Deutsche Bahn (DB) train travel guide

Travel around Germany with Deutsche Bahn train tickets. Use Berlin to Munich trains, Munich to Salzburg trains, and the DB train discount.

Daniel Clark

Published: Jun 29, 2026

Updated: Oct 16, 2026

Deutsche Bahn (DB) is the national railway company of Germany and a high-speed gateway across Central Europe. Operating Europe’s longest rail network, DB runs long-distance and regional trains throughout Germany, Austria, Czechia, Switzerland, and beyond.

If you’re planning a city break or family visit to Germany or within Central Europe, taking the train with Deutsche Bahn is the ultimate, stress-free, and scenic way to travel. Whether it’s the high-speed direct train from Berlin to Munich, or speedy international trains from Munich to Salzburg, this guide gives you everything you need to know about DB train tickets.

Want to hear the best part? Right now, you can get 10% off DB tickets when you book with Trip.com with code DBOFF10 (Valid until May 31, 2027; limited to 500 redemptions, 1 order per user, capped at €10). Make the most of DB train discounts and see where Deutsche Bahn can take you.

Popular DB train routes

Berlin to Prague

Direct from Germany’s capital, travel to one of Central Europe’s most exciting cities in around four hours. Heading south out of Berlin, your scenic DB train route will take you past lush German spruce forests and the stunning Saxon Switzerland National Park, as well as giving you time to appreciate the Baroque architecture of Dresden. As you enter Czechia, you’ll track the River Elbe most of the way to Prague, where an abundance of cobbled streets and the charming Vltava River await. Berlin to Prague with Deutsche Bahn is certainly an unforgettable route.

Munich to Salzburg

Austria beckons on this rapid cross-border journey from München Ost to Salzburg Hbf. Arriving in the heart of one of Europe’s most culturally and artistically celebrated cities, there is no better way to reach Salzburg than on a direct DB train. Before you arrive in the birthplace of Mozart, head east out of Munich past the impressive Eglhartinger Forest. A little later on the route, glistening water will take your breath away: first, look out for Lake Simssee in the Alpine foothills of Bavaria, before catching a glimpse of the stunning Lake Chiemsee. You’ll arrive at your destination, close to the Germany-Austria border, in only 1 hour 35 minutes on Deutsche Bahn trains.

Berlin to Munich

From northeast to southeast, race down the eastern flank of Germany on rapid DB trains that connect two of the country’s most dynamic cities. High-speed ICE Sprinter trains take just under four hours to soar from Berlin Hbf to reach München Hbf in time for Essenszeit at your restaurant of choice. Enjoy some of Germany’s best scenery throughout the trip, from the forests and heaths of Naturpark Dübener Heide to the iconic arrival past the Schlosspark Nymphenburg into the Bavarian capital. Munich has so much to offer, and travelling to the city on a direct DB train ensures you won’t miss a beat.

Frankfurt to Munich

Direct DB trains from Frankfurt (Main) to Munich take one of two routes, either via Nuremberg or Stuttgart. Both offer exceptional views, as well as high-speed access to one of Germany's most vibrant cities in approximately three hours. If you take the more westerly route, you’ll whizz through Mannheim, Stuttgart, and Augsburg, with natural scenery dominating the landscape for much of the 180-mile journey. When you arrive in Munich, you’ll feel refreshed and ready to explore the city’s many attractions, thanks to the comfort of the onboard experience with Deutsche Bahn.

Frankfurt to Berlin

There’s something special about a long train journey in a comfortable seat with stunning views along the whole route. Get a window seat for your four-hour high-speed train from Frankfurt (Main) to Berlin, and the time will fly by: natural views abound, from thick forests to glimpses of lakes in the depths of Saxony. Your approach into Berlin takes you right through the Grunewald, a 3,000-hectare forest that is the city’s largest green space. Once in Berlin, you’ll never have a quiet moment with so much culture and history to explore, so it’s worth taking the time to enjoy the calm beauty of a train ride through the trees.

Exclusive DB train discounts: How to save?

Travelling by train is better for the planet and can be better for your wallet too! With our exclusive DB train discount, save 10% on high-speed or regional Deutsche Bahn routes in Germany or neighbouring countries. Here’s what you need to know about the DB train offer.

What is the discount? 10% off DB tickets when you book with Trip.com.
How long does the DB discount last? The deal is valid until 31 May 2027.
How do I profit from the DB discount? Use Promo Code DBOFF10.
Are there any restrictions? The total maximum discount applied to any single transaction is capped at the equivalent of €10. There is a maximum of one order per user with this code.

What are the different DB train types?

The DB train fleet is made up of long-distance (ICE and IC) trains, as well as regional services that transport passengers on shorter routes. To avoid any confusion and to know what type of train you’ll be on, here’s a brief overview of how to tell the different train types apart.

Intercity Express (ICE)

ICE trains are the gold standard of Deutsche Bahn trains, with rapid inter-city links and a comfortable, modern onboard experience. The ICE Sprinter is the fastest DB high-speed train and connects some of Germany’s most popular and populous cities. For example, there are 16 daily trips from Berlin to Munich with Sprinter trains. Onboard, ICE trains typically have a bar car that offers simple meals, snacks, and drinks, as well as free Wi-Fi so travellers can stay connected throughout their journey.

A white Deutsche Bahn ICE train with green and red stripes traveling through green countryside.

Intercity & EuroCity (IC/EC)

Reaching speeds of up to 200 km/h, Intercity routes with Deutsche Bahn consist of popular connections between some of Germany’s most unmissable locations. Since the very first Intercity train departed in 1991, the high-speed age has taken millions of passengers around Germany and into neighbouring countries. In the modern day, Intercity trains use an electric locomotive like the Class 101, providing a clean and comfortable travel experience.

Regional Trains (RE / RB / S-Bahn)

For connections between regional destinations, S-Bahn, Regional Express, and Regionalbahn trains offer a practical and convenient travel option. With frequent departures at regular intervals, these cheaper local services provide access to some of the more remote parts of Germany, as well as offering seamless connections to local and long-distance services.

DB train classes

Second Class

The most affordable way to travel with Deutsche Bahn is in Second Class. This practical travel option ensures a comfortable onboard experience, with free Wi-Fi available throughout your trip in Germany, plus Austria, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. One of the major benefits of train travel is that you can bring plenty of luggage – briefcases, backpacks, and suitcases – onto the train free of charge. Store bags in overhead compartments or end-of-aisle racks, ensuring bags are no bigger than 70 x 50 x 30 cm.

First Class

On Deutsche Bahn trains, the greatest comfort is reserved for passengers with First Class tickets. If you’re looking for a quieter environment, with wider aisles, more legroom, and extra space for your luggage, the upgrade is well worth the extra cost. Benefit from unlimited WiFi with no data limit, as well as access to DB Lounges at select stations. On ICE trains, enjoy at-seat food and drinks service too.

Deutsche Bahn train tickets

Comparing DB train tickets

Want to know the difference between Normalpreis and Flexpreis? When can I use Super Sparpreis on Deutsche Bahn trains? Here’s what you need to know about the various options.

Flexpreis: The Flexible fare ("Flexpreis" in German) gives you ultimate flexibility, enabling you to board any train on your selected route on the day of your journey. You can change or cancel your ticket at no cost before the departure date.
Sparpreis: The Saver fare ("Sparpreis" in German) is a budget-friendly option for train travel on ICE, IC, or EC trains. Children aged 6 to 14 can travel for free when accompanied by an adult aged 15 or older.
Super Sparpreis: The Super Saver fare ("Super Sparpreis" in German) is the lowest-priced ticket option, valid on ICE, IC, and EC trains. Book in advance to secure the cheapest fares. Children aged 6 to 14 can travel for free when accompanied by an adult aged 15 or older.
Normalpreis: A flexible travel option for local services, the Normal Fare (“Normalpreis” in German) gives you the option to choose any regional connection that suits your travel needs. On the day of travel, simply take the train that fits best with your plans.
Bayern-Ticket: A day travel and multi-saver discount DB ticket, the Bayern-Ticket offers one day of travel throughout the whole of Bavaria. Take any number of journeys within Bavaria on a specified day. Variations include the Bayern-Ticket Nacht (Bayern-Ticket Night) for unlimited evening and night-time train travel on a single day.
Quer-durchs-Land-Ticket: This is a day railway ticket for unlimited travel on any regional Deutsche Bahn train. Starting at a base rate for one traveller, additional passengers can be added for a small upgrade, making it an ideal choice for groups travelling together.

How to book discounted DB train tickets?

Navigating foreign trains can be a headache, so let Trip.com make it as easy as one, two, three! You don’t need to worry about comparing prices or paying in local currencies: we have all Deutsche Bahn trains available and easy to book in one place. Better still, you can benefit from 10% off Deutsche Bahn train tickets when you book today.

For a convenient booking experience and the cheapest fares, follow these simple steps:

Enter your train journey on Trip.com, choosing your departure and arrival stations, and travel date.
Select trains and ticket types, whether it’s a regional S-Bahn connection or a long-distance ICE route over land borders. Be sure to choose services operated by Deutsche Bahn to benefit from the 10% discount.
Apply promo code DBOFF10 and check out. Before you proceed to purchase, double-check the price to ensure the discount has been successfully applied.

Experience all of the beauty and culture of Germany when you travel by train with Deutsche Bahn. On popular inter-city routes, like Berlin to Munich, or regional connections within Bavaria or elsewhere, you can see more of Germany when you take the train. So, what are you waiting for? Use your 10% DB discount today!