Using The Trains In Germany

The language that crackled over the mono-speakers were garbled and intelligible; the words foreign and the quality unsteady. Standing at the end of a corridor, the hallway ahead was filled with people rushing with a purpose. Exiting and entering banks of doorways flanking the corridor, numbers upon numbers of platforms were lined up.

As wide-spread and convenient the trains in Germany are, using it for the first time is a daunting experience especially if you are not from Europe and don't speak the language. Certain train-taking norms are standard but as someone who don't usually take the trains, there was a slight learning curve involved.

So here goes my basic steps for using the trains in Germany. To put the content in perspective, I travelled by train through the following cities; Frankfurt, Dortmund, Herzegonrath, Bremen, and Wolfsburg. Unless there are different rules in different cities, the following should generally sum up the fundamentals!

Inner City Trains (U-Bahn)

There's a big diversity of train options in Germany. First up, each city has their own networks; the subways and lines that most any city-dweller are familiar with the world over. These trains, known as the U-Bahn in Dortmund (and I believe the same elsewhere) are fairly straight-forward to use. Check the map for your destination, trace a path and take the line that gets you there.

Tickets can be obtained from 'Fahrkarten' machines. You can buy a single journey ticket (einzelticket) or a day-pass (tagesticket) for multiple journeys in the same day from the machine. Before boarding the train, stamp the ticket at the time-stamper located either beside the ticketing machine or before entering the platform. Tickets that are not stamped are invalid.

Do note that there really isn't anyone checking your tickets though. An honour system is in place but there is a stiff penalty if you're found riding without a valid ticket.

So grab a transit map and you'll be fine on the u-bahn. After all, it's essentially similar whether you're in Germany, Kuala Lumpur, or New York... except for one thing. At some smaller stations, the doors don't automatically open but don't worry, just hit the button either on or beside the door. It'll open them :)

A rail pass or some tickets only guarantee you a ride on the train, not necessarily a seat. I found myself standing part-way from Frankfurt to Dortmund and it's not a pleasant experience. You can reserve a seat for ICE or IC trains. These stand for Inter City Express or Inter City and as the name suggests, these trains go a longer distance.

Some trains require a reservation. Basically, if you're traversing major cities, a reservation is the smart way to go. I paid Euro 4.50 per reservation, and you will be assigned a specific seat. So if you have a rail pass, just buy the seat reservation. If you're getting tickets, ask for a seat reservation.

If you're buying a ticket, all the information will be on it but if you have a rail pass, it can be tricky. When making a seat reservation, the ticketing personnel can identify a specific train for you, otherwise you need to make your own plans first by searching for trains at the DB Bahn site.

You should first be familiar with the train types. I mentioned the IC (Inter City - fast) and the ICE (Inter City Express - faster) but there's also the slower Regional trains which make more stops and are less cozy. Speed is proportionate with ticket prices (but irrelevant if you have a rail pass). The trains also has a class system. I rode 2nd class all the way and it was comfortable enough.



As seen in the picture above, the ICE has it all. Tray tables, paid WiFi, power outlets, food/beverages on sale, and even reclining seats with good legroom. And if you have a seat reservation, just look out for the LED or printed label by the seat that will indicate the 'from' and 'to' stations and it should match yours. If you find someone on your seat, just point to the reservation label.

So check out the schedule and plan well. IC/ICE trains often are point-to-point which is useful and convenient but they only frequent major stations. Regional makes more stops (some at smaller places) but are less comfortable and can be tiring on longer journeys. DB Bahn also operates the S-Bahn which is a little like the Regional trains so I can't quite tell the difference. The rail pass works on all DB Bahn operated trains.

4. How do you know where to go at the train station?

First up, the major train stations are referred to as Hauptbahnhof, or Main Station. If you're on the IC/ICE, this will likely be your stop or your starting point. I arrived in Frankfurt via plane and at the airport, there's conveniently a train station, identified with the Flughafen suffix, meaning airport.



The five important things to know and how do you find out will be as follows:

• Train type and number: On your ticket or from checking the DB Bahn site. You can also enquire with the ticketing (Fahrkarten) office or check the Departure/Arrival signs.
  
  
• Platform number: On your ticket or from checking the DB Bahn site. You can also enquire with the ticketing (Fahrkarten) office or check the Departure/Arrival signs.
  
  
• Departure time: On your ticket or from checking the DB Bahn site. You can also enquire with the ticketing (Fahrkarten) office or check the Departure/Arrival signs.
  
  
• End point (not necessarily the destination): On the DB Bahn site, or from signs at the platform. Note that your ticket may say that you are headed to Bremen but the train you take may end at another station so don't be overly worried about it. As long as the train number, platform number, and departure time matches, you'll be alright.
  
  
• Seat location: When you reserve a seat, you will be assigned a wagon and seat number. To find out which wagon (or compartment) you're in, check the sign at the beginning or end of each compartment. You can also refer to a compartment chart which is on a sign at the platform. It'll show you that, for example, Wagon 7 will be stop at Platform marker 'B' so stand there. In the compartment itself, just look out for the seat number.
  

This sounds simple enough but note that on some trains, station broadcasts are only in German and the electronic signage not always visible from your seat. I had to ask people a few times or walk to the signage to be sure it was my station to disembark. One good way is to check the DB Bahn site for the full stops list or check the train schedule (either on the platform or on a brochure in the train) for when your stop will arrive. Train timing is pretty reliable though not exactly super accurate.

Most trains have decent space for luggage, whether overhead or at the beginning or end of the compartment. On some trains, particularly those stopping at Flughafen (or airport) stations, the number of luggage items can be much so finding room can be tricky. Otherwise, it's usually uneventful but be reasonable as you have to lug them yourself.

Food and drink are sold on most (if not all) IC/ICE trains. You should walk to the bistro or cafe compartment (which will be indicated). They sometimes do seat-to-seat sales but these are unpredictable (unless you're in First class).

Also, the train doors don't open at all stops. If it doesn't, just hit the 'open' button, usually on the train or by the side of the doors. Look out for it just in case. At the station, it will usually blink green.

Whichever train you take be sure to read up on information! It's also always good to know some basic German terms like Gleis for 'platform' and Abfahrt for 'departure'. Almost all major signs are bilingual though so it will be alright.