The German public transport system is extensive, reliable and very affordable. The Deutsche Bahn AG is the national railway company and is state-owned.
The DB offers long distance, regional and local travel options.
Here is a list of PDF Files with the route maps in German
Long-distance trains offer fast and convenient connections between major cities. The following types of trains are available for long-distance travel:
The regional trains offers flexible travel without reservations. You can only buy a ticket for these trains but not make a reservation for a specific train or seat.
The local transport options offer flexible travel without the possibility to reserve a seat.
The following local options can be available, depending on the city:
When travelling on Germany’s high-speed trains like the ICE (InterCity Express) or the IC (InterCity), it’s quite common to reserve a seat without buying a ticket for that specific train. Think of it as a safety net—an insurance policy for your journey.
Here’s how it works: You book a seat on the next available train, even if you haven’t purchased the ticket for that exact train yet. If your originally booked train runs late, gets cancelled, or experiences delays, you can simply hop on the next one and enjoy a guaranteed seat, without scrambling or standing in the crowded aisles.
This trick is especially handy on popular routes where trains can fill up fast. Just remember, this approach mostly applies to trains that accept seat reservations, like ICE and IC. Regional trains (RE, RB) usually don’t have reserved seats, so this strategy doesn’t apply there.
The new Deutschland Ticket is an affordable subscription ticket that you can use to travel unlimited on all regional and local public transport for only €58 per month (2025)
Keep in mind that it is only available via subscription. The subscription auto-renews monthly unless cancelled.
You can cancel it monthly, but as a rule, you need to cancel it before the 10th of the month, or else you will be billed for the next month as well.
It is not transferable to another person. The ticket is only valid in full calendar months.
It is not valid on the ICE, IC or EC trains. Furthermore, the Deutschland-Ticket is not valid on means of transport that are operated primarily for tourist or historical purposes.
Your Deutschland‑Ticket can whisk you into nine neighbouring countries—but only on regional routes extending just past the border. Plan your trip around local trains and buses, and double-check the last valid station abroad. Refer to the “Geltungsbereich Deutschland‑Ticket” official Information
For FAQs in English about the Deutschland Ticket, please visit the Bahn Website
If you have family or friends in Germany, they can help you apply for a Deutschland Ticket. You will need a German address to register.
To complete the process, you can visit the DB Reisebüro or register online on Deutsche Bahn. There are other service providers you can use, just make sure they are legitimate
Plan the timing carefully and cancel the subscription right after signing up or before the 10th of the month. – Please always make sure about the cancellation periods, it depends on the service provider, the info given here is valid for buying from Deutsche Bahn – “You can cancel your Deutschland-Ticket subscription by the 10th of each month to the end of the calendar month.”
This method requires careful timing — subscribe early in the month and cancel on time. It’s perfect for visitors staying a few weeks. Also, compare the costs of local tickets, for example Bayern Ticket
Trenitalia and Italo are Italy’s main train operators—Trenitalia covers regional and national routes (including international connections), while Italo focuses on fast, sleek high-speed trains between major cities—both offer affordable fares if booked in advance, though seats can sell out quickly on popular routes.The classic model requires a vehicle to be picked up and returned to designated location, and are booked for a set period. Flexible car sharing allows the driver to pick up and return the vehicle at any location. An app shows nearby vehicles.
Using an app to organise your transport is super easy and convenient. In most apps, you can book your trip in advance, pay directly for your trip, rate your trip and identify favourite drivers.
Taking the train on holiday isn’t just about reaching your destination — sometimes, the journey itself steals the show. With every glance out the window, there’s something new to see. Many of Germany’s railway lines wind through breathtaking landscapes, making the ride a memorable part of the adventure.
For some additional inspiration, visit the “The Man in seat 61” website
“Traveling to Germany is like stepping into a storybook, where history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes weave a tale you’ll never forget.” If you’re planning a trip to Germany, we’ve got some travel tips that we think you’ll find incredibly helpful. If you’ve got your own tips to share, we’d love to hear them! Simply submit them to us and we’ll be happy to include them on the page. Topics New SARS Traveller declaration Travellers entering or leaving
Useful apps Having the correct information available when you need it is priceless. Here are some apps that can make your life easier in Germany. Note that for most, we did not add links to the apps, as it is a lot of work to maintain for all operating systems. Use the search function to search the apps Integration Integreat App A multilingual digital guide that brings together essential local information for living in Germany
Road safety and Rules Driving on German roads is very well regulated, and if you don’t adhere to the rules, you will get penalty points against your name and hefty fines. Your licence can be suspended when you reach a certain number of points (currently 8). Ignorance of road rules is not an excuse. The ADAC The ADAC (Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil-Club) is Germany’s largest automobile association and a trusted authority when it comes to driving, road safety,
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