Germany Train Travel Tips

Germany Train Travel Tips

Just a few thoughts on planning your train journey.

• Try to get a direct train if possible. When you have much luggage it is easier if you don't have to change trains. Plus, you avoid missing the connecting train.
• If you have to change trains, plan for reasonable transfer times, especially if you want to catch a train with a booked seat.
• Low price tickets for long-distance connections are only valid on the train you booked, so be sure to catch that train.
  Regular tickets and rail passes are valid on all trains on your travel day, so you only lose your reserved seat when you miss a train.
• Most train stations in German cities are close to the city centre. When you have an hour before your connecting train leaves, put your baggage into a locker, go for a drink, or have a short look on the surrounding area.
• Plan reasonably, get in time to the station, and you'll be right.
• If you run into any problems, there are service points on all major railway stations where you can get help.
• Buy your train ticket in advance to avoid stress and queues on your travel day. Check out if you find any Saver fare offers..
  Search results on the DB website always show the discounted Sparpreis (if still available) and the regular price.
• When travelling on local trains, S-Bahnen, U-Bahnen and trams it is essential that you purchase your ticket at a ticket machine on the platform before you board the train. You can purchase tickets in most buses, though.
  To get from A to B with one ticket you can change trains and from train to bus in order to reach your destination. However, you always have to take the next S-Bahn, tram or bus. A break of the journey is not allowed.
  For example, if you plan to go from Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle by public transport, you buy a ticket to Hohenschwangau. It is valid for the train to Füssen and the bus to Hohenschwangau. Interruptions are not allowed, you can't stay in Füssen for a few hours and continue with the same ticket.
• When you want to explore a city by public transport, buy a day ticket or purchase a ticket for the hop-on hop-off tours in major cities.

Frequently asked Questions

Having some experience with train travel in Germany, I am sure I can answer your general questions.
Please understand, I can't give you individual schedules and prices, I am not a travel agent.
However, I have partnered with the Deutsche Bahn, RailEurope and ACP Rail to offer you the possibility to get more information about timetables, tickets and rail passes. Find the relevant links in the grey box above right.

Okay, here a a few frequently asked questions answered.

• Are euro rail passes valid on ICE trains? - Yes, they are valid, and there is no surcharge. You only have to pay extra for a seat reservation.
• Eurail passes for local trams and busses? - No. In some cities a rail pass is valid on the S-Bahn if it is operated by the Deutsche Bahn. But there could be restrictions.
• Is the German Rail Pass only valid in Germany? - Yes, with the exception that you can travel from Germany to Salzburg, Austria and to Basel, Switzerland.