Travelling by electric car: a&o Hostels with charging points

Recharge whilst you sleep: here’s how to turn your city break into a relaxed journey without range anxiety.

There’s hardly anything better than arriving in a new city in the evening, parking your car and knowing that whilst you’re strolling through the streets or sleeping soundly, the battery is recharging all by itself. That’s exactly what many a&o hostels in Germany and Austria offer you. Charging stations for electric cars await you there, at locations that are easy to reach and right in the heart of the action.

In this guide, you’ll find out where you can charge your car, how to plan your trip wisely and what you should bear in mind before you arrive.

Charging for all guests: the key facts at a glance

• All a&o guests are welcome to use the charging points.
• Each of the listed hostels has at least two charging points available.
• Some a&o hostels even have four charging points.
• Charging currently costs (as of October 2026) 50 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh).
• It’s best to book your parking space in advance. a&o parking spaces are subject to a charge and can be reserved in advance.

Why charging at your accommodation is a smart move

Anyone who travels by electric car knows the drill: the time spent at a fast-charging point by the motorway is rarely the most enjoyable part of the journey. If, on the other hand, you charge overnight, you can combine business with pleasure. You arrive, plug in the cable, and the next morning your car is fully charged and ready to go. You can then spend the day exploring the city rather than searching for a free charging point.

This ties in with a principle that’s important to a&o: travelling should remain affordable for everyone. An affordable night’s stay at an a&o hostel and an electric vehicle are a great combination for anyone who wants to get about without putting an unnecessary strain on the environment.

a&o hostels with charging facilities at a glance

Berlin: 5 locations in the capital

• a&o Berlin Checkpoint Charlie: History you can touch, as the famous border crossing is practically round the corner.
• a&o Berlin Friedrichshain: For anyone who loves street art, beer gardens and life around the Oberbaum Bridge.
• a&o Berlin Hauptbahnhof: Ideal if you want to combine car and train travel or are planning a trip to the surrounding area.
• a&o Berlin Kolumbus: A quieter base with good links to the city centre.
• a&o Berlin Mitte: Centrally located, with sights, museums and cafés nearby.

Frankfurt am Main: Skyscrapers and apple wine

• a&o Frankfurt Galluswarte: Conveniently located for visiting trade fairs and strolling around the city.
• a&o Frankfurt Ostend: An up-and-coming neighbourhood on the Main, not far from the riverbank.

Hamburg: 4 ports for your electric vehicle

• a&o Hamburg City: From here, you can easily reach the Speicherstadt and the Elbphilharmonie.
• a&o Hamburg Hammer Kirche: A little away from the hustle and bustle, but well connected to the city’s transport network.
• a&o Hamburg Hauptbahnhof: A central starting point for exploring in all directions.
• a&o Hamburg Reeperbahn: If you love the nightlife of the ‘sinful mile’, this is the perfect place to stay.

Cologne: The Cathedral and views of the Cathedral

• a&o Köln Hauptbahnhof: The Cathedral is so close that you can hardly miss it when you arrive.
• a&o Köln Neumarkt: Right in the heart of the shopping and pub district, ideal for anyone looking to experience the Cologne way of life.

Munich: Cosiness and cosmopolitan flair

• a&o München Hauptbahnhof: Right in the heart of the city, within easy reach of the Old Town, museums and beer gardens.
• a&o München Hackerbrücke: Central location with quick access to Marienplatz and Theresienwiese.
• a&o München Laim: A good choice if you prefer a quieter spot but still want to be in the centre in no time.

Vienna: Coffee-house culture and imperial splendour

• a&o Wien Hauptbahnhof: A great starting point for anyone wishing to explore the city and its surroundings, whilst travelling on by train, tram or underground with ease.
• a&o Wien Stadthalle: Conveniently situated for concerts and events at the Wiener Stadthalle and for trips to Schönbrunn Palace.

Other cities: A shared promise

• a&o Aachen Hauptbahnhof: An imperial city with its cathedral, Printen biscuits and the ‘Dreiländereck’ right on your doorstep.
• a&o Bremen Hauptbahnhof: The Town Musicians, Schnoor and Roland are within easy reach.
• a&o Dresden Hauptbahnhof: The Frauenkirche, the Zwinger and the Baroque Old Town are just a few steps away.
• a&o Düsseldorf Hauptbahnhof: Königsallee, the Rhine promenade and the Old Town’s long bar await you.
• a&o Heidelberg Hauptbahnhof: The romantic castle overlooking the Neckar attracts travellers from all over the world.
• a&o Leipzig Hauptbahnhof: A city of music with St Thomas’s Church, a vibrant pub scene and a lively arts scene.
• a&o Nürnberg Hauptbahnhof: the Imperial Castle, the Old Town and, in winter, the famous Christkindlesmarkt.

How to plan your electric car journey stress-free

1. Plan your route in advance:
Use a route planner that takes charging stops into account. This way, you’ll arrive at your destination with plenty of time to spare.

2. Book your parking space in advance:
Parking spaces at the a&o Hostel are subject to a charge and can be booked in advance. We recommend doing this so you don’t have to spend ages looking for a space when you arrive.

3. Bring your own charging cable:
A suitable cable is as essential as a toothbrush. Check which connector your vehicle requires.

4. Charging plan for the weekend:
If you arrive on Friday evening and leave on Monday, you can charge your vehicle at your leisure and explore the city on foot or by bus and train. The current electricity price of 50 cents per kilowatt-hour helps you to roughly estimate the costs in advance.

5. Book early:
There are at least two charging points per hostel available for many guests, no matter how popular your destination is. Booking early makes planning much more relaxed.

6. Prepare well for your trip to Vienna:
If you’re crossing the border, you should find out in advance about the traffic regulations and tolls on Austrian motorways. That way, your journey will start without any surprises.

Sustainable travel with a&o Hostels

Staying at an a&o Hostel is, in itself, kind to both your wallet and resources: shared spaces, clever use of space and the reuse of well-located buildings are all part of the concept. If you also travel there by electric vehicle, you’re sending out another signal of responsible travel. This turns an affordable night’s stay into a contribution towards a future where everyone can travel anywhere.

► Would you like to find out more about a&o Hostels’ sustainability concept?

Anyone travelling by electric car should be able to focus on what really matters: the city, the people and the experiences. With a&o Hostels, your overnight stay becomes a reliable part of your journey. Choose your location, book your bed and your parking space, and let your vehicle recharge overnight. Choose your a&o Hostel now and plan your next electric journey!

Frequently asked questions about charging points at a&o Hostels

At how many a&o Hostels can I charge my electric car?
You’ll find charging facilities at 25 a&o hostels in Germany and Austria. Take a look at the full list in the article.

Who can use the charging points?
All guests with a car can use the charging points at a&o hostels.

How many charging points are there per a&o hostel?
You’ll find at least two charging points in every hostel. Some a&o hostels even have four.

How much does it cost to charge per kWh?
Currently (as of October 2026), charging costs 50 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh). Prices are subject to change, so it’s worth checking the latest rates before you arrive.

Do I need to book a parking space?
We recommend that you book your parking space in advance. Parking spaces are subject to a charge and can be reserved in advance. This gives you peace of mind when planning your journey.

Do I need my own charging cable?
Yes, please bring your own charging cable. That way, you’ll be prepared for any charging situation.

Do I need my own charging card or app?
No, you pay online via CUBOS.

Are a&o Hostels also suitable for families and groups travelling in electric cars?
Yes. Family rooms and group offers are available at many of our hostels. Electric cars also make it easy to plan longer family trips.

Got hooked?

Then book your trip with a&o to Munich!