Train station in Germany

There are a number of train types in Germany ready to transport you both day and night. The German train network is operated by Deutsche Bahn. Use the to check times for trains in Germany.

Regional and intercity trains in Germany

The main rail network in Germany is made up of the following regional trains and intercity trains:

• Regional Express trains connect regional destinations with larger cities. It makes frequent stops and connects with high-speed ICE trains.
• Regional bahn trains link all local towns. These trains are slower than Regional Express trains.
• InterRegional trains connect Germany’s regions.
• S-Bahn (suburban trains) is a network of trains that operate within most big cities, including Berlin and Munich.
• InterCity trains operate domestically and internationally between key cities. They are slower than the high-speed ICE trains as they make more stops.

Your Eurail pass is also valid on

On the regional trains appear as 'RE', 'RB', 'IR' and 'IC'. Reservations are not required for regional and intercity trains.

International high-speed trains in Germany

These high-speed trains operate to and from Germany:

• connects Munich to Vienna, Salzburg (Austria), Prague (Czech Republic) and Budapest (Hungary)
• links Cologne to Paris (France) and Brussels (Belgium)
• connects Munich to Paris (France)
• connects Frankfurt to Paris (France)

Domestic high-speed trains in Germany

These high-speed trains operate within Germany:

• (InterCity Express) is the most popular train in Germany, connecting key cities. These high-speed trains travel at speeds of up to 200 mph (320 km/h).
• ICE Sprinter is the newest brand of extra fast ICE trains, connecting Germany’s main cities: Berlin, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Cologne and Düsseldorf, with no stops in between. The ICE Sprinter is aimed at business travelers and runs during the busy periods at the start and end of the working day.

ICE and ICE Sprinter trains include an on-board restaurant. Snacks and drinks can also be served to your seat. In 1st class there may be extras, like newspapers, power sockets, audio channels and video screens.

On the RailJet trains are shown as 'RJ', ICE and ICE Sprinter trains simply as 'ICE', Thalys as 'THA' and TGV as 'TGV'. Reservations are compulsory for Thalys, TGV and ICE Sprinter trains. The international ICE route Frankfurt to Paris also has a compulsory reservation. For RailJet and ICE, reservations are optional but we recommend making reservations during weekends and busy periods.

Night trains in Germany

The following night trains connect Germany with other European countries:

• (CNL)
  Connects Germany to key cities in Austria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Italy, Netherlands and Switzerland. Key routes include:
  Berlin – Zurich
  Hamburg – Zurich
  Munich – Rome / Venice / Amsterdam
• EuroNight
  Berlin – Malmö
• EuroNight 420/421
  Cologne – Frankfurt – Vienna
• EuroNight Hans Albers
  Hamburg –Nuremberg – Vienna
• EuroNight Kálmán Imre
  Munich – Salzburg – Vienna – Budapest
• EuroNight Metropol
  Berlin – Prague – Bratislava – Budapest
  Berlin – Prague – Vienna
• EuroNight Lisinski
  Munich – Ljubljana – Zagreb

Domestic night trains in Germany

• City Night Line (CNL) connects several German cities by night
• Munich – Berlin / Hamburg

City Night Line trains appear on the as "CNL", and all EuroNight trains appear as "EN". On these trains you're required to book seats or sleeping accommodation in advance.

Scenic train routes in Germany

There are 2 scenic train routes that run in Germany:

Train stations of bordering countries