Who Are Deutsche Bahn (DB)?
Deutsche Bahn (DB) is Germany's national railway company, established in 1994 following the reunification of Germany through the merger of West Germany's Deutsche Bundesbahn and East Germany's Deutsche Reichsbahn. Since its establishment, DB has been committed to providing high-quality rail services, with a network that includes long-distance trains, regional trains, high-speed (ICE) and international trains.
DB excels not only in high-quality passenger experiences but in freight and logistics. With its modern high-speed trains, extensive service network, and comprehensive logistics services, DB has become a major force in the transportation sector in Germany and across Europe.
Top Destinations
Berlin
Berlin, the capital of Germany, is known for its rich history and culture, featuring a vibrant arts scene, diverse architecture, and bustling nightlife, coming together to create a unique and dynamic atmosphere.
Main stations:
- Berlin Hauptbahnhof
- Berlin Zoologischer Garten
- Berlin Friedrichstraße station
- Berlin Alexanderplatz
Train types available:
- Intercity Express(ICE), Intercity(IC), Eurocity (EC), S-Bahn and regional trains
Top attractions:
- Brandenburg Gate, Berlin Wall Memorial, Museum Island, Checkpoint Charlie, Reichstag Building
Munich
Munich, the capital of Bavaria, Germany, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, thriving high-tech industries, and the famous Oktoberfest beer celebrations. A vibrant centre for art, music, and festivals with a strong economy and high quality of life.
Main stations:
- München Hauptbahnhof
- München Ostbahnhof
- München-Pasing
Train types available:
- Intercity Express(ICE) , Intercity(IC), S-Bahn and regional trains
Top attractions:
- Marienplatz, Englischer Garten, Munich Residenz, Schloss Nymphenburg, Oktoberfest
Frankfurt
Frankfurt serves as a key international hub for business, culture, education, travel, and transport, and is also Germany's financial centre, with active stock exchanges and numerous bank headquarters.
Main stations:
- Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof
- Frankfurt (Main) Süd
- Frankfurt (Main) West
Train types available:
- Intercity Express(ICE) , Intercity(IC), S-Bahn and regional trains
Top attractions:
- Römerberg, Frankfurt Cathedral, Städel Museum, Goethe House and Museum
Hamburg
Hamburg, Germany's second-largest city and major port, is known for its rich maritime heritage, bustling harbour, and modern urban landscape. The city blends history and modernity, offering diverse cultural activities, cuisine, and commercial centres.
Main stations:
- Hamburg Hauptbahnhof
- Hamburg Dammtor
- Hamburg-Altona
- Hamburg Harburg
Train types available:
- Intercity Express(ICE) , Intercity(IC), S-Bahn and regional trains
Top attractions:
- Miniatur Wunderland, Speicherstadt, Elbphilharmonie, Port of Hamburg, Hamburg Rathaus
Deutsche Bahn (DB) Trains
Deutsche Bahn (DB) offers various train services for all types of travellers, each with specific destinations, on-board services, and pricing, ensuring efficient and comfortable travel for everyone, but tailoring the experience to your needs.
ICE (Inter-City Express) Trains
As a high-speed train, the ICE (Inter-City Express) trains can reach top speeds of up to 330 km/h (approximately 205 mph), allowing you to easily and quickly access major German cities such as Berlin, Hamburg, and Munich, as well as neighbouring countries like the Netherlands and Belgium. Due to their speed, ICE trains are the preferred choice for long-distance travel, with various models available including ICE 1, ICE 2, ICE 3 and ICE T.
ICE trains are known for comfortable seats, luggage storage and complimentary WiFi. First-class passengers typically benefit from more spacious and comfortable seating with additional legroom, as well as in-seat catering services. Moreover, First-Class passengers with Flexpreis tickets usually have access to DB lounges.
IC (Intercity) Trains
IC (Intercity) trains in Germany offer a reliable and comfortable travel option for medium to long-distance journeys. Not quite as fast as high-speed ICE trains, these trains connect major cities and regional hubs like Stuttgart, Berlin, Dresden, and Nuremberg. There are a range of IC train types, including the original Intercity 1 model and the modern double-decker Intercity 2.
You can typically expect free WiFi and ample luggage storage, helping to ensure a pleasant journey. First-Class passengers will typically enjoy more spacious and comfortable seating, a quieter environment, and those with Flexpreis tickets can access DB lounges at the station.
Regional and Local Trains
Regional trains in Germany provide essential local services, including Interregio-Express (IRE), Regional-Express (RE), Regionalbahn (RB), and S-Bahn. They provide an extensive network of routes with frequent departures, seamless connections to local and long-distance services, and flexible travel without the need for reservations, connecting cities like Potsdam,
Cologne,
Dortmund, and Munich Hbf. On-board services typically include comfortable seating, luggage storage, and free WiFi on selected trains.
DB International Trains
Deutsche Bahn (DB) offers a variety of international train services, seamlessly connecting Germany with over 10 neighbouring countries, including Belgium, Denmark, and Poland. Key services include high-speed trains like the ICE and IC, offering fast connections to major European cities such as Paris, Brussels, Vienna, and Zurich, allowing passengers to travel internationally with ease and comfort.
On-board services usually include comfortable seating, luggage storage, and free WiFi on all ICE and some IC trains. First Class passengers can also enjoy more spacious and cosy seats, a quieter environment.
Deutsche Bahn Train Ticket Types
Deutsche Bahn offers a range of ticket options, ensuring every traveller can find the perfect ticket for their journey. These ticket types are mainly divided into Sparpreis and Flexpreis. Day Tickets and Deutschland Tickets are also available for regional and local trains, meaning it’s easy to explore Germany.
ICE, IC and International Train Ticket Types
Sparpreis
Sparpreis tickets are an ideal choice for taking long-distance trains, especially for money-saving travellers and those with fixed travel plans. Booking early is advised to secure lower fares. Children aged 6-14 travel free, as long as they are with someone 15 or older. Please note that tickets can be cancelled for a fee.
Super Sparpreis
As the cheapest train ticket, Super Sparpreis is perfect for travellers looking to save money and those with fixed travel plans. Booking in advance is recommended to get the best fares and children aged 6-14 travel free with someone 15 or older. Furthermore, the tickets cannot be exchanged or cancelled.
Flexpreis
The Flexpreis ticket offers the greatest flexibility, allowing you to board any train on the day of travel for your given route. Children aged 6-14 travel free, as long as they are with someone 15 or older. Additionally, tickets can be changed or cancelled for free before the departure date, but fees will be charged for any changes or cancellations made after departure.
Regional and Local Train Ticket Types
Day Ticket for Germany
Up to five people can travel together and enjoy unlimited access to regional trains across Germany for the day, limited to Second-Class travel only. Up to three children aged 6 to 14 can travel for free if accompanied by a paying adult.
Deutschland Ticket
With the Deutschland Ticket, enjoy unlimited travel on local trains, trams, buses and more. It’s a monthly auto-renewing subscription (currently €49 per month), and cancellations are usually required by the 10th of the month for the following month.
Regional Day Ticket for Bavaria
Explore Bavaria for an entire day with a Bavaria Regional Day Ticket, valid for First-Class and night travel. The ticket is perfect for groups of up to five people and allows up to three children aged 6 to 14 to travel for free. Enjoy unlimited travel on all local and regional trains, transport association services and nearly all buses throughout Bavaria.
Deutsche Bahn FAQs
Are Deutsche Bahn currently on strike?
No, as of writing,
Deutsche Bahn is not on strike and will not be until the end of February 2026. On March 26, 2024, Deutsche Bahn and the GDL union reached an agreement to end an ongoing strike. This included a €420 salary increase, one-off inflation compensation, and a "working time corridor" for train drivers to choose their working hours. The agreement also includes a “peace obligation”, prohibiting strikes until the end of February 2026.
Who owns Deutsche Bahn?
Deutsche Bahn is a state-owned enterprise under the control of the German government. It is entirely owned by the Federal Republic of Germany.
Do you get a refund if my Deutsche Bahn train is delayed?
Yes, if your train is delayed by 60 minutes or more, you are entitled to a 25% refund of the single ticket price. For delays of 120 minutes or more, the refund increases to 50% of the single ticket price. You can choose to receive your compensation either as a voucher or as a cash refund. Please note that refunds below €4 will not be provided.
What ages ride for free on Deutsche Bahn services?
Children aged five and under travel for free. Additionally, children aged 6-14 travel free with someone 15 or older and must be specified during booking. Each ticket can include up to four children at no extra cost.
How can I contact Deutsche Bahn?
You can contact Deutsche Bahn by phone, email, online form, or by visiting a DB agency.
Who is allowed in the DB lounge?
First-class travellers with a
DB Flexpreis long-distance ticket can access the DB Lounge.
