Page 543 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Europe

GERM AN Y  541

Traveling by Train to reserve seats, but in the high the S-Bahn. When they are
Traveling around Germany by season this is a good idea and above ground, remember
train is not the cheapest form of it does not cost a lot. If you are that trams have right of way.
transport, but it is undoubtedly staying for some time and want Various types of ticket can be
one of the most efficient. Trains to use trains frequently, one way bought from machines located
operated by Deutsche Bahn, to travel more cheaply is to buy by the entrance to stations.
the German rail company, are a BahnCard. After an initial hefty Children under six travel free,
renowned for their punctuality, outlay, this gives you a 50 per while those under 14 get a
safety, and cleanliness. The cent discount on rail tickets for a reduced rate.
fastest are InterCityExpress (ICE) whole year.
trains; these are aerodynamically
designed, painted white, City Transport Traveling by Bus
with air-conditioning in the There is a good network of inter-
coaches and airline-style seats. Several major cities in Germany, city bus services in Germany,
Unfortunately, there is not including Berlin, Hamburg, though journeys are generally
much room for luggage. These Munich, and Nuremberg, have no cheaper than traveling by
trains can travel at more than a network of fast connections train. Most towns have a
200 km/h (125 mph), which by subway (U-Bahn). U-Bahn Zentraler Omnibus Bahnhof (ZOB)
means that a journey from stations are indicated by square close to the train station. Most
Hamburg to Munich takes just signs with a white “U” on a dark bus services originate here and
under six hours. ICE trains blue background, while S-Bahn you can also get timetables and
operate on just a few routes stations have round signs with buy your tickets here.
linking the largest cities. The a white “S” on a green
InterCity (IC) trains, which stop background. The U-Bahn offers Cycling Tours
only at certain stations, are very frequent services – at peak
cheaper but still offer an express hours, trains normally run every Cycling is a slow but
service. For short distances, it is 3–5 minutes – and stations are environmentally friendly
best to take the Regional Express only a short distance from each means of getting around. It
(RE) trains. The S-Bahn (short for other. The S-Bahn trains are less also enables you to combine
Schnellbahn) is a fast commuter frequent and the stations are sightseeing with physical
rail network which operates in farther apart. exercise. It is easy to rent
some of the major German cities. In some cities (especially in bikes in some tourist areas,
eastern Germany), trams are the particularly at main train
most common method of stations from April to October.
Train Fares travel; in some cities, they also Bikes can be taken on trains, on
Train fares in Germany are have underground sections. the U-Bahn, and the S-Bahn.
quite expensive and there Trams are ideal urban transport For cycling routes, you will
is a compulsory surcharge because they do not get stuck find that many newsstands,
(Zuschlag) for express train in traffic jams. You can use the bookstores, and tourist
travel. It is not usually necessary same tickets as on buses and offices have excellent maps.
DIRECTORY
Airlines easyJet Airport Sixt Rent-a-Car
∑ easyjet.com Information Tel 0180-625 525.
Air Berlin ∑ sixt.com
∑ airberlin.com Germanwings Berlin Airports
∑ germanwings.com Tel 030-60 91 11 50.
Air Canada Emergency
Tel 069-27 11 51 11. Lufthansa Frankfurt am Main Services
∑ aircanada.ca Tel 069-86 79 97 99 Tel 0180-63 72 46 36.
Tel 800-645 3880(US). ADAC
American Airlines ∑ lufthansa.com Munich Tel 01802-222 222.
Tel 069-5098 5070. Qantas Tel 089-975 00.
Tel 800-433 7300 (US). Tel 069-299 571 421. AvD
Tel 069-660 63 00.
∑ AA.com ∑ qantas.com Car Rental
BMI Ryanair Avis Train Travel
∑ flybmi.com ∑ ryanair.com Tel 01806-21 77 02.
∑ avis.com Deutsche Bahn
British Airways United Airlines National Rail Inquiries:
Tel 0421-557 57 58. Tel 069-86 79 97 99 Hertz Tel 0180-699 6633.
Tel 0844-493 0787 (UK). Tel 800-864 8331 (US). Tel 0180-633 3535.
∑ britishairways.com ∑ united.com ∑ hertz.com

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