Customers can get information about suitable train schedules and can purchase their tickets by calling German Rail's call center in Germany. Tickets can then be sent to your home address either in Germany or abroad.
Tel.: +49 180 5996633 (Please press 9 for English inquiries and you will immediately be transferred to an English speaking operator.)
Fax: +49 681 9359650
Mobility Service Center
The center provides assistance for travelers with disabilities who need help getting on or off a train. Additional help is also offered by members of the Travelers' Aid Society (Bahnshofsmission). These services are free of charge.
Travelers need to contact the Mobility Service Center for reservations at least one business day before departure, either by phone, fax or internet during the following hours:
Mon - Fri: 8 am - 8 pm (MEZ)
Sat: 8 am - 4 pm (MEZ)
Tel.: +49 1805 512512
Fax: +49 681 9359650
Website
Please click here for the brochure "Mobility Service for Rail Travelers with Disabilities" (in German only).
Services at the Station
In most of Germany's major stations there are elevators and ramps to help customers get on and off the train. Many new local stations also provide elevators and automatic ramps.
ServicePoint
At larger stations, the ServicePoint is the central desk which deals with all customer inquiries about their travel with German Rail.
It is centrally located in the station and the Mobility Service Center recommends that customers with disabilities use the ServicePoint as the ideal meeting place, for instance when they have arranged assistance from German Rail's service staff.
Railway Mission ("Bahnhofsmission"):
The Travelers' Aid Society helps passengers board, disembark and change trains. It offers advice and information in emergencies and can arrange contact with the relevant services which can provide further assistance.
Federal Office of the Railway Mission
Karlstrasse 40
79104 Freiburg
Tel.: +49 761 200230
Email: mail@bahnhofsmission.de
For local stations click here, please.
Display Cases:
There are numerous notices throughout the station informing you of the right person to contact if you have any questions about safety, security or cleanliness at the station. They also list the telephone numbers for timetable inquiries.
Coach position indicators on departure platforms for long-distance trains provide full details of the classes in the individual coaches (First/Second class etc.), services available on the train (e.g. bahn.comfort seat areas, bicycle compartments, seats for travelers who use wheelchairs etc.), as well as the coach numbers and position of the coaches along the different platform sections which come in alphabetical order.
Parking at the Station
Parking for People with Disabilities:
There are inexpensive parking lots near many railway stations. Parking is free for persons who have severe walking difficulties (category "aG" or "Bl" in a disabled person's ID card issued in Germany) and who not only have a green disabled person's ID card with orange imprint, but also a valid special permit pursuant to Section 46 German Road Traffic Regulations. In that case, please place your disabled parking ID card in the car so that it is clearly visible. As the document is only valid in conjunction with such a special permit, please carry proof of that permit with you at all times for inspection. NB: The above provision does not apply to Park&Rail car parks.
Park & Rail:
Park & Rail provides inexpensive parking immediately beside the station or tracks at approx. 90 selected stations, provided you have a valid DB long-distance ticket. You can claim the discount by presenting your rail ticket at the ServicePoint, Travel Center or parking attendant. At many locations, BahnCard customers can pay the reduced parking charge directly at the pay point (does not apply to provisional BahnCards). The DB Travel Centers and selected travel agencies can reserve a parking space for you in advance.
Taxi at the Station:
There are taxi stands located immediately outside many major stations. Smaller train stations sometimes provide taxis on call.
Stations:
Click here for useful information about the 21 most important railway stations in Germany (in German).
Amongst other things, the site includes information such as station maps, all DB service elements, ranging from DB Lounges and Reiseland DB travel agencies, to luggage lockers and a directory of events. Voice output and descriptions of the photographs mean blind people and persons with a visual impairment can easily access the information.
On the Train
All ICE trains have cars with a wide entrance, space reserved for wheelchairs, and toilets that can be accessed by people who use wheelchairs. The same applies for nearly all IC/EC trains with a bistro/restaurant compartment. Further, there are special seats or compartments for people with disabilities who do not need a wheelchair, on every train. ven most of German Rail's overnight trains offer compartments that are suitable for those who use a wheelchair.
Onboard Wheelchair Facilities:
The entrance to the car is indicated by a wheelchair symbol. The door between the vestibule and passenger area opens and closes automatically. When a wheelchair space is reserved, a seat for the person who uses the wheelchair is automatically booked next to that space. You can also reserve the adjacent seat for the person accompanying you.
Catering:
All ICE and almost all IC/EC trains offer catering services, either in form of a BordRestaurant and/or a self-service BordBistro. There is table service in all ICE BordRestaurants and at the seats in the Bistros on board of certain types of the ICE trains. First class passengers can order at-seat service, while small snacks and beverages are served at 2nd class seats on some trains.
