Getting Around: Germany

Getting around Germany is easy. Domestic air travel is extensive but unless you’re in an awful hurry, you might as well save your money - the German train network is wonderful. The eastern and western train systems have now been fully merged, although fares in the east are still cheaper. Numerous fares and ticket passes are available. There is usually a surcharge for the InterCity Express (ICE) trains but it’s worth it to travel 250km/h (155mph) through the German countryside. Forget about buses until you’re in train-unfriendly terrain.

German roads are excellent, and motorised transport can be a great way to tour the country, although most towns have problems with car-parking. The national and (in)famous motorway network known as autobahnen can be wonderful and can be a nightmare: speed-of-light Porsches and BMWs looming monster-size and impatient in your rear-view mirror are one factor, soul-destroying traffic jams are another. Technically there is no general speed limit on the autobahnen, but, in an effort to increase safety and curb noise pollution, many segments have speed limits ranging from 100km/hr (62mph) to 130km/hr (80mph). On other parts of the autobahn system, high performance sports cars will pass you in excess of 250 kmh (155mph). Be careful!

Bicycle touring in Germany is very popular. There are often separate cycling routes in the cities, towns and in the countryside, but cycling on the autobahnen is strictly verboten.

Basically, wherever there is a train, take it. Buses are generally much slower and less dependable, less efficient and less comfortable than trains. There are, however, some regions where the terrain makes train travel more difficult or impossible; the Harz Mountains, sections of the Bavarian Forest and the Alpine foothills are among such areas. Germany does not have a nationwide bus system, meaning that separate bus companies, each with their own tariffs and schedules, operate in the different regions.

The frequency of service varies dramatically, depending on the destination. It can be as little as three buses daily, and sometimes even fewer at weekends. Routes geared to commuters suspend operation on weekends altogether. If you depend on buses to get around, always keep this in mind or risk finding yourself stuck in a remote place at the weekend.

Motoring around Germany is an enjoyable and flexible way to see the country. German roads are generally so excellent that you’re less likely to spot a pothole than a UFO. The country’s pride and joy are its 11,000km (6835mi) of Autobahnen (motorways, freeways), which extend to all nooks and crannies of the land. These are supplemented by an extensive network of Bundesstrassen (secondary roads, highways). No tolls are charged on public roads.

Bicycle touring through Germany is fun, popular and eminently feasible, in large part because of a dense network of lightly travelled secondary roads and dedicated bike paths. Even in the cities, you’ll often find special bike lanes and pavements separated into sections for pedestrians and cyclists. Bicycles are strictly verboten on the autobahns. Germany has over 200 well-signposted long-distance routes.