The German transportation company "Deutsche Bahn" connects almost all cities and towns in Germany by railroad. There are express trains (ICE and IC) which move between major cities and regional trains which are slower but stop in smaller towns as well. In different regions, there are often additional regional train companies, which usually connect small towns and villages in Germany. The train schedules are available online and on big yellow posters on display at train stations. You can buy the tickets online, at the ticket counter (in the train station) or the ticket machine. The sooner you book a trip, the higher the chances of finding affordable tickets. In addition, there are group tickets ("Gruppenticket"), State tickets ("Länderticket") and weekend tickets ("Wochenendticket"), which are often cheaper than regular tickets. If you use the train regularly, it may be worthwhile to buy a so-called BahnCard, so that you pay less. Generally speaking, children under the age of six can ride trains free of charge.
Travelling within Germany
How can I travel within Germany without a car?

Germany is vast and has many attractive cities and regions worth visiting. Even if you do not have a car, there are still many alternative ways to travel within Germany to see new places or visit old friends.
Important: From June 1, 2022, to August 31, 2022, you can travel nationwide with with the so-called “9-euro ticket”. You can buy this ticket starting May 23, 2022 at bahn.de, in the DB Navigator app, at DB ticket machines and from the travel centers at the stations. You can use it to travel by buses, trams, subways (U-Bahns and S-Bahns), and regional trains. You cannot, however, use the ticket for long-distance buses and IC/EC, ICE. Each ticket is valid for one month.
What are my options?
Important
Asylum seekers with a tolerated stay permit ("Duldung") and those whose asylum procedure is ongoing are not allowed to leave their city or district within the first three months. This is called "Residenzpflicht"- you can find out more about it in our “Temporary Stay Permit” (Aufenthaltsgestattung) chapter.