Travel guide
How German train travel actually works
From choosing the right train and fare to reading a departure board, this guide covers the practical basics you need before your first trip on the German rail network.
Train types
ICE (InterCityExpress)
Germany's flagship high-speed train, connecting major cities at up to 300 km/h with power sockets, a bistro car and reserved and unreserved seating.
ICE Sprinter
A small number of limited-stop ICE services on business routes such as Berlin–Frankfurt, designed for the fastest possible journey time.
IC (InterCity)
Long-distance trains similar to ICE but generally older rolling stock and somewhat slower, often used on routes without full high-speed track.
EC (EuroCity)
International long-distance trains linking Germany with neighbouring countries such as Austria, Switzerland and the Czech Republic.
RE (Regional-Express)
Regional trains that skip smaller stops, useful for longer regional or cross-border hops and covered by the Deutschlandticket.
RB (Regionalbahn)
Local, all-stops regional trains, the slowest but most comprehensive tier of the network, also covered by the Deutschlandticket.
S-Bahn
Suburban and urban rail networks in major metropolitan areas, integrated with local transport tickets and the Deutschlandticket.
FlixTrain
A privately operated long-distance train on selected routes, sold and priced separately from Deutsche Bahn tickets and passes.
Fare types and refund rules
Flexpreis
The full-flexibility fare for long-distance trains, valid on any train of the booked type on the travel day (or a range of trains, depending on the ticket) without a seat reservation obligation.
Fully refundable and can be changed before or after the departure time, for a fee depending on timing.
Sparpreis
A discounted fare tied to a specific train and time, released roughly six months ahead of travel and getting more expensive as the popular departures sell out.
Non-refundable for cash, but can usually be rebooked to a different train for a fee before the original departure.
Super Sparpreis
The cheapest long-distance fare, also tied to a specific train, aimed at price-sensitive, planned-ahead travel.
Non-refundable and cannot normally be changed once booked; check the fare conditions shown at purchase.
DB Navigator app
The official DB Navigator app is the easiest way to search timetables, buy tickets, check live platform and delay information, and store digital tickets for inspection on board.
Reading a Gleis and Wagenreihung
"Gleis" means track or platform, shown on station boards and the app. For long-distance trains, the "Wagenreihung" (coach order) diagram shows where each numbered coach will stop along the platform, letting you wait at the section closest to your reserved seat.
Luggage and bicycles
There's no strict luggage limit on DB trains as long as you can carry your own bags and store them in overhead racks or luggage areas without blocking aisles. Bicycles usually need a separate bicycle reservation on long-distance trains and space in a marked bicycle car; regional trains often allow bikes more freely, subject to space.
Accessibility (Mobilitätsservice)
DB's Mobilitätsservice arranges free boarding and alighting assistance, including ramps and help with luggage, for travellers with reduced mobility. Requests are best made in advance by phone or through the DB website.
When a train is late
Under EU passenger rights rules, delays are measured against the scheduled arrival time at your final destination, and claims are usually submitted online or at a DB service point.
- 60 minutes or more: 25% of the ticket price
- 120 minutes or more: 50% of the ticket price
Source: EU Regulation 2021/782. Checked on 1 June 2024.
Night trains
ÖBB Nightjet operates overnight services connecting German cities with Austria, Switzerland and Italy, with seats, couchettes and sleeper compartments. Reservations are compulsory and berths cost extra on top of any base ticket or pass.
First vs second class
First class offers wider seats, more legroom, at-seat power outlets and generally quieter carriages, at a higher fare. Second class is perfectly comfortable for most journeys and is what most travellers and passes use by default.
Safety and etiquette basics
- Keep phone calls and device volume low, especially in designated "Ruhebereich" quiet zones.
- Validate or check in any ticket type that requires it before boarding, and keep your ticket or ID ready for inspection.
- Stand behind the yellow platform edge line while trains pass through at speed.
- Keep aisles and doorways clear of luggage, especially near emergency exits.
- Give up priority seating near doors for elderly, pregnant or disabled passengers when asked.