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The lessons from Germany’s experiment with near-free rail travel

The scheme has proved wildly popular but has also exposed the strain on public transport.

By Ido Vock

germany free rail travel

BERLIN – Since June Germans have been the subjects of a small revolution in public transport. The Social Democrat-led government, fearing an energy and cost-of-living crisis in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine , introduced a nationwide ticket costing just €9 a month, offering unlimited travel on most public transport apart from express intercity trains.

On 1 September the scheme will end. Christian Lindner, the finance minister, from the fiscally hawkish Free Democratic Party, has opposed the extension of the scheme, calling it too expensive in the long term. As such, many in the country are now asking what lessons can be learned from the three-month-long experiment in near-costless travel in the EU’s largest country.

The €9 ticket was decided on and implemented rapidly and effectively, a rarity in a country with a bureaucracy as procedural as Germany ‘s. It was wildly popular: about 38 million tickets were sold over the past three months, equivalent to about half the German population.

“The €9 ticket definitely gives women the option to feel safer when they don’t have to think about the cost of the train to get home late at night,” a friend told me.

Yet the speed of the decision meant that public transport operators had almost no notice to plan for additional capacity on the underfunded transport network. Companies including the state-owned Deutsche Bahn and local operators such as Berlin’s BVG and Nuremberg’s VAG received about €2.5bn in compensation from the government. That made up for the lost ticket revenue but did nothing to cover the cost of the extra staff needed nor the running of additional services.

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As a result, some regional lines, usually serving a succession of sleepy towns, were often filled by passengers using them for weekend trips on their subsidised tickets. “The trains were already struggling,” said Heath Brodie, a Berliner who works in the mobility industry. “They weren’t expected to ever have this kind of high sustained use.”

[See also: Europe faces a leadership vacuum ]

Initial media coverage focused on the fact that the €9 ticket offered the possibility for nationwide travel (as long as passengers were willing to put up with slow regional trains and frequent changes). Early discussion of the scheme was dominated by hysteria that young troublemakers might disrupt holidaymakers on Sylt, a posh North Sea island beloved of Germany’s great and good. That obscured the ticket’s primary utility, as a cheap way to get around local areas without worrying about fare zones, ideally instead of driving.

The extent to which the €9 ticket changed transport habits will not be known until a full study of its effects is published in November by the German Ministry for Digital and Transport. Still, available data appears to suggest that it did not change commuting habits much or lead to a significant reduction in car use. It did, however, lead to a marked increase in train travel, suggesting that the ticket was often used for leisure trips people would not otherwise have taken.

One study by the University of Potsdam linked the €9 ticket to a reduction in pollution of about 6 per cent in cities – hardly an earth-shattering decrease. However, another by the Cologne Institute for Economic Research credits government subsidies, primarily the €9 ticket, with keeping inflation as much as two percentage points lower than it would otherwise have been.

The €9 ticket provided near-free travel but many I spoke to also appreciated the simplicity and ease of use it offered. While travellers in Germany are usually required to get to grips with a confusing patchwork of different ticketing systems and fare zones that some have cheekily compared to the Holy Roman Empire, the €9 ticket was valid for all local travel everywhere in the country.

Polls suggest that two thirds of Germans would like the scheme to continue in some form, although that would bring with it further issues.

The main disadvantage of offering almost completely government-subsidised train travel is that Deutsche Bahn and other transport operators would become very largely dependent on the government for funding of their day-to-day operations and longer-term investment. For instance, ticket sales accounted for about 58 per cent of the Berlin public transport operator’s revenue in 2019. Were most revenue from ticket sales to disappear, transport companies would probably require the government to make up most of the shortfall, opening up the risk of lower spending on already underfunded railways. Funding would become even more of a political issue than it already is, constantly at risk of being cut in favour of more urgent priorities.

Germany was not the first European country to experiment with all-but-free public transport. Tallinn, the Estonian capital, has had free public transport since 2013, as has the small nation of Luxembourg. Anne Hidalgo, the mayor of Paris, has expressed support for removing fares on her city’s network. Austria offers a “climate ticket” allowing unlimited travel around the country for about €1,100 a year.

Some countries have implemented temporary subsidies in anticipation of energy shortages this winter. Spain, for instance, will make regional travel free from September for at least three months. Ironically, Germany’s scheme will expire that same month, just as the government is encouraging its citizens to use less energy over the winter.

Debate about how the €9 ticket’s legacy could be built upon abounds. Some federal states have suggested their own versions, such as a ticket costing €365 a year proposed by the conservative Bavarian premier Markus Söder, or the Berlin Social Democratic Party’s suggested €9 ticket, which would be valid in the capital’s central fare zones until the end of the year. A transport industry group has suggested a €69 monthly ticket.

To me, extending the €9 ticket for another three months seems like a no-brainer. Pleading fiscal prudence rings especially disingenuous considering the myriad subsidies Germany offers drivers . With energy prices soaring and a deepening cost-of-living crisis, any measure which saves consumers money and conserves a little fuel seems worth pursuing, at least until we have a clearer understanding of how bad this winter’s crises will be.

[See also: The UK has among the lowest number of public holidays compared to Europe ]

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Germany to introduce unlimited train travel for £1.40 a day

The digital deutschlandticket, price €49, is intended ‘to cut co2 emissions’, article bookmarked.

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Related: World’s first hydrogen trains are now running in Germany

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Unlimited travel by rail, tram and bus anywhere in Germany will cost €49 per month from some time this year – equivalent to just £1.40 per day.

The German Embassy in London announced “the digital Deutschlandticket ” on Twitter back in November 2022.

Initially it said the unlimited travel pass would be available from January. But later the embassy said: “The Association of German Transport Companies has warned that it may not be possible to roll out this ticket from January.

“Everyone is aiming to have the ticket in place asap.”

It was then rumoured that the Deutschland ticket would be available from April or May; the latest update is that it’s likely to be even later than that. No official date has been given.

The German Embassy said the €49 ticket is intended “to cut CO2 emissions and help people with the cost of living”.

The 2023 one-month ticket will cover all but the fastest trains, plus U-Bahn and S-Bahn networks in the cities. It also includes trams, most buses and even ferry services on the River Elbe in Hamburg.

While the does not cover intercity expresses, any journey across Germany is possible using slower regional express trains.

The deal is open to all, regardless of nationality, and there is no need to book in advance.

The move follows a summer 2022 experiment of offering a €9 access-all-areas ticket for each of June, July and August.

The deal worked out at 25p per day. The price was pitched so low that the ticket paid for itself on a single short journey.

It proved so popular that many trains became extremely crowded, especially at weekends. As news of the deal spread, German Railways warned passengers: “If you are returning home after a trip, do not wait until the last train as it is likely to be very busy.”

The €9 ticket ended on 31 August, and travellers have been waiting to see what might replace it.

While some users complained with the jump in price – a 444 per cent increase – the editors of Europe by Rail said “€49 is still an incredible deal”.

The ticket will be issued only for whole calendar months; a trip which straddled June and July, for example, would require two tickets.

Mark Smith, the international rail expert who runs the Seat61.com website, tweeted : “Affordable travel on regional trains in Germany, €49 per month.

“Just like in Britain, really... [ducks down and legs it, sharpish].”

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Hundreds of Flights Canceled and “Massive Disruptions” in Rail Travel Across Germany Due to Strikes

Millions of passengers have been affected by lufthansa and deutsche bahn staff strikes, which will continue into the weekend..

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A red "warn-streik" sign next to a bright yellow Lufthansa logo sign a Lufthansa ticketing counter at an airport in Germany

Lufthansa was advising travelers scheduled to fly out of Frankfurt and Hamburg airports on March 7 not go to the airport due to a strike by security staff.

Photo by Yulia Reznikov/Shutterstock

Travelers in Germany have had to navigate around a flurry of strikes during the past two days, as staff of German rail operator Deutsche Bahn and German air carrier Lufthansa have walked out over ongoing contract negotiations between the transit providers and unions.

The rail and air strikes, which are expected to continue through Saturday, March 9, already have affected millions of travelers and “crippled” the country’s air and rail systems , according to German media outlet Deutsche Welle.

In addition, a strike by security staff at Frankfurt and Hamburg airports disrupted operations on March 7. In a statement on social media site X, Lufthansa advised passengers who were scheduled to fly out of either airport on March 7 to “not go to the airport.”

Frankfurt Airport, the largest in Germany, shared its own travel advisory recommending that all Lufthansa passengers check their flight status before heading to the airport during the strike period. As of Friday, March 8, the airport was still experiencing disruptions.

“Currently there are different strikes going on, and all of them are affecting travelers in one way or another,” Jakob Wert, editor in chief of International Flight Network , a Germany-based aviation trade publication, told AFAR. “If you’re unlucky, you might get affected by three strikes in the same day. At least that was the case yesterday [Thursday] for some travelers.”

On March 7 and 8, Lufthansa was only operating about 10 to 20 percent of its normal flight schedule due to a previously announced strike by ground crew, the carrier said in a statement on X . The strike was organized by Verdi , also known as the United Services Union, a Berlin-based organization with about 2 million members; it was scheduled to run from March 6 at 8 p.m. until March 9 at 7 a.m. (local time).

State-owned rail network Deutsche Bahn, meanwhile, continues to grapple with “massive disruptions” following a 35-hour strike by GDL (Gewerkschaft Deutscher Lokomotivführer), a union of train drivers, that was scheduled to end on Friday afternoon. The train operator announced the strike on social media site X earlier this week. The strike is aimed at rail workers being able to work fewer weekly hours while still earning the same full pay in a move to ease high inflation and staff shortages in Germany, according to Reuters .

Deutsche Bahn said in a statement that it expects to resume “basic passenger transport service” as of 6 a.m., local time, on Saturday, March 9. But the rail operator also warned passengers that disruptions will likely continue across regional and local trains.

Wert, who commutes every weekday from Dusseldorf to Frankfurt, said he used Deutsche Bahn’s emergency timetable , which the rail operator created in response to strikes, to get to work on Friday morning. However, Wert was also affected by delays—marking the 16th time strikes have disrupted rail travel for him in 2024, he said—and advised travelers to rely on the emergency schedule only if they have no other alternatives. “If you have the ability to go by bus or if you have a car, I’d definitely recommend taking that,” he said.

More strikes to come

Strikes across Europe affected millions of travelers in 2023, and unfortunately for travelers in Germany, there are likely to be more on the horizon in 2024 for the country’s rail and air carriers.

Red Deutsche Bahn train on the Hohenzollern Bridge in Cologne

The Deutsche Bahn train drivers union has warned that additional strike actions could crop up with little advance warning.

Courtesy of Jonas Junk/Unsplash

GDL has stated publicly that future strikes may not receive advance notice, which could prove even more chaotic for travelers. “I’m expecting there to be much more disruption by the short notice strikes than what we currently have,” Wert said.

In addition, a union representing Lufthansa flight attendants recently voted on possible strike action, which also could affect flights in the future.

During the current strikes, many rail and air passengers took to social media, asking Lufthansa and Deutsche Bahn about what they should do in case of cancellations.

Lufthansa addressed some passenger inquiries via X, stating that it is automatically handling rebooking and repeatedly recommending that travelers use the carrier’s app or contact a customer service rep to handle rebooking instead of coming to the airport. Customer service agents were also pointing affected passengers to its website to file claims for refunds.

Deutsche Bahn, meanwhile, has a section of its website dedicated to passenger rights , with detailed information on how to fill out a claim.

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Train advice from the Man in Seat 61...

The Man in Seat 61

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A beginner's guide to

Train travel in germany.

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Train travel UK & Ireland...

Train travel in europe..., train travel in asia..., train travel in africa..., train travel in america..., train travel in australasia, inter-city train tickets from €12.90.

Deutsche Bahn (German Railways) high-speed IC and ICE trains are easily the best way to travel between major town & cities all over Germany, in comfort at ground level.  DB's ICE trains travel at up to 186 mph from city centre to city centre, and if you pre-book direct with the operator you can find some really cheap fares.

Train travel within Germany

small bullet point

International trains to & from Germany

Station guides, general train travel information, useful country information, how to check train times & buy tickets.

To check times & prices and to buy tickets in advance go to the German Railways website int.bahn.de ( on a mobile device, use this link ).

Anyone from any country can use bahn.de, all international credit cards accepted, you print your own ticket or can simply show it on your laptop or phone.

Tip:   I recommend registering when prompted, so you can log in, check all your bookings and re-print your tickets at any time.

Do you need to book in advance?

When does booking open.

Booking now opens up to 6 months ahead for German domestic tickets.

It was increased to 6 months from the previous 92 days in 2016.  However, the booking period is often less than this for dates immediately after the timetable changes at midnight on the 2nd Saturday in December.  Bookings for dates after the mid-December timetable change, including the Christmas period, usually open in mid-October.

Flexpreis or Sparpreis?

If you use int.bahn.de to book a long-distance train it initially shows the cheapest fare available against each train.

If you click on that fare, you'll then see a range of fares, Super Sparpreis , Sparpreis & Flexpreis .

Flexpreis is the full-price flexible fare.  A Flexpreis ticket can be bought online or at the station on the day of travel, the price in fact varies slightly on different dates, but not by a huge amount.  They are refundable, good for any train that day, just hop on and find any empty unreserved seat, seat reservation on long distance IC, ICE & EC trains is optional for a small extra charge, €4.90 in 2nd class, €5.90 in 1st class.

Sparpreis & Super Sparpreis fares are limited-availability advance-purchase fares, from €12.90, €19.90, €29.90, €39.90 and so on, the price varies significantly depending how far ahead you book and how popular that date, day and train is.  Spar is German for save .  Sparpreis & Super Sparpreis fares only allow travel on the specific train you book, although if your journey involves a connecting regional train you can use any regional train on the regional part of the route.  Prices vary like air fares, rising as departure approaches and the cheaper tickets are sold.  They disappear a few days before departure, leaving only the Flexpreis fare.

Super Sparpreis = no refunds, no changes.   Sparpreis fares are refundable (although for a DB credit voucher, not cash) up to the day before departure with a small fee deducted, no changes or refunds allowed from the day of departure onwards.

  • Children go free!   On DB trains, children under 6 go free, no ticket needed.  Children over 6 but aged under 15 also go free if they travel accompanied by a fare-paying adult, a great offer.  Book your tickets at int.bahn.de and it will work all this out for you.

Only one passenger name is needed

Only one name is necessary as I.D. to support a print-at-home ticket, even if that ticket covers several passengers.

If you buy hard copy tickets at a station, no name at all is needed.

Incidentally, until 2016 you had to show the credit/debit card used for the booking when using print-at-home tickets. I'm glad to say that this changed in October 2016, all you now need is a passport or other recognised ID to support a print-at-home online ticket.  You may or may not be asked for it by the conductor.

Tips for using int.bahn.de

Stopovers .  If you'd like a stopover en route, but still want a cheap saver fare from end to end, no problem.  Go to int.bahn.de and enter your start and end point, simply click Stopover , enter the place where you want to stop off, enter the number of hours stopover and off you go.  Maximum 2 days validity with a Sparpreis fare.

Alternatives to using bahn.de:   Bahn.de is one of the best train operator sites, but if for any reason you want an alternative site which can also book DB trains at DB prices, try these two:

Raileurope.com has a direct connection to DB's ticketing system so it sells the same trains, same prices, same print-at-home tickets at Bahn.de, but with a small booking fee.  It accepts all international credit cards so can be used by anyone from any country.  Raileurope.com also connects to the French, Italian & Spanish ticketing systems so can easily book multi-operator journeys such as Munich to Naples (which involves DB and Trenitalia) or Frankfurt to Bordeaux (which involves DB and SNCF).  Raileurope.com is also capable of splitting the booking to book some cross-Germany journeys (for example, Brussels to Poland) for which you'd have to manually split the booking at some logical point within Germany if you wanted to use bahn.de.

Thetrainline.com also has a connection to DB's system, so can sell print-at-home tickets (but not those which need to be posted) for DB train at the same prices as DB, but with a small booking fee.

Competing lo-cost operator:  Flixtrain

Almost all long-distance trains in Germany are operated by Deutsche Bahn (DB), the State-owned German Federal Railways.  But there is now one other long-distance operator worth mentioning.

Buy tickets by phone in the UK

If you live in the UK you can buy German train tickets direct from Deutsche Bahn on their English-speaking telesales line, 00 49 (0)30 311 68 29 04 .  Lines open 08:30-20:00 Monday-Friday, 09:00-13:00 Saturday & Sunday UK time, 1.5% fee for phone bookings.

Custom-made tours of Germany by train

Railbookers are a train travel specialist who can put together a tour of Germany for you as a package, including rail travel, hotels & transfers.  On their website you'll find a range of suggested tours & breaks which can be varied or customised to your own requirements.  And as you're booking a package, they'll take care of you if anything happens to one part of the itinerary such as a strike or delay.  They now have offices in the UK, USA & Australia.

UK flag

Tailor Made Rail can arrange tours of Germany by train, they have suggested itineraries or they can organise a trip based on your own requirements, they welcome complex itineraries!  As it's a package, they'll take care of you if anything happens on one part of the trip, for example, a national strike.  They're TTA-protected - like ATOL, but not only for agencies that sell air travel.

Call their dedicated seat61 phone line 020 3778 1461 and quote seat 61 when booking.  From outside the UK call +44 20 3778 1461.  Lines open 09:00-17:30 Monday-Friday.  Their website is www.tailormaderail.com/destinations/germany .

Back to top

DB's discount card:  Bahncard

What are bahncards.

You get the discount on German domestic journeys, and on international journeys to, from or across Germany.

However, for international journeys the discount will not normally be the full 25% or 50% as the reduction is not necessarily applied to the part outside Germany (test it before buying a Bahncard to see what actual effect a Bahncard has - see my top tip below).

Man in Seat 61's top tip:   Before buying a Bahncard, run an enquiry for the journeys you actually plan to make, using int.bahn.de (a) as normal and (b) with a Bahncard 25 or Bahncard 50 discount added.  See what it does to prices.  If you see no difference, the discount may not apply to your particular journey.  If you see a difference, do the savings justify the cost of the card?

Types of Bahncard

Each type of Bahncard can be bought for either 2nd class or 1st class.

Check prices & buy a Bahncard

Special regional tickets.

These one-day unlimited travel passes are well worth knowing about, even though they're not valid on fast long-distance trains, only on slower regional trains.  If you want a railpass valid on all trains, including high-speed and long-distance ones, see the German Rail Pass section below .

Deutschland ticket

Unlimited travel on regional transport nationwide for €49 a month

From 1 May 2023 Germany offers unlimited travel on regional transport nationwide for €49 per month.  This is the successor to the popular (but temporary) €9 ticket created after the pandemic to address the cost-of-living crisis.  Unlike the €9 ticket, the Deutschlandticket will be a permanent product.

The Deutschland ticket is good for all regional trains run by DB and by other operators across the whole of Germany ()marked R, RE, RB, IRE or S-Bahn in the timetable) and other types of local & regional transport including local buses, city buses, trams & U-Bahn.

It's even valid on the famous Harz Railway , including steam-hauled trains, but not on the branch line up the Brocken.

It's not valid on long-distance ICE & IC trains or similar long-distance trains classified EuroCity, Eurostar, TGV, Railjet, Westbahn, Flixtrain or Snälltåget.  So yes, you could cross Germany with it if you wanted, but only using slower regional trains.

The Deutschland ticket covers journeys wholly within Germany, with a few exceptions:  For example, it's valid on cross-border regional trains to/from Salzburg in Austria, to/from Venlo, Arnhem, Hengelo & Enschede in the Netherlands, to/from Basel Bad Bf & Basel SBB in Switzerland, and to/from Zgorzelec in Poland.  But remember, only on the regional trains (marked R, RE, RB, BRB and so on), not EC, RJ, RJX, IC or ICE long-distance trains or privately-run Westbahn (WB) trains.

It's valid from the 1st of the month to the end of the month :  Unlike normal passes or season ticket which can start on any date you choose, each month's Deutschland ticket is valid from the 1st of the month to the last day of the month.  So if you bought one on 30 May, that would be a 'May' Deutschland ticket valid from 1 to 31 May and you'd only get 2 days use out of it, 30 & 31 May - but it would still cost €49!

Only sold as a rolling monthly subscription :  It's aimed at commuters not tourists, so the Deutschland ticket is only sold as a rolling monthly subscription or one-off annual payment.  However, you can cancel the monthly subscription it at any time, even after paying for only 1 month, just be aware that most vendors require you to cancel before the 10th of the month to avoid paying for the following month's €49 Deutschland ticket.  Most vendors require payment by direct debit, a few allow payment by credit card.

Children : As it's aimed at commuters, there's no child version and no provision to add children to your account.  However, a child can travel on an adult ticket (just not the other way around).  If you want to buy Deutschland tickets for yourself and your children, use RMVgo app at sites.rmv.de/en/deutschlandticket , the Rhein-Main Lander, because this (unlike other Landers' apps) allows one person to open an account and buy Deutschland tickets for multiple people including children, with a credit card in one transaction.  The catch?  It may not accept non-German addresses, my correspondent had to use the address of his German hotel but successfully bought tickets for himself and his kids.  Feedback would be appreciated .

If you only want a Deutschland ticket for one month to enjoy a one month's unlimited travel on regional trains across Germany, buy a Deutschland ticket before the 10th of that month by setting up a monthly credit card payment.  Then make sure you cancel the subscription before the 10th of that same month to avoid paying for the following month.

How to buy a Deutschland ticket:

Don't bother trying to use the German Railways (DB) website www.bahn.com to buy a Deutschland ticket as it only accepts payment by direct debit and setting up a direct debit with a non-German bank account results in an error message.  #fail!

The easiest way for foreign visitors to buy a Deutschland ticket is to buy from Bremen area transit authority VBN using their FahrPlaner app because (a) it accepts payment by credit card, (b) it's in English, and (c) it has no problem with overseas users, overseas addresses or UK postcodes.  #result!

Step 1, download the FahrPlaner app for iPhone or MFahrPlaner app for Android (please let me know if those links stop working).

Step 2, the app should open in English.  Click the menu icon top left and go to Tickets .  Then select Deutschlandticket.

Step 3, click the red PROCEED TO LOGIN button at the bottom.  Then click Sign up for free and register, it lists most countries including United Kingdom and United States and has no problem with UK postcodes.

Step 4, select Credit Card and buy your Deutschland ticket.

This is a rolling subscription which you can cancel at any time.

You show the Deutschland Ticket as a QR code in the app on your phone.  Easy!

If you only want one Deutschland ticket for one month, buy it before the 10th of the month then cancel your subscription also before the 10th of the month.  That prevents payment being taken for the following month.

To cancel the subscription, you must open the order confirmation email they sent you when you bought it and click on the cancellation link.  You cannot cancel your subscription from the app.

If you have children, you'll need to use the RMVgo app instead, see the paragraph about children above.

Quer-durchs-Land-Ticket

Unlimited regional off-peak train travel, €44.

The Quer-durchs-Land-Ticket ( Day Ticket for Germany ) gives a day's unlimited travel from 09:00 weekdays or from 00:00 Saturdays & Sundays, until 03:00 the following morning on all regional & regional-express trains (RE, RB, IRE, S-Bahn) throughout the whole of Germany.

The first traveller pays €44, each additional passenger pays just €7 to be added to the same ticket, up to a maximum total of 5 passengers.

You can't use fast IC, ICE or EC trains, only slower regional trains, so a long-distance journey which could be made on a fast direct IC or ICE train could be very slow and involve several changes if made using purely regional trains.  But it can be a very cheap way to go, especially if you haven't been able to book a cheap advance-purchase ticket for an ICE or IC train.

For more information, see int.bahn.de/en/offers/regional/day-ticket-germany .

To buy a ticket online and print it out yourself, see int.bahn.de/en/offers/regional/day-ticket-germany .

Alternatively, these tickets can be bought on the day of travel from the self-service ticket machines at German stations, although it costs €2 more if you buy from a staffed counter.

Lander tickets

Bayern ticket, schönes-wochenende-ticket :  discontinued, railpasses for germany, interrail germany pass:  click to check prices & buy online, german rail pass, maps of the german rail network, what are german trains like , intercity express (ice).

InterCity Express high-speed trains, usually known as ICE, are German Railways' front-rank trains, travelling at up to 200 km/h (186 mph, ICE3), 280 km/h (175 mph, ICE1 & ICE2) or 250 km/h (155 mph, ICE4).  They have 1st & 2nd class, a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  More about ICE trains .

InterCity trains (IC)

InterCity trains travel at up to 200 km/h (125 mph), usually using a locomotive and conventional carriages.  Some InterCity trains cross borders into neighbouring countries and these may be classified EuroCity (EC) rather than InterCity.  Power sockets at all seats, and usually some sort of refreshment service.  More about IC trains .

A German Intercity train at Amsterdam Centraal .

2nd class seating on an Intercity train.  Larger photo .

Regional trains

Regional trains are shown as R, RB, RE and so on, where RE is a faster regional express.  Some are operated by Deutsche Bahn (DB, German Railways), others are outsourced to private operators such as Abellio, Metronom, Erixx, but still run as part of the national network with tickets sold by DB at int.bahn.de .  They come in many different shapes and sizes, some single-deck, some double-deck.  No  catering, so bring your own food & drink.  No seat reservation necessary or possible, you sit where you like.

Sleeper trains

There are several German domestic routes where a sleeper is an option.  These are now run by ÖBB (Austrian Railways) and branded Nightjet:

Düsseldorf, Cologne, Koblenz < > Munich, see the Nightjet page .

Hamburg, Hannover < > Munich, see the Nightjet New Generation page .

Seat numbering plans : Click here

Travel tips.

Language problems?

First-time visitors often think this will be a problem, but it hardly ever is.  At stations, signs are usually in English as well as German, or they use easy-to-understand pictograms.  On-train announcements on long-distance trains are often made in English as well as German.

Food & drink on German trains

Most long-distance trains have at least a bistro car serving tea, coffee, wine, beer & snacks from a counter, with some tables nearby if you'd want to eat and drink in the bistro car rather than take it back to your seat.  See sample ICE bistro menu .  Many German long-distance trains have a proper sit-down waiter-service restaurant car.  In first class on ICE you'll often be asked if you want to order food or drink, and it will be brought and served at your seat.

Alternatively, feel free to bring your own food and drink (even a bottle of wine, if you like) onto the train, there's no rules against that on the rails.

Luggage on trains

There are no baggage fees or weight limits, and you don't check your bags in, you simply take them with you onto the train, placing them on the racks at the end of each car or amongst the seats, or above your head.  It's usually possible to keep all your bags in sight.  More information about luggage on trains .

Should you reserve a seat or not?

Reserving a seat is optional on most German trains.  You can add a reserved seat to your booking for €4.90 in 2nd class, €5.90 in 1st class. 

If you don't reserve, you simply sit in any empty unreserved seat.  Small LED displays above each seat show which seats are reserved between which stations, and which seats are free.  Travelling alone, middle of the day, mid-week in February, you'll have plenty of seats to choose from.  But a family group, travelling on a Friday afternoon in July would be well advised to reserve seats.  And for any long journey it's best to be on the safe side and reserve. 

You can make a seat reservation separately (i.e. after buying your ticket) by going to int.bahn.de , clicking in the from or to field to open the parameters panel, set up an enquiry and run it by clicking Book seat only .

On the seat reservation display for each seat:

ggf. reserviert - this means the train's on-board reservation system hasn't been updated with the latest information from the main DB reservation system.  Usually all of the seats show this message if this happens.  Seat reservations are still valid, but cannot be shown on the LED displays, so you can sit in these seats but you could be asked to move if someone shows up with a reservation.

ggf. freigeben - this is a last-minute reservation seat.  You can sit in it if you like, but will have to move if someone shows up with a reservation.

bahn.comfort - travellers holding a frequent traveller BahnCard have priority for these seats. You can sit in these seats but someone with a BahnCard may show up and claim it.  Though how they'd know you didn't have a BahnCard and so ask you to move is another question!

Schwerbehinderte means that seat is reserved for people with disabilities.

First class lounges at stations

There are lounges for holders of certain types of first class ticket at Berlin, Bremen, Dresden, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt Main Airport, Hamburg, Hanover, Cologne, Leipzig, Mannheim, Munich, Nuremberg, Stuttgart. Follow the signs to the DB Lounge .  They're typically open 07:00-21:00 daily, search int.bahn.de for details.  The lounges offer complimentary tea, coffee, soft drinks, beer & snacks.  Unfortunately, only holders of expensive 1st class Flexpreis tickets get lounge access, you don't get access with 1st class Sparpreis or Supersparpreis fares or 1st class Interrail or Eurail passes.

Left luggage at stations

All German stations except the smallest have left-luggage lockers in various sizes, up to suitcase-sized.  More information on left luggage lockers & prices .

Bikes can be carried on all German trains if semi-dismantled & placed in a bike bag, they then travel as ordinary luggage. 

Undismantled bikes are carried on most suburban & regional trains, you need a Bicycle Day Ticket ( Fahrradtageskarte ) which you can buy online at int.bahn.de (use the site search to find it) or at stations for a few euros.

Undismantled bikes are also carried on most InterCity trains , ICE-T & ICE4 trains for a fee as these have been fitted with bike racks, prior reservation required.  Undismantled bicycles are not carried on high-speed ICE trains other than ICE-T & ICE4 .

To find a train that takes bikes, go to int.bahn.de , click in the from field to open the details panel and select Bicycle transport possible .

To book yourself and your bike on a train in Germany, go to int.bahn.de , click in the from field to open the details panel, click on Passenger, bicycles and add a bicycle to the booking.  For more information, see the bicycles by train page .

Dogs & pets

Dogs can be taken on all German trains, sometimes free, sometimes for a small fee.  For more information, see the dogs & pets page .

Places not served by the main rail network

Neuschwanstein, Germany's fairytale castle:   See details here .

Eagles's Nest:   See details here .

Take a good guidebook.  For independent travel, the best guidebook is either the Lonely Planet or Rough Guide.  Both guidebooks provide an excellent level of practical information and historical and cultural background.  You won't regret buying one!

Buy in the UK from Amazon.co.uk

Or buy in the usa from amazon.com.

Or buy the Lonely Planets from the Lonely Planet website , with shipping worldwide.    Alternatively, you can download just the chapters or areas you need in .PDF format from the Lonely Planet Website , from around £2.99 or US$4.95 a chapter.

Tours of Germany by train

Railbookers, railbookers.co.uk.

If you want to tour Germany by train, with all your train reservations and hotels sorted for you, contact rail travel specialists Railbookers and they'll create the best rail holiday for you, hassle-free.  They take good care of their clients and get a lot of repeat business.  They have offices in the UK, USA & Australia.

Tailor Made Rail, tailormaderail.com

Tailor Made Rail can arrange tours of Germany by train based on your own requirements, they welcome complex itineraries.  As it's a package, they'll take care of you if anything happens on one part of the trip, for example, a national strike.  They're TTA-protected - like ATOL, but not only for agencies that sell air travel.

Recommended hotels

Here are my suggested hotels conveniently located for arrival by train in key German cities, all with good or great reviews.  You are unlikely to be disappointed by any hotel scoring over 8.0 out of 10 on Booking.com .

In Frankfurt

If you walk out of Hamburg Hbf's main eastern exit, you'll find a row of good hotels lined up in front of you on the opposite side of the Kirchenallee.  The pick of these is the excellent 4-star Hotel Reichshof Hamburg , across the road and to the left with art deco-based design and great reviews.  It has its own restaurant for lunch or dinner, although I'd still be tempted to try the beer & traditional German food at Nagel's bar, 150m south along the Kircheallee, restaurant-kneipe-hamburg.de .

The Hotel Europaischer Hof is another good choice and directly in front of you across the road when you walk out of the station.  Other hotels next to Hamburg Hbf with good reviews include the 5-star Hotel Continental Novum (to the right of the Europaischer), Hotel Furst Bismarck (to the right of the Continental Novum), and the Hotel Atlantic Kempinski .

If you'd prefer a hotel right in the city centre, the Henri Hotel Hamburg Downtown is 5 minutes walk from the station on the city side, and gets really great reviews.

If you're on a budget, private rooms in the A&O Hotel start at around £33 for one person or £49 for two people booked at www.hostelworld.com .  The A&O is an 11-minute 900m walk south of Hamburg Hbf, see walking map .  Also try the innovative Cab20 capsule hotel , a 550m 6-minute walk from the station, see walking map .

Affordable hotels right next to Munich Hbf with good or great reviews include the reliable Eden Hotel Wolff or the NH Collection München , both directly across the road from the station's north side exit, ideal for an overnight stop between trains.  I've used the Hotel Wolff myself.

Also consider the more upmarket 25 Hours Hotel The Royal Bavarian , Excelsior by Giesel or Mercure München City Center , all a stone's throw from the station with great reviews.

If you want to push the boat out, the luxurious 5-star Sofitel Munich Beyerpost is right outside the station's south side exit, located in the former Royal Bavarian Post Office building dating from 1896-1900.  It comes complete with a spa with massage service and sauna.

If you're on a budget, the Wombat's Hostel Munich is close to the station's south side exit with private rooms & dorm beds, with good reviews.

Booking.com for hotels

I generally use Booking.com for hotels for 3 reasons:

(1) It keeps all my hotel bookings together in one place;

(2) I've come to trust Booking.com 's review scores;

(3) Booking.com usually offers a clearly-marked Free cancellation option.

Free cancellation means you can secure hotels risk-free even before trains open for booking, and if necessary change those bookings if your plans evolve.

If I'm only staying a night or two, I look for a hotel near the station to make arrival & departure easy.  You can enter the station name (e.g. Berlin Hbf ) as search location.  If staying longer, I look for a hotel close to the sights, entering the name of a city attraction as the search location, then using map view.

AirBnB:  Airbnb.com

www.airbnb.com began in 2008 when two designers who had space to share hosted three travellers looking for a place to stay.  AirBnB is a platform which connects hosts with guests, so you can now book a room in people's homes, or an apartment, flat or house which people want to rent out.  It can be nicer than a hostel, cheaper than many hotels.

Backpacker hostels: Hostelworld.com

www.hostelworld.com :  If you're on a tight budget, don't forget about backpacker hostels.  Hostelworld offers online booking of cheap private rooms or dorm beds in backpacker hostels in Paris and most other European cities at rock-bottom prices.

Travel insurance & other tips

Always take out travel insurance.

You should take out travel insurance with at least £1m or preferably £5m medical cover from a reliable insurer.  It should cover trip cancellation and loss of cash & belongings up to a reasonable limit.  These days, check you're covered for covid-19-related issues, and use an insurer whose cover isn't invalidated by well-meant but excessive Foreign Office travel advice against non-essential travel. An annual policy is usually cheapest even for just 2 or 3 trips a year, I have an annual policy with Staysure.co.uk myself.  Don't expect travel insurance to bail you out of every missed connection, see the advice on missed connections here .  Here are some suggested insurers, I get a little commission if you buy through these links, feedback always welcome.

US flag

Get an eSIM with mobile data package

Don't rely on WiFi, download an eSIM with a European mobile data package and stay connected.  Most newer mobile phones can download a virtual SIM including iPhone 11 & later, see device compatibility list .  There's no need to buy a physical SIM card!  Maya.net is a reliable eSIM data retailer with a 4.5 out of 5 Trustpilot rating and a range of packages including unlimited data .

Get a Curve card for foreign travel

Most banks give you a poor exchange rate then add a foreign transaction fee on top.  A Curve MasterCard means no foreign transaction fees and gives you the mid-market exchange rate, at least up to a certain limit, £500 per month as I write this.  The money you spend on your Curve card goes straight onto one of your existing debit or credit cards.  And you can get a Curve card for free.

How it works:   1. Download the Curve app for iPhone or Android .  2. Enter your details & they'll send you a Curve MasterCard - they send to the UK and most European addresses.  3. Link your existing credit & debit cards to the app, you can link up to two cards with the free version of Curve, I link my normal debit card and my normal credit card.  4. Now use the Curve MasterCard to buy things online or in person or take cash from ATMs, exactly like a normal MasterCard. Curve does the currency conversion and puts the balance in your own currency onto whichever debit or credit card is currently selected in the Curve app.  You can even change your mind about which card it goes onto, within 14 days of the transaction.

I have a Curve Blue card myself, it means I can buy a coffee on a foreign station on a card without being stung by fees and lousy exchange rates, just by tapping the Curve card on their card reader.  The money goes through Curve to my normal debit card and is taken directly from my account (in fact I have the Curve card set up as payment card on Apple Pay on my iPhone, so can double-click my phone, let it do Face ID then tap the reader with the phone - even easier than getting a card out).  I get a little commission if you sign up to Curve, but I recommend it here because I think it's great.  See details, download the app and get a Curve card , they'll give you £5 cashback through that link.

Get a VPN for safe browsing.  Why you need a VPN

When travelling you may use free public WiFi which is often insecure.  A VPN encrypts your connection so it's always secure, even on unsecured WiFi.  It also means you can select the geographic location of the IP address you browse with, to get around geoblocking which a surprising number of websites apply.  See VPNs & why you need one explained .  ExpressVPN is a best buy with a 4.7 out of 5 Trustpilot ranking which I use myself - I've signed up as an ExpressVPN affiliate, and if you go with expressvpn.com using this link you should see a special deal, 3 months free with an annual subscription.  I also get some commission to help support this site.

Carry an Anker powerbank

Tickets, reservations, hotel bookings and Interrail or Eurail passes are often now held on your mobile phone.  You daren't let it run out of power, and you can't always rely on the phone's internal battery or on being near a power outlet.  I always carry an Anker powerbank which can recharge my phone several times over.  Buy from Amazon.co.uk or Buy from Amazon.com .

Touring cities?  Use hill walking shoes!

One of the best things I've done is swap my normal shoes for hill-walking shoes, in my case from Scarpa.  They're intended for hiking across the Pennines not wandering around Florence, but the support and cushioning for hiking works equally well when you're on your feet all day exploring foreign cities.  My feet used to give out first and limit my day, now the rest of me gives up before they do!

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Travel Europe on a Budget

The Savvy Backpacker

City Guides .\33 a132798-3f3b-4585-954d-7e70cf863447{fill:#231f20}

Germany train guide – how to travel germany by train.

How to travel Germany by train — tips for buying German train tickets and advice for navigating Germany by rail.

Transportation

germany free rail travel

Germany has one of Europe’s greatest rail networks. The trains are fast, frequent, and famous for being punctual. As an added bonus, it’s very easy to book German train tickets online no matter where you’re from. So keep reading because in this Germany Train Guide we’ll cover everything you need to know about traveling through Germany by train—from navigating the system to buying train tickets for the cheapest price.

How To Buy German Train Tickets

germany free rail travel

Buying German train tickets is fairly painless since Germany’s rail system’s website is logical and it accepts payments from international credit cards without any hassle. There are also other ways to save (booking early, special tickets, etc.) that we’ll cover below.

Travel Tip: Most train tickets in Germany are now electronic so having reliable high-speed data for your phone is super helpful when traveling by train. Here are a few articles I’ve written to help you get cheap mobile data in Germany:  Guide To Mobile Data Plans and Smartphone Phones in Europe , and  How To Buy A SIM Card and Mobile Data Plans in Europe .

Where To Buy German Train Tickets

Here are a few places to buy train tickets:

Omio (Recommended)

Omio is a search engine that lets you compare and book trains anywhere in Europe. It allows you easily book tickets with your credit card at essentially the same prices as the Deutsche Bahn website — there is a very small service charge.

Additionally, Omio searches routes for multiple rail services across Europe so it’s great for international trips (since it can easily combine rail journeys of multiple countries).

Train tickets sold via Omio are electronic—simply show the conductor the ticket on your phone (you can also print the ticket if you wish).

TrainLine (Recommended)

TrainLine is another third-party booking site that connects directly to Germany’s National Rail Network and it gives you the same prices you’d find there. They also take international credit card payments without any hassle.

Additionally, it searches routes for multiple rail services across Europe so it’s great for international trips (since it can easily combine rail journeys of multiple countries).

Train tickets sold via TrainLine are electronic — simply show the conductor the ticket on your phone (you can also print the ticket if you wish).

Buying German Train Tickets via Deutsche Bahn—aka the German Rail System

You can buy German train tickets directly through Germany’s national rail system — Deutsche Bahn (www.bahn.de). It accepts most international credit cards and tickets can be sent to you electronically or printed at home.

While rare, sometimes you might encounter some translation issues when using Deutsche Bahn—which is why I prefer using Omio or TrainLine .

NOTE: German train tickets can be purchased about six months in advance.

Buying German Train Tickets At The Train Station

You always have the option to buy your train tickets from any train station in Germany. Every train station will have automated ticket machines and ticket windows. All the machines have an English-language option and most employees staffing the ticket windows will speak English.

DO I NEED TO BUY GERMAN TRAIN TICKETS IN ADVANCE?

Germany trains - ice trains

Long-Distance Trains

Yes. For high-speed/long-distance trains in Germany, you should book early to get the best price—fares rise as the departure date approaches. For example, a ticket purchased on the day of travel can cost 3x-4x the price as one bought a month or two in advance.

These high-speed trains include InterCity Express (ICE), ICE Sprinter, InterCity (IC), Eurocity (EC).

Germany Train - Regional Trains

Regional Trains

No. These trains have a fixed price based on the distance traveled. Simply show up at the station, buy your ticket, and hop on the train. These trains are obviously slower and you’ll have more connections. However, you can book them via the Omio or TrainLine app simply for the convenience of not needing to buy them at the station.

Types of German Train Tickets

Germany train tickets - types

There are two standard ticket types:

  • Sparpreis:   Sparpreis is a budget ticket that’s valid for a specific route (i.e. it’s not flexible). There is also a first-class version that has the same limitations but you get a few extra perks like nicer seats, more legroom, and access to a nice lounge in large stations — sometimes the first-class and second-class tickets are virtually the same prices so treat yo self.
  • Flexpreis: The Flexpreis is a full-price ticket but it offers a lot more flexibility — it’s valid on any train of the day and you can cancel the ticket before the day of travel. It’s also a lot more expensive.

HOW TO COLLECT YOUR TRAIN TICKETS

germany free rail travel

All digital and printed tickets have a QR code that the conductor will scan when they check tickets on the train. It’s super easy.

  • Digital Tickets: You can download the ticket as a PDF and save it to your smartphone, tablet, or laptop. This is the easiest way.
  • Print: You can also print the PDF.
  • DB Navigator App: You can have the ticket loaded to your DB Navigator app.
  • Print at the Station: Most of the time you can print your ticket at the station. You’ll be given a code that you type into the ticket machine and it will print there. You can also go to the customer service counter.
  • By Mail: Yes, you can get printed tickets mailed to you at an extra cost — I think it’s around €5 and takes a while to arrive.

Tips For Using German Trains

Germany train - Departure Board

First, we recommend getting to the train station about 20 minutes early so you can find your train platform in plenty of time — by the way, there is no check-in… you simply get on the train. Most are easy to navigate but it’s best to play it safe. Also, if you’re printing a ticket at the station you should leave more time because there can be lines to use the machines.

Once you have your tickets sorted, look at the departure board. This will tell you where to find your train. Pay attention to the board as the platform can sometimes change. Don’t worry if you don’t see your train on the board because they may not list it until it’s closer to departure time.

After you’ve found the platform, use the signs in the station to locate the train. Almost everything should be in English and most Germans speak excellent English.

When the train pulls you’ll want to find your correct car if you have assigned seats (if not, just sit in any non-reserved seat). Each train car will have a number on it so it’s easier to find the car while outside the train than to walk through the train to get to your car. From here, all you gotta do is find your seat.

There is plenty of luggage storage on the train—both above/behind the seats and in the luggage racks at the end of the cars.

Eventually, the conductor will come by to check your tickets.

Rail Passes for Germany

Another great thing about German train travel is that rail passes can actually be a pretty good deal. That’s because they don’t require rail pass users to make reservations — even on the expensive high-speed trains (the exception is overnight trains). So all you gotta do is hop on any train and go.

Check out Eurail.com for the various rail pass options.

Eurail Pass Vs Single Tickets: What’s Cheaper?

Germany Train - Rail pass

So what’s a better deal—a Eurail pass or single tickets. Well, it depends…

First, you need to look at the per day/per ride cost of the pass — i.e. divide the total cost of the pass by the number of rides it gives you. If you go to Eurail they do a pretty good job of breaking down the per-day price. So, in the image above, a pass that gives four travel days in a month costs $58 (€50) per travel day.

From here you need to estimate how much a single ticket would cost.

The price of a single ticket will vary greatly based on when you buy it and the travel distance. So let’s take a look at a Munich to Berlin ticket.

Rail Travel - Tickets early

If you buy this ticket four months in advance the price is around €30-€40. So this is quite a bit cheaper than the pass.

Train tickets Germany - single tickets

If you buy tickets one month in advance the prices are still fairly affordable at €40-€54. This ends up being a little cheaper or about the same as the pass.

Germany train tickets - late

However, when you book less than a week in advance the price skyrockets to well over €50 so a pass is a way better deal.

In conclusion:

Single tickets are almost always cheaper if you buy them a few months in advance but you lose out on flexibility as you have to ride that specific train. Rail passes usually end up being a better deal if your plans aren’t set in stone as you can choose what trains you take on a whim. So we recommend visiting  Eurail  to see what passes might work for your trip and then do some simple math comparisons.

More Rail Pass Considerations

  • 28 & Older: If you’re 28 and over then you’re required to buy a first-class rail pass. This does jack the price up a good amount so it’s less of a deal when compared to 2nd-class single tickets.
  • German Rail Twin Pass:  When two people travel together they get a 50% discount on the second pass (this is good for both 1st and 2nd class passes). You’ll have to travel on the same train because you’re only given one pass with both your names on it.

More Tips For Riding Trains in Germany

  • The Departures Board:  You’ll find your train platform via the departure board at the train station. Don’t worry if you don’t see your train because they often only display trains departing within the next 10-20 minutes.
  • Self-Service Machines Are In English:  Don’t worry if you don’t speak German because the ticket machines (and train station signs) are all in English.
  • DB Navigator App: Download Deutsche Bahn’s official app to book tickets, check timetables, and do other helpful stuff.
  • Download The Rail Planner App:  There are a number of rail apps but we like the  Eurail App  — it essentially has the timetables/info for every train in Europe and it doesn’t require an internet connection.
  • Cheap Tickets Are Non-Refundable:  One downside to cheap tickets is that they’re non-refundable and there is a fee to change (but you can’t do it on the day of travel).
  • Pack A Picnic:  You’re allowed to bring your own food and alcohol on trains. It’s great for those long train rides.
  • Luggage:  There aren’t any weight limits on luggage and you can bring as much as you want (well, as much as you can carry). Simply bring it on and store it above your head, behind your seat, or in the luggage racks in each car.
  • Making Connections:  Your trip might require you to change trains along the journey. Don’t worry if there isn’t much time between trains as switching trains are usually fairly quick and easy (it’s not like flying).
  • Get To The Train Station Early:  Train stations are usually fairly easy to navigate but they can be a little confusing.
  • Changing Stations: Some routes might have you switch train stations in a city to make the journey — pay attention to this because stations are usually far apart.

More Articles About Traveling In Germany

germany free rail travel

  • Berlin City Guide : What to do, see, and eat in Berlin.
  • Best Hostels in Berlin : The best cheap places to stay in Berlin.
  • How To Choose The Best Travel Insurance : Travel insurance will help cover those non-refundable train tickets if something goes wrong during your trip.
  • Packing List For Europe Travel : Tips on packing light — which makes train travel much easier.
  • How To Buy Train Tickets In Germany : In-depth guide to buying Germany train tickets.
  • Recent Posts

James Feess

  • Fashion Advice: How to Avoid Looking Like An American Tourist In Europe - February 20, 2024
  • How To Purchase Train Tickets for Europe | Strategies For Buying European Train Tickets - February 16, 2024
  • Complete Guide To Train Travel In Europe | How To Travel Europe By Train - February 15, 2024

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Germany is filled with interesting destinations, like the dynamic capital Berlin, the enchanting Neuschwanstein Castle, or major cities like Cologne, Hamburg, or Munich. You can also explore the dense forests, mountainous regions, river valleys, or sea coast. In short – Germany has it all.

Train types in Germany

The German railways are run by Deutsche Bahn. You can check train times on the Eurail train timetable  or on the DB website .

  • Domestic trains
  • International trains
  • Night trains
  • Scenic trains
  • Private trains

Germany map major rail connections

Your Eurail Pass can also be used on several  railway companies in Germany .

Regional and intercity trains in Germany

Suburban trains that run within most major cities.

No reservations required.

Regional Express (RE)

Connections between regional towns and larger cities. Frequent stops.

Regional Bahn (RB)

Connections across all local towns. Slower than Regional Express trains.

Interregio-Express (IRE)

Connections between Germany’s regions.

InterCity and Eurocity (Express) (IC, EC, and ECE)

Domestic and international connections between major cities. Frequent stops.

High-speed trains in Germany

InterCity Express ( ICE )

Connects major cities and travels at speeds of up to 320 km/h (200 mph).

Includes an on-board restaurant.

1st class may have extra benefits, like newspapers and power sockets.

Reservations optional (but recommended during busy periods).

  • Frankfurt/Munich/Stuttgart/Freiburg to France. 
  • Reservations optional for trips within Germany. 
  • Reservations required for trips to France.

International high-speed trains in Germany

  • Frankfurt – Paris/Brussels/Amsterdam/Zurich
  • Stuttgart – Paris
  • Hamburg – Zurich
  • Dortmund/Berlin – Vienna
  • Berlin – Innsbruck
  • Frankfurt – Amsterdam
  • Frankfurt – Brussels
  • Frankfurt – Paris (Reservations compulsory all year round)
  • Frankfurt – Paris/Marseille
  • Munich/Stuttgart/Freiburg - Paris
  • Frankfurt – Bordeaux. Running on Saturdays 08 July – 26 August
  • Freiburg – Bordeaux. Running on Saturdays 01 April – 02 September
  • Reservations optional for trips within Germany
  • Reservations compulsory for trips to France
  • Dortmund – Düsseldorf – Cologne – Brussels – Paris 
  • Reservations are compulsory 
  • Operated by red coloured former Thalys trains
  • Munich – Salzburg/Vienna/Budapest
  • Munich – Innsbruck – Verona/Bologna/Venice (From Spring 2024)
  • Reservations are mostly optional, and compulsory when travelling to Hungary

International conventional trains in Germany

EuroCity Express (ECE)

  • Munich – Zurich
  • Frankfurt – Milan

EuroCity (EC)

  • Hamburg – Zurich/Interlaken 
  • Bochum – Klagenfurt 
  • Rostock/Hamburg/Berlin – Prague – Budapest 
  • Berlin – Gdynia/Warsaw (Reservations compulsory)
  • Berlin – Wroclaw – Krakow – Przemysl (Reservations compulsory)
  • Frankfurt – Munich – Salzburg – Ljubljana – Zagreb 
  • Munich to Venice, Verona and Bologna (Italy) 
  • 1st class: €15 
  • 2nd class: €10

InterCity (IC)

  • Hamburg – Copenhagen
  • Berlin – Amsterdam
  • Hamburg – Zurich (part of the NightJet)
  • Amsterdam – Cologne – Frankfurt – Zurich (part of the NightJet)
  • Stuttgart – Zurich

Train stations of bordering countries

With a Eurail pass valid in Germany you can travel to the following train stations of countries that border Germany:

Basel (Switzerland) 

Salzburg (Austria)

Domestic night trains in Germany

ÖBB Nightjet  (these trains continue or/and start abroad)

  • Düsseldorf – Cologne – Frankfurt – Nürnberg – Munich/Passau
  • Hamburg – Hannover – Nürnberg – Munich/Passau
  • Hamburg – Hannover – Frankfurt – Freiburg – Basel
  • Berlin – Leipzig – Frankfurt – Freiburg – Basel
  • Dresden – Leipzig – Frankfurt – Freiburg – Basel

International night trains in Germany

Snälltåget night train

  • (Dresden –) Berlin – Hamburg – Copenhagen Örestad – Malmö – Stockholm

SJ Euronight   (EN)

  • Berlin – Hamburg – Copenhagen Airport – Malmö – Stockholm 

ÖBB NightJet  (NJ and EN)

  • Munich – Florence – Rome
  • Munich – Verona – Milano – Genoa - La Spezia 
  • Stuttgart – Munich – Udine – Venice 
  • Hamburg – Basel – Zürich 
  • Hamburg – Linz – Vienna 
  • Hamburg – Munich – Innsbruck 
  • Hamburg – Nuremberg – Vienna 
  • Amsterdam – Düsseldorf – Linz – Vienna 
  • Amsterdam – Düsseldorf – Cologne – Innsbruck 
  • Amsterdam – Düsseldorf – Cologne – Basel – Zürich 
  • Vienna – Munich – Paris/Brussels
  • Berlin – Halle – Erfurt –Paris/Brussels
  • Prague/Berlin – Leipzig – Basel – Zürich

EuroNight Metropol (EN)

  • Berlin – Dresden – Prague – Bratislava – Budapest

EuroNight Chopin (EN)

  • Munich – Salzburg – Vienna – Krakow – Warsaw

EuroNight Kálmán Imre  (EN)

  • Stuttgart – Munich – Salzburg – Vienna – Budapest

EuroNight Lisinski  (EN)

  • Stuttgart – Munich – Ljubljana – Zagreb

EuroNight Opatija  (EN)

  • Stuttgart – Munich – Opatija – Rijeka

European Sleeper  (ESL) 

  • Prague and Dresden from 25th March

Scenic train routes in Germany

Black Forest Line

  • Offenburg to Konstanz, through the Black Forest and small villages.

Rhine Valley Line

  • Koblenz to Mainz, through the German wine country.

Elbe Valley Line

  • Dresden to Czechia, along the Elbe river in Saxon Switzerland.

Neckar Valley Line

  • Stuttgart to Heidelberg, along the picturesque Neckar river.

Mosel Valley Line

  • Koblenz to Trier, small towns and wine along the Mosel river.

Private railway companies in Germany 

Popular connections.

  • Domestic routes
  • International routes
  • Ferry routes

In Germany it's not mandatory to have a seat reservation on the ICE trains. However, we recommend you to buy a seat reservation, especially if you're traveling in a group. This way you can not be asked to leave a seat, which might happen if you don't have a reservation. We'll explain more about reservations in Germany a bit further down on this page.

View approximate train travel times between Germany's key cities with high-speed ICE trains.

International ferry connections to and from Germany

You can also travel to and from Germany by ferry. Get a discount on specific routes with a  Eurail pass .

Finland – Germany Sail with  Finnlines  from Rostock or Travemünde to Helsinki (Finland). Get a 30% discount with Eurail passes.

Poland – Germany Sail from Rostock to Gdynia with Finnlines and get 30% off with Eurail passes.

Sweden – Germany Travel from Travemünde to Malmö (Sweden) with Finnlines. Get a 20% discount with Eurail passes.

Reservations

Eurail reservation self-service system

  • IC, EC, ECE, ICE, TGV, RailJet, Eurostar, Nightjet, EuroNight

Administration costs when booking through Eurail self-service

  • € 2,- p.p.per train
  • Additional € 9,- per order (for paper tickets)

With railway carriers

  • IC, EC, ICE, RailJet
  • Book ICE and TGV to France through our  self-service  or via  Rail Europe
  • RailJet, IC, EC, ICE, Nightjet, EuroNight
  • Eurostar, TGV to France, European sleeper and some Nightjet trains
  • Westbahn (Private Railway) : Only international Westbahn trains 
  • +46 40-669 62 00 or [email protected]
  • SJ (Swedish Railways) : Only Berlin – Stockholm Euro Night
  • European Sleeper:  Only European Sleeper trains, international
  • ÖBB Nightjet : Only Nightjet and some Euro Night trains

Other platforms

  • ICE to France, Eurostar, and TGV

By calling Deutsche Bahn

  • By clicking the link above you'll find yourself on the DB contact page. There are phone numbers for English, French, Danish, Italian, Dutch or German speaking customer service representatives.

An explanation of how each booking platform works can be found here:  How do I book my reservations

Locally at the train station in Germany

  • At the DB ticket machines at the station

Good to Know

Which trains in Germany require reservations?

No reservations:  Regional (RE, RB, IR).

Optional (but recommended during busy periods):  InterCity (IC) / ICE / EuroCity (EC) / ECE (Eurocity Express). €4,90 2nd class and €5,90 1st class.

  • Only international trains to/from Switzerland do not have mandatory reservations. 
  • Required: All night trains, fees depend on destination and type of seat/bed booked.

Required:   Supplement  Eurocity (EC) trains to/from/within Italy. Optional for routes that don't start, end or run through Italy.

The ICE Paris-Frankfurt train has a limited amount of seats for Eurail Pass Holders. Our advice is to book this train well in advance, especially if you plan to travel in high season (May to September).

Eurostar trains are popular and therefore, usually sell out quickly. Make sure to get your seat reservation in time. Alternatively, find trains without seat reservations in our timetable by toggling on the ‘no reservation needed’ button.

Get your Pass for Germany

German rail pass.

Germany is not available as a Eurail One Country Pass. If you only want to travel in Germany, check out the German Rail Pass.

Standard prices from $ 167

Global Pass

Be free to visit Germany along with the other 32 Eurail countries.

Standard prices from $  211

Tips and tricks for Germany

Quick facts.

Capital: Berlin

Population: 81.1 million

Language: German

Currency: Euro (EUR)

Dialing code: +49

Spelling of city names

On German train timetables and at train stations in Germany, you'll usually find the local spelling of German cities and stations.

Here is the local spelling of some popular German cities:

Hannover = Hanover

Cologne = Köln

Munich = München

Nuremberg = Nürnberg

German hub stations

Germany's main hub stations are  Berlin Hbf, Köln Hbf  (Cologne),  München Hbf  (Munich), and  Frankfurt Hbf . At these train stations, it's possible to connect to trains to Germany's main cities and many international destinations.

Station facilities

Stations in Germany usually have excellent facilities, often including:

Luggage lockers

Foreign exchange desks

Restaurants and cafés

Tourist information offices

ATM cash machines

Elevators and escalators

Access for disabled passengers

Get around with the S-Bahn

Eurail Pass holders can travel for free on the S-Bahn (suburban metro railways) networks that DB operates in major German cities. The S-Bahn can be recognized by its logo (a white S on a green background).

Ferry buses to and from Germany

Free bus travel (reservation only) is an extra benefit of the German Rail Pass. Travel from Germany to Italy, France, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and many more countries.

See all Pass benefits in Germany

Get inspired

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Change of currency

You cannot change the currency once you have a Pass in your cart. Remove the Pass, and then change the currency on the website header.

Germany to face travel chaos with rail, airport strikes to resume

German train drivers' union gives statement on wage negotiations

Reporting by Rachel More; editing by Matthias Williams and Bernadette Baum

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Dutch employees of chipmaker NXP Semiconductors will go on strike on March 12 to demand higher pay, union FNV said on Friday.

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Public transport included for UEFA EURO 2024 match ticket holders

Thursday, October 19, 2023

Article summary

Climate-friendly public transport in and around all ten host cities in Germany will be on offer for all match ticket holders during the final tournament at no extra cost.

Article top media content

Public transport will be available to UEFA EURO 2024 match ticket holders at no extra cost

Article body

UEFA has signed an agreement with the association of the German transport companies VDV (Verband Deutscher Verkehrsunternehmen) for a 36-hour travel pass (36-Stunden-Fahrkarte) available to fans with match tickets at the final tournament, which will be played across ten host cities in Germany from 14 June to 14 July 2024.

The agreement means that every match ticket holder will be entitled to a 36-hour travel card to use on public transport in and around the ten host cities at no extra cost from 06:00 on the relevant matchday until 18:00 on the following day. Fans will be able to travel sustainably using climate-friendly public transport without having to buy any additional tickets. Depending on the host city, the VDV expects around 70% of stadium attendees to use public transport when travelling to and from the stadium.

The travel card will include public transport at no extra cost in all of the ten host cities and surrounding areas. Match ticket holders will be informed on how to obtain the 36-hour travel pass ahead of the tournament.

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Thousands of flights and trains will be canceled again this week in Germany with new strikes

FILE - A Lufthansa aircraft is parked at the airport in Munich, Germany, Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024. Two German unions on Monday again called on their members — German airline Lufthansa's ground staff and German rail operator's Deutsche Bahn train drivers — to go on strike this week following ongoing negotiations over wages and working conditions. Thousands of flights and trains are expected to be canceled Thursday and Friday — the two days that German train drivers’ union GDL and Ver.di called for the strikes. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader, File)

FILE - A Lufthansa aircraft is parked at the airport in Munich, Germany, Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024. Two German unions on Monday again called on their members — German airline Lufthansa’s ground staff and German rail operator’s Deutsche Bahn train drivers — to go on strike this week following ongoing negotiations over wages and working conditions. Thousands of flights and trains are expected to be canceled Thursday and Friday — the two days that German train drivers’ union GDL and Ver.di called for the strikes. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader, File)

ICE trains are parked outside the central station in Frankfurt, Germany, Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024. Two German unions on Monday again called on their members — German airline Lufthansa’s ground staff and German rail operator’s Deutsche Bahn train drivers — to go on strike this week following ongoing negotiations over wages and working conditions. Thousands of flights and trains are expected to be canceled Thursday and Friday — the two days that German train drivers’ union GDL and Ver.di called for the strikes. (AP Photo/Michael Probst)

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BERLIN (AP) — Thousands of flights and trains are expected to be canceled again this week in Germany after two unions on Monday called for more strikes over wages and working conditions.

Negotiations continue for ground staff of German airline Lufthansa and German rail operator’s Deutsche Bahn train drivers. German train drivers’ union GDL and Ver.di called for the strikes Thursday and Friday.

Around 200,000 air passengers will be affected by the two-day strike, according to an initial estimate by the Lufthansa Group, meaning that around 1,000 flights per day will be canceled as during previous strikes , German news agency dpa reported.

The strike on long-distance and regional train services begins at 2.00 a.m. (0100GMT) on Thursday and will affect millions of travelers. According to GDL, the strike is set to last until 1 p.m. Friday. In freight transport, the strike will begin on Wednesday at 6 p.m. (1700GMT) and is scheduled to last until 5 a.m. Friday.

In addition to pay raises, GDL has been calling for working hours to be reduced from 38 to 35 per week without a pay cut, which Deutsche Bahn has refused.

FILE - The Olympic rings are set up at Trocadero plaza that overlooks the Eiffel Tower in Paris on Sept. 14, 2017. A major French union is warning of possible strikes in the public sector, including at hospitals, during the Paris Olympics. The general secretary of the CGT tells France Info media that the union will give notice of a possible strike in public services during the Games, which are held in July-August. (AP Photo/Michel Euler, File)

The Ver.di union seeks a 12.5% pay raise, or at least 500 euros ($542) more per month, in negotiations for nearly 25,000 Lufthansa ground workers including check-in, aircraft handling, maintenance and freight staff.

Coinciding contract negotiations have resulted in several recent walkouts in the rail , air and local transport sectors in Germany.

germany free rail travel

My Life In Germany

My Life in Germany

All you need to know about studying, working, and living in Germany

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Train in Germany – A Comprehensive Traveler’s Manual

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Moving to Germany or new in Germany? Check out our Resources Page for all the help you need!

When it comes to exploring the heart of Europe, there’s no better way than hopping on a train in Germany. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about train travel in Germany. From booking your ticket to understanding the train types and other insider tips , we’ve got your back. So, grab your ticket, and let’s embark on a train adventure in Germany!

Table of Contents

Train companies in Germany

Germany has a diverse railway industry with several train companies operating both domestically and internationally. 

Deutsche Bahn is the national railway company of Germany and one of the largest train operators in Europe. It covers a wide range of train types and routes, from high-speed journeys between major cities to regional travel within different states.

Besides Deutsche Bahn, you can also find private train operators in Germany such as FlixTrain, NordWestBahn, HKX (Hamburg-Köln Express), LEO Express, and others. They offer alternative options for rail travel, fostering competition.

Read also:  Free Credit Card in Germany – Top 5 For Travel and Cashback

Different types of trains in Germany

Regional trains in germany.

Germany has a super well-connected web of regional trains that pretty much covers the entire country. Locals use them for daily commutes, and tourists use them to explore different places. Regional trains are not the flashy high-speed ones but do a fantastic job connecting smaller places. 

Depending on where and when you’re traveling, regional trains can run every half-hour or hour . But in quieter areas, they might not show up as often.

These trains can look different – some are single-deck, while others have two decks. They’re either run by Deutsche Bahn (DB) or sometimes by other companies. But you can usually buy tickets for all of them on the  DB website .

Many regional train stations have ramps and elevators to make it easy for passengers with disabilities. These trains also like to partner with other forms of public transport , like trams, buses, and subways. It’s like a one-ticket-fits-all deal, making it convenient to move around cities and regions.

There are different types of regional trains in Germany:

The S-Bahn is the most frequent type of regional train, and it can show up as often as every few minutes .

Think of S-Bahn trains as the city’s commuter buddies. They can cover quite a distance, but they’re mainly for folks living in big cities . These trains basically connect the downtown hub with the suburbs and nearby spots .

Back when I lived in a big city like Munich or Berlin, I used the S-Bahn all the time. But when I moved to the suburbs , I ditched the S-Bahn (unless I had to travel to the big city from the suburbs). People in the suburbs find it easier to get around on bikes, by car, or just walking inside their smaller towns.

You can also use the S-Bahn for trips between big cities sometimes, but it stops at a lot of places along the way and isn’t the speediest option.

Read also:  Living in Germany – Big City vs. Small Town

Regional Bahn (RB)

This is similar to S-Bahn. They stop a lot and mostly cover short trips within one state or region . They have fewer stations than the S-Bahn.

Regional Express 

There are 2 types of regional express: InterRegio-Express (IRE) or Regional-Express (RE) . IRE is the fastest regional train. They only stop at a few stations and usually travel longer distances. RE trains are slower than IRE and they are stopping at more stations.

If you’re going between big cities in the same region , you can choose to use the regional express. It will be faster than if you do so with a S-Bahn. 

U-bahn is very similar to S-Bahn with the exception that U-bahn mainly operates within the city . S-Bahn connects the city with its suburbs and neighboring towns and it covers longer distances.

U-Bahn trains also have more frequent stops within the city center . They run mainly underground in the city centers and have very frequent service .

IC or ICE trains in Germany

Ice trains in germany.

ICE stands for “ InterCityExpress .” These are very fast trains run by Deutsche Bahn (DB). People love them because they’re fast, comfy, and have cool stuff on board. 

ICE can run  up to 300 kilometers  per hour on some routes. That means you can cover big distances between major cities in no time .

When you hop on an ICE train, you’re in for a comfy ride . The seats are roomy, there are power outlets to charge your gadgets, and some even have Wi-Fi. Plus, there’s usually a restaurant or a bistro car where you can grab a bite to eat.

You can use ICE trains to travel between big cities in Germany. But ICE trains don’t just stick to Germany. You can use them to explore other neighboring countries too. 

 ICE trains are also user-friendly to people with disabilities . There are spots for wheelchairs, accessible restrooms, and staff who can lend a hand.

ICE Sprinter

The ICE Sprinter is a premium high-speed train service operated by Deutsche Bahn. It is similar to ICE and can reach speeds of up to 300 kilometers per hour, covering long distances between major cities within Germany and internationally .

The difference between ICE and ICE Sprinter trains is that ICE Sprinter trains make fewer stops compared to the regular ICE services. This allows passengers to reach their destinations more quickly, making it a preferred choice for business travelers and those seeking shorter travel times.

IC trains in Germany

IC means InterCity and it is also run by Deutsche Bahn. IC trains are very similar to ICE trains but they are not as fast (up to 200km/ h) . Similar to ICE, they often have amenities like power outlets, restrooms, and sometimes dining or bistro cars, depending on the route. IC trains primarily connect major cities within Germany .

The primary difference between IC and ICE trains is their speed. ICE trains are high-speed trains that can travel significantly faster than IC trains. ICE trains usually provide more frequent service between major cities. And they offer more modern amenities and a higher level of comfort compared to IC trains.

IC trains are often used for regional and domestic travel within Germany , while ICE trains are favored for both domestic and international journeys, including connections to neighboring countries.

EC trains in Germany

EuroCity , often shortened to EC, is your way to smoothly travel between different countries in Europe . 

When you step into an EC train, you’ll find it quite cozy. On some routes, you might even get dining cars or onboard food service , adding a touch of convenience to your journey.

EuroCity trains run at a speed of up to 200km/h . They connect you to a bunch of fantastic European cities, from Germany to Italy, Austria, and beyond. 

Night trains in Germany

Night trains in Germany offer a unique and convenient way to travel long distances while combining rest and transportation . Deutsche Bahn used to offer night train services called City Night Line (CNL). But it has been discontinued since 2016.

However, you can find other night train providers in Germany. For example, ÖBB Nightjet or EuroNight (EN) connects Germany with various European destinations.

Many modern night trains offer comfortable sleeper compartments with beds, private bathrooms, and other amenities. Some also have dining cars or onboard catering services. 

A few years back, I hopped on the night trains. It was pretty awesome. I could catch some sleep during the ride. And by the time I woke up, bam, I was at my destination. No time was wasted, and it was way comfier than taking a plane too.

Other privately run trains

In addition to the trains operated by the national railway company Deutsche Bahn, there are also privately run train services in Germany. 

For example, FlixTrain, NordWestBahn, HKX (Hamburg-Köln Express), LEO Express, etc. These services may connect major cities and offer alternative options for travelers.

Price of train tickets in Germany

There are different types of train tickets in Germany. If you go to the  Deutsche Bahn website , you will find the different types below.

Super Sparpreis

This means super saver . You can save a lot of money by choosing this type of ticket. However, no cancellation is allowed and the ticket is only valid on your selected train . City ticket is not included in this type of ticket, meaning that you cannot travel free of charge on public transportation to get to your departure station or from your destination station.

There are also Super Sparpreis Young and Super Sparpreis Senior . These are discounted tickets for people under 27 years old and over 65 . 

This is saver fare . You can cancel with a 10 EUR cancellation fee . The ticket is only valid on your selected train but a city ticket is included .

These are flexible tickets and you can cancel free of charge . It is not limited to specific trains and city ticket is also included.

Group saver fares

If you are traveling in a group of 6 people or more , you can get this discounted ticket . It is only valid on your selected train with seat reservation included.

Regional offers

You can use this in local transport like IRE, RE, RB, and S-Bahn. You can get a day ticket for 1 to 5 people .

How to Buy Train Tickets in Germany

When it comes to buying train tickets in Germany, you’ve got some different options.

Different ways to buy train tickets in Germany

Mobile app:.

Grab tickets using the  DB Navigator app . It’s like your travel sidekick, letting you manage your trip and even flash your ticket as a mobile PDF . Super handy for your train travels on the move.

Hop onto the  Deutsche Bahn website   to peek at train schedules and prices, and secure your tickets well ahead. It’s mobile-friendly. Plus, you can also use online booking services like Omio or Trainline to buy your tickets.

Vending Machine:

Find a touchscreen ticket machine at the station. They’re usually card-friendly and make ticket-buying a breeze.

Staffed Ticket Counter:

If there’s a ticket counter hanging out at the station, you can swing by and grab your tickets there. They’re usually cool with credit cards . Just watch out for queues during rush hours .

When you’re buying your ticket, you can choose between riding first class or second class . You can also decide if you want to pay extra for a seat reservation. 

Most online tickets pop up as mobile tickets, which you can show to the conductor on your phone . But if you go old-school and buy a physical ticket at the station, remember to validate it unless there’s already a specific time printed on it.

Can I buy a train ticket on the train in Germany?

Starting from January 1st, 2022, buying tickets from train attendants on long-distance trains is a no-go .

But no worries!

For those long-distance trips, like ICE and IC/EC trains, you can use the DB Navigator app and book a ticket up to 10 minutes after the train has departed. Just make sure there’s more than a 10-minute gap between your boarding station and the next train station.

Do I need to buy train tickets for my children?

Good news for parents! Small children aged 5 and under can ride Deutsche Bahn trains for free. But if you want them to have their own seat, you’ll need to pay for that.

Children aged 6 to 14 can also ride for free, but they’ve got to ride with someone who is 15 or older. Don’t forget to reserve extra seats if you need them. Once they turn 15 years old , it’s the regular adult fare.

Should you buy train tickets in Germany in advance?

In Germany, booking train tickets ahead of time isn’t always a must, especially for local and regional trains. Here’s a simple guide:

Local and regional trains:

Usually, you don’t have to book tickets in advance for these trains. You can buy them at the train station just before your trip. These trains run frequently in specific areas and usually don’t fill up.

Long-distance/ high-speed/ international travel:

If you’re taking long-distance or high-speed trains like ICE (InterCity Express) or IC (InterCity), especially during busy times, it’s a good idea to book ahead. These trains can get crowded , and booking early often gets you cheaper tickets . Plus, it’s smart if you want a specific seat.

In a nutshell, while it’s a good idea to book ahead for certain train trips in Germany, it’s not a must for local and regional travel. Germany’s railway system often has special deals, discounts, and saver fares for early birds. These can save you money, so it’s worth checking for these if you have a fixed travel date.

Getting a BahnCard in Germany

A  BahnCard is a popular subscription-based discount card offered by Deutsche Bahn. It offers two main types with varying discounts:

BahnCard 25 :

  • Provides a 25% discount on flexible fares and saver offers for long-distance travel.
  • Available for both second class and first class.

BahnCard 50 :

  • Offers a 50% discount on flexible fares and 25% on saver offers for long-distance travel.

Additionally, there are Trial BahnCards available for a three-month trial period , providing immediate savings.

For younger travelers between 6 to 26 years old , there are also My BahnCards available, which are cheaper than the regular BahnCards.

BahnCards can be ordered online and provide discounts on train travel in Germany. You can cancel a BahnCard up to six weeks before the end of the validity period.

Please note that prices and conditions may change, so it’s a good idea to check the  Deutsche Bahn website  for the most up-to-date information on BahnCards and their benefits.

Rail pass for trains in Germany or Europe

The Interrail Pass is like a magic ticket that lets you travel around Europe by train. You can either really get to know one country or explore several countries by train (choose from 33 different countries!).

There are two types of passes: the  Interrail One Country Pass and the  Interrail Global Pass . 

The One Country Pass lets you travel around just one country for 3 to 8 days within a month . Prices start at EUR 54. The Global Pass, on the other hand, allows you to explore 33 European countries from 4 days to 3 months . Prices start at EUR 194.

You can use the Interrail pass if you are a resident of Europe, Turkey, or Russia. Remember, though, that some fast trains and night trains need reservations , and these aren’t included in your pass.

If you are residing outside of Germany and want to explore the entire country by train? In that case, you can use the German Rail Pass as it offers unlimited travel on German trains and select routes in Italy, Belgium, and Austria. Check more details  here .

Regional offer to travel by train in Germany

Germany offers various  regional travel options  for exploring its beautiful regions using local transport. Here are some of the key regional offers:

Regional Day Ticket for Bavaria

  • Also called Bayern-Ticket
  • Travel throughout Bavaria for one day
  • Valid on all local and regional trains, transport association services , and nearly all buses in Bavaria.
  • Not valid on long-distance trains (ICE, IC)
  • Available for up to 5 people.
  • Prices start from EUR 27.
  • No exchange or cancellation is possible
  • Ideal for exploring Bavaria’s attractions

Day Ticket for Germany

  • Also called Quer-durchs-Land-Ticket 
  • Travel across Germany on regional services for a day.
  • Suitable for groups of up to 5 people .
  • Prices start from EUR 44 .
  • Perfect for day trips across the country.

 Deutschland-Ticket

  • Also called D-Ticket
  • Conveniently travel throughout Germany with a single ticket.
  • Available for just EUR 49 per month by subscription.
  • Provides access to local transport networks . (not valid in ICE, IC/EC)
  • Monthly cancellable

These regional offers make it easy and affordable to explore Germany’s diverse regions and enjoy its cultural events and attractions.

Train in Germany – seating class

Wondering if you should buy a First Class ticket on DB trains? Well, whether you’re headed to Berlin, Munich, or Cologne, First Class is where the magic happens. 

It’s got ample luggage storage, quiet spaces, power sockets, seat reservations, extra comfy seats, at-seat meals, free daily newspapers, unlimited free WiFi , and access to first-class lounges (where available).

In case you’re wondering, Second Class is pretty good too, but it doesn’t offer all these extras.

When it comes to seating in First Class, DB trains typically have two or three First Class carriages. With First Class, you can sit at a table for four or two seats side by side. Plus, there are options for solo travelers, including single seats with their own tables and seats facing each other for pairs .

Since we were traveling with 2 small kids this summer, we booked the First Class ticket. It wasn’t a lot more expensive and I would definitely recommend it for long-distance travel as it is more comfortable.

Should you reserve a seat when traveling with a train in Germany?

Reserving a seat on long-distance train journeys can significantly enhance your travel experience, providing several advantages. 

It allows you to select your preferred seat on many Deutsche Bahn trains, ensuring you find a comfortable spot. You can make seat reservations well in advance, up to six months before your journey, offering flexibility and convenience. The cost of seat reservations starts at just  4.90 Euros , making it an affordable option for travelers seeking added comfort.

It’s good to know that seat reservations are valid for single journeys, including all connecting trains . However, if you’re traveling on a train with mandatory reservations, seat reservations for connecting trains are not included free of charge.

Besides, free seat reservations are available to first-class passengers with tickets for specific long-distance (ICE, IC, EC) trains.

Train in Germany – traveling with children

Traveling with kids in Germany is family-friendly and budget-conscious. Little ones under 5 can travel for free with Deutsche Bahn. And kids aged 6 to 14 can also ride at no cost when accompanied by someone 15 or older.

Deutsche Bahn trains offer  family areas  with child-friendly spaces, accommodating up to five people. You can reserve seats in these areas for a small fee to ensure your family stays together. 

Families with babies and toddlers up to age 3 can make use of the Deutsche Bahn family compartments , complete with stroller storage, play areas, bottle warmers, and changing tables.

When booking tickets, specify the number and ages of your children. If you have a larger family with children between 6-14 years old, check out the DB family ticket . It allows up to eight children on one ticket.

Feel free to bring a stroller, but opt for a compact, foldable one , and check the platform information to board the train efficiently. 

My kids like traveling by train in Germany

Traveling by train in Germany with kids is a convenient and enjoyable experience. I have just made it with my two kids this summer (3 and 6 years old). 

We paid a little more to have a seat reservation in the first class and got our own table . Our kids played with their toys on the table and enjoyed the scenery during the trip. The two hours flew by fast.

What happens if you miss your train in Germany?

If you have lived in Germany for a while, you probably know that train delay in Germany is very common . We honestly don’t take a train in Germany very often as we usually just drive. But when we did, we always encountered some kind of delay.

Coming from Hong Kong where metro/ trains are almost always on time, it was hard for me to understand why trains in Germany often have such delays. 

So, why are trains in Germany often delayed?

Trains in Germany often run late for a few reasons. Sometimes, there are problems with the train tracks or the trains themselves . Bad weather , like heavy snow or storms, can also mess things up and make trains late. When lots of people are trying to get on and off the train, especially during busy times , it can slow everything down.

Technical stuff like train breakdowns, accidents at railway crossings, or issues with signals can cause delays too. If there aren’t enough train staff , like conductors or maintenance workers, that can mess with schedules. Sometimes, sad things like suicides or accidents on the tracks happen, and they need time to get sorted out.

Planned track changes, maintenance, or upgrades can also lead to delays. Plus, since there are lots of freight trains sharing the tracks with passenger trains, delays in freight train operations can affect the passenger trains.

What to do if your train is delayed?

So, what happens if your train’s delayed or canceled, or you miss your connecting train? Let’s break it down:

Getting Money Back for Delays:

If your train is super late, like more than an hour behind schedule, you can get some cash back. It’s 25% of what you paid if it’s 60 minutes late and 50% if it’s over 120 minutes late . This goes for nighttime travel too.

Changing Your Mind:

Imagine your train is running seriously late, over an hour. You’ve got options. You can cancel your trip and get all your money back. Or, if you’ve only used part of your ticket, they’ll refund what you didn’t use . 

Season Ticket Folks:

For those with season tickets, here’s the deal. If your train is over an hour late, you could get some money back. The exact amount depends on your ticket, but it won’t be more than 25% of what you paid for your season ticket.

Plan B for Travel:

Sometimes, the train people don’t tell you what to do when your train is mega late, within 100 minutes of when it should’ve left. In that case, you have the right to find another way to continue your journey, like using a different train company or even a bus . They’ll cover your reasonable expenses.

Sleeping at a Hotel:

If your train gets so delayed that it’s impossible to finish your trip on the same day, and they don’t sort out a place to crash for you, don’t worry. They’ll cover the cost of a hotel or some other way to rest up, like up to €120.

Seat Reservation Refunds:

Sometimes, because of the delays, you can’t sit in the seats you reserved. Ask for your reservation fee back, and they’ll sort it out for you.

Raising Concerns:

If things go wrong, like a big delay, make sure to speak up. File a complaint within three months of what happened, although some companies might still listen up to a year later.

What is train splitting in Germany?

My train was split.

When I was in Germany for the first time, I had a bit of a train adventure. I didn’t speak German, and I thought my train was taking me directly to where I wanted to go.

But about halfway into the journey, everyone on the train suddenly stood up and started walking off. I had no clue what was happening, so naturally, I followed them. This left me feeling totally lost and not sure what my next move should be.

As I stood there looking confused on the platform, a friendly woman noticed me. I tried to tell her where I was headed, but we couldn’t really communicate because of the language barrier.

She seemed to suggest that I should run to the front of the train , which was pretty puzzling to me. I mean, why would I need to get back on the same train but with a different carriage? It didn’t add up.

Feeling unsure of what to do, I remained on the platform, watching as my train departed without me. I ended up waiting there for about 30 minutes until the next train arrived , which I could then board. It was during this time that I finally understood what I should have done in that situation.

Why trains in Germany can split?

“Train splitting” in Germany is when a single train that initially had only one final destination splits into multiple parts, each going to a different end stop . It might sound a bit puzzling, so let me break it down for you:

Imagine there’s a long-distance train starting in City A, with its ultimate goal being City D. However, this train also makes stops in City B and City C along the way.

Now, at one of these stops, let’s say City B, the train physically divides into two or more sections . One part keeps on driving toward City C, and the other part continues its journey to City D.

So, what does this mean for passengers?

Well, folks who originally got on the same train may suddenly find themselves on different train parts, each going to a separate final destination.

Why do they do this, you ask?

It’s all about efficiency! Train companies can efficiently serve multiple cities along a route without needing a bunch of separate trains.

Therefore, next time, if you go on a train that splits, make sure you know which carriage you should go to . Otherwise, you could end up at the wrong destination!

What is Hauptbahnhof?

A”Hauptbahnhof” in Germany is like a super important train station in a city. These places are where you catch all sorts of trains, from speedy ones to slow local ones, and even trains to other countries.

Hauptbahnhof is pretty cool because you can do lots of stuff there. You can buy tickets, grab a snack, do some shopping, or just hang out while waiting for your train.

I often forget that all shops are closed on Sunday during my first year in Germany. When that happened, I would head to Hauptbahnhof to do my grocery shopping. Yes. There are big supermarkets such as Edeka there and they are still open on Sunday.

Besides the shopping, Hauptbahnhof is usually located right in the heart of the city. And you can often catch buses, trams, or subways from there too. Trains are constantly coming and going, so you won’t be twiddling your thumbs for long. 

The difference between Hauptbahnhof and the regular everyday train station, which we call “ Bahnhof ,” is that Bahnhof is smaller and more local . They’re still crucial for getting around in smaller areas. But they’re not as massive as the Hauptbahnhof.

Train stations at airports in Germany

Many major airports in Germany are well-connected to the country’s extensive railway network, and they have train stations located directly at or within close proximity to the airport terminals. These train stations provide convenient access to various cities and regions in Germany. 

Airports in big cities like Frankfurt, Munich, Berlin, Düsseldorf, etc. are connected directly with train stations. Besides these airports, many other airports in Germany also have train stations or convenient rail connections

When we went to Germany this summer, we flew into Frankfurt . From there, we hopped on a train to my parent-in-law’s place near Düsseldorf. We picked Frankfurt because it has direct flights from the US , which means no layovers.

Plus, the train station at the airport made things super easy. When you plan your travel, you can also consider choosing a big airport with lots of flight options and then just catch a train to where you want to go. 

Read also:  Germany Travel Tips: Getting Around

Train in Germany – Bringing your bike

Traveling with your bicycle in Germany is a great way to get around in an eco-friendly manner. You can bring your bicycle on most regional, IC, and EC trains, as well as on selected ICE routes.

If you’re planning to take your bike on a long-distance train journey, you’ll need two things: a long-distance bicycle ticket and a reservation for your bicycle. Remember to book these ahead of time because they’re super important for taking your bike on the train.

Now, for regional trains , it’s a bit different. You can simply get a flexible bicycle day ticket from ticket machines, at the train station’s DB travel center, or online. These trains don’t have reservations for bike storage, but you’ll need your bicycle ticket and a valid train ticket.

Keep in mind that how you bring your bike on board can vary depending on where you are in Germany. Different regions have different rules, and there may be restrictions during busy times, like rush hours. So, it’s a good idea to check out the specific info for the area you’ll be traveling through on the Deutsche Bahn website.

When it comes to booking your bike space on long-distance trains, it’s a smart move to do it well in advance, especially if you’re traveling during peak times. You can actually reserve your bicycle space up to six months ahead of your trip.

Usually, you’ll find the bicycle compartments in second-class carriages, and your reservation details will tell you which carriage to head to. Just remember, there’s no special locking system for bikes on trains, so bringing your own lock can be a smart move to keep your bike safe.

Tips for travelling by train in Germany

Here are some important things to know when traveling by train in Germany:

Carry Your ID : Always bring an ID that’s valid in Germany . 

Quiet Carriages : Some trains have quiet carriages where noise and phones are a no-no. It doesn’t cost extra to sit here.

Connecting Trains : Changing trains can save you money sometimes. Connections are usually easy, but give yourself at least 30 minutes for transfers, especially if you’ve luggage.

Food & Drink : Trains often have a bistro with drinks and snacks. You can also bring your own food and drinks, even a bottle of wine!

Luggage : There are no baggage fees or weight limits. Take your bags on board and put them on racks or above your seat . It is also good to know that many train stations have lockers to store your bags while you explore.

Pets : Small pets like house cats can travel free on German trains if they are in an appropriate carrier . Larger dogs need a half-priced ticket . Dogs traveling outside carriers must be leashed and muzzled.

Ticket Validation : Always buy and validate your train tickets. Machines are usually at the station. If you don’t, you might get a fine.

Toilets : Trains in Germany have bathrooms you can use.

WiFi : Most trains have WiFi. It’s free if you’re in first class, but you might have to pay a bit if you’re not.

Remember, plan your trip, follow the rules, and enjoy your train journey through Germany’s pretty landscapes!

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Rail Europe Press Corner

Rail Europe introduces innovative protection plan for travellers

germany free rail travel

Berlin, Germany – 6 March 2024 –  Rail Europe is excited to announce the launch of an innovative protection plan for train ticket bookings made on its website. Tailored for non-flexible and semi-flexible tickets – across all rail providers, currencies, and countries - this new feature is aimed at providing travellers with peace of mind throughout their train journeys across Europe.

Previously, customers seeking to take advantage of discounted fares offered by non-flex and semi-flex tickets were unable to receive refunds in case of trip cancellation due to unforeseen events. By opting for the newly introduced protection plan, travellers now have the option to do so regardless of the fare conditions and seek assistance from Rail Europe’s customer care service when required, thus saving precious time and money in the process. This protection plan further reinforces Rail Europe's commitment to providing unparalleled customer service and support to travellers worldwide.

"We are pleased to introduce this special protection plan for non-flex and semi-flex tickets to our customers. At Rail Europe, we understand the importance of providing travellers with maximum flexibility and support throughout their journeys. Our Customer Care team tirelessly works on making travellers’ journeys as seamless and simple as possible. With this initiative, we aim to further elevate the customer experience, setting a new standard of excellence in the travel industry," said Jürgen Witte, Chief Product Officer of Rail Europe.

With Rail Europe platform, every individual traveller gain access to an unparalleled range of rail travel options, making it easy to navigate Europe's rich rail geography.

The protection plan is now available on Rail Europe’s website, www.raileurope.com . For more information about the terms and conditions applying to Rail Europe's protection plan for non-flex and semi-flex tickets, please visit: https://www.refundable.me/

About Rail Europe

Rail Europe is the global reference brand for European train booking. We have been the trusted partner of the travel industry and train operators for 90 years. Our rail expert teams provide technology solutions and customer care services to +15,000 partners in more than 70 countries. International travellers who want to travel by train easily throughout Europe can also book their travel directly through our state-of-the-art train booking website and app. Our catalogue of products focuses on 200 rail providers such as SNCF, SBB, Eurostar, Trenitalia, Italo, DB, Renfe, ÖBB, SNCB, NS, OUIGO Spain and National Rail, and rail passes including the Swiss Travel Pass and Eurail Passes. We sell around 5 million European train tickets every year. Our offices are around the globe and we are headquartered in Paris.

Press contacts

Justine Rohée

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Trisha Aswani

[email protected]

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Germany braces for fresh rail, air travel strikes

Germany braced for more travel misery after unions on Monday called for renewed walkouts at Lufthansa and rail operator Deutsche Bahn, amid escalating rows over inflation-busting pay rises.

Lufthansa ground staff will stage a two-day strike from Thursday, the powerful Verdi union announced, accusing management at the airline group of showing "no willingness" to come up with an improved offer.

The stoppage would impact passenger services from 0300 GMT on Thursday until 0610 GMT on Saturday, Verdi said.

Some 200,000 air travellers would be affected, Lufthansa warned.

The strike call comes less than a week after ground staff at Lufthansa's technical support and aviation training units downed tools. That walkout, however, did not affect passenger travel.

A one-day strike by Lufthansa ground staff in Germany last month already affected some 100,000 passengers, with between 80 and 90 percent of the airline's commercial flights grounded.

Verdi's chief negotiator Marvin Reschinsky said it was "regrettable" that passengers would again see their travel plans disrupted.

"By ignoring our request to negotiate, Lufthansa is telling us that it will only move when the pressure increases further," he said.

Verdi is seeking pay rises of 12.5 percent for the workers it represents, or a minimum of 500 euros ($542) more a month.

Lufthansa has offered pay increases over an extended period but not enough to meet Verdi's demands, the union has said.

The airline's human resources chief Michael Niggemann said Lufthansa had repeatedly improved its offer and accused Verdi of "deliberately seeking escalation instead of a solution".

The next round of negotiations will take place on March 13 and 14.

Germany, Europe's largest economy, has been hit by a spate of strikes across varying sectors in recent months, including transport, the civil service and supermarkets.

Pinched by inflation over the last years and in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, workers are demanding higher wages to cope with shrinking purchasing power.

The GDL train drivers union added to the tensions on Monday by announcing a strike wave after negotiations with Deutsche Bahn over higher pay and a shorter work week broke down.

Talks with management "have failed", GDL boss Claus Weselsky told a press conference.

The first strike would last for 35 hours and begin at 1700 GMT on Wednesday for cargo services and at 0100 GMT on Thursday for passenger rail, he added.

- 'Stubborn and selfish' -

The GDL union is pushing for a salary hike to help train drivers cope with higher living costs, despite also demanding a reduced working week of 35 hours, down from 38 hours.

Deutsche Bahn says it has made concessions amounting to up to 13 percent more pay, as well as the option of cutting the work week by one hour from 2026.

"The first strike will last for 35 hours so everyone in the country can feel what we are talking about," Weselsky said, adding that further strikes would follow.

"We are starting a so-called wave of strikes," he said, which will be announced "when we think the time is right" and no longer 48 hours in advance as has been the case in the past.

As a result, "rail is no longer a reliable means of transport", he added.

Deutsche Bahn's human resources director Martin Seiler sharply condemned the union's announcement, accusing GDL of "stubbornly and selfishly" insisting on its maximum demands even though these were "unachievable".

Warning the situation was becoming "more unpredictable for everyone", he urged the union to return "to the negotiating table and look for solutions".

A multi-day walkout by train drivers in January caused travel disruption for thousands of passengers and heaped pressure on supply chains already strained by tensions in the Middle East.

Deutsche Bahn estimates that each strike day costs the German economy "a low two-digit million figure".

mfp-sr/hmn/bc

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    Nationwide train strike to disrupt travel in Germany 03/04/2024 March 4, 2024. The strike in Germany will hit freight trains on Wednesday evening and passenger trains on Thursday morning.

  8. German Summer of Near-Free Rail Travel Is Almost at an End

    Germany's three-month experiment with ultra-cheap public transport is leaving many consumers wanting more. The 9-euro ($9.20) monthly ticket allows travel anywhere on regional trains, trams and ...

  9. Strikes Disrupt Rail and Air Travel in Germany

    Strikes across Europe affected millions of travelers in 2023, and unfortunately for travelers in Germany, there are likely to be more on the horizon in 2024 for the country's rail and air carriers. The Deutsche Bahn train drivers union has warned that additional strike actions could crop up with little advance warning.

  10. Train travel in Germany, a beginner's guide

    Inter-city train tickets from €12.90. Deutsche Bahn (German Railways) high-speed IC and ICE trains are easily the best way to travel between major town & cities all over Germany, in comfort at ground level. DB's ICE trains travel at up to 186 mph from city centre to city centre, and if you pre-book direct with the operator you can find some ...

  11. Germany Rail Passes and Train Tips from Rick Steves

    Just as on the Deutsche Bahn's website, discounts are calculated if you add children or put in a return date. You can also order by phone at +49 1805 99 66 33. Those staying longer in Germany can get discounts for a full year by purchasing one of several Bahn Cards. Also see our general tips for buying point-to-point tickets.

  12. Train Travel in Germany • The German Way & More

    Rail Passes Almost everyone has heard of the Eurailpass, but Deutsche Bahn also offers a similar rail pass for travel only within Germany called the German Rail Pass. (The German pass also includes some destinations in nearby countries, such as Salzburg, Austria.) One big advantage of having a Eurailpass, Flexipass, Europass, or German Rail Pass, besides any cost savings, is you can avoid ...

  13. Germany Train Guide

    Long-Distance Trains. Yes. For high-speed/long-distance trains in Germany, you should book early to get the best price—fares rise as the departure date approaches. For example, a ticket purchased on the day of travel can cost 3x-4x the price as one bought a month or two in advance. These high-speed trains include InterCity Express (ICE), ICE ...

  14. Cheap Train Tickets

    Holders of a ticket for the UEFA European Football Championship will be able to book their train journey to the venue for just EUR 29.90 (second class). Deutsche Bahn: int.bahn.de - Your mobility portal for travelling by rail. Information, train tickets, online tickets, regional day tickets, low-cost offers for holidays and travel.

  15. Eurail German Rail Pass

    With the German Rail Pass, experiencing Germany by train is simple and affordable. Order your German Rail Pass online today. With the German Rail Pass, experiencing Germany by train is simple and affordable. ... Children aged 4 to 11 travel for free with a Child Pass. A child must be accompanied at all times by at least one person with an Adult ...

  16. Strikes hobble German railways, airports as disputes mount

    COLOGNE, Germany, March 7 (Reuters) - Germany faced strikes on several fronts on Thursday, as train drivers and airport workers walked off the job, causing chaos for millions of travellers and ...

  17. Win a free rail pass with this new EU scheme for young people

    The EU is encouraging young people to travel with 35,000 free train tickets. The EU is giving away 35,000 free rail passes to young people. Dubbed DiscoverEU, the scheme is part of the Erasmus ...

  18. Germany By Train

    Eurail Pass holders can travel for free on the S-Bahn (suburban metro railways) networks that DB operates in major German cities. The S-Bahn can be recognized by its logo (a white S on a green background). Ferry buses to and from Germany. Free bus travel (reservation only) is an extra benefit of the German Rail Pass.

  19. Germany to face travel chaos with rail, airport strikes to resume

    Germany to face travel chaos with rail, airport strikes to resume. By Rachel More. March 4, 2024 2:51 PM UTC Updated ago [1/6] Head of German train drivers' union GDL Claus Weselsky gives a ...

  20. Public transport included for UEFA EURO 2024 match ticket holders

    UEFA has signed an agreement with the association of the German transport companies VDV (Verband Deutscher Verkehrsunternehmen) for a 36-hour travel pass (36-Stunden-Fahrkarte) available to fans ...

  21. Germany travel: Lufthansa, Deutsche Bahn strikes are this week

    FILE - A Lufthansa aircraft is parked at the airport in Munich, Germany, Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024. Two German unions on Monday again called on their members — German airline Lufthansa's ground staff and German rail operator's Deutsche Bahn train drivers — to go on strike this week following ongoing negotiations over wages and working conditions.

  22. Train in Germany

    BahnCards can be ordered online and provide discounts on train travel in Germany. You can cancel a BahnCard up to six weeks before the end of the validity period. Please note that prices and conditions may change, so it's a good idea to check the Deutsche Bahn website for the most up-to-date information on BahnCards and their benefits.

  23. Rail Europe introduces innovative protection plan for travellers

    Rail Europe introduces innovative protection plan for travellers. Berlin, Germany - 6 March 2024 - Rail Europe is excited to announce the launch of an innovative protection plan for train ticket bookings made on its website.Tailored for non-flexible and semi-flexible tickets - across all rail providers, currencies, and countries - this new feature is aimed at providing travellers with ...

  24. Germany: Dual rail and air strikes affect 'millions'

    The strikes are expected to last until Saturday, impacting both rail and air travel. ... Germany: Dual rail and air strikes affect 'millions' 03/07/2024 March 7, 2024.

  25. Germany Hit With New Round of Air and Rail Transport Stoppages

    Germany is experiencing a fresh wave of travel disruption after airport ground staff and train drivers separately began stoppages set to affect services into the weekend.

  26. 60,000 free Interrail passes are up for grabs

    Applications are now open for the EU's free Interrail ticket scheme. 60,000 passes are available for young people aged 18-20 years old, with each allowing free train travel across Europe for up ...

  27. Germany Faces More Travel Disruptions Amid Airport, Rail Strikes

    Germany faces a fresh wave of travel disruption this week after two labor unions separately announced strikes that stand to affect air and rail services for several days. After talks with state ...

  28. Air, rail strikes affecting millions of travelers in Germany

    Air, rail strikes affecting millions of travelers in Germany Link Copied! Isa Soares speaks with CNN's Fred Pleitgen, as millions of travelers face travel turmoil.

  29. Germany braces for fresh rail, air travel strikes

    Germany braced for more travel misery after unions on Monday called for renewed walkouts at Lufthansa and rail operator Deutsche Bahn, amid escalating rows over inflation-busting pay rises.The GDL ...

  30. Europe's travel strikes: Flight and train disruption you can ...

    Air travel in Germany will also be hit by strikes on 7-8 March as Lufthansa ground staff walk out. Disruption is expected to begin at 4am on Thursday and last until 7am on Saturday, with flight ...