Germany By Train
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Germany is filled with interesting destinations, like the dynamic capital Berlin, the enchanting Neuschwanstein Castle or major cities like Cologne, Hamburg or Munich. You can also explore the dense forests, mountainous regions, river valleys or sea coast. In short – Germany has it all.
Domestic connections in Germany
In Germany it's not mandatory to have a seat reservation on the ICE trains. However, we recommend you to buy a seat reservation, especially if you're traveling in a group. This way you can not be asked to leave a seat, which might happen if you don't have a reservation. We'll explain you more about reservations in Germany a bit further down on this page.
View approximate train travel times between Germany's key cities with high-speed ICE trains.
| From / To | ICE high-speed train |
|---|---|
Berlin - Munich |
6hr |
Berlin - Frankfurt |
4hr 10min |
Berlin - Hamburg |
1hr 45min |
Berlin - Cologne |
4hr 30min |
Hamburg - Frankfurt |
4hr |
Hamburg - Cologne |
4hr |
Hamburg - Munich |
6hr |
Frankfurt - Munich |
3hr 35min |
Frankfurt - Cologne |
1hr 15min |
Munich - Cologne |
4hr 35min |
Train types in Germany
There are a number of train types in Germany ready to transport you both day and night. The German train network is operated by Deutsche Bahn. Use the Eurail train timetable to check times for trains in Germany.
Regional and intercity trains in Germany
The main rail network in Germany is made up of the following regional trains and intercity trains:
Regional Express trains connect regional destinations with larger cities. It makes frequent stops and connects with high-speed ICE trains.
Regional bahn trains link all local towns. These trains are slower than Regional Express trains.
InterRegional trains connect Germany’s regions.
S-Bahn (suburban trains) is a network of trains that operate within most big cities, including Berlin and Munich.
InterCity trains operate domestically and internationally between key cities. They are slower than the high-speed ICE trains as they make more stops.
Your Eurail pass is also valid on various private railway companies in Germany. Find out which ones in this PDF or on this page.
High-speed trains in Germany
International high-speed trains in Germany
These high-speed trains operate to and from Germany:
RailJet connects Munich to Vienna, Salzburg (Austria), Prague (Czech Republic) and Budapest (Hungary)
Thalys links Cologne to Paris (France) and Brussels (Belgium)
TGV connects Munich to Paris (France)
ICE connects Frankfurt to Paris (France) and Hamburg to Copenhagen (Denmark)
Domestic high-speed trains in Germany
These high-speed trains operate within Germany:
ICE (InterCity Express) is the most popular train in Germany, connecting key cities. These high-speed trains travel at speeds of up to 200 mph (320 km/h).
ICE trains include an on-board restaurant. Snacks and drinks can also be served to your seat. In 1st class there may be extras, like newspapers, power sockets, audio channels and video screens.
Night trains in Germany
The following night trains connect Germany with other European countries:
ÖBB Nightjet (EN)
Connects Germany to key cities in Austria, Italy and Switzerland. Key routes include:
Munich - Salzburg - Florence - Rome
Hamburg – Berlin - Basel - Zürich
Hamburg - Hanover - Vienna
Düsseldorf - Cologne - Frankfurt - ViennaEuroNight Berlin Night Express
Berlin – MalmöEuroNight 420/421
Cologne – Frankfurt – ViennaEuroNight Kálmán Imre
Munich – Salzburg – Vienna – BudapestEuroNight Metropol
Berlin – Prague – Bratislava – Budapest
Berlin – Prague – ViennaEuroNight Lisinski
Munich – Ljubljana – Zagreb
Domestic night trains in Germany
ÖBB Nightjet connects several German cities by night
Hamburg - Berlin - Munich
Düsseldorf - Cologne - Frankfurt/Munich
Scenic train routes in Germany
There are 2 scenic train routes that run in Germany:
Black Forest Line: Offenburg – Konstanz
Rhine Valley Line: Koblenz – Mainz
Train stations of bordering countries
With a Eurail pass valid in Germany you can travel to the following train stations of countries that border Germany:
Basel (Switzerland)
Salzburg (Austria)
International connections to and from Germany
Reservations for trains in Germany
What trains require reservations?
Germany’s regional (RE, RB, IR) trains do not require reservations. Reservations are optional for InterCity (IC), EuroCity (EC) and ICE trains, but at busy times we recommend making a reservation in order to guarantee yourself a seat. Reservations are required for all night trains; prices depend on the type of seat or sleeping accommodation you choose. All the trains listed above are included in Eurail passes (where Germany is a chosen country), you only need to make reservations for those trains mentioned. For international trains, the Eurail pass must be valid in all countries the train runs through.
Please note that the number of seats available for Eurail pass holders is limited on the ICE Paris-Frankfurt train. We advise you to reserve this train as far in advance as possible especially during peak season (May-September).
How to make reservations for German trains
You can make reservations for domestic and international high-speed trains and night trains:
Through our Reservation Service.
Through the Rail Planner App
At a ticket desk or self-service machine at local train stations.
Online through the DB website.
Please note that you can only make reservations for domestic trains and international night trains departing or arriving in Germany.By phone through the Deutsche Bahn call center.
Phone number: +49 1806 996 633
Opening hours: 24/7
When you call, you'll hear a German menu. Select extension "9" for an English menu, then "1" for train information and bookings. This call center does not charge a booking fee. Delivery costs are €3.50 to every country.
You can also pick up your reservations at larger German train stations. Just take the order number you received on the phone, to a ticket window or a 'self-service' machine in the station.
Rail passes for Germany
A Eurail Pass lets you explore everything there is to see in Germany's dynamic cities and fairytale villages. Speed from edgy Berlin to cultural Cologne, visit the port of Hamburg and lively Munich, and travel through the magical scenery of the Black Forest, all using just one rail pass.
rail pass options for germany
Pass benefits for Germany
Places to visit in Germany
All sides of life in Berlin
Be prepared to see and do it all in Berlin. Learn about the city’s dark past, and celebrate its colorful rebirth. City tours allow you to walk, cycle, sail, ride or fly through Berlin and take in the culture, art, architecture and history that make this city famous. See the remains of the infamous Berlin Wall, and ride Europe’s fastest elevator to the panoramic observation deck in Potsdamer Platz.
Art, architecture and athletes in Cologne
One of the oldest towns in all of Germany, Cologne (Köln) was established in 50 A.D. Nevertheless, it’s still young at heart. Construction on the famous Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom) began in 1248, and attracts 6 million visitors a year. On the modern side, Cologne is the leading media city in all of Germany. From the 900-year-old Town Hall to the Chocolate Museum, Cologne is not to be missed.
Delightful contradictions in Frankfurt
Although it is known as one of the financial and business centers of Germany, Frankfurt has no shortage of historical, artistic and architectural offerings to please even the most curious of travelers. Home to many trade shows, events and exhibitions, Frankfurt also offers quiet harbors, historical landmarks and cultural wonders. Not to mention beautiful natural surroundings.
Memorable and majestic Munich
Ancient Bavaria blends with modern convenience in Munich (München), a lovely, ancient city on the Isar River. Although more than 70% of the city was destroyed during World War II, it has been carefully and lovingly restored to recapture its old-world appeal. Shopping, museums, nature and nightlife come together in one gloriously appealing city.
Port pleasures in Hamburg
Hamburg is the second-largest city in Germany, and its largest port city. Its position on the river Elbe connected northern Europe and Scandinavia with the world. A medieval city with modern features, this prosperous region’s skyline is dotted with church steeples, including St. Michel’s tower. Take a stroll through the old Speicherstadt, enjoy the food and shopping, and then dance the night away at the wide variety of nightclubs.
The Black Forest
Deep in the southwest corner of Germany lies the Black Forest (Schwarzwald), an enormous natural reserve that stretches more than 125 miles (200 km) long and 37 miles (60 km) wide. It’s home to lakes, rivers, nature hikes and an amusement park. Nature lovers shouldn’t miss it. Don't forget to pay a visit to Freiburg, a quaint town filled with hidden lanes and streams, sometimes called the 'capital' of the Black Forest.
Top attrations in Germany
More about Germany
Quick facts
Capital: Berlin
Population: 81.1 million
Language: German
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Dialing code: +49
German hub stations
Germany's main hub stations are Berlin Hbf, Köln Hbf (Cologne), München Hbf (Munich) and Frankfurt Hbf. At these train stations, it's possible to connect to trains to Germany's main cities and many international destinations.
Station facilities
Stations in Germany usually have excellent facilities, often including:
Luggage lockers
Foreign exchange desks
Restaurants and cafés
Tourist information offices
ATM cash machines
Elevators and escalators
Access for disabled passengers
Spelling of city names
On German train timetables and at train stations in Germany, you'll usually find the local spelling of German cities and stations.
Here is the local spelling of some popular German cities:
Hannover = Hanover
Cologne = Köln
Munich = München
Nuremberg = Nürnberg
