Germany Railway Information
The Germany rail network is operated by Deutsche Bahn (DB). Your Interrail Pass is valid on trains operated by Deustche Bahn (DB)
Train Service:
InerCity & regional trains:
The main rail network in Germany is made up of the following regional trains and intercity trains:
- Regional Express trains: These connect regional destinations with larger cities. These trains make frequent stops and connect with high-speed ICE trains.
- Regional bahn: These trains link all local towns and are slower than Regional Express trains.
- InterRegional trains: These connect all the regions within Germany.
- S-Bahn (suburban trains): These trains make up a network of trains which operate within most big cities, including Berlin and Munich.
- InterCity trains: These trains operate domestically and internationally between key cities. They stop a few more times than the high-speed ICE trains.
Domestic high-speed trains in Germany:
These high-speed trains operate within Germany:
- ICE (InterCity Express): This is the most popular kind of train in Germany, connecting key cities. These high-speed trains travel at speeds of up to 200 mph (320 km/h).
- ICE Sprinter: Is the newest brand of extra fast ICE trains, connecting Germany’s main cities: Berlin, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Cologne and Düsseldorf, with no stops in between.
ICE and ICE Sprinter 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.
Domestic night trains in Germany are run by NightJet trains.
International connections:
These international high-speed trains operate to and from Germany:
- RailJet: Connects Munich to Vienna, Salzburg (Austria) and Budapest (Hungary)
- Thalys: Links Cologne to Paris (France) and Brussels (Belgium)
- TGV: Connects Munich to Paris (France)
- ICE: Connects Frankfurt to Paris (France)
Train stations of bordering countries:
The following night trains connect Germany with other European countries:
- NightJet:
These trains connect Germany to key cities in Austria and Italy.
Facilities and services on trains:
Bikes on trains
Bikes are allowed on most Intercity and Eurocity trains (there is a bike symbol in the timetable), reservations are required for bike spaces. Bikes can be taken on IRE, RE and RB trains upon purchase of a special bike ticket, no reservation is required. In some cities bikes can be carried on S-Bahn trains free of charge.