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How to Reach germany

How to Reach By Air

Of all the travel modes and paths to reach this country, air travel is the speediest and perhaps sole travel option to Germany from India.

As an Indian citizen, you must procure a Schengen tourist visa to enter Germany, a Schengen country. Flights to Germany are readily operational from all metropolitan cities in India such as Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, and Kolkata – especially Mumbai and Delhi, most ranging between 9-10 hours. The prominent international airports within Germany are Frankfurt (FRA) in the heart of the country; Hamburg (HAM) - the humid neighbour to the North Sea; Munich (MUC) - down south, secured amidst the Alps; the capital Berlin-Tegel(TXL) in the frigid east; and Dusseldorf (DUS) in the far west. With a convenient rail network, most airports are a scenic ride away from the city centres. Alternatively, if bogged down with generous number of belongings, local taxis or MyTaxi app offer relatively expensive, but more convenient routes to one’s destination. 

How to Reach By Rail

Germany is accessible by train from its neighbouring countries. Train travel within the EU, to and from Germany, is a popular option for the patient hearted. A window-adjacent train seat with intoxicating scenery is a soothing alternative to the bustle and dehydration accompanying air travel. A book in one hand and snacks in the other will definitely enhance an already beautiful journey! 

A handful of rail routes link Germany to its neighbouring lands: 

  • Deutsche Bahn - The most frequent rail options connect Germany to Switzerland, Poland, Denmark, Czech Republic, Austria, and even relatively distant lands such as Italy. Featuring the ICE (InterCity Express) trains darting at a speed of 300 km/h, these oh-so-high speed commutes stretch from Frankfurt (3.3h), Cologne (2.5h) or Düsseldorf (2.3h) to Amsterdam. Furthermore, the journey from Frankfurt to Paris is around 4 hours, while that of Hamburg to Paris lasts a full night’s sleep - 8.5 hours! A luxury traveller’s dream, the trains are equipped with prime air-conditioning, tables, dining and bistro facilities, reclining seats, and laptop connections.

  • EuroCity Trains - A less luxurious, slower, yet often utilized rail option connecting Germany to the same countries - Switzerland, Poland, Denmark, Czech Republic, and Austria

  • The Thayls - Promises a brief 4 hours from Cologne (Köln) to Paris and 2 hours from Cologne to Brussels 

  • The TGV - Traverses from Lyon, Strasbourg and Marseille to Frankfurt and from Paris to Munich and Stuttgart 

Many of these routes are generally available at appealing price structures, even the opulent ICE trains! They offer a stress-free commute while minimizing the perils of private cars on the environment. Alternatively, if your trip to Germany is one of many EU trips, purchasing a BahnCard is a guaranteed budget saver. For non-European travellers in particular, the Eurailpass enables unlimited travel options, saving euros that one would rather spend on a refreshing beer and delectable pretzel! 

How to Reach By Road

If you have flown into another European country from India, several bus companies provide viable commutes to Germany from its neighbouring countries. FliXBUS, MeinFernbus, Eurolines, and ADAC Postbus are options frequented by tourists. 

How to Reach By Sea

If you find yourself keen on spending a few days at sea, International Ferry services from Scandanavian countries to Germany are as follows: 

  • Kiel from Gothenburg (Sweden), Klaipeda (Lithuania), and Oslo (Norway) 
  • Lôbeck and Sassnitz from Kaliningrad (Russia) and Saint Petersburg 
  • Sassnitz from RËnne (Denmark), Riga (Latvia) and Trelleborg (Sweden). 
  • Rostock in Germany to Helsinki (Finland), Trelleborg (Sweden), Liepaja (Latvia), and Gedser (Denmark) 

Commuting within Germany

Wave goodbye to expensive car rentals because Germany boasts of an impeccable public transportation system! In most major cities, a singular ticket provides access to the subway, buses, the S-Bahn (above ground train), and the U-Bahn (underground train). 

By Train: The main rail line is the Deutsche Bahn - U-Bahn and S-Bahn - comprising high-speed as well as regular trains. Not the cheapest option, especially for the high-speed trains, but certainly a highly efficient one! You can purchase tickets from vending machines at the station, or from a manned ticket counter. Germans, honourable people that they are, have designed their stations without a turnstile or similar scanning device for a ticket. Therefore, as a responsible tourist, it becomes your duty to abide by this code of honour, purchase, and validate (yes, following ticket purchase, there are machines on the platform that validate or stamp tickets) your ticket. Do not be offended or surprised if you are fined or asked to leave the train by a uniformed or disguised inspector. The German’s take their rules seriously! 

Similar to the Eurailpass is the relatively obscure but equally convenient German Rail Pass - providing extensive unlimited travel within Germany. 

By wheels: 

  • Note that Uber, the modern man’s best friend, is banned in most German cities. Therefore, travellers must seek other alternatives. 
  • Bus companies such as FliXBUS, Eurolines and Deinbus cater to the budget traveller despite the luxuries of air-conditioning, reclining seats and rest stops. Out of the three, FliXBUS is most preferred by tourists and locals. 
  • On your personal wheels - car or RV - the country is your oyster. However, one must be vigilant of traffic rules, license requirements etc. Then, driving around your personal RV certainly has its perks. Besides the privacy of your space, and control over your travel, German campgrounds are equipped with electricity, water, restrooms & showers, kitchens, washers and dryers! Unlike no other mode, you have the liberty to sip a freshly brewed cup of coffee in your bed as dawn welcomes yet another day of impromptu exploration. 

By chance or By thumb : If you belong with the bold and venturesome, hop onto ride-sharing apps such as BlaBlacar or Mitfahren for the chance to encounter fellow travellers and exchange tales of wild adventure. Or, hitchhike your way to the rural corners of the country! Since most Germans speak and understand basic English, it is fairly easy to embark upon such an adventure. Hitchhiking from petrol stations will increase the likelihood of receiving long distance rides. Although safety isn’t guaranteed, hitchhiking is commonplace in Germany.

By two wheels : Whether with purpose, for pleasure, or simply to break a sweat, a sizeable population of locals can be seen pedalling along designated bike lanes. Most local trains allow on board (non-motorized) two wheelers. Dedicated to a greener, healthier planet, biking is an act of personal and societal wellness. 

Germany is a treat for all five senses, so why not indulge yourself by booking a holiday to this spectacular country with Thomas Cook? Visit out holiday packages to know more!

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