One of the greatest rail networks in Europe can be found in Germany. Served largely by Deutsche Bahn, it’s an extensive network that works in conjunction with EuroCity and Eurostar trains. DB offers a connection between most of Germany’s train stations and other European cities. Travelling through Germany by train is one of the most efficient and painless ways to move through the country, and our guide below lets you know exactly how to do it.
Germany by train: Tickets
Whether you’re buying tickets online or purchasing tickets from the station, where you’ll find all of the information on how to get the tickets and when to purchase them.
Where to buy tickets
There are two ways to purchase tickets for trains travelling to and around Germany: either online or in person at the train station. When purchasing tickets online, head on over to https://www.kayak.co.uk/trains, then proceed to choose your dates and search for great deals. You can filter your search by duration, arrival/departure time, and price to choose the deal that suits your needs. Once you’ve found the best solution, select the deal and fill out the information.
The second option is purchasing tickets for your travel through Germany by train at one of the local train stations. All stations in Germany have automated ticket machines and ticket windows through which you can purchase tickets, and all ticketing machines have an option for English. Short notice tickets bought in person are often more expensive than those bought online, but it does give you the added opportunity of spontaneous travel.
Is pre-booking better when exploring Germany by train?
Ticket prices for internal travel don’t often differ too much; though online, pre-booked purchases can sometimes be cheaper. Booking tickets months in advance online will often save you more money, as tickets tend to increase in price as you near the departure date. Another benefit to prebooking tickets in advance is getting a preferred seat on the train, especially the busier high-speed/long-distance trains. Regional trains have a fixed price based on the distance they travel, whether you purchase tickets online, on the day, in advance, or at a ticket machine, so it isn’t necessary to pre-book these before travelling.
What ticket types are available?
There are three types of train tickets to choose from when purchasing them. There are two standard types, Sparpreis and Flexpreis, as well as a Sparpreis First Class ticket. Sparpreis is a budget ticket that isn’t flexible and is only available for specific routes, while Flexpreis is a full-price option that offers a ton of flexibility and is valid for any train during the chosen day. Although the First Class ticket has the same limitations as the Sparpreis ticket, it does offer a few extra perks, including extra legroom, nicer seats, and lounge access in the larger stations.
The pricing of the budget tickets is usually close to half the price of the more flexible option, and the First Class budget tickets are usually a similar price to the flexible tickets, so it might be worth treating yourself to one of these and dealing with the rigidity.
Rail passes
Picking up a rail pass to travel through Germany by train removes the need to make a reservation to ride any train, except for the overnight trains. You can head to any station and hop on any train you choose.
Train types
Various trains run on the Deutsche Bahn network, with the faster and more modern option being the Intercity Express (ICE) trains. These trains have a top speed of around 320 km/h and offer extremely high standards in comfort and technology. Both the Eurocity (EC) and Intercity (IC) trains provide long-distance routes connecting major German and other European cities, while metropolitan and rural areas are generally connected by suburban and regional trains that run at varying speeds. All of the trains in the Deutsche Bahn network are of the highest quality and are regularly serviced to ensure passenger safety.
Boarding process
After having purchased tickets, you’ll need to know how to board the train at the station. Once you’ve arrived at the station, you’ll need to look at the departure board, which will tell you where to find your train and what time it will be arriving and departing. Sometimes the platform on the board can change, so make sure to keep an eye on it. If you don’t see your train, you may be too early. Your train should be displayed closer to the departure time. Downloading the DB app is very useful for finding platforms and staying updated in case of delays.
The most scenic Germany by train trips to take
Germany offers a range of scenic trips that’ll blow your mind in under 2 hours, leisurely trips through dense forests, alongside sparkling lakes or across snow-blanketed mountains. A quick trip along one of these routes may end up being the highlight of your experience.
Freiburg im Breisgau to Donaueschingen
Otherwise known as Hollentalbahn, which is Hell Valley Railway in English, Freiburg im Breisgau to Donaueschingen is a beautiful journey between these two cities. It runs along the Dreisam River valley and is one of the steepest rail lines in Germany. One of the most thrilling parts of the journey is across the Ravenna Gorge, along the Ravenna Bridge. This trip will typically take just over 2 hours.
Konstanz to Offenburg
Konstanz is a picturesque part of the country on the shores of Lake Constance (otherwise known as Bodensee), and this route takes you through to the Black Forest, the backyard of Hansel and Gretel. The trip is usually covered in under an hour and runs through some of the most exquisite scenery imaginable, including beautiful meadows, quaint hamlets, and rows upon rows of pine trees lining the outskirts of the forests. Along the route, you’ll pass through Triberg, a beautiful small town, as well as the Hornberg Viaduct. Konstanz to Offenburg typically takes around 2h 15min by train.
Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle
The theme of this journey is a fairy-tale scene as it crosses the Bavarian countryside between Fussen and Munich in around 2h 30min. You’ll make your way through stunning little villages with picturesque architecture and lush, flowing meadows lining the country. At the end of the journey, you’ll be greeted by the breathtaking backdrop of Neuschwanstein Castle, standing against the snow-capped Alps. To make sure you get the ideal view of the castle as you arrive, book a ticket on the left-hand side of the train and send us a thank you note afterward.
Rhine Valley
Taking a trip along the majestic Rhine River is a must-do when travelling around Germany by train, with a spectacular section of the trip being the Upper Middle Rhine Valley. It connects Bingen and Koblenz and is a UNESCO World Heritage site lined with castles, historic towns, and vineyards. The Rhine has served as a transport link between the northern and southern halves of the continent for hundreds of years; it also played a part in the cultivation of trade and cultural exchanges in ancient times. Taking a journey along this route is to be immersed in beauty and history simultaneously. Cologne to Mainz is another route you could take along the Rhine, or one of the most popular of these routes is Cologne and Koblenz, taking around 1h 20min.
From Munich to Mittenwald
This trip covers roughly 81 km and will generally take just under 2 hours. This journey is widely considered one of the most beautiful routes in the country, passing through some exquisite Bavarian countryside panoramas en route to one of the most stunning alpine towns in the country, Mittenwald. The countryside moves from a sweeping green of rolling hills in the summer to a snow-capped alpine dream in the winter.
Moselle River route
Another one of the most breathtaking routes in Germany is along the Moselle River, which will start in Koblenz where the Moselle river meets the Rhine. The route runs through countless vineyards and past beautiful villages and castles. Deutsche Bahn typically offers a route from Koblenz to Trier in around 1h 45min, and you can pick up tickets for under €10 on most days.
