• Germany

Transportation for Students in Germany

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3 min Read

By:CANAM Group
Updated On:Sep 05,2024 11:37 AM IST

A single ticket in most cities is valid for up to two hours on ALL modes of transport (U-Bahn, S-Bahn, bus, tram) for the same journey.
Germany is a cyclist's dream, with dedicated bike paths, a relaxed cycling culture, and affordable rentals.
A 49 Euro Ticket gives you unlimited travel across Germany.

Ever missed that crucial first lecture because the bus decided to vanish into thin air? Or maybe you showed up for an interview flustered and sweaty after a tangled web of train delays? Happens to the best of us, especially if you're a new student who has just arrived in a foreign country. Navigating unfamiliar streets and foreign public transportation can feel like a perfect recipe for disaster. But fear not, fellow chronic latecomers (and the perpetually early birds too)! Grab your bike helmets because we are going on a virtual ride to explore the German streets and learn how to navigate through the cities. From deciphering ticket options to exciting facts about the German transportation system, we will scout it all.

Public Transportation & Quality of Life in Germany

Public transportation is not often discussed while planning to study abroad, but it is a decisive factor that directly impacts the quality of life of every person on this earth. How? Let’s find out:

Increased mobility & freedom	Transportation allows you to cover long distances quickly if you don't have a vehicle of your own. It also saves you from the chore of always asking your neighbour or friend to drive you to places.
Improved time management	Imagine not getting stuck in the morning traffic jam and catching up on emails on a comfortable train. Public transportation like trains don't have to wait for the traffic to move, allowing you to reach your destination on time.
Environmental benefits	Public transportation is better because it reduces reliance on personal vehicles, leading to less traffic congestion, air pollution, and noise.

And the list goes on, but you got the gist right. So let's begin from the beginning; you have just landed in Germany and are now standing at the airport exit, trying to figure out how to reach your first destination, AKA home sweet home. Now, students with zero preparation and planning will go down the rabbit hole of questions. What options are available? How long does it take to reach points A to B in Germany? Is there any app that can help me with transportation? But not you, because you now know that you can either take it easy and book a cab for the ride back home or get a train.

Landing in Germany

So we are at the airport, and riding a cab doesn't compel you as much as the exhilarating adventure of waiting on the train. No worries, as you will often be able to find train ticket machines inside the airport, similar to the ones in Delhi NCR metro stations. You can buy a ticket to your destination from these machines: the green machines are for local trains, and the red ones are for long-route trains.
Next, you will install the Deutsche Bahn (DB Navigator) app, a must-have public transportation app in Germany. This application provides up-to-date information on train schedules, buses, and trams. You can also use it to check fares and routes.
Now the rest is easy - ride the train, get home and take a breather because next, we will discuss the different modes of transportation to help you attend your university lectures and explore the city.

Modes of Transportation in Germany

Luckily, Germany has one of the most well-planned and efficient public transportation systems, which gives abundant travel modes from point A to B. To be honest, you have to put in some effort to learn how to travel smart without breaking the bank, but with exposure and practice, you will get the hang of it in no time. Now, including the one you just rode, there are 5 ways that you can choose to move around the city. Starting with the U-Bahn.

U-Bahn (Underground Train)

The U-Bahn, or underground train system in Germany, is the same as the metro, which you can use to visit major German cities such as Berlin, Munich, or Frankfurt. U-Bahn is known for its efficiency and speed. What makes it more useful is that it runs throughout the night, and its well-connected stations make it easier for you to catch a bus or tram.

General Range of Fares: German cities with U-Bahn systems mostly use a zone-based fare system, meaning the ticket price will depend on how many zones you need to travel through to reach your destination. Here's a general range of fares that you can expect:

Ticket Type	Estimated Fare
Single Ticket	€2 - €4
Day Tickets	€6 - €12

S- Bahn or Stadtschnellbahn (Over Ground Train)

Want to visit and explore the outskirts of major cities? Then, you should opt for the S-Bahn. This train is a boon, especially for students who want a little peace in their lives and have decided to live in the suburban areas, away from the hustle-bustle of the cities. S-Bahn is punctual and known for its coverage. But don't let the name fool you, as these trains do often travel underground.

General Range of Fares: The fare system for S-Bahn is a bit different from U-Bahn, as the total fare can either depend on the zones you travel through or the total distance travelled. So here's a general fare you can expect when choosing an S-Bahn:

Ticket Type	Estimated Fare
Single Ticket	€1.50 - €5
Short-Trip Tickets	€2 - €3

Bonus tip: Whatever ticket you buy in almost every German city stays valid for up to two hours. You can use that ticket to travel in one direction in any mode of transportation. For example, purchasing a ticket on a Hamburg bus can also be used on the Hamburg U-Bahn, S-Bahn or tram for that same journey. Interesting right?

Trams (Straßenbahn)

Like other transportation modes in Germany, trams offer extensive coverage, making it easier for students to travel from one corner to the other of the city. In fact, trams are even more efficient than S-Bahn and U-Bahn, as they allow students to reach areas that buses or trains might not. You will also find Nachtstraßenbahn, which are night trams that operate in some cities, ensuring late-night connectivity to students and nyctophiles.

General Range of Fares: Similar to trains, trams also run on the zone-based fare system. The price of a ticket usually depends on the zones you travel through. But for estimation, here's a general range:

Ticket Type	Estimated Fare
Single Trip	€1 - €2
Short-trip Tickets	These might be valid for a certain number of stops and cost slightly less than a single ticket.

Buses

Buses, your soon-to-be best friend, to reach the areas that U-Bahns, S-Bahns, and trams can't or don't cover. Buses are one of Germany's primary modes of transport that you can use to reach your nearest U-Bahn or S-Bahn station from your home. Similar to Nachtstraßenbahn, you can find Nachtbus or a night bus that you can use to get home or travel at night.

General Range of Fares: The fare for buses in Germany varies depending on several factors such as city, distance, and ticket type. However, there's a general estimate of fares that you can expect while riding a bus:

Ticket Type	Estimated Fare
Single Ticket	€1 - €2
Day Pass	€5 - €8 for a single zone

Bikes

Now for the most loved transportation choice of all: bikes. That's right, bikes are a favoured mode of transportation in Germany, especially among international students. This bias can be attributed to bicycling sometimes being the fastest vehicle to reach your destination. You can dodge the traffic on a bike without worrying about buying tickets and refuelling. Moreover, Germany has specially marked paths for cycling and places to lock your bike, making it more convenient for bikers.

Want to rent a bike? Kein problem (no problem), you will find a lot of bikes parked on the pavement, which you can easily rent by downloading the bike renting company's app. You can also use their app to find the bike closest to your location.

General Range of Fares: Renting bikes in Germany is one of the most affordable ways to explore cities. Here's a general fare range that you can expect:

Bike Type	Estimated Fare
Regular Bikes	€1 - €3 per hour & €5 - €15 for daily rentals
E-Bikes	€2 - €4 per hour & €10 - €20 per day

Public Transportation Tickets for International Students in Germany

Although there aren't any barriers at the U-Bahn and S-Bahn stations, it doesn't mean that you can ride without a ticket. It might be thrilling, but if you get caught by an officer without a ticket on public transport, you may have to empty your pockets and pay a fine of at least 60 euros. Obviously, you'll need a ticket to ride on public transport, and thankfully, many pass options benefit international students.

public transportation tickets.webp

Semester Ticket

This ticket, as the name suggests is exclusive for students only, and usually covers all public transport in the area.

Cost: 200-300 euros per semester.

You can also check with your university. Many provide a semester ticket from the semester contribution that you pay while enrolling. You can check it on the university website.

If your university doesn't offer any semester ticket service, you can purchase it at local public transportation offices. For more information, you can also check out the official website of your city's public transportation system.

Deutschland ticket (D-Ticket)

Deutschland ticket, also called the D-Ticket or 49-Euro Ticket, is a subscription public transport ticket for every local public transportation in Germany. With this ticket, you can enjoy unlimited travel in Germany except for some specific transportation modes, such as high-speed trains.

Cost: 49 Euro a month (its name is 49 Euro Ticket for a reason).

The subscription fees are automatically withdrawn from your bank account every month. You can also purchase this ticket from the Deutsche Bahn app, in a station ticket office, or on your local public transport association app.

Social Ticket (Sozialticket)

This special ticket is provided to low-income groups, allowing you to travel within a specified zone at an affordable ticket price.

Cost: 30-40 Euro a month

However, you will be asked to submit a certificate of eligibility to get this ticket. Once you do, you can purchase the ticket from a local provider's app or at a ticket machine.

Single Tickets

Single tickets are best if you have an arrangement for a personal vehicle or don't plan on using public transportation often. You can choose from a wide range of options, from single tickets to short trips to 24-—to 48-hour passes.

Cost: Depends on the ticket type and mode of transportation you choose.

You can purchase a single ticket from the local transport provider app or the ticket machine. Also, always check your ticket after purchase if it needs to be validated before using them.

Alternatives of Public Transport for students in Germany

If public transport is not your cup of tea, you can also consider other alternatives that are readily available in Germany. Keep in mind that these alternatives won't be as affordable as public transportation. Here are some of the options that you can consider:

Taxis or Cabs

As expected, riding a taxi in Germany is expensive, with the prices varying from city to city. You can expect to pay anywhere between 1.50 - 3 euros per kilometre. Much like India, there is a basic fare price of 2.54 – 3.50 euros. You can make the ride more affordable by sharing the fare with others, such as friends or family. Taxis may be expensive, but they are an excellent and safer way to move swiftly through the city, especially if you have missed your last bus or train at night.

Location: You can find taxis at the taxi stands or hail a moving taxi. You can also book them online or by calling them on the phone.

Car

You'll need a valid driving license to drive a car in Germany. You may be able to use your non-EU license, but it may be subject to other rules. If you have an Indian license, you can use your license for up to 6 months upon entering Germany. But after 6 months, you will be required to apply for a German license, and you will have to appear in theoretical and practical driving tests.

Ride Sharing

You can always share a ride with your friends or roommate. You may have to seek out the internet to find ride-sharing opportunities. Also, if there is one, you can look on the "passenger board" at your universities to find upcoming rides.

Useful Transportation Apps

Explore Germany to your heart's content, but don't get lost in the process. To ensure you know where you are at all point of times, download transportation apps used in Germany. These apps help international students connect between different modes of transportation in Germany and make the trip pleasant. Here's a list of transportation apps that may come in handy in the country:

Mode of transportation	Apps
For Trains, buses and trams	Deutsche Bahn Flix Bus Flix Train
For Car Intercity Rides	Blablacar
For Taxi	Free Now Taxi.EU Uber
For E-Scooter Rides	Bolt Lime Nextbike Tier

Conclusion

Wow, that was a lot of information, huh? It is essential to prepare thoroughly before venturing into a new territory. Cram everything mentioned in this blog post by heart to easily commute through the city and enhance your life experience in Germany. It's understandable if you still have many questions, as transportation for international students in Germany can get confusing. You can get your answers by contacting your friends or family members living in Germany or the study abroad consultants at Canam. Remember that it takes practice to learn things, so give yourself time, and you'll be streaming through the city in no time.

FAQ

How to get home from the airport?

You can take a cab or use the train to get to your accommodation. Getting a train is often the fastest and most convenient option.

What are the different types of public transport in Germany?

In Germany, you can find many means of public transport such as:

U-Bahn
S-Bahn
Trams
Buses

How do train fares work?

Usually, the cities in Germany use a zone-based system- the more zones you travel from, the higher the fare. You can consider a day pass or city travel card if you plan to explore the city extensively.

Are there any discounts for students on transportation in Germany?

Absolutely! Many cities and universities offer semester tickets that students can use to travel on any public transport at a discounted rate.

Are there any apps an international student can use to use transportation services in Germany?

Many public transportation apps allow you to check the fares and schedules and buy tickets for buses, trams and trains. One must have app is Deutsche Bahn.

Is there any means of public transportation that is available for late-night travel?

You can use Nacthbus (night buses) or Nachtstraßenbahn (night trams) for safe and convenient travel after dark.

Do tickets need validation?

Not every ticket needs validation; to be safer, always check whether your ticket requires validation before boarding by stamping it at designated machines.

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Transportation for Students in Germany

Table of Contents

Public Transportation & Quality of Life in Germany

Landing in Germany

Modes of Transportation in Germany

U-Bahn (Underground Train)

S- Bahn or Stadtschnellbahn (Over Ground Train)

Trams (Straßenbahn)

Buses

Bikes

Public Transportation Tickets for International Students in Germany

Semester Ticket

Deutschland ticket (D-Ticket)

Social Ticket (Sozialticket)

Single Tickets

Alternatives of Public Transport for students in Germany

Taxis or Cabs

Car

Ride Sharing

Useful Transportation Apps

Conclusion

FAQ

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