There are many ways to explore Germany, depending on your itinerary, personal taste, and budget. Find out how you can better travel the country, from renting a car and flying the Autobahn to hopping on a plane and enjoying a relaxing train ride. These are the people who came up with the term wanderlust and traveling in Germany is proof that it’s not always about the destination, sometimes it’s the journey.
How to get from city to city
What is the fastest way to get from Berlin to Frankfurt? Is it cheaper to take the train or opt for a plane if you want to travel from Munich to Hamburg? Or is it better to rent a car and drive on the highway?
Our series on how to get from one German city to the next offers all this information, including the fastest and most cost-effective transport options.
Train ride
One of the best ways to discover Germany (and Europe in general) is by train. Deutsche Bahn or ‘DB’, the German railway system, is very well developed and reliable. You can reach almost every city in Germany by train; Not to mention, watching the German landscape flow past your window is a very relaxing and comfortable way to travel.
Driving a car
Do you want to rent a car and travel on the famous German motorway? Of course yes. And driving can help you move with your family or travel at your own speed.
Driving in Germany is straightforward, but you have to follow the rules of the road to travel at those high speeds and dispel the myths (like there is no speed limit on the highway).
Germany’s best scenic drives
Of course, sometimes the journey is an attraction in itself. Get in the car and make the trip your reward.
Germany offers many scenic drives that will take you to picturesque villages, medieval castles, and unspoiled landscapes. From the Romantic Road to the Castle Route, from the Fairy Tale Route to the German Wine Route, these are some of the busiest routes in Germany.
Trip by bus
Not everyone has the budget to rent a train or car, and buses can be an inexpensive way to see the country.
The bus networks are extensive and extend far beyond the borders of Germany. They commonly offer deep discounts with little loss of luxury. Brands such as Berlin Linien Bus and Flixbus offer comfortable, ecological and Wi-Fi coaches.
Sometimes the journey is a bit longer than driving or the train, but the difference is usually slight. Also note that buses are often subject to traffic delays during busy travel times, such as before and after holidays, or on the weekend.
Air travel
While many international visitors arrive through Frankfurt International Airport (or less frequently through Munich and Berlin airports), air travel is actually one of the worst ways to travel in Germany. You miss the wonderful German scenery and it is often much more expensive than the other options. Many flights also stop over in other countries, making flying inconvenient and longer than necessary.
That said, it is possible to find cheap flights. Keep an eye out for deals between hubs like Frankfurt, Munich, and Berlin. There can also be an element of surprise with offers like the EuroWings blind booking.
German for travelers
Another key element of your travels is speaking a little Deutsch . It is true that most Germans speak English, but a little German can go a long way. Speaking German with the sales agent at the ticket counter or with your fellow travelers on the train can make traveling easier and more enjoyable.
