flights to Gibraltar from Germany, Switzerland and Austria. Flights with a stopover in London are offered by: – British Airways (BA) from Frankfurt am Main, Munich, Vienna and Zurich (change airports Heathrow-Gatwick) and – easyJet (U2) from Munich, Vienna and Zurich. The Spanish city of Malaga is an alternative flight, from where you can continue by car to Gibraltar. Car rental companies are available at the airport. Direct flights to Malaga are offered by, among others: – Lufthansa (LH) from Frankfurt/M. and Munich, Ryanair (FR) from Frankfurt/M.; – Swiss (LX) from Zurich, easyJet (U2) from Geneva and – Eurowings (EW) from Vienna.
Flight times
London – Gibraltar: 2 hrs 40 mins; Frankfurt – Malaga: 2 hours 55 minutes; Zurich – Malaga: 2 hours 35 minutes; Vienna – Malaga: 4 hours 30 minutes
Arrival by car
La Linea is the only border crossing to Spain. Bus: Gibraltar is not connected to the Spanish bus network. However, the La Linea bus station is only a 5-minute walk from the border. Buses run every 30 minutes between Algeciras and La Linea. Tolls: There are no toll roads on Gibraltar. Documents: The national driving license is sufficient.
Note on arrival by car
Parking spaces are rare and expensive in Gibraltar; therefore it is advisable to park the car in Spain and continue by bus. A bus stop is just across the border.
Arrival by train
There is no rail service on Gibraltar. The nearest train station is in San Roque (Spain), about 15 km from Gibraltar.
Arrival by ship
The port of Gibraltar is busy. Cruise ships dock regularly at the designated terminals.
Cruise ships
Cruises with a stopover in Gibraltar are offered by TUI Cruises, Holland America Line, Royal Caribbean, MSC, Cunard, Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises and Costa, among others.
Transportation
Traveling by car/bus
In contrast to all other British overseas territories, right-hand traffic prevails in Gibraltar. Traffic signs are often written in both English and Spanish.
Right-hand traffic/left-hand traffic
Right
Car rental
Rental cars with and without a driver can be rented. Tours outside of Gibraltar are also organized.
Taxi
Taxis are everywhere; Drivers are required by law to present the fare list upon request.
Coach
There is a good bus network. The buses run at short intervals.
Regulations
The maximum permitted speed is 50 km/h.
Documentation
The national driver’s license is sufficient for short-term stays even after Brexit. Liability insurance is mandatory. If there is an unregulated Brexit, the green insurance card must be carried from January 31, 2020.
Traveling in the city
A cable car runs regularly from Gibraltar City to the Rock (Upper Rock).