Whether you're traveling to Germany for business or pleasure, you can find the best train travel possible. The country has over 40,000 km of railways, making it the sixth largest rail network in the world. There are several companies that operate regional trains in Germany. These companies use rolling stock from Deutsche Bahn (DB). Some of these lines are operated through contracts with the federal government.
The DB website has a number of sections that are important to travellers. This includes a list of S-Bahnen, regional trains, and InterCity trains. You can also search for tickets on the DB website. You can buy a ticket 180 days in advance. Generally, DB will increase the price for long-distance trains. You can also purchase a day ticket, which is valid for a single day on all DB trains. However, you should be aware that some trains may not accept your ticket.
You can look up a train's schedule by comparing the timetable with the schedule board. There are two types of train timetables: the zone system and the time system. In the time system, there are fixed prices for certain connections. The price increases closer to the departure date. A standard fare is usually the same year round, but there are discounts for trips in certain regions. There are some restrictions with the time system, such as the requirement to have a valid ID before boarding a train. The DB app is a useful tool for looking up train routes and timings. You can map your trip by train class and location. You can also use the DB Navigator app to check up on upcoming delays.
There are many trains in Germany, each serving different destinations. The most common category is the Regional-Express. It mainly covers long distances but skips some stations. The InterRegio-Express is a faster type of regional train. You should keep an eye out for the "tief" sign, which indicates the underground level of the train.
Aside from the regular IC trains, there are some special trains that connect major cities in Germany. One is the EuroCity, which runs every hour from Basel to Freiburg. Another is the Sprinter, which provides non-stop services during peak hours. There are a few other special trains, such as the Rhine Route, which runs through vineyards and villages.
If you're travelling in a group, you might be able to buy a discounted day ticket. These tickets are available for trips within Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia. If you're looking to visit a different state, you can buy a cross-border day ticket. These tickets can be purchased online or at the ticket machine. You can also purchase a special train ticket, such as the Bayern pass, which allows you to visit multiple Bavarian cities.
You should be aware that some regional trains do not sell tickets onboard. Some of the more popular lines run once an hour, while others run twice an hour. You can see these schedules on the DB website or at the ticket machines.