Discover the best transportation options for getting around Germany

Home to the Autobahn, Germany is a traveler's paradise, featuring one of the most extensive and dependable transport networks globally.

The roads are expertly designed and maintained, public transportation in urban areas is efficient and well-organized, and the intercity train system is second to none. No matter how you choose to travel, navigating Germany is a breeze.

Although Germany is relatively large by European standards, accessing any part of it is straightforward. Rental cars are widely available, flights can quickly cover longer distances (like the 790km/490 miles from Munich to Hamburg), and carpooling services are prevalent.

Here’s everything you need to know to navigate your way through Germany.

Take advantage of one of the finest train systems in the world

Deutsche Bahn (DB), the national railway operator, provides a comprehensive, modern, and dependable rail service. While there are private companies (such as Ostdeutsche Eisenbahn in Saxony, Bayerische Oberlandbahn in Bavaria, and the Nordbahn Eisenbahngesellschaft in Hamburg), all operate under the DB umbrella.

Before arriving, download the DB Navigator app for easy access to tickets, maps, schedules, and everything else you need right at your fingertips. If you plan to spend a lot of time on the trains, consider DB’s rail passes, which are tailored for visitors to fully enjoy the national network. Discounts are available for couples on twin passes and for youth aged 12 to 27 with special passes.

Children up to 14 years old ride for free on German trains

Germany is an excellent destination for families. It is well-developed, clean, and highly organized. The hospitality extended by Deutsche Bahn (DB) to young travelers is commendable: children under five travel free, and kids aged five to fourteen can ride for free when accompanied by a paying adult. There are special family sections and fun surprises for kids on board.

Cruise along Germany's superb roads and the famous Autobahn

Germany is an ideal destination for road trips. You'll find car rental agencies conveniently located throughout the country, all offering competitive rates on a fleet of modern vehicles. Additionally, car-sharing apps like ShareNow provide a great option, enabling you to book and pick up a car, drive it for up to 30 days, and return it within its designated 'home area.' Petrol stations and EV charging points are readily available—just use resources like Chargemap and PlugShare for locating charging stations.

Buses offer an affordable alternative to trains

While DB’s rail network is hard to surpass, there are times when opting for a bus might be more economical. In regions like the Harz Mountains, parts of the Bavarian Forest, and the Alpine foothills, it can be the only option.

Stiff competition among providers ensures that prices remain low while maintaining high quality. Buses are typically modern and comfortable, often equipped with Wi-Fi, power outlets, restrooms, and refreshments for longer journeys. FlixBus is the primary bus service in Germany, with RegioJet from the Czech Republic also offering routes in the country.

Discover Germany's long-distance cycling paths

Germany is highly bike-friendly, with many larger cities providing good-quality touring bike rentals. If you're fit and eager, consider adding a cycling tour to your plans. Rental services like ListNRide and Cycle Europe let you book bikes in advance from local shops. Quality road bikes start at approximately €38 to €50 per day. While wearing a helmet isn't legally required, it's strongly recommended.

A network of over 200 well-signposted long-distance cycling trails stretches across Germany. Notable routes include: the Altmühltal Radweg, which follows the Altmühl River for 167km (104 miles) in Bavaria's Altmühltal Nature Park; the Elberadweg, tracing the Elbe River for 1300km (808 miles) from its source near Dresden to its mouth near Hamburg; and the Donau Radweg, which meanders along the Danube for 434km (270 miles) between Passau and Neu-Ulm.

Sailing by ferry or boat is a charming way to explore the coasts, rivers, and lakes

Although Germany has just two sea borders, it boasts numerous lakes, making water travel a possibility. The Baltic islands in Mecklenburg–Western Pomerania, the East Frisian Islands in Lower Saxony, and the North Frisian Islands in Schleswig-Holstein can all be reached via ferries.

Regular boat services along the Rhine, Elbe, and Danube rivers offer a delightful travel experience. This is also true for major lakes like Chiemsee and Lake Starnberg in Bavaria, as well as Lake Constance in Baden-Württemberg.

Germany features well-connected and accessible transportation options

Germany is a civic-minded nation that prioritizes accessibility, offering excellent resources for those with mobility challenges. Organizations like the Association for Barrier-Free Destinations in Germany, Deutsche Bahn, and the German National Tourist Board are committed to eliminating barriers and providing valuable information for travelers.