Getting Around Germany
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use efficient trains for Berlin, Munich, and the Rhine Valley. Rural: Rent a car for Black Forest exploration. Coast: Buses and regional trains. For convenience, book airport transfers from Frankfurt to your destination.
Train Travel
Deutsche Bahn (DB) Network
Efficient and extensive train network connecting all major cities with frequent services.
Cost: Berlin to Munich €40-80, journeys 4-6 hours between most cities.
Tickets: Buy via DB app, website, or station machines. Mobile tickets accepted.
Peak Times: Avoid 7-9 AM and 4-6 PM for better prices and seats.
Rail Passes
Interrail Germany Pass offers unlimited travel for 3-8 days from €93 (youth) or €132 (adult).
Best For: Multiple city visits over several days, significant savings for 4+ trips.
Where to Buy: Train stations, DB website, or official app with instant activation.
High-Speed Options
ICE and IC trains connect Germany to Paris, Amsterdam, Vienna, and Zurich.
Booking: Reserve seats weeks in advance for best prices, discounts up to 50%.
Main Stations: Berlin Hauptbahnhof, Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof with nationwide connections.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Essential for exploring Black Forest and rural areas. Compare rental prices from €35-60/day at Frankfurt Airport and major cities.
Requirements: Valid license (EU or International), credit card, minimum age 21-23.
Insurance: Comprehensive coverage recommended, check what's included in rental.
Driving Rules
Drive on the right, speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 100 km/h rural, 130 km/h recommended on Autobahn.
Tolls: No general vignettes, but truck tolls and some tunnels; environmental stickers (€5-10) required in cities.
Priority: Give way to right unless signposted, roundabouts common in rural areas.
Parking: Blue zones require parking discs, metered parking €2-5/hour in cities.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations plentiful at €1.60-1.80/liter for petrol, €1.50-1.70 for diesel.
Apps: Use Google Maps or ADAC for navigation, both work well offline.
Traffic: Expect congestion in Berlin and around Munich during rush hours.
Urban Transport
Berlin U-Bahn & S-Bahn
Extensive network covering the city, single ticket €3, day pass €8.80, 7-day card €36.50.
Validation: Validate tickets in yellow machines before boarding, inspections are frequent.
Apps: BVG app for routes, real-time updates, and mobile tickets.
Bike Rentals
Nextbike and Call a Bike in major cities, €5-12/day with stations throughout.
Routes: Dedicated cycling paths across Germany, especially in flat northern regions.
Tours: Guided cycling tours available in major cities, combining sightseeing with exercise.
Buses & Local Services
BVG (Berlin), MVV (Munich), HVV (Hamburg) operate comprehensive bus networks.
Tickets: €2.50-3.50 per ride, buy from driver or use contactless payment.
Trams: Extensive in eastern cities like Leipzig, €2-3 per ride for efficient local travel.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near train stations in cities for easy access, central Berlin or Munich Altstadt for sightseeing.
- Booking Timing: Book 2-3 months ahead for summer (June-Aug) and major festivals like Oktoberfest.
- Cancellation: Choose flexible rates when possible, especially for unpredictable weather travel plans.
- Amenities: Check for WiFi, breakfast inclusion, and proximity to public transport before booking.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for accurate current conditions and service quality.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
Excellent 5G coverage in cities, 4G throughout most of Germany including rural areas.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from €5 for 1GB, no physical SIM needed.
Activation: Install before departure, activate upon arrival, works immediately.
Local SIM Cards
Telekom, Vodafone, and O2 offer prepaid SIMs from €10-20 with good coverage.
Where to Buy: Airports, supermarkets, or provider stores with passport required.
Data Plans: 5GB for €15, 10GB for €25, unlimited for €30/month typically.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi widely available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and most public spaces.
Public Hotspots: Major train stations and tourist areas have free public WiFi.
Speed: Generally fast (20-100 Mbps) in urban areas, reliable for video calls.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: Central European Time (CET), UTC+1, daylight saving March-October (CEST, UTC+2).
- Airport Transfers: Frankfurt Airport 12km from city center, train to center €5 (15 min), taxi €30, or book private transfer for €40-60.
- Luggage Storage: Available at train stations (€4-7/day) and dedicated services in major cities.
- Accessibility: Modern trains and U-Bahn accessible, many historic sites have ramps and elevators.
- Pet Travel: Pets allowed on trains (small free, large €5), check accommodation policies before booking.
- Bike Transport: Bikes allowed on trains off-peak for €6, folding bikes free anytime.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Germany
Frankfurt Airport (FRA) is the main international hub. Compare flight prices on Aviasales for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Frankfurt Airport (FRA): Primary international gateway, 12km southwest of city center with train connections.
Berlin Brandenburg (BER): Main Berlin hub 18km south, train to center €4 (30 min).
Munich Airport (MUC): Southern gateway 28km northeast, S-Bahn to center €12 (40 min).
Booking Tips
Book 2-3 months in advance for summer travel (June-Aug) to save 30-50% on average fares.
Flexible Dates: Flying mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) typically cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Consider flying into Amsterdam or Paris and taking train to Germany for potential savings.
Budget Airlines
Ryanair, Eurowings, and Condor serve Berlin and other airports with European connections.
Important: Factor in baggage fees and transport to city center when comparing total costs.
Check-in: Online check-in mandatory 24 hours before, airport fees higher.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Widely available, typical withdrawal fee €2-5, use bank ATMs to avoid tourist area markups.
- Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard accepted everywhere, American Express less common in smaller establishments.
- Contactless Payment: Tap-to-pay widely used, Apple Pay and Google Pay accepted in most places.
- Cash: Still needed for markets, small cafes, and rural areas, keep €50-100 in small denominations.
- Tipping: Service charge included in restaurants, round up or add 5-10% for excellent service.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, avoid airport exchange bureaus with poor rates.