Travel planning


Getting around in Germany

Cycling Germany with Experience Plus!

Willkommen in Deutschland!

As you are planning your bicycle trip and beyond, you will certainly wonder how to best get around. We’re here to help and have put together some general information and tips for you. Find step-by-step arrival and departure instructions specific to your tour in your tour packet. Note that any fares and timing mentioned are estimates.

We also recommend Rome2Rio, which is an excellent route and travel planning resource.

Berlin

The Berlin Brandenburg airport (BER) is located just south of the capital. A plethora of connections are available to transfer into the city or further out into the region.

  • Public transportation is manifold. We are only listing the Airport Express and Taxi options below. Depending on your destination, you have a wide choice. Check the BER Airport Public Transportation site.
  • Airport Express FEX: Airport Express trains (Flughafen Express FEX, RE7, and RB14) connect the BER airport to many parts of Berlin, and even Potsdam. Depending on the destination, the transfer takes from 15 minutes to Ostkreuz to 50 minutes to Potsdam.
  • Taxi: Taxis are available outside of Terminal 1. Travel time and cost depends on your destination. It is good practice to ask for a fare estimate beforehand.

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Frankfurt

The Frankfurt International Airport (FRA) is connected by train, bus, and a special direct AIRail Service.

  • By AIRail: Frankfurt airport has two railway stations. The long-distance AIRail station offers service to and from Bonn, Cologne, and Stuttgart, directly to the airport, right next to Terminal 1. Trains arrive at and depart from platforms 4 to 7, and they will even check your baggage when you board the train (for certain airlines).
  • By Train: There is a local railway station for S-Bahn regional and local trains at Terminal 1, Level 1. Trains arrive at and depart from platforms 1 to 3.
  • By Shuttle: Lufthansa offers an airport bus from Frankfurt to Strasburg, and airport shuttles to various other destinations. These are easy options since they leave directly from the Frankfurt airport. Web: www.lufthansa-airportbus.com
  • By Bus: Buses arrive at Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, and travel to various destinations around Frankfurt. Check the airport website for a list of destinations and schedules.

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Hamburg

The Hamburg Airport (HAM) is well-connected by international flights. Check the airport’s website for carriers. It’s about 8 km from the city center and well connected by commuter rail to downtown Hamburg.

  • S-Bahn: The commuter rail (S-Bahn) line S1 connects the airport with the central railway station (Hamburg Hauptbahnhof). The journey takes 25 minutes and trains run every 10 minutes.
  • Taxi: A taxi to downtown costs about EUR 30.

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Munich / München

The Munich International Airport-Flughafen München (MUC) is well-connected by international flights. Check their website for carriers. It is also well-connected by bus and train to downtown Munich.

  • By Shuttle Bus: Lufthansa Express Bus Shuttles operate conveniently every 20 minutes from terminals 1 and 2 and the Central Area of the airport, and proceed directly to both the subway station Nordfriedhof in the Schwabing quarter and the Munich Main Station (München Hauptbahnhof). Check the website for schedules and more information.
  • By S-Bahn: After leaving customs, follow the green and white S sign for the S- Bahn urban rapid railway system, which takes you downtown to connect with other means of transportation (e.g. the metro (U-Bahn). There are two S-Bahn lines to the Munich main train station and city center: S-1 takes 45 minutes and S-8 takes 41 minutes. Check the website for a complete map of the metro. Munich public transport authority.
  • By Train: While the S-Bahn takes you to downtown Munich, it is connected to the long-distance train system as well, which allows you to travel to other destinations in Germany. After taking the S-Bahn S-1 or S-8 from the airport to downtown Munich (Munich main train station: München Hbf), the train system can take you to your destination outside of Munich. Check the schedules and prices online: Deutsche Bahn AG – the German Railway.

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Nuremberg / Nürnberg

The Nuremberg International Airport (NUE) is a smaller airport, and most international flights connect through either Frankfurt or Munich.

  • By Train: The U2 subway line directly connects Nuremberg Airport with the central train station in just 12 minutes.
  • By Bus: The airport is conveniently reached using the Nuremberg bus service. The bus stop is located in front of Terminal 1 at the departure level, and buses leave every 10 minutes. Check the airport website for destinations and schedules.
  • By Taxi or Shuttle Service: A taxi to downtown Nuremberg takes 15 minutes. Check the airport website for a list of shuttle services also available from the airport.

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Ground transportation in Germany

The word “Hauptbahnhof” means “central station”, and is abbreviated as “Hbf”. This is typically the best-connected station in the town or city. The word “Flughafen” means “airport” and usually trains will connect from the airport station to the main Hbf station.

Germany is very well-connected by trains (Bahn), and the German train system has a comprehensive website to help you plan your travels around Germany. You will even find international connections and schedules.

  • Frankfurt: Frankfurt (Main) Hbf
  • Munich: München Hbf
  • Nuremberg: Nürnberg Hbf
  • Stuttgart: Stuttgart Hbf
  • Berlin: Berlin Hbf
  • Intercity-Express (ICE)
  • Intercity/Eurocity (IC/EC)
  • Interregional (IR)
  • Interregional-Express (IRE)
  • Regional-Express (RE)
  • Regionalbahn (RB)
  • Night trains (NZ, EN, D-Zug, UEX, CNL)
  • International trains: Thalys, Eurostar
  • Local public transport: urban rapid transit (S-Bahn), underground (U-Bahn)

Depending on your destination, you have many options. Typically, longer distances between major cities are the ICE trains, which may even offer a first class department and include on-train food services. All stops are serviced on the Regionalbahn (RB) train, and oftentimes you may take one of these to reach a smaller town. When researching your train travel online, click on the abbreviation in the “Products” column for a complete description of the types of trains offered for your preferred route.

It is a good idea to check on the German Rail Operator’s website www.bahn.de to see if your train allows bikes, and if so, how many. On some trains, a bike reservation may be required due to limited space.

  • Taxis: Taxis can easily be found outside airports and train stations. It is good practice to ask for an approximate fare before the ride and pay meter start. Keep in mind that the cost may vary depending on traffic in the city. You can round up to add a tip.
  • Rental Car: If you decide to rent a car, we suggest arranging this from the U.S. – it’s cheaper. Be sure to find out the exact address of the location to pick up your rental car, (preferably at your arrival airport). It’s best to make these arrangements in advance, and if you wish to go through a German company, we suggest Sixt Car Rental.
  • Bus: Germany has an extensive domestic bus network although most travelers stick with the more convenient rail network unless they want to get to smaller towns, particularly in the Bavarian Alps and along the Romantic Road. International buses are a popular alternative to the train with services to destinations throughout both eastern and western Europe. Central bus stations (Busbahnhof) are usually located near the main train station (Hauptbahnhof) in most big towns and cities. However, some smaller bus companies, such as those serving eastern European destinations, operate from their own terminals.

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