DB: Your train tickets in Germany

Besides Trenitalia or SNCF in their respective markets, DB (Deutsche Bahn) is the largest railway company in Germany. DB travels with the ICE (InterCityExpress), which allows you to cross Germany in a few hours. DB also offers slow trains at some stations with DB-Regio.

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Deutsche Bahn has DB for domestic and international routes with ICE for domestic and international routes with the necessary infrastructure, DB-Regio for journeys with connections to city suburbs and S-Bahn for journeys in large cities city. With this variety of trains, traveling by train is one of the best ways to see Germany.

Long-distance traffic DB

DB Fernverkehr is a partially independent division of Deutsche Bahn, which operates long-distance passenger trains in Germany. DB Long-Haul operates all InterCityExpress and InterCity trains in Germany and several neighboring countries.

As with domestic use, the trains can also be seen in countries bordering Germany. Deutsche Bahn line 1 - ICE for Basel and Zurich. DB ICE 3 and Thalys trains also leave for Brussels and a little slower for Amsterdam. Deutsche Bahn also works with the French SNCF. In June 2007, a new Paris-Frankfurt-Stuttgart line was inaugurated, powered by ICE and TGV trains.

ICE trains to London via the Channel Tunnel were due in 2018 but DB said they would wait for the infrastructure to be upgraded. Of course, trains to Austria are also planned. ICE line 5 from Germany and Austria leads to Vienna and, in the north, ICE line 9 leads to Copenhagen via Hamburg.

Long-distance trains:

DB - CEE : for international high-speed traffic. Currently there is only one line between Frankfurt and Milan, while other international high-speed connections are made with ICE International.

DB - ICE : for high-speed trains between cities and regions.

DB - EC : for trains passing through Germany and neighboring European countries, especially in cooperation with other countries.

DB - IC : for long-distance trains connecting regions. If trains cross international borders, they are usually called EuroCity (CE). Some EuroCity services are operated by foreign state railways.

DB region

DB Regio is a Deutsche Bahn company that operates short- and medium-distance passenger trains in Germany. Unlike its suburban partner DB-Fernverkehr, it does not work alone. Traffic is ordered and paid for by the federal states or their authorities.

Local transport:

DB - IRE : Interregio-Express serves the regions and connects the cities. IRE trains are only available in Baden-Württemberg and on the Hamburg-Berlin line.

DB - RE : Serves regions and connects cities.

DB - RB : Regional trains stop at all stations (except where the S-Bahn is also available) and are the simplest train service.

DB - S : S-Bahn is a rapid transit service and most make stops at all stations. S-Bahn trains operate in the high-frequency range and are comparable to, for example, the RER in Paris.

Pricing models of the Deutsche Bahn

Deutsche Bahn offers two different pricing models:

- The flex price (originally normal price): total flexibility. All trains on the specified date can be used on the selected route.

- The savings price or super savings price is the cheapest tariff. Prices for long-distance journeys (ICE, IC or CE trains) already start at €19.90.

Local trains (S-Bahn, IRE, RE and RB trains) also accept tickets from local transport associations, which can also be used on buses, trams and the underground.

The reduced-price DB BahnCard is included in the pricing model:

DB - BahnCard 25 : 25% discount on the flex price and the economy price

DB - BahnCard 50 : 50% discount on the flex price and the economy price.

DB - BahnCard 100 : unlimited travel on all Deutsche Bahn trains. Available on DB trains, some private train companies and many local transport associations.

Other special tickets are also available such as Interrail or national tickets for unlimited travel on local trains and many transport associations.

The best destinations in Germany

Here are some of the best routes made by Deutsche Bahn:

How far in advance can I buy a DB ticket?

Deutsche Bahn tickets can be purchased 120 to 180 working days in advance.

Can I travel on DB trains with a pushchair?

Yes, but it has to be folded. It is forbidden to block corridors or emergency exits.

Can I travel by bicycle on DB trains?

There are additional tickets for passengers traveling by bicycle on Deutsche Bahn trains.

Can I travel with bottles exceeding 100ml?

Yes. Unlike airlines, Deutsche Bahn does not have a 100ml limit.

What identity documents do I need to travel with DB?

For residents of the European Union, a valid identity card is sufficient. For foreigners, it is advisable to contact the competent Ministry if you need a different document.

Can I travel with my pet on a DB train?

Pets are allowed on the train if their weight does not exceed 10 kg. However, the animal must travel in a cage measuring 60 x 35 x 35 cm.

Where and how can I request compensation for my DB train delay?

In the event of a delay of between 120 and 179 minutes, the passenger is entitled to the total fare. However, there are different conditions for international routes. For more information regarding train delays, contact Deutsche-Bahn.