Germany: Railway Information

Germany has a rail network of over 40,000 kilometres. More than 33,000 trains run in Germany every day, carrying more than 4 million passengers. Such a dense and intricate network makes it possible for the passengers to reach any destination comfortably and on time.

Railway company

If your Eurail Pass is valid in Germany, you can travel on all trains from DB (Deutsche Bahn), the German railway company.

Visit the DB website: English version / German.

The Eurail Pass is also accepted by various private railway companies in Germany (PDF).

Eurail Passes valid in Germany are also valid on DB trains to Salzburg (Austria) and Basel (Switzerland).

German Rail network

Long-distance and local traffic are perfectly co-ordinated with each other, offering the best possible connections. All major airports are also included in this system.

With the most modern standard of comfort, maximum speeds up to 186 mph (300 km/h), special amenities and innovative technology, the famous InterCityExpress (ICE) trains are setting new standards for high speed transport. They run between major German cities and selected destinations in Switzerland, the Netherlands, France, Denmark, Belgium and Austria.

The ICE high speed network is completed by InterCity and EuroCity (IC/EC) trains on long-distance routes. DB´s dense regional and local network (IRE, RE, RB and S-Bahn trains) connects nearly all parts of Germany.

Railway Service
All carriages have air-conditioning, are completely non-smoking areas and offer a choice between individual compartments and saloon carriages. In some trains special lounges are located in the end carriages, directly behind the driver, thus offering a clear and unique view of the route. During the journey travelers can enjoy a meal, have a snack or just a refreshing drink in the BordRestaurant, BordBistro or at the seat. Fore nearly all the day trains reservations are not required, which is a guarantee for flexible travel in Germany.

Scenic routes

Train reservations

On most trains of the German rail network, you can travel without an advance seat reservation. It can be wise to make reservations for a seat on long-distance journeys. Especially on Fridays and Sundays all seats may be taken.

For train journeys within Germany it is possible to make an online reservation through the DB website. In the planner you enter the desired route. Click 'Purchase', then 'Continue without Bahncard', then select the option 'Seat reservation without ticket'. You can pay by creditcard and print the reservation yourself. 
More on train reservations in Germany

As Germany is centrally located in Europe, you can take many trains to neighbouring countries. More on international train reservations.

Eurail aid offices in Germany

For questions about Eurail, you can go to the international ticket desks (Reisezentrum) at railway stations in Berlin, Cologne, Dresden, Frankfurt am Main, Hannover, Heidelberg, Leipzig, München and Stuttgart. Detailed information about the Eurail aid offices in Germany.

Airport station links

From the Berlin airport Schönefeld you can easily reach Berlin's main railway station (Hauptbahnhof) in 28 minutes with the Airport Express which runs every 30 minutes.From the Berlin airports Tegel and Tempelhof numerous bus and train connections will take you to Berlin city centre.

Reservation fees in Germany

  • ICE/IC/EC
    1st class: € 5,50 / 2nd class: € 4,50
    Reservation possible but not compulsory.
  • ICE Sprinter
    1st class: € 16,50 / 2nd class: € 11,50
    Reservation compulsory. First class includes newspaper and catering.
  • Thalys (between Köln and Aachen)
    1st class: € 7 / 2nd class: € 5
    Reservation compulsory.
  • Berlin-Warszawa Express (between Berlin and Frankfurt/Oder)
    1st class: € 5,50 / 2nd class: € 4,50
    Reservation compulsory.

Rail tour suggestion

Munich - Weimar - Berlin
Use your Germany Rail Pass to explore the cultural heartland of Germany. Northern Bavaria offers superb towns. Then you head for former Eastern Germany where cities like Weimar and Dresden await your arrival. End your tour at the bustling German capital of Berlin.

Tour stages and average journey times:

  • Munich - Eichstätt (1 hr 25 mins)
  • Eichstätt - Steinach bei Rothenburg (1 hr 35 mins)
  • Steinach bei Rothenburg - Würzburg (43 mins)
  • Würzburg - Fulda (30 mins)
  • Fulda - Eisenach (46 mins)
  • Eisenach - Gotha (16 mins)
  • Gotha - Erfurt (19 mins)
  • Erfurt - Weimar (13 mins)
  • Weimar - Leipzig (54 mins)
  • Leipzig - Dresden (1 hr 10 mins)
  • Dresden - Berlin (2 hrs 8 mins)

From Berlin there are numerous possibilities to continue your German railway adventure. Why not head north and explore the Baltic coast area?

Read a detailed description of this tour in the recommended guide Europe by rail, available from Thomas Cook Publishing.

Eurail Passes for Germany

Eurail video: Berlin main station