Does Germany have driverless trains?

Deutsche Bahn (DB), in partnership with Siemens Mobility, has developed the world's first fully automated driverless train in Germany.



Yes, Germany has several driverless train systems, though they are primarily found in metropolitan subway networks. The Nuremberg U-Bahn was a global pioneer, operating the fully automated U2 and U3 lines since 2008 (Grade of Automation 4). In 2026, Hamburg's S-Bahn is making headlines with its "Digital S-Bahn" project, which uses automated trains that share tracks with human-operated ones—a world-first achievement. While these trains can drive themselves, a human "operator" is still present in the cab for the time being to supervise and intervene if necessary. On a national level, Deutsche Bahn and Siemens are currently testing the "AutomatedTrain" project, which aims to automate the "shunting" and "stabling" of trains in depots by late 2026. While you won't see a driverless high-speed ICE train across the country quite yet, the technology is rapidly expanding into urban transport to increase punctuality and energy efficiency by up to 30%.

Yes, Germany does have driverless trains, but the situation is nuanced. They are not widespread on the main national rail network yet, but they are a growing feature in urban and airport transit systems.

Here’s a breakdown:

1. Mainline/Long-Distance Trains (Deutsche Bahn)

  • Not driverless. Germany’s national railway, Deutsche Bahn (DB), operates its intercity (IC), high-speed (ICE), and regional trains with drivers.
  • Future Plans: DB is actively researching and testing automated train operation. They have projects like “Digital Rail Germany” aiming to introduce higher levels of automation (like “ATO over ETCS”) on existing lines. However, this is currently in the pilot phase (e.g., on the Hamburg-Berlin line) and focuses on assisting the driver for efficiency and capacity, not removing them entirely in the near future.

2. Urban Metro/Subway Systems (U-Bahn)

This is where Germany has the most operational driverless trains. Nuremberg (Nürnberg): Has the most famous example. Its U-Bahn Line U3 has been operating fully automatically (GoA4 grade of automation) since 2008. It shares tracks with conventional, driver-operated lines. Hamburg: The new U-Bahn Line U4 (opened 2012) is fully automated. Other Cities: Several cities have newer lines or are planning upgrades to driverless operation. For example, parts of Frankfurt’s and Munich’s systems have automated features, but not full, unattended operation.

3. People Movers & Airport Transfers

These are commonly driverless in Germany: SkyLine: The people mover at Frankfurt Airport. Paternoster: The suspended monorail at

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