How to Buy Train Ticket in Germany

How do I buy a train ticket in Germany as an international traveller? Should I buy it if I am already in Germany or can I buy it in my home country? There are questions about buying a train ticket in Germany that I would like to explain in this article.

Hello traveller,

Traveling by train is one of the most convenient and efficient ways to explore Germany. With a vast and well-connected rail network, you can easily reach cities, towns, and scenic regions across the country.

But if you’re unfamiliar with the process, buying a train ticket can seem a bit confusing. Don’t worry! In this guide, we’ll walk you through the simple steps on how to buy a train ticket in Germany.

Before you purchase a ticket, you should know your destination and preferred travel time. Germany’s train system is extensive, so there are many options to choose from.

Do you want to go with regional trains or prefer taking long-journey trains? A flexible ticket with regular price or do you have tight budget and prefer to get the cheapest train ticket?

You will also want to know if you want to travel directly or with a few connections, as this can affect the ticket price and travel time. Oke, let me tell you how to buy train ticket in Germany.

Types of Train Tickets

Germany offers several types of trains. The difference between these trains is their speed, so each has a different estimated journey duration. The ticketing system, in my opinion, does not differ between regional and high-speed trains. In fact, you may need to combine thr two types of German trains to reach your destination.

Here’s a quick overview:

ICE (InterCity Express)

These are high-speed trains that connect major cities and are ideal for long-distance travel. Tickets for ICE trains are typically the most expensive.

IC (Inter City)

These are also long-distance trains but are slightly slower than ICE. The ticket price is cheaper than ICE.

RE (Regional Express) or RB (Regional Bahn)

These trains are slower and connect smaller towns and cities. They tend to be more affordable.

S-Bahn

Suburban trains that are mostly used within big cities. It connects city and villages.

Where to Buy Train Ticket in Germany

There are several ways to buy a train ticket in Germany. You can purchase the train ticket in your home country as well as in Germany.

Online (via the Deutsche Bahn website or app)

One of the easiest ways to purchase a train ticket is to use Deutsche Bahn (DB) website. I found the website user-friendly. The first language of the website is German. However, there are other language options too. For example, English or French.

You can visit the DB website (www.bahn.com) or download their app for both Android and iOS. Tickets can be bought in advance, and you can even select seat reservations for certain trains.

Ticket machines

Most train stations in Germany have ticket vending machines. These machines have English-language options and also other languages, making it easy for non-German speakers to buy tickets.

They accept both credit cards and cash. Do not forget to take the printed ticket with you from the box in the machines.

Ticket counters

If you prefer face-to-face assistance, you can buy tickets at the ticket counter in major train stations. The staff can help you choose the best ticket for your journey, answer questions, and provide advice.

I recommend to come here if you want to buy international train tickets. They will help with seat reservations and everything else that is limited on the website.

I had always good experience with the staff. They helped me find tickets at the best price for domestic and international travel with patience. They recommended the shorter routes or fastest travel duration and the right transfer time for my family.

Choosing the Right Ticket

When buying a ticket, you’ll need to consider the following:

• Standard vs. Discount Tickets: If you’re flexible with your travel time, you can find cheaper tickets, such as the Sparpreis (savings fare). These tickets are usually available for trains that are less crowded or for off-peak times.
• Group Tickets: If you’re traveling in a group, you can often get discounts by purchasing group tickets. This is especially helpful for families or friends traveling together.
• Day Passes: If you’re planning to travel within a specific region, check for regional day passes that allow unlimited travel within certain zones. The Niedersachsen Ticket or Schönes-Wochenende-Ticket are popular examples.
• Seat Reservation: For some trains, especially ICE or IC, you may want to reserve a seat in advance. You can do this when purchasing your ticket online or at the station. However, for many regional and slower trains, seat reservations are optional, as there is usually enough space.

How to Buy Train Ticket in Germany

If you’re booking online, the process is straightforward:

1. Visit the DB Website or App: Enter your departure and destination cities, along with your travel date and time.
2. Select Your Train: Choose the best option based on your preferences (speed, cost, etc.).
3. Choose Your Ticket Type: Select between standard or discounted tickets, as well as whether you want a seat reservation.
4. Payment: Complete the payment using your preferred method (credit card, PayPal, etc.).
5. Ticket Delivery: After payment, you’ll receive your ticket digitally. You can either print it or show it on your smartphone when boarding.

Boarding the Train

Once you have your ticket, make sure you check the platform number and train details on the display boards at the train station. If you have a printed ticket or one on your phone, be ready to show it to the conductor when asked.

Keep in mind that some trains require you to validate your ticket before boarding, especially if you’re using a regional ticket. The validation maschine can be found on the platform.

What to Do If You Miss the Train

Sometimes, things don’t go according to plan. If you miss your train, don’t panic. If you bought a flexible ticket, you can usually board a later train on the same route.

However, if you have a discount ticket like Sparpreis, however, it may be tied to a specific train, and you might need to buy a new ticket. Just come to the information desk or DB office in the station.

Board the Train Like Locals

• Be on Time: Trains in Germany run on a strict schedule, so make sure you arrive at the station a few minutes before departure.
• Validate Your Ticket: For some regional tickets, you may need to validate your ticket at a machine before boarding.
• Keep Your Ticket Handy: Ticket inspectors will often check tickets during the journey, so make sure you have it accessible.

Buying a train ticket in Germany is relatively straightforward and easy, whether you’re purchasing it online, at a ticket machine, or at a counter. It’s also easy to get cheap ticket.

With a little preparation and knowledge of the ticket system, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying Germany’s beautiful landscapes, historic cities, and vibrant culture all while traveling comfortably by train. Come to Germany and have a safe travels with the German train!

Happy travelling,

Amelia