Using the train

The Deutsche Bahn (DB), the former government run monopoly organization, is the most important provider in railway transportation. Other companies also run on many regional lines, in Bochum for example the RB 40 (Essen – Bochum – Witten – Hagen) and the RB 46 (Bochum-Wanne-Eickel – Gelsenkirchen) operated by the company Abellio. They cost the same price as the trains from the Deutsche Bahn and can also be used with the Semester ticket.

On trunk lines however there is little competition for the Deutsche Bahn. However within the next few years the range of choices should be wider and the competition should be stronger.

Types of trains

In Germany there are regional transport trains and intercity transport trains. The Stadt-Bahnen (S), Regional-Express (RE), Stadt-Express (SE) and Regionalbahn (RB) are among the rapid transit trains. The intercity trains are called InterCityExpress (ICE), InterCity (IC), Euro-City (EC), Interregio (IR) and D-trains.

The intercity trains cost extra and can not be used with the Semester ticket – not even if you pay the additional charge.

Timetable

Although Germans like to complain about the railway delays, the trains usually follow the timetable exactly. Timetables and information can be found at every larger train station and in the internet at www.bahn.de. You can also get railway information over the telephone under this number 11861 (costs 3 cent/sec) or use the free automated timetable announcement 0800/1507090.

Tips for traveling by railway

Buying tickets
You can buy train tickets at the train station either from the machine or in the Reise-Center (travel center). Tickets are also available in travel agencies and on the railway website. There are changing special offers on the machine and in the internet, e.g. reservations sometimes only cost half the price.

If you don't manage to buy a ticket before the trip, contact the conductor as soon as possible. You can buy a ticket from him, although it is more expensive than from the machine. In the train you can only pay with a credit card or cash. If you don't report to him immediately, it is possible that the conductor regards you as a fare dodger. In rapid transit trains it is sometimes not possible to buy a ticket later from the conductor.

Reservations
For longer trips it is worthwhile to reserve your seat. Otherwise it is possible that you have to stand during your train ride. You can make reservations at the counter, on the machine or in the internet; they cost 3,- € per trip.

Bahncard
If you ride on the train often it is worthwhile to get a Bahncard. With the Bahncard 25 you pay a one-time fee of 50,- € and get 25% off every trip in 2^nd class. The Bahncard 50 costs 200,- € and gives you a reduction of 50% on 2^nd class tickets. Students can buy the Bahncard 50 at the reduced price of only 100,- € if they are less than 27 years of age. The Bahncard is not transferable.

Savings offers
Even without the Bahncard there are many opportunities to save on your train ticket.

• For example there is a rebate of 25 or 50% when you book a couple days in advance and commit yourself to one train ("Sparpreis 25" or "Sparpreis 50").
• There is also a cheaper rate for groups of 5 or more.
• You can get particularly cheap tickets for certain routes on the internet ("Surf & Rail").
• Up to five people can use all regional trains all day on the weekend for 30,- € ("Schönes-Wochenend-Ticket").
• In addition to these offers which always apply, there are also special sales now and then for example where you can ride on any line through Germany for 19,- €. For all offers there are only a limited number of tickets. So you should book as early as possible to take advantage of these special offers.

All offers can be found online at
http://www.bahn.de/p/view/international/englisch/travelservice/price_overview.shtml