Trains
Germany has an extensive rail network that covers almost every part of the country. The trains are reliable, safe and comfortable. Long-distance trains are meticulously coordinated with local services, offering excellent connections. A nationwide rail network enables visitors to reach even the smaller historical towns and the holiday regions with ease.
Traveling by train can be a quick and convenient way to get around Germany. It's also a great way to take in the landscape or catch up on some sleep after your long-haul flight to Germany.
InterCity (IC) and InterCity Express (ICE) trains run every hour, connecting more than 50 German towns.
The high-speed ICE trains reach speeds of up to 300km/h.
Regional trains connect the smaller towns. Many of these trains are also used by commuters, so it's best to avoid travelling in the early morning or late afternoon if possible.
It is generally advisable to reserve seats on all trains, particularly if you are traveling at peak times (weekends, rush hour, or holidays) or if you have a lot of luggage with you. Reservations can be made for a small charge until shortly before departure. It costs 1.50 euros ($2) per direction. Your reservation voucher will indicate a car number and a seat number. There will be a sign at the track indicating where on the track your reserved car will stop.
All information, including timetables, is available online on Deutsche Bahn's website (www.bahn.de).
Tickets are often cheaper if purchased several days before travel. However, the tickets are then only valid for travel on one particular service i.e. the outward and return journeys are booked for a specific train.
It is possible to purchase train tickets online at www.bahn.de and print them out yourself. You can also buy them in advance or last-minute at any train station, either at the counter or at a ticket vending machine.
Children under 14 travelling with a parent or grandparent go free.The number of children traveling must be included on the ticket. Groups of six or more can save as much as 70 percent, depending on how early they book.
On long-distance trains, it is possible to purchase tickets from the conductor per cash or credit card, but you have to pay an extra fee. Regional trains may have a ticket machine on board, but not necessarily. It is advisable to purchase your ticket beforehand in the station.
Trains are categorized by the distance they travel and the level of comfort they offer, which can all mean a big difference in price. Not all tickets are good for all trains.
ICE: Intercity-Express
These are Germany's fastest long-distance trains and are generally more expensive. They offer luxury services on board like laptop hook-ups and audio and visual entertainment. ICE trains only stop at bigger stations.
IC/EC: Intercity and Eurocity
The IC trains link major cities in Germany, while the Eurocity trains connect Germany with major cities in neighboring European countries.
RB: Regional trains
These trains service shorter routes within Germany and generally make more frequent stops.
Thalys: Paris - Brussels - Amsterdam - Cologne
This high-speed train connects Cologne to Paris in 4 hours (3 hours in 2008).