Puplic Transportation
Thanks to Germany's dense transport network, there are numerous ways to get around both in the cities and throughout the country. At weekends, you can easily go on trips to other cities, the countryside, the mountains or the sea. Germany also offers an excellent base for exploring other European countries.
Buses and trains of all kinds
GETTING AROUND BY BUS AND TRAIN IN THE CITY
Public transport in Germany includes buses, subways, suburban trains and trams. Timetables at the stops show which lines run when and how long they take to get to each stop. Connections are less frequent on weekends and public holidays. Route maps are available at train stations, bus stops and the tourist office. Tickets are usually required and can be purchased via app, at vending machines or sometimes in the vehicle. Some machines only accept cash.
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Make sure your ticket is validated! Some tickets are validated when you buy them, others must be validated on the platform or in the vehicle. Without validation, the ticket is invalid.
If you have a semester ticket, you do not need another ticket, but you must show it along with an ID card when checked.
TRAVELING THROUGH THE COUNTRY BY TRAIN
Travelling by train in Germany is fast and convenient, but often expensive, especially for spontaneous trips. Tickets for express trains (ICE, IC, EC) are more expensive than for local trains (IR, RE, RB). Money can be saved by buying tickets early, either at the counter, at the machine or online, where discounts are often available.
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For frequent travelers, a BahnCard is worthwhile, which offers 25%, 50% or 100% discount on the normal price, depending on the variant. There are also special offers such as the weekend ticket for up to five people and the Quer-durchs-Land-Ticket, which allows you and up to four friends to use all regional trains in Germany for a day.
LONG DISTANCE BUSES: A CHEAP ALTERNATIVE TO THE TRAIN
Many long-distance bus lines connect cities in Germany with destinations in other European countries. These buses are often cheaper than the train. Connections and tickets are available online.
Anyone who uses public transport, such as trains or buses, without a valid ticket risks a fine of at least 60 euros. Therefore, please always carry a valid ticket with you.
Other travel options: taxi, car, car-sharing
Take a taxi
In the city, you can find taxis at special taxi stands or flag down a free taxi on the street. You also have the option of ordering taxis by phone or online. You can find the contact numbers of local taxi centers on the Internet.
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Taxi rides in Germany are very expensive, however, with prices varying slightly depending on the city. You can expect to pay between 1.60 and 4 euros per kilometer, plus a base fee of 2.50 to 3.50 euros that starts the meter. If you are sharing the fare with others, a taxi can be a good option, especially if you missed the last train or night bus.
By car
A valid driving license is required to drive a car in Germany. A driving license from an EU member state is generally recognized here. However, different rules may apply for driving licenses from non-EU countries. For more information, contact the driving license office in your place of study or visit the ADAC (General German Automobile Club) website.
Make sure you only consume alcohol in small quantities. In Germany, the blood alcohol limit is 0.5 per mille. There is an absolute ban on alcohol for drivers under 21 years of age. Exceeding the blood alcohol limit can result in severe penalties, including the withdrawal of your driving license.
Ride Sharing
Carpooling is very popular among students as a way to reach a destination together. Drivers with free seats in their cars look for passengers to share the cost of the trip.
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This type of travel is not only inexpensive, but also offers the opportunity to meet interesting new people. There are numerous platforms on the Internet that offer carpooling. Many universities also have a "carpooling board" on which current carpooling offers are posted.
ARE YOU READY TO MAKE YOUR DREAM OF STUDYING IN GERMAND COME TRUE?
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