Getting Around

By Air: Book a flight

With lots of local smaller airports offering domestic flights for travellers in Germany, getting around by plane is unlikely to cause any problems. Flying from the southern part of Germany up to the north takes less than 1.5 hours (Munich-Hamburg). Choose your trip from one of the airlines (e.g. Lufthansa, dba, Air Berlin, Hapag Lloyd etc.) that provide domestic flights with frequent connections.

By Car: Hire a car

Take the opportunity to drive the famous Autobahn by going to Germany by car. German roads and highways are very well maintained, have no speed restrictions (in some sections) and most importantly are toll free. The traffic also drives on the right hand side. Being adjacent to 9 different countries, the road network to access Germany is very good.

By Rail

Germany offers a great railway network making every part of the country easily accessible in an environmentally aware way. Relax and enjoy the views on one of the regional trains, or take the ultra modern ICE (InterCity Express) to travel between the major cities with speeds of up to 300 KM per hour. Germany’s privatised national railway, the Deutsche Bahn, offers great deals on overnight trains and on long term travel passes such as the German Rail Pass.

Check the website on http://www.bahn.co.uk/ for timetables. All major airports are also linked by the railway network and are therefore easy to reach.

By Bus

Ever dreamt of driving without speed limits on the Autobahn? Take your car across the channel or simply use the Eurotunnel to make your way to Germany in less than six hours! However beware speed limits as they do apply sometimes, but are clearly signposted. The recommended speed on the Autobahn is 130kph (80mph), its 50kph (30mph) in inner cities and 100kph (60mph) elsewhere, but if you are hauling a trailer the speed limit is 80kph (50mph) on the Autobahn. The alcohol limit is 0.5 per mill and severe fines apply to persons exceeding the limit. In addition, every driver has to keep a first aid kit and a portable red reflective triangle in his or her car in case of an accident. Remember that traffic drives on the right hand side and that every passenger has to wear a seatbelt at all times.

By Public Transport

Public transport in Germany is very good. All major cities have a good network of buses, underground (U-Bahn), trams and trains. At night, trains and the underground are replaced by night buses in most cities. Note that in Germany you usually have to stamp your ticket before you start travelling. Or simply validate your ticket with one of the ticket machines on the train or bus.