Getting Around

Trains, roads, taxis and how to move around Germany.

DB is the main operator — Deutsche Bahn (DB) runs most long-distance and regional trains across Germany. Book tickets online via db.de or the DB Navigator app for the best prices, especially for advance bookings and special offers like BahnCard discounts.
Regional alternatives exist — Operators like FlixTrain, Arriva, and regional companies offer cheaper alternatives on popular routes. Check Omio or GoEuro apps to compare all options before booking.
Strike action (Streiks) by DB staff occurs periodically and can cause major disruptions; always check current travel advisories and allow extra time during potential strike windows.
Validation not required — Unlike some European countries, German train tickets don't need stamping—just board with your valid ticket or mobile ticket displayed.
Travelling without a valid ticket incurs a €60 fine from ticket inspectors (Kontrolleure); they check frequently on busy routes.

U-Bahn and S-Bahn networks — U-Bahn (U) is the underground metro, while S-Bahn (S) is the suburban rail system. Both operate in major cities like Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, and Frankfurt; journey times are fast and frequent.
Validate your ticket at the machine — All local transit tickets must be validated (Entwertet) at yellow machines on platforms or inside vehicles before travel—unmarked tickets result in €60 fines.
Multi-day city passes save money — Most cities offer 1, 3, or 7-day passes that cover unlimited travel on buses, trams, U-Bahn, and S-Bahn; these are cheaper than buying individual tickets and often include tourist attractions.
Ticket inspectors (Kontrolleure) work undercover in civilian clothes and check regularly; they have legal authority and fines are enforced immediately or via debt collection.

Official taxis are reliable — Hail white or cream-colored taxis from taxi ranks (Taxistand) at stations and streets, or book via Taxi apps like TaxiDE. Meters start at €2.50–€3.50 and charge per kilometer and waiting time.
Uber and Bolt are available — Both Uber and Bolt operate in major German cities; prices are often lower than traditional taxis but surge during peak hours. Always check the quoted fare before confirming.
Unlicensed 'taxi' offers at airports and train stations are common scams—always use official ranks or apps to avoid overcharging and safety risks.
Card payments standard — Most taxis and ride apps accept card payments, though some older taxis still prefer cash; confirm payment method when booking or getting in.

License and documents required — You must carry a valid passport/ID, driving license, vehicle registration, insurance documents, and an International Driving Permit (recommended for non-EU licenses). A green insurance card is advisable.
Speed limits are strictly enforced: 50 km/h in towns, 100 km/h outside towns, 120 km/h on motorways (Autobahn). Cameras catch speeding and fines start at €15–€70+ depending on excess.
Motorway vignette (Plakette) required — Vehicles need a windshield sticker (€10 for 10 days, €30 for one year) to use motorways; buy them at petrol stations, post offices, or online before driving.
Drink-driving limit is 0.05% BAC; driving over 0.08% is a criminal offense with license suspension, fines of €500–€1500, and possible jail time.
Environmental zones in cities — Major cities like Berlin, Munich, and Cologne have low-emission zones (Umweltzone) requiring a colored sticker based on vehicle age; rentals usually come with this included.
Parking meters and regulations — Paid parking (Parkplatz) is common in city centers; use parking meters, mobile apps like ParkNow, or pay-and-display tickets. Parking fines are €15–€100+.

Major hubs and budget airlines — Frankfurt, Munich, Berlin, and Düsseldorf are the largest hubs; budget carriers like Ryanair, Wizz Air, and EasyJet operate from secondary airports. Check which airport your booking uses.
Train connections are fast — Most German airports have direct S-Bahn or express train connections to city centers (e.g., Frankfurt to downtown in 12 minutes, Munich in 45 minutes); this is faster and cheaper than taxis.
Airport staff strikes (Streiks) occasionally occur and cause flight delays or cancellations; check airline updates before travel, especially during labor negotiations.
Arrive early for security — Allow 2–3 hours before international flights; security queues can be long, especially at Frankfurt and Munich during peak hours.

River cruises and local ferries — Cities like Berlin (Spree), Hamburg (Elbe), and Cologne (Rhine) offer scenic ferry and boat services; these count as local transit on city passes or require separate tickets (€5–€20 per journey).
Island and lake ferries — German lakes (like Lake Constance/Bodensee) and islands in the North Sea and Baltic have regular ferry services; book online or buy tickets at ticket offices on arrival.
Included in city transit passes — Many city day passes include local ferry services; check details when buying your pass to avoid duplicate ticket purchases.

Single tickets vs. day passes — Buy single tickets for one or two journeys; day/multi-day passes (€10–€50) are worth it for frequent travel within cities or regions and often cover companions.
BahnCard discounts on national trains — BahnCard 25 (€62 per year) or BahnCard 50 (€285 per year) give 25% or 50% discounts on DB tickets; the 25 version often pays for itself after 2–3 trips.
Deutsche Bahn app for mobile tickets — Download DB Navigator to book, pay, and store digital train tickets on your phone; no paper needed and easier than queuing at ticket counters.
Counterfeit or altered tickets are common; buy only from official sources (DB.de, station counters, authorized shops) to avoid fines and confiscation.
Group discounts available — Groups of 6+ traveling together on DB trains get automatic discounts; book together or at the same time to activate group pricing.

Prepaid SIM cards are easy to buy — Purchase SIM cards at supermarkets (Rewe, Edeka), mobile shops (Vodafone, Telekom, O2), or airports; prices start at €10–€20 with included credit. Activation is instant.
Major carriers: Telekom, Vodafone, O2 — These three have the best coverage nationwide; Telekom is most reliable in rural areas. Prepaid plans include data, calls, and SMS for €20–€40 per month or €10–€15 per week.
eSIM option for new phones — Telekom, Vodafone, and O2 offer eSIM plans; download an eSIM app and activate digitally without a physical card—faster for travelers.
Free WiFi is widespread — Free WiFi is available at most train stations, airports, cafes, and hotels; download the DB Navigator app to access WiFi on long-distance trains.
EU roaming is cheap but check caps; some providers throttle or charge after heavy usage despite 'unlimited' plans—use local SIM or WiFi for large data needs.