Deutsche Bahn

• The symbol for the German Rail System is

• It stands for Deutsche Bahn

• Germany easily has one of the world's best and most efficient passenger rail systems. There aren't many places that it doesn't get to, and the trip will be comfortable, economical, and punctual. Other than the automobile, rail is by far the most common means of transportation.

Many types of trains• ICE (InterCity Express) - The ICE is the flagship of the GermanRail system and provides high-speed

connections between the principal metropolitan areas. Trains usually run every hour or sometimes even more frequently.

• IC/EC (InterCity/EuroCity) - These are high-quality express trains connecting the larger domestic destinations and hubs at speeds sometimes only slightly slower than the ICE. Trains usually run every hour or two.

• ICN, EN, CNL, NZ (InterCityNight, EuroNight, CityNightLine; Nachtzug) - Various overnight trains providing long-distance sleeping accommodations.

• IRE (InterRegioExpress) - IRE trains are express trains that connect the larger regional cities at regular intervals.

• RE (RegionalExpress) - The RE is a regional express train connecting medium-sized towns to the main rail hubs.

• RB (RegionalBahn) - The RB is the main local train in the DB arsenal and connects the smallest of towns to the RE system and main rail hubs.

• SE (StadtExpress) - A local train that connects medium and large cities to their outlying satellite towns.

Typical IC & ICE Trains

Interior of a IC Train

Typical RE Trains

Interior of a RE Train

• There are many long-distance trains, both domestic and international, that operate overnight. Besides being a unique experience, night trains essentially add additional free time to your trip by allowing you to combine travel and sleep time. Many budget travelers use overnight trains entirely in lieu of hotels.

• The German word for train station is Bahnhof. If you're in a large city, you will most likely be using the Hauptbahnhof, or central station. Stations are usually located in the very heart of the city, except in small towns where they're often located on the edge of town.

Schedules

• Schedules are located in the train stations or on the internet.

• the DB has an excellent website-- probably the best in Europe, and in English no less-- from which you can get train schedules for all of Europe for any date and time:

• http://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query.exe/en

• Timetables are prominently posted throughout the station. You will find two schedules: arrivals (Ankunft) and departures (Abfahrt). All trains arriving or departing that station are listed chronologically starting at midnight. Times are listed using the 24-hour clock (e.g. 13:00 = 1:00pm). The train number and the arrival or departure track (Gleis) number are also listed.

• In major stations, there will also be large electronic display boards showing the trains scheduled for the next hour or so and their status.

• Timetables are posted in the station, but you can also get "quickie" schedules from the new ticket vending machines now in most stations.

Buying Tickets

• Many Germans and travelers buy passes (monthly, yearly, Europass).

• The best way to purchase your ticket is to go to the station, locate the departure timetable, and find the train that you need. Note the train number, departure time, and destination. Then go to the ticket counter (in larger stations, look for "Reisezentrum" signs) and give this information to the ticket agent.

Sample Railpass