Germany Information
Joined: 21 Oct 2006
Posts: 27
Home Country: germany
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 Posted: Tue Nov 07, 2006 12:31 pm Post subject: GETTING AROUND IN GERMANY/ GERMANY TRANSPORT GUIDE |
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GETTING AROUND IN GERMANY
RAIL
Germany has an extensive rail network that covers almost every part of the country. The trains are reliable, safe and comfortable. Long-distance trains are meticulously coordinated with local services, offering excellent connections. A nationwide rail network enables visitors to reach even the smaller historical towns and the holiday regions with ease. InterCity (IC) and InterCity Express (ICE) trains run every hour, connecting more than 50 German towns. The high-speed ICE trains reach speeds of up to 300km/h. Regional trains connect the smaller towns. Many of these trains are also used by commuters, so it's best to avoid travelling in the early morning or late afternoon if possible. It is generally advisable to reserve seats on all trains, particularly at peak periods and at holiday times. Reservations can be made for a small charge until shortly before departure. All information, including timetables, is available online on Deutsche Bahn's website.
Tickets are often cheaper if purchased several days before travel. However, the tickets are then only valid for travel on one particular service i.e. the outward and return journeys are booked for a specific train. Children under 14 travelling with a parent or grandparent go free.
CAR
Germany's autobahns cover a distance of approx. 11,000km and form an ultra-modern and efficient transport network. More than 700 filling stations, service areas and hotels are open around the clock. There are no tolls on Germany's autobahns. In the event of an accident or breakdown, the German Automobile Association (ADAC) can provide assistance throughout the country. Members of an international partner organisation receive free assistance. Drivers are required to carry a valid driver's licence, the vehicle registration documents and proof of insurance. Vehicles from other countries which do not have a European registration plate incorporating the country code are required to display a sticker showing their country of origin. Leaded petrol is no longer available in Germany. Besides normal diesel, bio-diesel is also available. Germany also has an increasing number of gas filling stations.
Car Rental
Cars can be rented at any time of day or night in most towns and cities, and at more than 40 railway stations, from companies such as Avis, Hertz and Sixt. The cost depends on the type of car. Customers can choose from a wide range of well-maintained vehicles, from compact car to executive saloon to van. Some companies offer special weekly rates with unlimited mileage. Rental cars can also be picked up from airports, railway stations or hotels by request.
TAXI
The larger towns and cities have lots of taxi ranks and taxis can also be hailed in the street. If the yellow taxi sign on the roof is lit up, the taxi is available for hire. However, in smaller towns and areas with little traffic it is advisable to order a taxi in advance from one of the taxi offices. The telephone numbers are in the telephone directory. If you flag down an unoccupied taxi in the street and only want to travel a short distance, you can agree an inexpensive "short trip fare" (Kurzstrecke) with the driver. With this one exception, taxis are bound by the applicable tariff regulation.
COACH/ BUS
Coaches are a comfortable way to travel in Germany. Conscientious, well-trained drivers deliver visitors to their destinations in modern, well maintained coaches. Whether you choose an all-inclusive package tour, a long-distance scheduled coach journey or a short trip on a local bus, travelling by bus or coach is a comfortable and relaxed way to enjoy the town and countryside. The International Coach Association (Internationale Bustouristik Verband e.V. (RDA)) has compiled a list of the coach operators in each state in Germany. The operators offer a number of themed trips, excursions and club tours, and most will also organise customised tours by request. Deutsche Touring GmbH offers attractive journeys on scheduled coach services along Germany's scenic tourist routes.
URBAN TRANSPORT
Many destinations within the towns and cities and around the regions can be quickly and easily reached by underground or local suburban railway. The larger cities have night buses that run until late into the night. For all public transport and shorter trips by train, tickets must be bought from a machine prior to travel. Ticket prices vary according to distance, divided into so-called "tariff zones". For longer stays, day or week passes are better value than individual tickets. The penalty for travelling without a valid ticket is a fine of at least 30 euros on all buses and trains. |
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