Exploring Germany by Train: A Breeze for Travelers

As someone who calls the rolling plains of Iowa home, the idea of navigating a foreign country’s transportation system can seem daunting. However, I have found that public transit in Germany is extensive and easily accessible from nearly everywhere. Even in small towns, there is always a bus that will take you to a train station, allowing you to travel anywhere in Germany. In contrast, Iowa essentially has no train system for travelers. While there are trains that stop in Osceola, if you’re in Des Moines, that location is over an hour away. In Germany, you can often walk or ride a bike a short distance to find a train, which I love. You can explore the country without needing a car, although in some remote areas, you may need a taxi to complete your journey. This makes my exploration and daily activities in Germany quite easy. However, some challenges can come with navigating the system. For the most part, I think the trains are timely and accurate regarding their arrivals and departures, but there are frequent cancellations and delays. This can lead to a lot of confusion, especially for foreigners who may not be aware that train times or platforms can change at a moment’s notice. It’s not well displayed on most platforms, and you might arrive on time only to find that there is no train showing up. Then you can spend the next half hour to an hour figuring out what is happening—whether the train is delayed or canceled. In these situations, you have to find a new train to your destination, which typically adds at least a half hour—or often more—to your travel time, especially if you’re going a considerable distance. I have learned to use the DB Navigator app, as it provides current train times and platforms that are most convenient for getting to my destination. Another issue I encountered was knowing which direction the train was headed. Each train has an end city it travels to, and this was something I had to learn. Occasionally, I would accidentally board a train on the same route and with the same train number but heading in the opposite direction. This can easily cause you to lose time getting to your destination. It’s important not to assume you’re on the right train, as the posted cities only include the final destinations, which you may not be familiar with if you don’t live in Germany. While you might use a map app to check the end city, this can be challenging when you are pressed for time between transfers, leading you to board a train going the wrong way. After a few trips, though, it becomes easier to navigate, and you start to learn where various cities and locations are. Another wonderful aspect of using the train system in Germany is the comfort and freedom it offers. When driving a car, you must focus constantly on your driving and immediate surroundings. This can prevent you from enjoying the beautiful scenery or relaxing on your trip. Many times, I’ve traveled by train and easily found seats that allow me to read, journal, or work on my computer while traveling to my desired destination. My recent trips to Germany have shown me that using the trains there is not only easy but also an incredibly enjoyable and peaceful experience. **User-Friendly Stations** German train stations, or Bahnhöfe, are designed with the traveler in mind. Signage is clear and often available in multiple languages, including English. Ticket machines are intuitive, and you always have the option to purchase tickets online or via the DB Navigator app, which is a lifesaver for those who prefer to plan ahead. Major stations also offer amenities like shops, restaurants, and even luggage storage, making your travel experience comfortable and convenient. **Extensive Network** Germany boasts an extensive rail network that connects even the smallest towns to major cities. Whether you’re exploring the historic streets of Berlin, the scenic beauty of the Black Forest, or the charming villages along the Rhine, there’s a train that will get you there. The high-speed ICE (InterCity Express) trains are especially impressive, whisking you across the country at speeds of up to 186 mph (300 km/h). **Scenic Routes** One of the joys of train travel in Germany is the opportunity to soak in picturesque landscapes. From the rolling vineyards of the Moselle Valley to the majestic peaks of the Bavarian Alps, the views from the train window are nothing short of spectacular. It’s a refreshing change from the flat cornfields of Iowa. **Affordable and Flexible** Traveling by train in Germany is also surprisingly affordable, especially compared to other modes of transportation, making it a viable option for various travelers.