Transport in Germany is world-renowned for its efficiency and engineering. The network is anchored by the Deutsche Bahn (DB), with high-speed ICE trains connecting major cities like Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich, and Hamburg at speeds of up to 300 km/h. It is one of the most relaxing ways to see the countryside. For car enthusiasts, the Autobahn offers the unique experience of driving on sections with no speed limit, a bucket-list item for many. Within cities, public transport is excellent; comprehensive networks of U-Bahn (subway), S-Bahn (suburban trains), trams, and buses make cars unnecessary for urban exploration. Germany is also incredibly bike-friendly, with dedicated cycle paths crisscrossing the country and scenic routes along major rivers like the Danube and Moselle. Whether rushing across the country on a sleek train or cruising the Romantic Road by car, Germany’s transport network is designed to get you there smoothly.
Travelers exploring Germany will encounter one of the best transport systems in the world. The backbone is the Deutsche Bahn (DB). The ICE (InterCity Express) trains are high-speed marvels connecting major cities like Hamburg, Frankfurt, Munich, and Berlin at speeds up to 300km/h. They are spacious, usually have Wi-Fi, and feature a restaurant car.
For regional travel, RE (Regional Express) and RB (Regional Bahn) trains connect smaller towns. In cities, the network is split between U-Bahn (underground metro) and S-Bahn (suburban commuter trains), supplemented by Trams and Buses. The integration is seamless; one ticket usually works for all modes within a city zone.
Driving is famous due to the Autobahn. While large sections have no speed limit, many parts do, and traffic jams (Stau) are common near cities. Renting a car is great for the Romantic Road or the Black Forest, but unnecessary for city hopping. Cycling is also a major mode of transport; cities like Münster or Berlin have extensive bike lanes, and bike sharing is available everywhere.
Buying tickets is best done digitally. The DB Navigator App is essential. You can buy tickets for long-distance trains, regional transport, and even city subways in almost every German city through this one app. It stores your tickets and updates you on delays.
If buying at the station, use the Red DB Machines. They have English language options. For city transport (BVG in Berlin, MVG in Munich), there are yellow or blue machines on platforms. Important: You must validate (entwerten) paper tickets before boarding S-Bahns or U-Bahns if the ticket doesn't have a specific time printed on it. Look for the small stamping boxes on the platform. Failure to validate results in a €60 fine, and ticket inspectors are rigorous ("Schwarzfahren" is taken seriously).
Look for Day Tickets (Tageskarte) or Group Tickets (often for up to 5 people). They are usually cheaper than two single trips. The Deutschland-Ticket (€49/month) allows unlimited travel on all regional and local transport nationwide (no ICE/IC) and is a subscription model, but can be cancelled monthly—savvy tourists sometimes use this for longer stays.
Public transport in Germany is very safe. Stations are well-lit, and violent crime is rare. However, big city stations like Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof or areas around Berlin's major stations can attract drug users and homeless populations. While generally harmless, the atmosphere can feel gritty at night. Pickpocketing is a risk in crowded spots.
Regarding reliability, Germans love to complain about the Deutsche Bahn. Delays are common on long-distance routes due to construction and congestion. Always plan a buffer time for connections (at least 20 minutes). However, compared to global standards, the system is still excellent. Local transport (U-Bahn/S-Bahn) is usually extremely punctual. Strikes (Streik) by train drivers occur occasionally; check the news or the app if traveling during labor dispute seasons.