Practical Travel Guide
Updated March 2025Route Planner
DB Navigator
Germany's national rail planner by Deutsche Bahn. Search ICE, IC, regional trains, and local transit connections.
Airport Transfers
Public Transport
Tickets
Berlin: single ticket (AB) EUR 3.20, day pass EUR 8.80. Munich: single ticket EUR 3.70, day pass EUR 8.80. Most cities use zone-based pricing.
Deutschlandticket — tourist transport card for unlimited rides and discounts.
Learn moreTaxis & Rideshare
FREE NOW
appMetered, ~EUR 10-25 city rides
Hails licensed taxis via app. Available in all major German cities.
Visit websiteUber
rideshareEUR 8-30 city rides
Available in Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, and other cities. Uses licensed drivers in Germany.
Visit websiteBolt
appEUR 7-25 city rides
Growing in German cities. Often cheaper than traditional taxis.
Visit websiteTaxi Deutschland
traditionalEUR 3.90 start + EUR 2.30/km
National taxi booking platform. Call or app in any German city.
Visit websiteIntercity Travel
ICE (high-speed)
Deutsche Bahn
Berlin-Munich 4h, Frankfurt-Cologne 1h, Hamburg-Berlin 1.5h. Sparpreis tickets from EUR 18 when booked early.
Book ticketsIC/EC Trains
Deutsche Bahn
InterCity and EuroCity connections. Slightly slower than ICE but cheaper.
Book ticketsFlixTrain
FlixTrain
Budget train alternative to DB on popular routes like Berlin-Stuttgart and Hamburg-Cologne.
Book ticketsWhere to Stay
Generator Berlin Mitte
budgetBerlin
EUR 25-55/night
Near Oranienburger Strasse, rooftop terrace with city views
Book on Booking.comHotel Adlon Kempinski
mid-rangeBerlin
EUR 180-350/night
Iconic hotel at Brandenburg Gate, world-class service
Book on Booking.comWombat's City Hostel Munich
budgetMunich
EUR 25-50/night
Steps from Hauptbahnhof, excellent facilities and bar
Book on Booking.comHotel München Palace
mid-rangeMunich
EUR 150-280/night
Boutique hotel near Englischer Garten, spa and garden terrace
Book on Booking.comFive Elements Hostel
budgetFrankfurt
EUR 22-45/night
Near Hauptbahnhof, eco-friendly hostel with rooftop terrace
Book on Booking.comWe may earn a commission from bookings made through our links, at no extra cost to you.
Useful Apps
Transport
Maps & Navigation
Citymapper
Excellent urban navigation for Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg. Real-time transit data.
DownloadTranslation
Google Translate
Camera mode for German signs and menus. Download offline German language pack.
DownloadFood & Dining
Too Good To Go
Rescue surplus food from German bakeries and restaurants at reduced prices. Very popular across Germany.
DownloadGetting Around German Cities
German cities have excellent integrated public transport networks combining U-Bahn (subway), S-Bahn (suburban rail), trams, and buses. The Deutschlandticket (EUR 49/month) covers all local and regional transport across the entire country and is outstanding value for travelers staying more than a few days. Buy it digitally via the DB Navigator app.
Train Travel Tips
Deutsche Bahn ICE trains are the backbone of German intercity travel. Book Sparpreis tickets on bahn.de as early as 180 days ahead for fares starting at EUR 18. Flexible tickets are significantly more expensive. Note that DB trains sometimes experience delays — always check the DB Navigator app for real-time updates.
Tips
- The Deutschlandticket (EUR 49/month) covers all local and regional trains, buses, and trams nationwide — incredible value
- Cash is still important in Germany — many restaurants and smaller shops don’t accept cards
- Validate paper tickets before boarding in cities without barriers — fines are EUR 60
- Tap water (Leitungswasser) is safe but not always free in restaurants — specify “Leitungswasser” if you don’t want to pay for bottled water
- Sunday is quiet by law (Ruhetag) — most shops close and noise should be kept to a minimum