Germany has some of the best public transportation in the world. After all, they created the first highway system ever! All the cities and larger towns have public transportation that is reliable and efficient. Train travel in Germany is a safe way as:
Train travel is an incredibly efficient way to get around Germany, albeit not the most cost effective. Germany’s main rail system is Deutsche Bahn, which has both high-speed trains and regular trains. The high-speed trains are an quick way to get around but are usually much more expensive.
For example, a high-speed train from Berlin to Munich can cost as much as 190 EUR ($216 USD), but you can also find seats for 20 EUR if you have a more flexible itinerary. Last minute tickets from Berlin to Hamburg can cost 50 EUR ($57 USD), but advance bookings start around 20 EUR ($23 USD). Frankfurt to Cologne is also around 20 EUR ($23 USD).
It’s always best to book in advance when possible, otherwise you’ll pay the price for last-minute bookings. You can track schedules and fares on the Deutsche Bahn website.
A Eurail Pass, which allows travelers to explore Europe by providing a set number of stops in a specific time period, might also be a good option if you’re doing some country hopping. For more information, here’s a detailed breakdown of how Eurail passes work and can save you money.