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An Easy Guide to Deutsche Bahn – Navigating German Train Travel

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Train travel in Germany is one of the easiest, fastest, and most comfortable ways to get around the country. When given the choice, I always try to go by train. I find it much more relaxing, quite scenic, and stress-free. However, navigating German train travel the first few times can be a bit confusing! There are multiple types of trains, varying ticket prices, and lots of secret hacks to make the process as smooth as possible. Here’s an easy guide to Deutsche Bahn – breaking down everything you need to know to be an expert on German train travel!

Deutsche Bahn is the official name of the German train system. You will also see it abbreviated a lot of the time as “DB” for short. It has a unique financial make-up as it is a private joint-stock company yet its only shareholder is the German government. As a transportation company, it is the most extensive in Europe with a wide array of operations and infrastructure. Additionally, by revenue, Deutsche Bahn is the largest in the world. It carries around 2 billion passengers annually.

It’s important to note that Deutsche Bahn owns all of its train tracks – meaning that its trains don’t have to stop and pull over for other freight or incoming trains. This is a big contrast to Amtrak in the United States, which rents most of its train tracks from freight and private companies.

Looking for train journeys to take in Germany? Check out these locations:

• A Weekend on Sylt, Germany’s Swankiest Island
• 6 Historical Things to Do on Rügen
• A Delightful Day Trip to Helgoland
• If you’re headed to Hamburg, make sure to check out these 25 Things to Know Before Visiting Hamburg and make a stop at Miniatur Wunderland .

Types of Train

As part of this guide to Deutsche Bahn, it’s important to know the difference between the different kinds of trains and connections offered by them. Knowing the type of train you’re taking dictates its speed, amenities, and costs. Here’s a brief overview of the most popular types of DB trains.

High-Speed Trains

ICE (Intercity-Express) – ICE trains are the fastest trains in Deutsche Bahn’s fleet! With a speed of almost 200 mph (320 km/h), ICE trains are high-speed long-distance trains used to connect major cities in and around Germany (these routes can also be international). Because there are only stops in major cities, trains can travel much more efficiently. ICE trains are also the most luxurious trains with air conditioning, wifi, in-seat charging, and food options (usually a restaurant and the BordBistro). The newest version of the ICE – ICE 4 – came into use in late 2017/early 2018. These ICE 4’s are modernized and offer more high-tech options. If possible, I always prefer to travel on an ICE train.

• There is also an ICE Sprinter classification. These routes only run a few times a day but they might only make one or two stops. For instance, on an ICE Sprinter, you can get from Berlin to Munich in less than 4 hours.

IC (InterCity) – IC trains are a step below ICE trains. They are considered semi-high-speed long-distance trains with a top speed of 135 mph (220 km/h). These trains tend to make more stops, especially in smaller cities. While they will have similar amenities as ICE trains, it is hit or miss whether they have wifi. Additionally, they usually only have a BordBistro and no restaurant option. While IC trains are perfectly fine, they do tend to be on the older side and not as modern as ICE trains.

EC (EuroCity) – EC trains are similar to IC trains but run between international borders. The type of carriages and amenities on EC trains varies depending on which rail company is operating the train. Because these are running between international borders, it’s not uncommon to get a train from the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, etc. Some of these trains will have additional amenities such as wifi.

• Train Tip: If you’re taking a train from Hamburg to Prague (or any other international route), make sure to check the train prices not just on the Deutsche Bahn website but also on the equivalent train website for the other country (in this case for the Czech Republic, make sure to check České dráhy). I’ve found cheaper train tickets offered on other train websites for the same route and time.

Local or Regional Trains

IRE (Interregio-Express) – These regional trains cover longer distances but at a much slower speed and with very few amenities. A step below the IC trains, IRE trains are rarely used these days. You can find them running the Hamburg-Berlin route as well as several different routes in Baden-Württemberg.

RE (Regional-Express) – RE trains are commonly confused with RB trains (see below). There are no amenities on these trains, including no seat reservations. Because these trains connect stations in a specific region, they’re commonly quite filled. Additionally, the tickets are quite cheap, making them accessible to all. Unlike RB trains, RE trains don’t necessarily stop at every station on a regional route. However, they’re still quite slow-moving trains.

RB (Regionalbahn) – Compared to RE trains that only stop at bigger stops along a regional route, RB trains stop at every stop along a route. They’re the most basic train service offered by Deutsche Bahn and have no amenities. Additionally, they’re the cheapest option with no seat reservations. During morning and evening rush hour, as well as on the weekends, these trains can be packed.

S-Bahn – The S-Bahn is a combination of a metro and train system. Similar to the London Underground, it’s usually just a city train that connects stations within a city. Most S-Bahns don’t operate that far beyond the city limits. They’re a high-frequency train that can go every 5 to 10 minutes, especially during morning and evening rush hour.

Night Trains

While Deutsche Bahn does offer overnight trains via their ICE and IC trains, they don’t have beds or any additional amenities. In this sense, they aren’t traditional overnight trains (and they’re not very common). However, Deutsche Bahn does offer overnight trains with sleepers and couchette coaches via some of their partner railway companies.

• From Hamburg , there are connections to/from Hannover, Freiburg, Basel, Zurich, Munich, Innsbruck, Passau, Linz, and Vienna. I’ve taken the overnight train a few times from Hamburg to Innsbruck. It leaves late in the evening and arrives around 9:00 the next morning.
• See all routes and ticket prices .
• See all routes.
• Please note that you’re unable to book this train online.

Partner Trains

As mentioned above, when DB trains are crossing international borders, it’s not uncommon for the train to be run by a different company. Similar to airline alliances, many train companies in Europe have partnerships along certain routes. Deutsche Bahn works with the following rail companies: ÖBB Railjet in Austria, DSB Train in Denmark, SNCF’s TGV in France, České dráhy in the Czech Republic, Trenitalia in Italy, and more.

Types of Deutsche Bahn Train Tickets

There are different categories of train tickets depending on the type of train you’re taking. As a basic principle, the earlier you book your ticket, the cheaper it is. ICE, IC, and EC trains run on a sliding scale – if you book any of these trains the day of, you’ll pay the maximum fare for the route. On the other hand, all local and regional trains can be booked the day of – they have set fares that don’t change. This makes it a bit confusing when trying to figure out if you should book in advance or not. Just to recap:

• High-speed trains (ICE, IC, and EC): you should book these tickets in advance as the fare gets more expensive the closer you get to the date
• Regional trains: you can book these tickets the day of as it is a set fare.

When it comes to booking IC, IC, EC tickets, there are several options including Super Sparpreis, Sparpreis, and Flexpreis.

• Please note : if you buy a Super Sparpreis ticket and part of the journey is on a regional train, you’re allowed to take any regional train (not just the one assigned to you on your ticket). However, you’re always bound to the ICE, IC, or EC on your ticket!
• Please note : if you buy a Sparpreis ticket and part of the journey is on a regional train, you’re allowed to take any regional train (not just the one assigned to you on your ticket). However, you’re always bound to the ICE, IC, or EC on your ticket!
• Flexpreis (Flexible Fare) : While this is the most expensive fare offered by Deutsche Bahn, this option offers the most flexibility and is particularly nice when you don’t know your exact departure time (a great example of this is arriving in Germany on an incoming flight). When you’re buying a Flexpreis ticket, you’re just buying the starting destination and the final destination – this means you can hop on/hop off and explore other cities along your route. You’re able to take any train on the day of your ticket’s validity. Additionally, refunds and exchanges can be done free of charge before the first day of validity. Lastly, this fare also includes a City-Ticket, allowing you to use the public transportation of your starting destination to get to the train station and allowing you to use the public transportation of your end destination to get to your hotel/house (as long as the trip is over 100 km). These fares can be booked up to 6 months in advance.

Each of the above tickets is offered as a 2nd class ticket option and a 1st class ticket option. Depending on your level of comfort and amenities required (and ultimately, the price you’re willing to spend!), you can choose which class you’d like to book. Here are some of the main differences for ICE trains (for regional trains, there isn’t that big of a difference):

• 2nd Class: Within 2nd class, there are 4 seats per row and no at-seat food and beverage service. However, there still is a trolley that comes around with bottled drinks, coffee, and small snacks to buy. Additionally, seat reservations are not included in the ticket price and you’re not able to access the DB lounges at train stations. However, I find 2nd class carriages still quite comfortable! There is free Wifi available (with a data limit) and outlets for charging your devices between the seats.
• 1st Class : Traveling 1st class on Deutsche Bahn is quite a luxury! However, if you’re savvy enough, you can find reasonably priced 1st class tickets. As most families tend to travel 2nd class, the 1st class carriages are always so quiet. Along with the lack of noise, there are only 3 seats per row, and your seat reservation is included in your ticket price. Additionally, there is in-seat food and beverage service from the Bordrestaurant along with free daily newspapers. Wifi in 1st class is unlimited and depending upon the type of ticket you buy (Super Saver vs. Saver vs. Flexible), you also get access to the DB Lounges located at select train stations.

Additional Deutsche Bahn Ticket Prices

City mobil : If your fare doesn’t include the City-Ticket, you can pay extra to get the City mobil ticket (fares depending on the destination). This allows you to use the public transportation of your starting destination to get to the train station and allows you to use the public transportation of your end destination to get to your hotel/house.

Seat Reservation : While 1st class tickets include a seat reservation, 2nd class fares don’t. However, I highly recommend booking a seat reservation, especially on longer routes or busier routes. All ICE, IC, and EC trains have seat reservations and some regional trains in Bavaria, Rhineland-Palatinate, Saarland, and Schleswig-Holstein offer it. A seat reservation costs 4.00 Euros and can be booked either during your initial ticket booking or at a later date as a separate purchase.

Bikes : Bikes are only allowed on certain train connections. All IC and EC trains can accommodate bikes but only certain ICE trains allow it (it will be noted at the initial stages of reserving the fare whether a bike is allowed or not). Additionally, the bike must be stored in a bike space on the train. The bike fare can cost up to 9 Euros, depending on whether it is an international trip or just locally within Germany. Bikes are permitted on all regional trains – pricing differs depending on the state.

Dogs : There is an extensive list of rules for traveling with dogs. Depending on the size of the dog, how it travels (with or without a crate), and the type of train (high-speed trains vs. regional trains), the pricing and regulations differ. Here are the full guidelines (only in German).

Children : As a general rule, children under the age of 15 ride for free. Children from 0 to 5 years old travel for free and don’t need their own ticket. Children between the ages of 6 and 14 who are traveling with parents or grandparents travel free of charge. However, they must be noted on the reservation at the time of booking. If they are traveling with other individuals or alone, they must pay 50% of the ticket price. Anyone who is 15 or older must pay full price for their ticket.

Deutsche Bahn Train Passes

There are several passes or annual options that can help decrease the cost of individual fares. While the annual options only make sense for individuals either living in Germany or traveling in Germany frequently, short-term travel passes can make sense when traveling on the weekends or with a group.

Deutsche Bahn Card

If you live in Germany and/or plan on using Deutsche Bahn at least once or twice a month, it makes sense to look into buying a Deutsche Bahn Card. There are three main options for each class:

• Bahn 25 : This card gives you 25% off super saver fares, saver fares, and flexible fares. If you’re not so spontaneous with your travels, book in advance, and/or don’t use Deutsche Bahn a lot, this is a great option for you! It is 55.70 Euros for 2nd class and 112 Euros for 1st class. The card is valid for a year. You can book the Bahn 25 card here .
• Bahn 50 : This card gives you 50% of flexible fares and 25% of super saver fares and saver fares. If you tend to book your travels more spontaneous (and thus have flexible fares), this is the perfect card option for you! It is 229 Euros for 2nd class and 463 Euros for 1st class. The card is valid for a year. You can book the Bahn 50 card here .
• Bahn 100 : This is the card for the seasoned Deutsche Bahn traveler! It covers the cost of all Deutsche Bahn fares as well as other private train companies and bus companies. Additionally, it includes a City-Ticket for all locations where it is offered. You can either pay a flat rate of 4,027 Euros for 2nd class and 6,812 Euros for 1st class, or you can pay a monthly subscription of 372 Euros for 2nd class and 632 Euros for 1st class. You can book the Bahn 100 card here .

There are also special Bahn card offers for youth travelers between the ages of 6 and 18, travelers between the ages of 19 and 26, travelers over the age of 65, and business travels. You can see all the specific offers here .

Deutsche Bahn Passes

Depending on when, where, and how you plan to travel on Deutsche Bahn, they offer an extensive list of passes to decrease costs. It’s important to note that the Bahn card 25 and 50 can not be applied to these passes.

• Germany Day Ticket (Quer-durchs-Land-Ticket) – starting at 42 Euros : With the German Day Ticket, you’re able to travel on all Deutsche Bahn 2nd class regional trains (and some other partner trains). This ticket is valid Mondays through Fridays from 9 am to 3 am the next day or on weekends and public holidays all day until 3 am the next day. Up to 5 people can travel on this ticket. The base price for the first person is 42 Euros with each additional person costing 7 Euros. You can take as many journeys as you’d like during this time period, provided it is only on regional trains. This is a great option for groups of up to 5 individuals and/or individuals wanting to travel by regional training and requiring flexibility or spontaneity. You can find out all the specifics here .
• Regional Day Ticket (Länder-Ticket) – starting at 22 Euros : Each German state offers its own version of a day ticket that can be used within its borders on all Deutsche Bahn 2nd class regional trains. Some states, especially city-states such as Hamburg, Bremen, and Berlin, include the bordering states. The specific base price and price increase per person varies from state to state but the rules are the same – the ticket is valid Mondays through Fridays from 9 am to 3 am the next day or on weekends and public holidays all day until 3 am the next day. You can take as many journeys as you’d like during this time period, provided it is only on regional trains. Once again, this is the ideal option for groups of up to 5 individuals that plan on spontaneously traveling through just one German state. You can find out the specifics of each regional day ticket here .
• German Rail Pass – starting at 156 Euros : This pass allows you to take as many journeys as you’d like within a certain time period. You can either choose 5, 10, or 15 consecutive days of travel or 5, 10, or 15 days of travel within a one-month period (but the days don’t have to be consecutive). This pass is only valid for travelers who live outside the EU, Turkey, and Russia. Unlike the German Day Ticket, this rail pass allows you to use all types of Deutsche Bahn trains, including ICE trains! Additionally, this rail pass is valid on a few routes outside of Germany in Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, and Italy. If you’re coming from overseas and looking for an economical way to book all of your transportation, definitely check out the German Rail Pass .
• Group Passes : If you’re traveling with 6 or more people (up to 30 people), Deutsche Bahn offers group travel prices that include a seat reservation. Unlike the Germany Day Ticket, the group passes are valid on high-speed trains as well as regional trains. There’s an option to book group passes in Germany or within Europe (if your train goes beyond Germany’s borders). You can book group passes up to 6 months in advance and, depending on the type of pass you buy, you can change your reservation up to 21 days in advance. Find out more about group travel passes .

Europe-Wide Rail Passes

There are two Europe Rail Passes offered – one for residents of the EU, Turkey, and Russia and one for individuals living outside the EU. This allows you to travel around Europe affordably while seeing as many places as possible.

• Interrail – starting at 51 Euros : With the Interrail pass, you can either buy a one-country pass or a global pass (allowing you to travel to up to 33 countries). This pass is only available to residents of the EU, Turkey, and Russia. Travel periods vary from 3 days to 3 months. You can find out more information about Interrail here .
• Eurail : Similar to the Interrail pass, you can either buy a one country pass or a global pass (for travel to 5 countries or more) with the Eurail pass. This pass is only available to those individuals living outside the EU. Depending on the fare you select, travel either has to be taken within a certain time period (flexible) or on consecutive days. You can find out more information about Eurail here .

Buying a Deutsche Bahn Ticket

There are multiple options to buying a Deutsche Bahn ticket – online, at a ticket machine in a train station, or at a Deutsche Bahn Travel Center in a train station. I prefer booking all of my tickets online as it is quick and easy. The online system accepts all major credit cards as well as Paypal – making it easy to pay even if you live abroad. Additionally, the Deutsche Bahn website is available in not only German and English but an array of other languages. The English version of the website is a slimmed-down version of the German website. However, it still has everything you need!

• Here’s a step-by-step guide to buying your ticket online
• Hint: If you’re trying to travel on a specific day but you’re not tied to a certain time, you can also search for the cheapest option by clicking on “Saver fare finder”. This will sort the fares of all the trains from that day from cheapest to most expensive.

The advantage of buying a ticket at a Deutsche Bahn Travel Center is the can help you find a more empty train, optimize your train connection, etc. However, the Deutsche Bahn website does such a great job presenting all of your travel options that I only use the Deutsche Bahn Travel Center when I’ve had a delayed or canceled train.

DB Navigator App

I highly recommend downloading the DB Navigator App . It’s available in multiple languages in app stores around the world. Not only can you buy tickets on the DB Navigator App (which are automatically downloaded and saved to your phone) but you can also check connections, see if your train is on time, get alternative connections, etc. Additionally, you see whether your specific train route is busy depending on the time of day. I always rely on my DB Navigator App when traveling by train.

Not Buying a Train Ticket

There are heavy fines for riding the train without a ticket. It varies depending on the route, type of train, and the exact situation but riding a regional train without a ticket can occur a fine of 60 Euros. I will admit that it is hit or miss whether they check tickets on a regional train. However, it isn’t worth the hassle of paying the fine – just buy yourself a ticket!

When it comes to an ICE, IC, or EC train, the fines can be hundreds of Euros depending on the route. They check tickets on these high-speed trains 99% of the time so don’t be caught without a ticket. Not only will they fine you but you’ll also be kicked off the train at the next stop. Instead of a fine, they might make you pay for a ticket right on the spot. As the ticket is a day-of ticket, you will be charged the maximum amount for that route.

Deutsche Bahn Seat Reservations

As mentioned above, seat reservations can be made on all high-speed trains as well as select regional trains in Bavaria, Rhineland-Palatinate, Saarland, and Schleswig-Holstein. If purchasing a 2nd class ticket, a seat reservation is an additional 4.00 Euros at the time of booking. If purchasing a 1st class ticket, a seat reservation is included in the fare price if you select it at the time of booking. To reserve a seat in 1st class at a later time, it costs 5.30 Euros. Regional train seat reservations, if offered, are usually only an additional Euro. Deutsche Bahn also has special seat reservation offers.

If you’re reserving a train on an ICE via Deutsche Bahn’s online reservation system, you can pull up the train plan and decide whether you want a window seat, aisle seat, compartment seat (compartments are for 6 people – perfect if you’re traveling in a group), etc. Also, if you’re prone to motion sickness, they’ll sometimes even tell you the direction the train is going!

Quiet Carriages

Within 1st class and 2nd classes, there are specific carriages marked as “Quiet Carriages” (German: Ruhebereich). If you choose to sit in one of these carriages, please note that you’re not allowed to have loud conversations, talk on the phone, listen to loud music, or make any other loud noises. These are especially for travelers who want a quiet atmosphere on their journey.

Family Areas and Toddler Compartments

Deutsche Bahn has a lot of fun opportunities and programs for families and children! They have specific Family Areas and Toddler Compartments on ICE trains and select IC/EC trains. Additionally, childcare is also offered in German on select ICE routes on Saturdays and Sundays. No reservation is needed beforehand. Unfortunately, this service is currently suspended.

• Family Areas: These areas are suitable for families with kindergarten children or children in elementary school. You’ll be around other families as well so no need to be concerned about noise levels!
• Toddler Compartments: These special toddler compartments are the ideal situation for children up to 3 years old. They fit up to 5 people total and offer enough space for toddlers and babies to crawl around and play. Additionally, there are parking areas for strollers nearby, childproof sockets, a specific place to plug in a bottle warmer, and a changing table. #

Luggage Storage

Along with a seat reservation, luggage storage is another question that comes to mind! If you book either the first row or last row in a carriage, you’re usually able to store your suitcase behind your seat (there is a bit of a crack between the seat and the glass – a perfect storage space for luggage!). Each carriage also has a luggage rack for large pieces of luggage and storage space above each seat for smaller pieces of luggage.

I’ve never had any issues storing my luggage on a Deutsche Bahn train. However, I wouldn’t recommend bringing 2-3 large suitcases and expecting to be able to easily manage them. Just like on a plane, only bring what you’re able to manage (and be respectful of the other people in your carriage!).

While I’ve never had any theft happen to me on Deutsche Bahn, it does happen! I always keep my luggage within my eyesight. Additionally, when a train is pulling into a station, I never leave then to go get food or go the bathroom. You never know who could just snatch your suitcase and leave the train. If I do happen to leave to go the bathroom or to go get food, I might ask someone near me to watch my luggage. I also never leave my purse and/or wallet at my seat! It’s all about using common sense and being smart about the situation.

No Seat Reservation

If you decide not to make a seat reservation (living life on the edge!), you might still be able to find a seat – especially if the train is during an off-peak time or on a low-traveled route. Above every seat and/or located on the side of every seat, it will tell you whether the seat is reserved. If it says nothing on it, then the seat is free. If it says “Hamburg – Frankfurt”, then the seat is reserved from Hamburg to Frankfurt. However, if you get on in Frankfurt and are headed to Stuttgart, you can still sit in that seat because it is no longer reserved.

Quite often, people will just sit down in seats, even if they say they are reserved. If someone is sitting in your reserved seat, don’t feel bad kicking them out – you paid for it! It’s important to note that if you don’t claim your seat within 15 minutes of boarding, then anyone can take the seat. However, I’ve never really seen this happen and most people are respectful of the reservation system.

Reading the Deutsche Bahn Timetables

Being able to properly read the Deutsche Bahn timetables is critical to booking the correct train. The timetable information is listed both online and at the train stations. As I mentioned above, I mostly book and reserve all my tickets online. However, it’s still important to be familiar with the signage at the train stations and know how to properly read the in-person timetables.

The above timetables show every train departing and arriving through the entire day. It’s important to note that Deutsche Bahn updates these timetables every 6 months depending on which routes are/aren’t heavily frequented. If you take an up-close look at the timetables, they look like this:

All ICE, IC, and EC trains are labeled in red to make it easier to distinguish long-distance trains from the regional trains. The trains are all in chronological order. Here’s an example of how to read the timetable correctly:

• At 20:00, ICE 524 is departing from platform 6. It will make stops in Würzburg at 20:52, Aschaffenburg at 21:32, Frankfurt/M (Frankfurt am Main – there are multiple Frankfurts in Germany) at 22:04, Köln Messe/Deutz at 23:37, and Düsseldorf at 23:58 with its final destination Dortmund at 0:49 the next morning.

Below some of the times are Mo. – Fr. or Sa., So. – this just means that this train only operates either Monday through Friday or only on Saturday and Sunday. A great example is the train at 20:08. It’s the same train (RB 58531) but from Monday through Friday, it departs from platform 19 and on Saturday and Sunday, it departs from platform 20.

Reading an arrival timetable is the same as reading a departure timetable, just in reserve! It’s important to note that I took this photo at the Nürnberg main train station. Here’s an example of how to read the timetable correctly:

• At 20:54, ICE 522 arrives at the Nürnberg main train station at platform 7. This train started in München Hbf at 19:48 and made a stop in Ingolstadt at 20:25 before arriving in Nürnberg.

Being able to read the timetable is especially helpful if you’re going on a day trip and trying to coordinate the best time to come back. These timetables are located on every platform. Additionally, you can find them at the Deutsche Bahn Information Center.

When booking a Deutsche Bahn ticket online through their website, they show you all the train options for your route. This makes it easier to see the time that trains are arriving and departing. Here’s an example:

Looking at the online timetable above, it’s showing me the Hamburg to Frankfurt connections at 9:00 am on April 30th. Here’s how to read the timetable:

• Journey 1: There’s a train that leaves Hamburg at 9:28 and arrives in Frankfurt at 14:00. The duration of the journey is 4 hours and 32 minutes with 0 transfers (meaning you’re on the same train the entire time). It’s an ICE train and the demand for this route is expected to be low, meaning that the train should be quite empty. The Saver Fare is 38.90 Euros and the Flexible Fare is 95.40 Euros.
• Journey 2: Below the above example is a train that leaves Hamburg at 10:01 and arrives in Frankfurt at 14:44. The duration of the journey is 4 hours and 43 minutes with 1 transfer. I’ve opened up the reservation so you can see the transfer route. This not only gives more information about the transfer but gives additional information about each train including the specific train number, whether bikes are allowed on the train, whether there is a Bordrestaurant, and any other specific details or regulations (such as having to wear a mask). The train transfer happens in Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe and there is 15 minutes between the arriving train and the departing train. Luckily the 1st train arrives on platform 4 and the 2nd train departs from platform 4 (pure luck!). Both trains are ICEs and the demand for both train routes is expected to be low. The Saver Fare is 59.90 Euros and the Flexible Fare is 95.40 Euros.

In the above case, I would always choose Journey 1 – the duration of the journey is shorter and I wouldn’t have to switch trains, making it less likely that something goes wrong. Additionally, Journey 1 is cheaper and arrives in Frankfurt earlier than Journey 2.

Navigating the Deutsche Bahn Train Station

The final step to navigating German train travel is figuring out where to go and what to do in the train station! Especially if you’re traveling through a larger station, it can be confusing to find the right platform or even the right section of the platform!

Announcements

Almost all announcements at the train stations are done in German and English. If you’re unsure about something, either ask a Deutsche Bahn employee (all over the station) or ask a fellow traveler near you. I find that people are really helpful and willing to assist you.

Each train is announced on the platform two times before it arrives at the station – the first time is a few minutes before it arrives and the second time is when it is about to pull into the station. It’s not common to have a platform change but it also isn’t uncommon. This usually happens if another train is running late (and platforms need to be switched around) or if your train is running late. If there is a platform changing, it will announce it. Additionally, on the platform’s electronic board, it will show a platform change. If you don’t catch the announcement, your first clue to a platform change will be the mass exodus of people – this is usually a pretty good clue that something’s up!

Main Departure Board

The first thing you’ll see when you get to the train station is the massive Departure Board near the entrance. I always stop to read this and orientate myself. Not only will it show your train’s platform but it will also indicate any delays, train changes, etc.

It’s important to note that the Departure Board will only show the upcoming trains for the next 30 minutes to an hour. If your train leaves later than that, don’t be worried if you don’t immediately see it on the board! While the headers above are in English, I find that the notes on the far right are not always translated.

• Example: the first train route shown leaves at 12:50 and is ICE 1521. The train’s final destination is München with a stop in Ingolstadt. It is leaving from platform 9 and has no additional notes.
• Example: if you go down to the sixth train route that leaves at 13:05, you see it is a regional train (RE 58218). The train’s final destination is Würzburg with stops in Fürth, Neustadt, and Kitzingen. It departs from platform 13 and there are additional notes. Because it is a regional train, it won’t take up the entire length of the platform. The notes are probably telling you what section of the platform to find the train.

The Main Departure Board is usually above a Deutsche Bahn Information Center so if you have any issues with your train or any questions, they should be able to help you!

If your train fare allows access to the DB Lounge at the train station, I’d highly recommend taking advantage of it. Only the bigger train stations have DB Lounges. I’ve been in them a few times and they’re a great way to relax from the hustle and bustle, especially if you’re quite early to the station. They’re very similar to an airport lounge with sofas, coffee, newspapers, and food.

Finding Your Platform and Seat

This is the most important part – making sure you find your platform, the correct train, and your seat on the train (if you’ve reserved one). After checking the Main Departure Board, head to the platform that is indicated next to your train.

Each platform is divided in half with a train arriving on each side. However, each side is given a different number so there’s no confusion. In the background, I can see the signs pointing to platforms 1 and 2 as well as 5 and 6 so I can infer that the electronic board on the right is for platform 3 and the electronic board on the left is for platform 4. There are also numbers above the platform that have been cut out of this photo!

So how exactly do you read these electronic boards!? It’s important to note that the next train arriving/departing will always be at the top of the board. Here are a few examples below to help you:

• Underneath all the information for the Frankfurt train are two more trains – these are the next two trains to arrive/depart after the train to Frankfurt. The first train is ICE 801 that is headed to München at 14:24. However, the note next to it indicates that it has been canceled (“Zug fällt aus”). At 17:22, ICE 1020 is arriving (Ankunft) from Regensburg Hbf. This is an arriving train, not a departing train – you’re unable to board this train!

This is another electronic board on a platform in Nürnberg. The layout is slightly different but gives the same information.

• Example: In the above example, the train is leaving Nürnberg at 13:09 and it’s final destination in Hamburg-Altona station. It’s ICE 788 with stops in Würzburg, Fulda, and Hannover (remember, not all stops are listed so it’s best to go by the train number if unsure!). 1st class is located in section A, the Bordrestaurant / Bordbistro is located in section B, and 2nd class is located in sections C through F. After this train departs, there is a regional train (RE 4022) arriving at 14:49 from Ingolstadt and another regional train (RE 4027) departing for Ingolstadt at 15:09.

When in doubt, the German train stations have good signage and present most information in English and German. At bigger train stations, there are Deutsche Bahn employees stationed on almost every platform willing to help. As I’ve explained multiple times, I’ve always found other passengers to be super helpful and willing to help when I’m unsure where to go or which train to board.

Typically, the same trains arrive and depart from the same platform. Thus, Deutsche Bahn has carriage plans on every platform indicating the arrangement of the carriages (usually in numerical order), the direction of the train, the setup between 1st class and 2nd class, and where to stand on the platform to be closest to your carriage.

It’s really easy to use this chart – find your train and departure time, find your carriage number, and then scroll up or down to see what letter it best aligns with on the platform. Green carriages indicate 2nd class, red carriages indicate the Bordrestaurant or Bordbistro, and yellow carriages indicate 1st class. In the above photo, there is a red vertical line going through all the trains. This red line signals where you’re standing at the moment (in this instance, somewhere between letters C and D). The purpose of this is just to help you orientate yourself.

Finding your seat and carriage is pretty straightforward. On the side of the carriage, it will always indicate with a big number whether the carriage is for 1st class or 2nd class. Depending on the type of train you have, the specific carriage number whether either be written on the side directly or will be shown on an electronic monitor.

• Example: In the photo on the left, it is a 1st-class carriage and the carriage number is 14. Additionally, it shows a seat with the numbers 11-76. This means that anyone who has a seat reservation in carriage 14 and their seat is number 11 through 76 should enter at this door. Lastly, it has a cell phone visual (hard to see!) – this means that this carriage can be used for phone calls, surfing the internet, etc. Pretty much, it’s the opposite of a quiet carriage!
• Example: In the photo on the right, it’s a second-class carriage and the carriage number is 21 (on the electronic board on the left). Anyone with a seat reservation in carriage 21 and a seat between 11 and 88, should enter at the door right outside the frame on this photo.

This carriage is similar to the one on the left above. However, this is a quiet carriage, indicated by the “shhh” symbol and the cell phone with the line through it. Remember – if you’ve booked a seat reservation in one of these carriages, you should not be making noise in them!

When it comes to finding your seat on board the train, it’s quite simple. The numbers are denoted either above the seats or on the seat sides, depending on the type of train that you’re taking. The two photos above are taken from regional trains in Schleswig-Holstein. Each regional train looks slightly different depending on the German state and whether the train is updated or not.

The above photo is from the 1st class section of an ICE train. When booking, I specifically like getting the single seats on the right as it gives me room to stretch out. A 2nd class carriage looks very similar to this. The main difference is the number of seats. There are 2 seats on each side of the aisle, meaning that the seats are closer together.

German Terms to Know for Navigating Deutsche Bahn

While there is an English version of Deutsche Bahn’s website as well as English signage at train stations and on the trains, here are some German words to know that will help make navigating Deutsche Bahn a bit easier!

• Hauptbahnhof: Main Train Station
• Bahnhof: Train Station
• Über: Via. In terms of Deutsche Bahn, this means “Via” – these are the destinations between the starting point and end destination.
• Ziel: Destination. In terms of Deutsche Bahn, this means “Destination”. This is the final destination of the train
• Gleis: Platform
• Verspätung: Delay. This is usually followed by a number indicating how late the train is going to be.
• Minuten: Minutes. This usually followed a “Verspätung” message indicating how late the train is going to be.
• Wagenreihnung: Wagon Order or Carriage Order. Usually, you will see this word when the carriage order is different than what is indicated at the train station or online (maybe it’s missing a carriage or there are different carriage numbers).
• Ankunft: Arrival
• Anreise: Departure
• Folgezüge: Next Train. This is usually on the individual platform boards to indicate which train will be coming to the platform after the current train.
• Von: From. This will be on a ticket and indicates where you’re catching the train.
• Nach: To. This will be on a ticket and indicates where you’re getting off the train.

• Sitzplatz: Seat. If you’ve reserved a seat, this is where you can find it.
• Klasse or Kl.: Class. This indicates whether it is a 1st or 2nd class ticket.
• Zugtyp: Type of Train. This indicates whether it is an ICE, IC, EC, etc.
• Zug: Train Number . This indicates the train number. It’s important to make sure you’re getting on the correct train because sometimes you’ll have trains to the same destination leaving around the same time (especially if one train is delayed).
• Wagen: Carriage number. This is usually about your seat reservation and indicates which carriage to find it.
• Fahrplan: Timetable
• Gültigkeit: Validity
• Hinfahrt: Outward Journey
• Rückfahrt: Return Journey
• Auftragsnummer: Order Number. This is what Deutsche Bahn considers your reservation number.
• Umsteigezeit: Transfer Time. If you have to switch trains, this is the amount of time you have between your first train arriving and your second train departing.
• Abfahren (or fährt ab): To Depart (verb)
• Einsteigen: To Board (verb). A lot of times, you’ll see “Bitte nicht einsteigen” or “Bitte nicht mehr einsteigen” – this means you’re not allowed to board the train or you’re not allowed to board the train anymore. This usually flashes on the screen right before the train is departing the station.
• Ausfallen (or fällt aus): To Be Canceled (verb). You’ll mostly see this written as “Zug fällt aus” meaning that your train has been canceled.
• Hinweis: Please Note. This is to give you a heads up about a unique situation (maybe the train schedule is off, the carriages are in a different arrangement, etc.)

Deutsche Bahn Delays, Missed Connections, and Cancelations

It’s a running joke in Germany that Deutsche Bahn is always delayed. However, after using Deutsche Bahn considerably over the past 5 years (including almost 50 long-distance trains one year), I can only count on one hand severe delays on cancelations I encountered. In those instances, it was out of Deutsche Bahn’s control – bad weather, a WWII bomb was found near the train station (very common in Germany!), or someone was on the tracks (unfortunately, this is usually due to someone committing suicide). However, if you do face a delay, missed connection, or cancelation, it’s important to know your rights and what you’re entitled to going forward.

If your train is delayed, you might be eligible to receive compensation. For a train delayed more than 60 minutes, you’re entitled to receive a 25% refund of the fare paid for a single journey. For a train delayed more than 120 minutes, you’re entitled to receive a 50% refund of the fare paid for a single journey. You can claim your refund here as well as free postage here . I’ve always found the refunds to be paid out quickly and promptly. Additionally, you can get this form from the conductor (if the train is severely delayed, they’ll usually pass them out to all passengers) or from a Deutsche Bahn Travel Center.

If your train has more than a 20-minute delay, you have a few options according to Deutsche Bahn’s website:

• continue driving on the same route or another route at the earliest opportunity, or
• continue the journey at a later point in time if this can reduce the arrival delay at the destination station or
• use another train that does not require a reservation.

If you’re booked on a regional train that’s more than 20 minutes delayed, you can switch and take a high-speed train. However, you must buy a new ticket for the high-speed train and then retroactively apply to claim back the money ( through this form ). You can always go from a high-speed train to a regional train for no additional cost.

Lastly, if your train is delayed more than 60 minutes, you can cancel the trip and have the full fare reimbursed. Once again, you’ll need to fill out the above form to get your money back.

Missed Connection

There’s no worse feeling than seeing your next train pull out of the station while your train is still pulling into the station! On an adventure to the Harz Mountains during the winter months, my train was caught in a heavy snowstorm, delaying its arrival at the next train station (where I had a connection). I ran to the other platform and got there just as the train was pulling out of the station. Because it was a small station with only a few platforms (and it was 9:00 pm), my next available train didn’t come until 11:00 pm. Thankfully, there was a McDonald’s open where I could sit for the next 2 hours. If that hadn’t been there, I would have been standing in the snowstorm for those 2 hours!

In instances of a missed connection, you’re allowed to take the next available train to your destination. Once again, if you’re scheduled to be on a regional train and the next available train is a high-speed train, you’ll need to buy a new ticket for the high-speed train and then retroactively apply to claim back the money ( through this form ). Additionally, if you miss your connection and it is the last train to that destination for the delay, you will be reimbursed for hotel costs through the form above.

Cancelation

In the unlikely event that your train is canceled, the steps forward are similar to a missed connection. You’re allowed to take the next available train to your destination. If you’re scheduled to be on a regional train and the next available train is a high-speed train, you’ll need to buy a new ticket for the high-speed train and then retroactively apply to claim back the money ( through this form ).

Passenger Rights

When in doubt or you’re not sure what you’re allowed/not allowed to do in the event of a delay, missed connection, or cancelation, I recommend talking to someone at Deutsche Bahn’s Travel Center or Information Desk. They tend to be helpful and have found me train connections that I didn’t realize existed.

Make sure to read this article from Deutsche Bahn so you know all your rights as a passenger.

Travel Tips for Deutsche Bahn

Besides the above information, here are some tips for making your train journey smooth and comfortable.

• Bring your own water and food, especially if your train doesn’t have a Bordbistro. If you do plan to buy food on the train, I highly recommend the Currywurst – so good!
• Try to get to the train station 20-30 minutes before departure, especially if you’re headed to a big train station like the Berlin Hauptbahnhof (it’s quite a few floors). If you’re not familiar with a larger train station, they can be a bit overwhelming and confusing.
• Most trains will announce the upcoming destination in both English and German. This will happen about 5-10 minutes before the train enters the station. Be prepared to leave the train right when it pulls into the station because most trains only stay at the platform for a few minutes. Usually, there is an electric board in each carriage showing the next destination. However, when in doubt, don’t be afraid to ask someone! I found the most passengers are really nice and helpful.
• Everything is done in military time so don’t get confused when you see times such as 15:24 (3:24 pm) or 18:36 (6:36 pm). Also, remember that dates are written differently in Germany versus the USA. If it’s March 6, 2021, the date will be written in Germany as 06.03.21 (date.month.year).
• The doors for trains close about 30 seconds to a minute before the train departs the station. If you’re cutting it close getting to the station, remember to get to the train a minute or two ahead of time so the doors don’t close on you.
• In terms of getting on and off of the train, make sure to let all the people get off the train before getting on it yourself. It’s seen as rude and impolite to immediately rush onto the train. Plus, it makes it more orderly getting a bunch of people on and off the train in a quick and timely manner.
• Download the DB App – it’s a great way to see if your train is on time, look at other connections, plan your trip, etc.

Further Reading...

18 Famous Landmarks in Germany That Shouldn’t Be Missed

The Must-See UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Germany

Traditional German Food You Must Try When Visiting Germany

11 comments.

This was a super helpful overview of the trains. Thank you!

hamburgandbeyond

I’m just seeing this comment – so sorry! Thank you so much for the sweet comment :)

Hey, this was a super detailed and fantastic article. I mean this is the complete guide one should always refer to when looking for info. However, I couldn’t see one thing. And this is about trains split up at some stations. If you don’t know German and you are on the wrong side of the train, you may end up traveling somewhere else. Especially, the train splits up in the middle of the night and you are sleeping. This might be the worst case. I would be appreciated it if you have any suggestions or stories about such a case. Is there a way to know when it will split up beforehand? Thanks a lot again. Love from Bochum.

Hey Jordan, Thank you so much for this complete guide. This is a lot of work. I think Deutsche Bahn should share this article on their website. Do you have any suggestions or stories about trains splitting up at certain stations? I mean, especially, if it splits up in the middle of the night and you are sleeping. You may end up traveling to the wrong city. Is there any way to know when/where the train will split up? Love from Bochum

Witthaya Loetwiriyakul

We are 2 to buy tickets to Strasbourg from Frankfurt airport, when i go to DB app, register and problem is ? can I buy tickets for 2 travelers me and my friends in my account’ s name, or have to buy in separate account? Registration comes from the Input the county but my home country is not in the selected drop down , So how can i do ?

Anyway to change my seat reservations once they are made?

Hi Frank! You can change your seat reservation here: https://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query.exe/en?start=1&existOptimizePrice-deactivated=1&S=&REQ0JourneyStopsSID=&Z=&REQ0JourneyStopsZID=&date=Di.%2C+15.11.2022&time=19%3A23&timesel=depart&returnDate=&returnTime=&optimize=0&auskunft_travelers_number=1&tariffTravellerType.1=E&tariffTravellerReductionClass.1=0&tariffClass=2&externRequest=yes&HWAI=JS%21js%3Dyes%21ajax%3Dyes%21&rit=1

Even on this site we can find ZERO “factual” information about the following: #1 – The HUGE price variation in Railjet tickets on German, Austrian & Hungarian State Railway sites, as well as Omio, Trainline & Rail Europe? #2 – ZERO information on HOW to reserve a seat on a Railjet train “IF” the ticket was purchased on one of the same rail sites listed above.

Hi Robert! Sorry, you’re unable to find the information you’re looking for online. I always recommend booking Railjet tickets (and anything with the ÖBB) directly through Austria’s ÖBB website! It tends to be much cheaper than booking through Germany’s Deutsche Bahn website. Unfortunately, I haven’t booked Hungarian train tickets in years so I don’t have experience. I also usually don’t ever book through third-party websites. If you need to reserve a Railjet seat, you can do that directly on the ÖBB website here: https://shop.oebbtickets.at/en/ticket (just enter your route, date/time, etc. and under “Find Services” click on “Seat reservation only (no ticket)”. Hope that helps!

Can you please assist me, I have booked DB ICE tickets online from Amsterdam to Stuttgart for travel in June. Since booking I have received an email from DB advising of a Timetable change from Amsterdam and advising “find alternative connection”. A link in the email takes me to Bahn website and showing a different ICE train departing at the same time as my booking with a slight variation in the route but arriving at the original time in Stuttgart. Can I travel on my original ticket or do I need to purchase another ticket and somehow claim the fare? I have tried to call DB ‘English’ helpline which does not answer promptly and also sent an email with no response to date?

Hi Philip! You can travel on your original ticket – no problem at all! I just had this happen to me as well :) They changed the departure time by 5 minutes, but everything else stayed the same. If DB changes the timetable on you, you’re allowed to take whichever other train you’d like that day!

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How to Take the Train in Germany: A Step by Step Guide!

Last Updated: July 9, 2024

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When it comes to the German rail system, I think one thing you could definitely say is… I have a LOT of feelings about it.

Train travel in Germany is a truly funny and misunderstood thing, shrouded in a romantic cloud of efficiency, speed and scenic bliss.

But while German trains are leaps and bounds better than train travel in many countries, it is far from the flawless and simple utopia many of us imagine in our heads.

From awkward seat shuffling and breathless running to impatient inspectors and stunningly muffled announcement quality, German train travel is a piece of work that, like a marriage, requires years of learning, understanding and patience.

Don’t worry though – I’ve endured the marital strife so you don’t have to. I lived in Germany for over five years, exploring the country (mostly) by train, and today I’m going to walk you through the process, from start to finish.

I hope you find it helpful!

Save this guide on how to travel Germany by train for later!

You’ll be very glad you did.

A Brief Introduction to the German Rail System

Let’s start with some basics on taking the train in Germany, which involves the largest rail network in Europe and over 33,000km of track!

Rail Providers in Germany

Operating over 40,000 trains a day, Deutsche Bahn is the national rail provider in Germany responsible for the vast majority of trains in the country.

When it works, it works great. However, when there are delays, travelling with them can be a bit of a nightmare, which is why the brand has become the butt of countless jokes regarding delays and high prices.

But bear in mind these jokes are often made by Germans who don’t realize how bad train systems can be in other countries.

Honestly, compared to many countries like Canada where I’m from, the German train system is fantastic, and still my go-to mode of transport around Germany.

It’s far from flawless but it’s still pretty great, especially when boarding at hubs like my former home of Munich, since there’s far fewer delays at the start of a journey!

Another train operator you can consider in Germany is FlixTrain.

I’ve personally never taken them because in the time I lived in Germany, they were operating really limited routes and I still haven’t had a chance to try them. That said, their value proposition is super cheap fares starting at only 4.99 euro so definitely worth looking into if budget is a priority.

Flixtrain is fairly no frills – they only have one standard class and the buying process is straightforward so the rest of this post will focus on Deutsche Bahn trains and tickets.

NOTE: If you do book with Flixtrain though, be sure to double check that you are in fact booking a train, because this company also owns Flixbus, one of the biggest bus companies in Europe, and they’ll often show you buses alongside trains.

Now, let’s discuss…

Types of Trains

Broadly speaking, we can divide German trains into two three categories: long distance, regional, and local, such as S-Bahn or U-Bahn trains.

Understanding the difference between these is important, as they make a huge difference in journey time and cost, so I’m going to run through the most common ones, along with their abbreviations that typically show up in the train numbers and booking portals.

Long distance trains in Germany are used to connect larger cities and are therefore usually quicker, but typically require booking in advance, with reservations being a good idea in busy periods.

Under the German long distance train umbrella, we have…

• ICE: InterCityExpress trains, which are the fancy, high speed trains that get you between major cities, and can go up to 300km an hour. Especially quick are the ICE Sprinter trains which make even fewer stops than normal.
• IC: Intercity trains, which also travel between cities in Germany but are sometimes a bit slower than the ICE ones (maxing out at about 200km an hour) and often not as new or nice.
• EC: Eurocity trains, which travel between cities in Germany and elsewhere in Europe. These can look different than usual Deutsche Bahn trains because depending on the route, they may be operated by another country’s rail provider.

In contrast, regional trains cover shorter distances, typically within one state or region.

Reservations and assigned seats are not possible for these trains, their prices are fixed so buying in advance isn’t necessary, and they’re covered by a range of special deals which I’ll go over later.

Under this regional train umbrella, we have…

• IRE: Interregio-Express trains, which travel longer distances between regions but usually at much slower pace than the long-distance trains (and are therefore classified as a regional train as far as special deals are concerned)
• RE: Regional Express trains, which connect destinations in one region, but don’t stop at every stop on the route which can be faster than the…
• RB: Regional Bahn trains, which connect destinations in one region and do stop at every stop along a particular route

Lastly, on the local train front, we have options like…

• S-Bahn, which are trains that connect stops within cities and out to nearby suburbs, as well as…
• U-Bahn (in some cities) which are underground trains that connect stops within the city itself like the Subway or Metro

These are also typically covered by the special deals we’ll be discussing below.

Now, with the basics covered, let’s go through step by step how to plan a train trip in Germany.

Step One: Decide if Train Travel in Germany is Right for You

First – let’s talk alternatives to train travel in Germany.

I’m a huge fan of German train travel, but there are other options for getting around that may be better suited to your specific trip and priorities.

Overall, I think taking the train in Germany is great if you’re looking for convenience, comfort and scenery.

The downside is however it can be quite expensive, especially if you don’t book in advance. It’s also not super convenient if you’re travelling with a lot of luggage (more than one big suitcase per person).

A more budget-friendly alternative may be taking buses, booking a ride share on services like BlaBlaCar or sometimes even flights if you’re booking with budget airlines like Ryanair , easyJet and Wizz Air .

Or, if your priority is freedom and getting off the beaten path, it may be worthwhile to rent a car.

Overall, if you’re torn and want to compare all your options at a glance, Omio is a great app that shows you planes, trains, and buses from Point A to Point B. From there, you can gauge whether train travel suits your needs.

If/when you’ve decided you do indeed want to take the train, then we move onto…

Step Two: Buy Your Germany Train Tickets

The pricing of trains in Germany is dynamic, meaning the cost changes depending on when you buy it and what demand is like.

It is totally bananas to me that a ticket, when booked early, can be 20 euros but if you wait until the day before/day of it can go up to 180 euros.

But alas, I do not make the rules. If I did, everyone would get a free on-board puppy.

In any case, I’d advise booking tickets in advance online, because buying them on board isn’t usually possible, and buying in person from the information desk at the station does incur an extra service fee.

You can also buy tickets on machines at the station but I feel like this adds an extra element of stress, so be sure to book in advance whenever possible.

Now, there are a lot of considerations to be made when you go to buy train tickets in Germany. I’ll outline them all now.

First off…

BahnCard vs No BahnCard

If you plan to stay a while and take a lot of trains in Germany, it may be worthwhile to purchase something known as a BahnCard.

These are cards that you purchase for a set fee that then give you discounts on most train journeys, either 25% or 50% depending on which one you buy.

While these cards are definitely more geared towards locals than tourists, sometimes the discounts can be so significant that you can make the cost up in just a few journeys, so it’s worth crunching the numbers.

Especially interesting for short term visitors are the Probe Bahncards, or Trial cards which allow you to buy a cheaper membership that’s essentially a trial for 3 months, rather than for a whole year.

These start at just 17.90 for the three months, an amount you can easily make up if you’re buying an expensive long-distance or last minute ticket. Just don’t forget to cancel your subscription 6 weeks before the expiry date, or it auto-converts to an annual one that of course costs more.

Honestly though, for most tourists visiting for a short time, there are better ways to save money on German train tickets.

So let’s move onto our next consideration which is…

Standard Tickets vs. Special Tickets or Rail Passes

If you are only booking a few train journeys during your time in Germany, the best option is most likely to just buy tickets for the journeys you’re taking, meaning hopping on the Deutsche Bahn app or website, entering Point A to Point B and buying tickets for each trip you plan to take.

Sometimes though this won’t be the way to get the best deal. So, I’m going to outline some options that may save you money depending on your circumstances.

First off – do know that there are age based discounts on Deutsche Bahn for the following groups:

• (FREE!) Children 6 & under
• (FREE with parents or grandparents) Children aged 6-14
• Youth (aged 15-26)
• Senior (age 65+)

So, to activate these discounts, be sure to specify your age and the age of those travelling with you when you go to search routes.

Now, if you are looking to save money on regional and local trains in Germany, there are few excellent options that are almost guaranteed to save you money, especially for day trips.

With one of these, you can genuinely save hundreds of euros over buying individual tickets the day-of.

If your travels are restricted to one German state, then look into buying a regional day ticket (known in German as Länder-Tickets ). These give you unlimited travel on regional trains for one day, with options up to five adults on one ticket.

The savings with these are also better the more people you bring, with a base fee, then a small additional fee for every extra person, so definitely worth considering if you’re travelling in a group.

Here are the different regional tickets you can buy:

• Baden-Württemberg-Ticket
• Bayern-Ticket
• Brandenburg-Berlin-Ticket
• Hessen-Ticket
• Mecklenburg-Vorpommern-Ticket
• Niedersachsen-Ticket
• Rheinland-Pfalz-Ticket
• Saarland-Ticket
• Sachsen-Anhalt-Ticket
• Schleswig-Holstein-Ticket
• SchönerTagTicket NRW
• Thüringen-Ticket

They also have a Germany-wide version of this ticket if you plan to travel across states, known as the Quer-durchs-Land-Ticket.

BUT, an even better deal if you plan to use regional trains exclusively across Germany is a relatively new offering known as the Deutschland ticket.

This golden ticket is only 49 euro a month and gets you unlimited travel on regional trains for that whole month. Considering a one-day Quer-durchs-Land Ticket is already 44 euro, getting the Deutschland Ticket is pretty much a no-brainer if you’ll be taking regional trains for more than one day.

BUT the catch is, this ticket is more geared towards locals, and therefore is offered on a subscription basis. So long as you cancel your subscription in time though, then you can easily just use it for one month or as you need.

Unfortunately, saving money on long distance trains is less simple. Generally, your best bet is just booking early. The earlier you book, the cheaper it’ll be.

If you can’t book in advance though, a potential cost saver could be a rail pass.

If you are just travelling within Germany, there is a German rail pass you can buy for unlimited journeys either on a flex basis, meaning for a few days within a set period or on a consecutive basis, meaning a set number of days in a row.

If you are travelling to other countries in Europe, it may be worth getting a Eurail pass , also known as an Interrail Pass when you’re a resident of Europe.

Used properly, these passes can save you a lot of money, but only in certain situations so for more information on that, be sure to read my full Eurail review.

Now, when you go to buy tickets, you can either do so in person or online.

Online, you can either buy tickets directly through Deutsche Bahn (website or DB Navigator app) or through a third party website.

Booking direct with Deutsche Bahn will pretty much always be the cheapest option, but if you’re planning a big trip with lots of trains or buses in other countries, then a 3rd party like Omio or Trainline might be worth it just to keep all your tickets in one place.

NOTE: When choosing your journey, always prioritize direct connections or routes that make fewer stops. These will usually cost more, but trust me, it’s worth every penny! Transfers are simple enough when trains run on time, but as soon as you’re hit with a delay, that can disrupt your entire journey and make things 100x more stressful.

Whether you buy from Deutsche Bahn or from a third party though, there are several considerations to make, so I’ll run through them now.

1st vs 2nd class on German Trains

The first time I got to sit on a 1st class German train, I had extremely high expectations.

Part of my brain flashed to a sepia-toned flashback of glamour train travel in the 60s, with fizzy champagne flowing and a steak dinner served right to my seat. I knew this wasn’t going to happen, so I dialled it down. I once took a first class train in Italy and they gave us coffee and snacks. I therefore looked forward to said coffee and snack.

German trains? You get pretty much nothing. So no, the difference isn’t stark, but there are some instances where I think splurging on first class is worth it.

On regional trains, there isn’t a dramatic difference between first and second class seats.

The main perk is it’s generally quieter and sometimes the seats are slightly comfier. So, I would go for first class in regional trains if a) the price difference isn’t much/doesn’t matter, b) you want extra privacy or c) it’s a busy time and you want to secure your chances at having a seat (and space for your stuff).

On long distance trains however, there’s definitely a bigger difference between first and second class, especially on ICE trains.

In first class, the seats are more comfortable, a reservation is included, you can get food/drinks ordered to your seat, and for introverts like me, there are even single seats you can reserve so you don’t have to sit next to anyone.

If any of these perks sound appealing to you, then I’d say it’s worth the extra cost (which is sometimes minimal if you book early enough).

The next consideration is…

Reserved vs. Unreserved seats

Reservations are pretty much never mandatory on German long distance trains, and aren’t even possible on regional trains, S-Bahn or U-Bahn.

That said, I would highly advise making a reservation if you’re at all an anxious traveller, or if you’ll be travelling during a busy period.

The cost is only about 5 euro and having that peace of mind for me is more than worth it.

If you do end up reserving a seat, another consideration is…

Carriage and Seat Types

Some trains in Germany have different carriages intended for different purposes, such as…

• Silent/quiet carriages
• Cellphone carriages (where you can freely make calls)
• Family areas
• Bike zones (with additional space)
• Accessible zones

There are also different seating configurations for many long distance trains, with the two main choices being:

• Open saloon seating, which is your standard train set-up with seats in a carriage, sometimes with a table around which 4 people can sit facing each other OR
• Compartment seating, which are more old school closed compartments with seats facing each other. These are fun if you get them to yourself, or with your own group but can be a bit intimate if you’re sharing with strangers

You’re usually given an interactive map when you book a reservation, so you can also make other considerations like window vs aisle or how close you are to amenities like the bathroom, luggage racks or the on board restaurant.

Be sure to take some time to consider which seat you might want to reserve – not all seats are made equal!! With seats at the end of cars for instance, people will be coming in and out constantly to go to the bathroom, which isn’t ideal if you’re looking for a peaceful journey.

Another choice you’re given when buying tickets is…

Flexpreis vs Sparpreis

Essentially these are different versions of the same ticket, and make no impact on the destination/route, but do impact how flexible the terms of your ticket are.

The Sparpreis is essentially a ticket that is only valid for that one train and time you’re booking. In exchange for this lack of flexibility, the fare is much cheaper, especially with the Super Sparpreis (which is most limited in flexibility).

In contrast, the Flexpreis ticket gives you a lot more flexibility, usually allowing you to travel on any train that day for your chosen route, or with the Flexpreis Plus, even trains the day before or two days after.

Overall, I feel like the price difference is rarely justified for these Flexpreis tickets (sometimes it’s more than 5x!), but do what’s right for your own trip and priorities.

Lastly, there’s…

Bike/Pet Add-Ons

If you are travelling on German trains with a bike or with a pet, know that you’ll typically need to buy an additional ticket for them.

Alright with your tickets booked it’s time to move onto the day of your journey, with…

Step Three: Get Snacks

On the day of your journey, I highly recommend you get some food and drink to bring with you on the train (especially for longer trips). This is completely allowed on German trains!

While there are usually some food options on board with long distance trains, they tend to be fairly limited and pricey, so getting your own gives you more control. On regional/local trains, there is no food or drink sold on board at all.

So, at the very least, I’d get some water or something to drink. There’s often great options even at the train station itself.

Now let’s move onto… 

Step Four: Arrive at the Station 

First off, before leaving, double check that you are headed to the right station. Many major cities will have multiple stations like Munich, which has its Hauptbahnhof (Main Station) as well as Ostbahnhof (East Station) and other smaller ones.

If it’s your first time at this station, and if you’re in a big city, I recommend you arrive thirty minutes or more in advance of your departure time, because main stations in cities like Berlin, Munich & Hamburg can be very overwhelming, with multiple levels, shops and 20+ platforms.

Now, if you are taking public transport and arriving at the train station in a big city, you might find it tough to find where the trains actually are, because often these stations are multi level transport hubs servicing U-Bahn, trams and buses as well.

In any case, all you need to do is look for train symbols on signs like this which will point you in the direction of the platforms:

Now when you get to the station’s main concourse, your priority is finding out which platform your train is on. The Deutsche Bahn app will usually tell you in advance but I like to double check on the board just in case.

When looking at the board, remember that trains will not necessarily say your destination, but rather the final destination of the train, so if you don’t see the name of where YOU’RE travelling to, don’t panic.

Look for the time and train number, and (when available) the list of stops to see if your destination is listed, then figure it out from there. Beware that some cities like Munich and Cologne have a different name in German (München & Köln) and that’s likely the name that will show.

Next, it’s time to…

Step Five: Get to the Platform 

Platform numbers will generally be very well marked so just look up for signs before making your way.

You will not need to have your ticket for this part, because there are no fare gates for German trains, and tickets are usually just checked on the train itself.

When you get onto your platform, double check it’s correct by confirming either on a platform screen or on the side of the train that you’re in the right place before proceeding to find your carriage.

NOTE: Some regional trains in Germany are divided trains that split at one point in the journey, which means only certain cars end up going to certain destinations. So, before you board, double check that the destination on your train carriage is actually where you want to go. In cases where the train splits, the sign will usually tell you which cars or which part of the platform to go to for your destination, so keep an eye out for that.

Next up, it’s time to…

Step Six: Find Your Carriage 

If you have a reserved seat, then you’ll need to take some extra steps to make sure you get to the correct carriage once the train arrives.

German trains can be very long, so if you have a seat reservation, make sure you’re standing in the right part of the platform to get onto your carriage, otherwise you’ll have to awkwardly dodge and shuffle your way all throughout the length of the train.

With reserved seats, a handy thing to look out for are these charts that show you which part of the platform to stand on (marked by number/letter) depending on your carriage number.

If you do not have an assigned seat, then you simply need to board a carriage in the right class, then pick a free seat.

In these cases, look up at the platform sign and there should be a little diagram that explains which letter part of the platform to stand on for 1st class, 2nd class, and the meal car (depicted by a tiny knife and fork).

When picking a carriage to board, pay special attention to…

• The class number of the carriage (you may only board the class you’ve booked for)
• Whether they are special carriages meant for a certain purpose e.g quiet zone, bicycle zone 

If you don’t have a reserved seat, then usually I find the farther you walk, the emptier the carriages will be. 

Once you find or choose your carriage, then it’s time to hop on board.

If the door isn’t opening then look for a button like this <> and press it. This goes for the train doors as well as carriage doors. 

Now it’s time for…

Step Seven: Find Your Seat 

First off, if your seat is assigned, try to make sure you go in through the correct door closest to your seat.

Long distance trains will usually write the seat numbers on the corresponding door, like so:

If you have large bags, keep an eye out for large luggage racks when you enter. These will usually be found on the ends of the carriages.

With smaller bags/suitcases, there is usually space above your seat for it, or sometimes under and between seats, as marked.

If you don’t have a reservation, before sitting down, make sure your seat isn’t reserved and make sure you’re not taking up a priority space if the train is looking full.

Seats that are reserved on long-distance trains will usually be marked on an electronic screen that shows you which part of the journey the seat is reserved for.

So let’s imagine you’re going from Munich to Berlin. The screen may show the seat is reserved for the whole journey, or for just a portion. If your journey doesn’t overlap with the reservation, then that sat is technically free.

But do note however that the screen may sometimes say something else like..

• ggf. reserviert (possibly reserved)
• ggf. freigeben (possibly to release)

Both of these annoyingly mean that the seat might be reserved, or it might not, but either way you have to vacate it if the person with a reservation comes, so you kind of just have to sit there and hope for the best.

It is honestly the silliest system. To avoid this Russian Roulette of seating charts, be sure to just reserve yourself a seat. It’s worth it.

There are also some seats that are reserved for Bahn Comfort customers, i.e. VIP frequent travellers, so avoid those when you see them or an especially fancy-looking person might come kick you out of it.

Now finally, onto…

Step Eight: Get Comfortable and Enjoy the Journey!

Once you’re all settled, you’re now in a good place to enjoy some of the hidden features and amenities of your train.

Okay, I say “hidden”, but what I mean is they’re easy to miss, especially if it’s your first time on board a German train.

So, be on the look out for…

Coat hooks: These can be found on the wall next to your seat – sometimes they may need to be pulled out. You can leave coats, scarves, etc. on those

Plugs: Most trains will have an area to charge electronics. On ICE trains, usually the charging ports are in the middle part between two seats. On regional trains, the charging ports can often be found between seats or on the wall.

WiFi: Most long distance trains will say they have this but the quality is questionable depending on where you are. Many S-Bahn routes are starting to get WiFi too. Like with modern dating apps, be sure to try connecting, but don’t get your hopes up.

On-board restaurant or bistro: You’ll find these on long distance trains, and if you sit in first class, there’s often even table service straight to your seat.

Bathrooms: And of course, don’t forget to look for the on-board bathrooms (which are free). They’re typically marked by signs saying “WC”.

Now, as you get comfy, keep your ticket and ID handy in case controllers come on board. With long distance trains, you’re often able to check yourself in on the app so you don’t have to worry.

Otherwise, you just wait for a controller to come, at which point you show your ticket.

Getting your tickets checked by a controller tends to happen more often in high speed or long distance trains than the regional ones, but regardless just make sure you have your ticket and also some ID (preferably your passport) on you.

Sometimes they will want to verify your name if it’s a reserved ticket, and your age/residency as well depending on whether or not you’ve purchased a discounted fare.

I’ve had it before where they didn’t accept foreign IDs like driver’s licenses – only passports, so that’s why I’d recommend having that.

Now after your journey is complete, it’s onto…

Step Nine: Disembark

If you are not getting off at the end destination, then start prepping for disembarkation about 10 min before your arrival time. This gives you plenty of time to gather your belongings and bags in a rational, non-crazed manner.

To keep track of what time you’ll be arriving, keep an eye out for screens that show the scheduled arrival time/estimated arrival time.

Make sure you memorize the name of the stop you’re meant to get off at because most major German cities have multiple train stations and it gets a little confusing once you’re in the city. Like in Munich, you could accidentally get off at the East station instead of the Central Station, just because the names start the same.

And if you’re transferring onto another train, keep an eye out on signs/listen for announcements just before your arrive at your station because they will usually tell you which platforms to transfer on, and if there are any delays/disruptions for transfers.

Upon arrival, if the door isn’t opening then again look for a button with the <> open symbol.

Once the doors are open, be careful getting off the train as there’s often a gap/step.

To navigate your way off the platform and onwards to wherever you need to go, keep an eye out for signs that will point you in the right direction.

If you are transferring onto another train, look around for big signs pointing to different platform numbers. If it’s a tight connection (10 min or less) you may want to speed walk or run, depending on how big the station is.

NOTE: Remember, you’re on a train platform, so to reach other platforms you need to either go via a tunnel underground or sometimes a bridge above ground. Keep an eye out for stairs/an elevator so you’re not panicking to find ways to reach your next platform.

If this is your final destination but you need a place to drop off your bags while you explore, most major train stations will have a paid left luggage area with lockers, which is great if you’re too early to check in to your accommodation, or just dropping in for the day.

Remember that your train ticket is usually only valid for that specific train you boarded, so you won’t be able to use it for onward travel on the metro or bus unless you bought a special regional ticket or a City Ticket add-on.

Lastly, take note that in Germany, if the train is more than an hour delayed, you are entitled to compensation. Just make sure you get some proof of the delay, whether through an employee or through photos of signs showing the delay. You can then fill out a form or claim compensation through your DB app.

Final Tips for Taking the Train in Germany

Alright, we’ve gone through ALL the basics so now I’m going to simply leave you with some extra bonus tips on how to make the most of the German rail system!

Learn basic train-related vocabulary

The German rail system is very English-friendly for the most part, with many trains making announcements in English and most train attendants speaking at least some English as well.

That said, when you’re in a panicked state dealing with travel stress, sometimes it IS helpful to know some basic words, so here are a few to keep in mind that may be useful:

• Bahnhof: Train Station
• Hauptbahnhof (HBF): Central Train Station
• Gleis: Platform
• Abfaht: Departure
• Ziel: Destination
• Einsteigen : To board
• Aussteigen :  To disembark
• Umsteigen : To change/transfer
• Zurückbleiben  – To stand/stay back
• Endstation: Final stop

Download the DB Navigator App

I’ve said it so many times already, but the DB Navigator App is an amazing tool, and well worth downloading even if you’re only taking a few trips.

Google Maps does sync train info but it’s sometimes inaccurate or incomplete. The DB Navigator app is free and simple to use, plus it unlocks a bunch of bonus perks like self check-in. Highly recommend!

Make use of helpful search filters to find the right train

If you’re struggling to choose which trains to get, then the good news is there are many helpful tools built into the DB website/app.

If you’re travelling exclusively with a Regional Ticket or Deutschland-Ticket for instance, it may be helpful to click on “Mode of Transport” and then set it to “Local Transport Only” which will then filter out high speed trains and show you only the trains you can take with one of those tickets.

You can also ask them to only show the fastest connections, direct services only, trains with a minimum transfer time, or even specify what stopovers you want.

Avoid peak times

As a tourist, you have the luxury of flexibility, so try to plan your train trips around when other people aren’t travelling.

This will ensure the least stressful experience, and make sure you have room for you and your bags.

Some times to avoid include:

• Early morning (to avoid business travellers)
• 3-4pm during school days
• Early evenings just after work (again, to avoid business travellers)
• Weekends (Friday & Sunday evenings, plus Saturday & Sunday mornings especially)

Use the bathroom on the train – bathrooms at the station cost money

As I mentioned in my Germany must-knows post, free public restrooms are quite rare in Germany, which means you’ll usually have to cough up 50 cents or more to pee at train stations.

NOTE: If you do end up using a paid train station toilet, usually the machine will print you a little coupon to use on a future purchase, so if you need to go, head to the toilet first before buying your train station snack.

Luckily, trains on board are free! So take care of business before disembarking.

Don’t forget ID

Again, remember to have ID on you, even if it’s just a little day trip. Sometimes they will ask to see it.

NOTE: You might assume a driver’s license is okay, but I’ve had several instances where they’ve insisted on a passport because they don’t recognize foreign IDs.

It kind of depends on who checks you and how cranky they’re feeling that day, but if you’re from outside the EU, it’s a safer bet to just bring your passport… especially because it’s Germany, and your train might accidentally cross into Austria or something without you noticing.

Beware of putting your bag in places you’re not supposed to

One time, I had a suitcase that was too huge and heavy to put in the overhead compartment, so I left it in the bike zone as no one was using it.

About an hour later, a cyclist got on and shouted at the top of his lungs “WHO IS THE HUMAN TRASHBUCKET THAT LEFT THIS SUITCASE HERE?” (Okay, just kidding – my German is bad and he probably didn’t phrase it like that but his  tone  did).

I was terrified, and was sitting pretty much right next to the suitcase. I had to meekly say it was mine and had the poor dude next to me try to hoist and cram it up in the overhead shelf.

I still have nightmares about it to this day.

So yes, don’t leave your bags where they’re not meant to be.

Learn the names of your destinations in German

Most places like Berlin or Frankfurt have the same name as in English, others like Munich (München) or Cologne (Köln) have a different name in German, so make sure you know the German name of your destination, and how to say it in German in case you need to ask for directions.

Similarly, learn how to say the names of trains the German way

For instance, ICE trains are not “ice” trains, but rather pronounced Ee Tsay Ay, like the German way of spelling it out.

Be sure to also ask for the U-Bahn, not the subway or Metro.

Don’t bank on the WiFi

The WiFi on German trains is hilariously bad considering how much you pay for those tickets… but yes, don’t rely on having WiFi (like setting aside a bunch of work to do on the train that requires it).

Cell service tends to be quite poor as well once you’re away from the big cities.

Know your route and stops

The last thing you want to do when travelling by train in Germany is relying solely on the announcements to know when to get off or what to do.

Seriously, mumbling seems to be a skill requirement for workers of DB. Mixed in with ambient train noise and the screeching of rails, I have had it far too many times where I’ve been unable to hear anything the conductor is saying.

They also seem to randomly translate in English when they feel like it, so a translation isn’t guaranteed if you don’t speak German. So, make sure you know your route and approximately when you’ll need to get off, transfer, etc.

Beware of “on demand stops” where you must press a button for the train to make your stop

Very rarely, you may come across stops that only stop when someone requests it. These are known as Bedarfshaltestellen .

This shouldn’t be a concern unless you’re travelling to very small, quiet stations, so I wouldn’t worry too much, but if you notice anything on your ticket that mentions the word “Bedarfshalt” or any signs that say “”Der Zug hält nur bei bedarf” (the train only stops on demand) then be prepared to press a special button before your stop, kind of like on a bus.

If you are boarding at one of these Bedarfshaltestelle , then don’t worry – the train will stop so long as they see you on the platform.

I had this (stressful) experience when I travelled to Untergrainau:

Always read the fine print

Lastly, especially when buying discounted offers for German trains, be sure to read the fine print!

With regional tickets for instance, it’s very common for there to be time restrictions on when the ticket is valid, or when it expires.

Likewise, there’s often restrictions on which types of trains you can take with your ticket, so be sure to read up on these or you may be fined as your ticket will be considered invalid.

I Hope This Step by Step Guide on Taking Trains in Germany was Helpful!

Let me know in the comments if you have any more questions. 

My Go-To Travel Favourites:

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📷 Sony A7IV: My (amazing) camera

✈️ Google Flights : For finding flight deals

🌎 WorldNomads: For travel insurance

🎉 GetYourGuide: For booking activities

2 thoughts on “How to Take the Train in Germany: A Step by Step Guide!”

Thank you so much for putting this post together. This was extremely helpful for planning some train travel in Germany. The information is really clear and the pictures are super helpful.

So glad you found it helpful!! Safe travels 🙂

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Matador Original Series

Beginner’s guide to train travel in germany.

By: Conor O’Rourke

G ermany beats like the heart of Europe, at the center of a flowing, intricate web of connections. But this web is built of iron and steel, traversed by a fleet of high-tech trains offering quick, comfortable, and sustainable travel — without breaking the bank. (And without the security lines and baggage limits.)

Whatever your travel taste, Germany’s got it, and Deutsche Bahn can get you there. Using the train-travel primer below, soon you could be hiking the jagged hills of Sächsische Schweiz National Park or tasting wines in the Rhine Valley. You could be plumbing the depths of Berlin’s nightclub scene or exploring the Port of Hamburg, Germany’s “door to the world.” With Deutsche Bahn, you’ve arrived at the door to the world, indeed.

This post is proudly produced in partnership with Deutsche Bahn and the German National Tourist Board .

PLAN YOUR DREAM JOURNEY

M unich or Frankfurt to Berlin? Less than four hours. Berlin to Hamburg? Less than two. Cologne to Frankfurt? Around one. Beyond speed, most airports in Germany are connected to ICE trains; Super Saver Fares start at €17.90; and long-distance trains are 100% green. (And once you get off your train, Germany makes it easy to stay sustainable .) If you’re somehow not sold yet, check out where you can go.

Bavarian Route. Here in the land that gave us Oktoberfest, you’ll find everything your inner Günther desires. Fairytale castles — like the famous Neuschwanstein, inspiration of the Disneyland castle — dot the subalpine landscapes around Munich and Nuremberg. Breweries craft 400-year-old recipes. In the summer, hike through mountain valleys to find hidden glacial lakes. In the winter, strap on your skis and hit the slopes.

Rhineland Route. Compacted into a corner of western Germany, the Rhineland is a densely populated expanse of rivers, vineyards, and cities. Here, you get a lot of bang for your traveling buck — travel between major cities like Cologne, Aachen, and Düsseldorf rarely takes longer than an hour. With its Roman history, you’ll want to be sure you visit the Ruins at Trier, Germany’s oldest city and one-time capital of the Roman empire. Also check out the local wine scene, and, of course, cruise the famous river that gives the region its name.

North Coast Route. Bookended by Germany’s two most famous and beautiful islands, Rügen and Sylt, this route will ensure you keep the sea in view at all times. Many of the cities along this route — Lübeck, Kiel, Hamburg, etc. — were members of the historic Hanseatic League; nowadays, you can see the Hansa influence in traditional Brick Gothic architecture exhibited on the region’s cathedrals and town halls. The area is known for its excellent bike trails, made all the more welcoming (and leisurely) by its extremely flat landscape and beautiful sea views.

Eastern Route . Travel through Germany’s ex-communist east, the former lands of the German Democratic Republic. You’ve got both ends of the spectrum here: old Soviet-style factories decay amid picturesque, unspoiled forests and lakes. With just a few hours’ train ride, you can travel from Berlin’s thumping nightclubs to Dresden’s reconstructed Baroque city center to the fantastical limestone rock formations of Sächsische Schweiz National Park.

The Grand Tour . For the completionists among us, it’s possible to visit all of Germany’s major cities by rail in just a few days. Start in the historic Römerberg neighborhood in Frankfurt; an hour away in Cologne, witness the Cologne Cathedral; head to Hamburg’s UNESCO-designated Speicherstadt, the world’s largest warehouse district; two hours later, scope out Berlin’s impressive museums or party the night away (or both). For your last and longest leg, a four-hour ride gets you to Munich, home of Oktoberfest, where you can finally sit down in a traditional biergarten, toasting to your journey.

NAVIGATING TRAIN TRAVEL

ICE/IC/EC/regional trains. By and large, Germany’s high-speed Intercity-Express (ICE), Intercity (IC), and Eurocity (EC) lines are for longer-distance travel. These trains are generally more advanced, even faster, and a bit more amenity-laden than their regional counterparts, offering first- and second- class tickets, dining cars, and so on.

The ICE Sprinter. This is the pride of German rolling stock, offering more legroom than on planes, free Wi-Fi, plugs for your electronics, on-board catering, “quiet zones,” and more. First-class travelers can travel without worry, since they get seat reservations and meals, drinks, and snacks. But here, the real seller is definitely the speed — on some routes, ICE Sprinter trains reach speeds of 185mph (300 km/h). You’re not wasting any time getting to your destination.

Buy early and online. Buying tickets for Deutsche Bahn can definitely take place at the station, but for better prices, it’s best to book in advance (or to be under 27 years old ). If your trip is starting or ending in Germany, the easiest way to get tickets is to book online, either at the Deutsche Bahn website or using the DB Navigator app on your mobile phone. Those traveling internationally may also find Rail Europe useful in their own trip-planning.

Get a Eurail Pass. The ultimate choice for a flexible European vacation, the Eurail Pass allows you to travel in 33 countries for a set number of days based on the ticket you buy. Most trains don’t require you to make a reservation either — you can use your Eurail Pass whenever you want. For convenience, a mobile phone pass is also available and, if you lose your phone, it’s simple to get a replacement pass so your vacation won’t be stalled.

THE PERKS OF TRAIN TRAVEL

Speed. For most single-country journeys — especially in or around Germany — train travel is often equivalent or faster than flying. When you factor in showing up at the airport early, checking baggage, going through security, the flight itself, time at baggage claim, and customs lines, train travel can look downright speedy by comparison.

Sustainability. Trains today are far removed from the coal-burning steam engines of the nineteenth century. Today, all of Deutsche Bahn’s ICE, IC, and EC trains within Germany are powered by 100% renewable power, mostly from wind, solar, and hydroelectric sources. And as part of its ambitious climate goals, DB aims to be totally climate-neutral by 2040. Many of the local city-rail networks DB operates across Germany run entirely on renewable energy as well.

Comfort. Prefer to overpack? Trains let you bring as much baggage as you can carry. Like to spread out while you’re traveling? Trains offer more space than planes or buses. Picky eater? Just bring your own food and drinks on the train with you. Desperately need Wi-Fi? Long-distance ICE trains have free, unlimited Wi-Fi, and many train stations offer free Wi-Fi for an hour.

Train travel is also far quieter and smoother than traveling by bus or plane, making it that much easier for you to close your eyes, stretch out your legs, and get some much-needed shuteye. And, yes, there is air-conditioning, so you can enjoy that mid-summer travel. To sum up: Until they get around to inventing flying massage tables, trains have got to be the most comfortable way to do long-distance travel.

Affordability. While the price of oil (and therefore airfare) rises, train operators in Germany and beyond are working to reduce the costs of train travel. Deutsche Bahn now offers Saver Fares and Super Saver Fares that offer prices competitive with or cheaper than the equivalent journey’s airfare. Saver Fares include local transport at departure and destination cities, cancellation for a fee, and free travel for anyone under 15 years old who’s traveling with an adult. Super Saver Fares offer an even cheaper base rate for those comfy with no cancellation option — available from as little as €17.90 for long-distance services within Germany.

TIPS & TRICKS

Bring your ID. As we touched on above, luggage is no problem, so feel free to pack as much as you can comfortably carry. There are some essentials, though: tourists need to carry an ID recognized by Germany on their person at all times. Note: American drivers’ licenses do not count as legal ID in Germany.

Keep your essentials portable. For greater peace of mind, it’s a good idea to bring a small bag for your essential documents, money, and valuable items like jewelry or phones. That way you can easily bring it with you on your way to the bathroom or dining car.

Bring something to keep busy. While essential info is available on your ICE ride in English, onboard entertainment comes in German — you might want to load a tablet or other device with some movies and TV shows unless you speak Deutsch. Books, games, or a journal are also classic train companions, but to tell you the truth, there’s something magical about putting your headphones on and just gazing out the window at the passing landscape.

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Deutsche Bahn: Discover Germany and Europe by train!

Here you can find all offers and timetable information as well as booking options. Please select your preferred language:

• Česky Weitere Informationen: Česky
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How to buy a Deutschland Ticket

This guide explains how the Deutschland Ticket works in Berlin.

• It costs 49 € per month
• It lets you use local public transit everywhere in Germany
• It’s only sold as a monthly subscription that renews automatically
• Tourists should buy it from mo.pla or Hamburg’s hvv Switch app

How to buy the Deutschland Ticket

You can buy a Deutschland Ticket from many different apps. You can’t buy it from a ticket machine. It’s only sold as a monthly subscription. The subscription renews automatically until you cancel it.

The Deutschland Ticket always starts on the first day of the month . 4 This means that if you need a ticket from January 10 to February 5, you must pay for two full months.

I recommend mo.pla , because it accepts more payment options, and it’s the easiest to cancel. They also support Apple Wallet and Google Wallet.

You can’t use hvv Switch with foreign credit cards, even if you use PayPal. 3

For tourists

Tourists should get a Deutschland Ticket from deutschland-ticket.store . You can pay with foreign credit cards. 5 It’s the easiest option because it cancels automatically. 6 Your ticket is a QR code. You can see your ticket it in the Bconn app . It might take time to process, so buy it in advance. 2

The other option is mo.pla , because it accepts credit cards and it’s easy to cancel. Their app is only on the German app store, but you can use their web app instead. You can get a digital ticket in the app, or a printable ticket.

Other options require a European bank account or a German credit card, and their Deutschland Ticket subscription is harder to cancel.

It can be easier to buy a regular daily, weekly or monthly ticket. You can buy them from a ticket machine at the train station. You can pay with cash or credit cards.

Where to buy regular tickets

How to use public transit in Berlin

When you leave Germany, remember to cancel your subscription . The Deutschland Ticket renews automatically every month until you cancel it.

What can you do with a Deutschland Ticket?

You can… 1

• Use local public transit in all of Germany: the S-Bahn , the U-Bahn , trams, buses, ferries and regional trains (RE)
• Bring a dog for free in Berlin zones A, B and C

You can’t…

• Use intercity trains (IC, EC and ICE) or private buses and trains
• Bring other people with you for free
• Bring a bicycle with you for free
• Let someone else use your ticket

How to cancel a Deutschland Ticket

You can cancel your ticket where you bought it.

If you got your ticket from the BVG , you can cancel it on the BVG website or at a BVG service centre . If you cancel online, you must do it before the 25th day of the month. If you cancel in person, you can cancel at any time. Your ticket will stop working at the end of the month.

If you got your ticket from the Deutsche Bahn , you can cancel it on the S-Bahn Berlin website or at a Deutsche Bahn service centre . Your ticket will stop working at the end of the month.

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Explained: How can travelers benefit from Germany's new monthly train pass?

Mar 2, 2023 • 4 min read

Germany is bringing back a fixed-price public transport ticket for citizens and tourists © Getty Images

After almost a year after its wildly popular launch, Germany’s favorite train ticket is back– and open for pre-order.

BVG , Berlin’s main public transport company, launched the pre-order of the Deutschlandticket on February 20.

Many Germans consider this ticket the next step toward a more affordable and environmentally friendly culture of public transportation. It is also a great opportunity for travelers who wish to spend more time in Germany this year.

Expectations have been high since the ticket’s initially launched last year at an exceptional price of just €9. Over 52 million tickets were sold, helping Germany to reach its goal of having fewer traffic jams and lower carbon emissions. Additionally, the surge in train travel produced a huge boom in local tourism, supporting locals affected by rising energy prices throughout the country in 2022.

Although the cost of this new ticket has significantly increased this year, it is still one of the best (if not the best) offers for traveling around Germany on a budget.

What is the Deutschlandticket?

The Deutschlandticket is the successor to the successful €9 ticket introduced last summer. Starting May 1, travelers will be able to use all forms of public transportation throughout all of Germany – including buses, U-Bahns, S-Bahns, trams, and local and regional trains – for one calendar month for just €49. Despite the dramatic price increase since the 2022 launch, this ticket still costs a small fraction of what travelers and locals usually pay when traveling within and between cities in Germany.

With the Deutschlandticket, you can take as many rides as you want within a month – though it does not cover long-distance trains like the IC or ICE trains, or buses and trains from private companies like Flixbus and Flixtrain.

How can I get a Deutschlandticket?

Let’s start with the bad news. Unlike the €9 ticket, this Deutschlandticket will primarily be sold digitally as a monthly (cancellable) subscription, and won’t be transferable to friends and family. To get your hands on one, you must create an account through the DB Navigator app (from Germany’s official railway company, available for iOS and Android ) to buy one, or on any website or app of one of Germany’s regional transport entities. There is currently no information available about whether the tickets will only be available to residents of Germany. To pre-order your tickets, however, you must provide a German address and fill in a European international bank account (IBAN) number.

After your subscription is approved, you will receive your ticket digitally through the app you signed up with, allowing you to board any regional train you desire. As this is a monthly subscription, you can always cancel before the 20th of each month. For those who want to use the Deutschlandticket for only one month, I’d advise canceling the subscription one day after signing up, to put to rest worries about unintentional auto-renewals.

Remember that if you are not planning to pre-order the ticket immediately, you should purchase your subscription by the 20th of the previous month for it to be valid for the following month. For example, if you want to use your ticket from the beginning of May, acquire it before April 20. If you purchase it after April 20, it will only be valid for the subsequent month (June in this case).

How can I make the most of the Deutschlandticket?

The Deutschlandticket is primarily designed for residents in Germany – yet all travelers can benefit from it and enjoy the possibilities it offers. At the same time, keep in mind that the Deutschlandticket is not meant to be for everyone.

Travelers planning to visit the country for just a few days will unfortunately not see much upside from this offer: 24-hour tickets in Berlin cost just €8.80, and a train ride to the Berlin airport is only €3.60. However, if you plan to visit several cities across Germany or arrange day trips from any urban center, the Deutschlandticket can help you reduce your travel costs significantly.

Perhaps the best way to get the most out of your Deutschlandticket would be to combine it with an Interrail Pass . You can use the latter to travel long distances using high-speed trains, and the former to get around cities and plan nearby activities and day trips.

Thanks to the Deutschlandticket’s flexibility, you might also consider spending an entire month in Germany, exploring (slowly!) as much of the country as possible. This way, you can search for your favorite fairy-tale town , compare the Currywurst of different regions or venture off the beaten path to explore the German coastline .

This article was first published Nov 7, 2022 and updated Mar 2, 2023.

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