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Overview of Trains in Germany
Germany's railway network, primarily operated by Deutsche Bahn (DB), is renowned for its efficiency, punctuality and extensive coverage. The iconic ICE (Intercity-Express) high-speed trains form the backbone of the network, connecting major cities like Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, and Frankfurt with speeds up to 300 km/h.
Beyond the high-speed ICE network, DB also operates Intercity (IC) and Eurocity (EC) trains for inter-regional travel, as well as Regionalbahn (RB) and Regional-Express (RE) services for local and regional connections. The network also includes private operators like FlixTrain offering budget alternatives on some routes, and international services by Eurostar. German trains are known for their comfort, modern amenities and reliability, making train travel a popular and eco-friendly choice. Booking your tickets in advance through Omio is highly recommended to secure the best fares, especially the popular "Sparpreis" (saver fare) options.
Popular Train Providers in Germany
Popular Train Discounts in Germany
There’s a range of deals and discounts available if you book in bulk, or belong to a particular demographic. Here’s a quick overview of the options.
- Eurail Germany One Country Pass: For non-European residents, it offers unlimited train travel for a set number of days within Germany. Options include consecutive or flexible travel days (e.g. 3, 4, 5, 6, or 8 days within 1 month).
- Interrail Germany One Country Pass: Designed for European citizens, providing the same benefits as the Eurail pass for exploring Germany by train.
- Youth and Senior Discounts: Eurail and Interrail passes offer discounted rates for youth (ages 12-27) and seniors (60+). Children under 4 travel for free without a pass, and children aged 4-11 can travel for free with a Child Pass when accompanied by an adult. Deutsche Bahn (DB) also offers domestic discounts with its BahnCard (various tiers for frequent travelers) and special "Sparpreis" (saver fare) tickets for early bookings.
Travelling by Train in Germany FAQs
Booking Questions
The best way to buy train tickets in Germany is by booking online in advance through Omio. Omio allows you to easily compare routes, prices, and operators like Deutsche Bahn (DB) and FlixTrain, ensuring you find the best option and often securing cheaper "Sparpreis" (saver fare) tickets.
Deutsche Bahn (DB) typically offers two classes: 2nd Class (Standard) and 1st Class (Premium, with more spacious seating and complimentary amenities). Ticket types include Flexpreis (fully flexible), Sparpreis (saver fare, less flexible but cheaper), and Super Sparpreis (super saver, least flexible). You can find options for all these ticket types and classes when booking through Omio.
For high-speed ICE and long-distance IC/EC trains in Germany, seat reservations are not always compulsory but are highly recommended, especially during peak hours or for longer journeys. While not required for rail pass holders, reserving a seat guarantees a spot and usually incurs a small additional fee. It's easy to make these reservations through Omio.
On-Board Questions
Deutsche Bahn (DB) and other German train operators generally allow passengers to carry a reasonable amount of luggage. This typically includes a few pieces that can be stored in overhead racks or designated luggage areas at the end of each carriage. There are usually no strict weight limits for standard luggage, but it should be manageable to carry yourself.
No, smoking is strictly forbidden aboard all trains and within train stations in Germany, including on platforms.
On high-speed ICE and long-distance IC/EC trains, you can typically expect comfortable seating, air conditioning, power outlets, and a Bordrestaurant or Bordbistro (restaurant/bistro car) offering food and drinks. 1st Class passengers often receive complimentary newspapers and drinks.
Ticket Collection & Check-In
For e-tickets booked via Omio validation is usually not required as they are validated upon issue. You will typically present your digital ticket (e.g. QR code) and a form of ID to the conductor on board the train. For some regional services, physical tickets might need to be stamped at a machine on the platform before boarding.
It's advisable to arrive at least 15-20 minutes before your scheduled departure for long-distance and high-speed trains. This allows time to locate your platform, which is usually displayed on large electronic departure boards ("Abfahrt") and smaller signs on the platforms themselves. Always double-check your train's unique number.
Electronic tickets (e-tickets) are the most common when booking through Omio; you receive an email confirmation and can often use your phone as a ticket, eliminating the need for physical collection or printing. Paper tickets, sometimes issued at station counters or for regional tickets, may need to be printed and/or validated at a machine.
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