DanckTravel

From its lush countryside to stunning medieval castles, there is something for everyone to enjoy when traveling Germany. However, if you are planning to visit more than one location, you will need a way to travel around. The best way to travel will depend entirely on your end destination. Luckily, Germany has a wide range of options, including a sophisticated public transportation system. Read our guide below to learn more.

The Train

Although Germans may complain that the trains are never on time, if you are an American traveling to Germany, you may have never experienced anything like it. Trains are comfortable, clean, and new. Below are some tips for the train:

• Download the Deutsche Bahn App: This makes it easy to see train schedules and your tickets. It will also let you know of any delays to your train.
• Look into Saver Tickets: Deutsche Bahn has discounted tickets available, allowing you to travel long distances for a very affordable price. You can find more information on their website here.
• Make Sure You Aren’t Sitting in a Reserved Seat: You can reserve your seats in advance (which we recommend if traveling in a group). However, if traveling solo, you can save a few dollars by not preselecting where you will sit. You will, however, have to look at the boards above each seat to ensure you can indeed take it. If blank, it’s free to sit in. If there is text above the seat, it will show between which stations the seat is reserved.
• The Train is Often a Little Late: There is a reason Germans complain about the train being late. However, in my experience, it’s usually only by a few minutes. iI your train is really late or if it is canceled, you can often take another train to your final destination (even if it’s a nicer train).
• Choosing between the ICE and Regio: The ICE is the high-speed rail, while the Regio is the regional train. If you are looking to travel cheaply across long distances, the Regio is often the better option. If you are looking to get there quickly, take the ICE.

A Tower of Chocolate at the Train Station in Stuttgart. 

SDanck and I on the train

The Autobahn

The Autobahn is famous for having areas with no speed limit and renting a car is also an easy option. However, while I had no trouble with my American license, you should double-check with your rental company. They may require an international driver’s license.

Pro Tip: Depending on your end destination, it may in fact be faster to take the train. 

Bicycle

There are vast networks of bicycle lanes connecting various German cities. Many towns, such as Heidelberg, also rely on them for commuting. Feel free to rent a bike instead of a car, so you can experience the cities more like a local.

Pro Tip: If you are a pedestrian, make sure you are NOT walking in the bike lane. People will yell at you.

Bus

Public transportation goes beyond the train. You can also catch the bus for a cheap fee to make your way across town. If traveling longer distances, we recommend a company like Flixbus, which has numerous locations across Europe.

Final Thoughts

Germany has a wide range of options to get around the country. Whether you are making your way to a remote village or a major city like Hamburg, there are numerous ways to travel. Have a favorite? Let us know in the comments.