Dreaming of a German adventure but new to European train travel? No worries — here’s your chill guide to buying train tickets online with Trainline. Let’s get rolling!
Image Credit: Getty Images, Jorg Greuel. Image Location: North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
What’s the best way to book train tickets in Germany?
The easiest way to buy train tickets in Germany is online. Trainline is an excellent choice: it’s user-friendly, supports multiple languages, accepts international credit cards, and allows you to book tickets for various train operators across Europe all in one place.
How to find cheap train tickets for Germany?
Book early for the best prices — especially for long-distance trains. Use Trainline’s website or app to easily compare deals from Deutsche Bahn and Flixtrain. Look out for Sparpreis and Super Sparpreis tickets, which can start from as low as €19.90 (about $21) if you book in advance. Our journey planner highlights the cheapest options, and we'll email you an e-ticket for convenience. Join millions who use Trainline to travel to thousands of destinations in 45 countries!
How to check fares for Germany?
To check train fares with Trainline, enter your departure and arrival stations along with your travel dates. You’ll see different options, classes, and fare types, including discounts for seniors, youths, and groups.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Reinhard Krull. Image Location: Berlin Hauptbahnhof, Germany
What is the cheapest Deutsche Bahn fare?
The cheapest Deutsche Bahn fare is the Sparpreis fare, which slashes up to 85% off regular prices. But since everyone is after a Sparpreis ticket, you better book way ahead to snag it.
When do Deutsche Bahn tickets go on sale?
You can usually grab Deutsche Bahn tickets up to 6 months before your trip. It’s smart to book them early to pocket some savings.
How to buy train tickets for Germany online?
On the Trainline website, enter your departure and arrival stations in the Journey Planner at the top. On the app, use the search tab. Select your departure, passengers, and any Railcards. Hit “Get times and tickets” (website) or “Find times and prices” (app). Choose a time, class, seat preference, then enter your email and passenger names. Head to checkout and book!
How to check train times for Germany?
Train schedules are simple to find online. On Trainline, just enter your travel details to see a full timetable. The site and app provide real-time updates, ensuring you’re always in the know. This is especially useful if you're planning multiple trips or need to make connections.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Say-Cheese. Image Location: Germany
What is the best app for buying train tickets in Germany?
Trainline’s app is perfect for buying train tickets in Germany. It offers live notifications, departure and arrival platforms, and updated departure times. You can compare prices, find the best deals, and book tickets for over 270 train and bus operators across Europe, all at your fingertips. It’s your go-to tool for seamless travel planning.
Do I need to book train tickets in advance for Germany?
Book your German train tickets early if you’re traveling on long-distance trains (IC, ICE, and EC) and want to snag the cheapest fares before they sell out. Cheaper tickets are often released up to three months in advance. Sparpreis and Super Sparpreis tickets can start from €19.90 (about $21) and up, depending on how far ahead you book and how popular that train, day, or date is.
You don’t need to book in advance if you’re traveling on German regional trains — they offer fixed-price tickets with unlimited availability and no need for seat reservations. If you’re taking a long-distance train and prefer flexibility, you can opt for the more expensive Flexpreis tickets, which don’t require advance booking.
Can I get train tickets for Germany on my phone?
Absolutely! The easiest way is to download the Trainline app and buy your German train tickets there. You’ll have the ticket’s barcode ready to show at train stations. You can also have the ticket sent to your email or print it out at home for a physical copy.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Harald Nachtmann. Image Location: Munich, Germany
Should I buy an Interrail Pass/Eurail Pass or individual train tickets?
It depends on your travel plans. If you’re only taking a few journeys, individual tickets on our app or website are the way to go. But if you’re planning a full itinerary with multiple train rides, a Eurail or Interrail Pass might be a better deal.
Do children pay for trains in Germany?
Children aged 5 and under travel for free on Deutsche Bahn trains, though you’ll need to pay for a reserved seat if required. Kids aged 6 to 14 travel free with a parent or grandparent, provided their names are on the ticket. From age 15, they pay the full adult fare.
Do I need to pay for a seat reservation on German trains?
For long-distance trips, yes! Reserving a seat is a good idea, especially during peak times. If you book a First Class ticket, your seat will be automatically reserved. Don’t risk standing on a long journey; reserve your seat when booking with us.
Check out more about trains in Germany, plus find out where to score the tastiest currywurst in Berlin, how to make the most of Oktoberfest, the top routes to the coolest castles near Frankfurt, or how to do a full train tour of Germany with a Eurail Pass.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, spreephoto.de. Image Location: Berlin, Germany
