Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
» Bicycles may be taken on most trains but usually require a separate
Fahrradkarte
(bi-
cycle ticket). However, they're not allowed on high-speed ICE trains. For specifics in-
quire at a local station or call Deutsche Bahn (DB) on the
DB Radfahrer-Hotline
(Bi-
cycle Hotline; 0180-599 6633; 8am-8pm)
.
» Many regional bus companies use vehicles with special bike racks. Bicycles are also al-
lowed on practically all lake and river boats.
» Around 250 train stations throughout the country hire bikes. All information can be
found at
www.bahn.de
.
» Cycle hire centres are common - rates range between €10 and €25 per day.
»
Bett & Bike
(
www.bettundbike.de
; Bed & Bike)
lists accommodation with facilities for
bikes (storage, tools, washing amenities).
Bus
Basically, wherever there is a train, take it. Buses are generally slower, less dependable
and more polluting than trains, but in some rural areas they may be your only option. This
is especially true of the Bavarian Forest and the Black Forest, sections of the Alpine foot-
hills and the Alpine region. Separate bus companies, each with its own tariffs and sched-
ules, operate in the different regions, but with a bit of practice all timetables (though not
fares) can be looked up using the Deutsche Bahn website (
www.bahn.de
)
.
In cities, buses generally converge at the
Busbahnhof
or
Zentraler Omnibus Bahnhof/
ZOB
(central bus station), often near the Hauptbahnhof (main train station). The fre-
quency of service varies from 'rarely' to 'constantly'. Commuter-geared routes offer lim-
ited or no service in the evenings and on weekends. Always ask about special fare deals,
such as day or weekly passes or tourist tickets.
Car & Motorcycle
» German autobahns (motorways) are of a good standard though they do possess some
quirks such as excessively bendy slip roads and many two-lane sections.
» The extensive network of
Bundesstrassen
(secondary 'A' and 'B' roads) is also good,
though perhaps not up to the standard you are used to back home.
» No tolls are charged on public roads.
» Traffic can be heavy on
Bundesstrassen
at busy times of the day.
