Transportation in Germany

Getting around in Southern Germany is easy.  Whether you are taking a plane, a train or an automobile the process is pretty easy to learn.  A big drawback is the price.  There is not way to escape it, but transportation in Germany is expensive. 

A few tips: 

Many people assume that train travel is the cheapest way to get around in Europe.  That may have been the case in the past, but nowadays, air travel is often the same price, or cheaper than the train.  There are many low priced flights on the low-cost European carriers.  Some tickets go as low as 1 cent!  Be aware that you will have to pay all taxes and some of the airports that the low cost carriers fly into are far from the city center. 

City day tickets are another good way to keep costs down and give your feet a break from the stress of traveling.  City tickets can be purchased for one day or several days depending on the city that you are visiting.  For instance, Stuttgart has a 3-day ticket for 9.50€.  These tickets can be bought at the ticket vending machines or at a ticket counter.

Don’t rule out renting a car.  Sometimes it is the best way to see the sites that are off of the beaten travel path.  Many castles and theme parks are only accessible by car unless you want to wait for the bus or hire a guide.  The German Autobahn is also an experience that car lovers should not miss.  A fad among Chinese is to travel to Germany, rent a fast car, and spend the entire trip speeding on the highways.  Others pick up their Porsche, take a test drive throughout Europe and then have the car shipped to the states.  Just make sure that you brief up on the German road signs and rules of the road.

Flights

You will need a plane ticket to get to Germany.  When are the best days to fly?  Who offers the best price?  Remember to buy your ticket at least one month in advance.

Also, several low-cost carriers can get you around Europe fast and easily.  Their names and information, all searchable in English.

Trains

The Deutsche Bahn will take you all around Germany and into other countries.  The S-Bahns will take you outside of cities and the U-Bahns will transport you within a city.  

Tickets, using the train, and finding your way around. 

Also search train ticket prices to find the best deals.

Cars

Germany is one of the last counties in the world to have no speed limit zones on major roads.  Driving on the Autobahn can be a lot of fun and an easy way to get where you want to go.  A car is especially useful when you want to visit smaller villages and the German countryside.

Driving tips, parking tips, choosing a car, and rules of the German road.