The Ultimate Guide to Traveling Around Germany: Ways to Travel Around Germany for International Students

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

Updated on: Jan 2025

TL;DR:
Germany offers affordable travel options for international students, including discounted train passes like the Deutschland-Ticket, budget buses like FlixBus, and bike-sharing services. You can save even more with student passes for public transport and ride-sharing apps like BlaBlaCar. For long trips, book early on budget airlines like Ryanair and EasyJet to receive massive discounts.

Germany is one of the most student-friendly countries in Europe, offering excellent public transport options to help international students get around easily and affordably. Whether you’re commuting to class, exploring your new city, or traveling across the country on a weekend trip, Germany’s transportation system is efficient and well-connected. In this guide, we’ll break down the top ways to travel around Germany on a student budget—plus some helpful discounts and tips to save money along the way.

Getting Around by Train: A Student’s Guide to Germany’s Rail Network

Why Trains Are Perfect for Students in Germany

Germany has one of the best train systems in Europe. It’s fast, reliable, and connects cities, towns, and even smaller villages. Whether you’re traveling to class or exploring a new city, trains are a comfortable and eco-friendly way to get around.

Student Discounts on Trains

Deutschland-Ticket (€58/month): This pass gives you unlimited access to local trains and buses, which is perfect if you need to commute every day or visit nearby towns.
German Rail Pass: If you’re planning to travel across Germany, this pass gives you discounts on long-distance trains.
Booking Tips: To get the best deals, always book your tickets ahead of time. The Deutsche Bahn website and app are excellent for finding discounts.

Types of Trains You’ll Use

ICE (InterCity Express) and IC (Intercity): These are fast trains for long trips between major cities.
RE (Regional Express) and S-Bahn: These are great for shorter trips within your city or to nearby places.

Pro Tip: Always check for student discounts on the Deutsche Bahn website to make sure you’re getting the best deal.

Budget-Friendly Travel by Bus: Perfect for Students on a Tight Budget

If you’re looking to save money, buses are a great way to travel. They might take a little longer than trains, but they’re much cheaper—making them a perfect choice for students. Buses run between all major cities in Germany, like Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt.

Student Discounts on Buses

FlixBus and Eurolines are the main bus companies offering routes across Germany. Both offer discounts for students.
ISIC Card Discounts: If you have an ISIC (International Student Identity Card), you can save even more on bus tickets.

How to Book Bus Tickets

FlixBus: You can easily book tickets through their app or website.
Look for Deals: Be sure to check for promo codes or special offers that could save you extra money.

Pro Tip: While buses may take longer than trains, they’re a very affordable option for students traveling between cities.

Public Transport in German Cities: Your Go-To Guide for Students

Getting Around in German Cities

Germany’s cities have great public transport systems. You’ll find everything from underground trains (U-Bahn) and suburban trains (S-Bahn) to buses and trams. They run often, making them perfect for getting to class or exploring your new city.

How to Save Money on Public Transport

Student Passes: As a student, you’ll likely get a Semesterticket. This pass gives you discounted travel around the city during the semester. It covers U-Bahn, S-Bahn, buses, and trams—so you don’t need to pay extra for each ride.
Monthly Passes: If you’ll be staying in a city for a while, like during an internship, monthly passes are usually cheaper than buying a ticket every time you travel.

Pro Tip: Always check if you’re eligible for a student pass to save on transportation costs.

Cycling in Germany: An Affordable and Eco-Friendly Way to Get Around

Why Cycling is Popular in Germany

Germany is very bike-friendly, with lots of bike lanes and rental options in major cities. Cycling is an affordable, healthy way to get around. It’s perfect if you want to skip the crowds of public transport or need to get to class quickly.

Renting or Buying a Bike

Bike-Sharing Programs: Cities like Berlin, Hamburg, and Munich offer bike-sharing services like Call a Bike or Lime, where you can rent bikes for short periods.
Buying a Bike: Many students buy second-hand bikes, either from other students or online marketplaces like eBay.

Pro Tip: Bike theft is common in Germany, so always lock your bike—even if you’re just popping into a store for a few minutes.

Carpooling and Ride-Sharing: A Convenient Option for Students

If you need to travel between cities or just want to save money on a longer trip, ride-sharing services like BlaBlaCar are a great option. Carpooling lets you share a ride with others and split the cost, making it cheaper than taking the train or bus.

You’ll also have the chance to meet other students or travelers and hear some interesting stories along the way.

Safety Tips for Ride-Sharing

Check the Driver’s Ratings: Always look at the driver’s ratings and read reviews before booking a ride.
Confirm the Details: Make sure to communicate with the driver about pick-up and drop-off locations.

Pro Tip: Prioritize safety by checking driver ratings before confirming your ride.

Flying Around Germany: Domestic Flights for Students

Flying Within Germany

While buses and trains are usually cheaper, flying can be a good option for longer trips, like from Berlin to Munich or from Hamburg to Frankfurt. Ryanair and EasyJet are two budget airlines flying within Germany. If you book early, you can find great deals.

Booking Tips

Use flight comparison sites like Skyscanner to compare prices and find the best deals.
Always book early to get the lowest prices.

Travel Around Germany on a Budget: Money-Saving Tips for Students

How to Save Money on Travel in Germany

Book Early: Whether you’re taking the train, bus, or flight, booking your tickets ahead of time can help you save money.
Use Student Discount Cards: The ISIC (International Student Identity Card) gives you access to discounts on trains, buses, flights, and more.
Travel Off-Peak: Try to avoid busy travel times (like holidays or weekends) to get cheaper tickets.

Essential Apps for Students

DB Navigator: For train schedules and ticket booking.
Moovit: Helps with planning your trips on public transport.
BlaBlaCar: Great for finding carpooling options.

Conclusion: Travel Like a Local and Explore Germany

Getting around Germany as an international student is affordable, thanks to all the great transport options and student discounts. Whether you prefer the speed of trains, the freedom of cycling, or the savings from ride-sharing, there are plenty of ways to travel on a budget. Don’t forget to use student passes, discounts, and booking tools to save even more.

Now that you know all that, are you ready to start your adventure?

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