Transportation while in Germany

Many people will assume the best way to travel while in Germany is to rent a car and take advantage of the excellent road system.  While the roads are excellent, the Autobahns may be intimidating to the un-initiated.  In fact, the average American driver is ill-equiped for the realities of the Autobahn.  For that reason, and because of the scenic, relaxing nature of the rail system in Germany, I recommend travel by train.  While living in Germany and during subsequent trips there I have found the rail system is the most efficient and stress free way to travel.  Our Christmas trips to Germany in 2009 and 2011 proved very successful in part becuase we were able to travel throughout Bavaria (Bayern) with ease at reasonable prices.  We were able to travel to-and-from the airport to Garmisch-Partenkirchen by train, as well as travelling to Nurnberg, Regensberg, Innsbruck, Salzburg, Munich, and more via the train.  Shorter trips in the vicinity of these cities or Garmisch were accomplished by utilizing the ancillary bus system. 

Recently, Deutsches Bahn (DB) began allowing people to purchase the Bayern Ticket which we utilized on our Christmas trips.  The Bayern Ticket enables a group of up-to five people to travel within Bavaria for the entire day for Euro 29.00, or about $45.00.  That is an unbeatable price to travel within Bavaria in comfort and convenience.  While rental cars may be practical for some trips within Germany, most travel can be accomodated using the efficient train system with the additional benefit of stress-free travel.

Bayern Ticket

 Buy a one day German Rail Länder Ticket and you could explore all the Christmas Markets in the state of Bayern for one amazing price of: up to 5 people: €29 single person: €21

Unlimited travel, one price, throughout Bayern (Bavaria) for up to 5 people, 9 a.m. until 3 a.m. of the following day and on Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays from 0a.m. until 3 a.m. Valid on all local trains (Interregio-Express, Regional-Express, Regionalbahn, S-Bahn). Prices quoted are for 2011 ticket machine purchases only.