Intercity (IC) and Intercity-Express (ICE) trains run every hour, connecting more than 50 German towns. The high-speed ICE trains reach speeds of up to 190 miles/h. Regional trains connect the smaller towns. Many of these trains are also used by commuters, so it's best to avoid traveling during rush hours.
It is generally advisable to reserve seats on all long-distance trains, particularly at peak hours and on holidays. Reservations can be made for a small fee until shortly before departure. All information, including timetables, is available online on DB Bahn's website which offers a variety of point-to-point tickets for purchase online.
Tickets are often cheaper if purchased several days in advance. However, the tickets are then only valid on a specific train. Children under the age of 14 travel free of charge with a parent or grandparent. For longer travel periods and more flexibility, a rail pass can be an alternative to point-to-point tickets as it allows for unlimited travel on a certain amount of days and does not require reservations in advance. The German Rail Pass and other rail passes can also be booked with Rail Europe.
