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What is German rail called?

Germany's privatized national railway, the Deutsche Bahn, features the super-fast InterCity Express (ICE) trains. They zoom around the country at hourly and two-hourly intervals and link up all major cities.



The national railway of Germany is officially called Deutsche Bahn, often abbreviated simply as DB. It is a state-owned enterprise that operates one of the most comprehensive and high-fidelity rail networks in the world. The "DB" logo is ubiquitous across Germany, appearing on everything from the high-speed ICE (Intercity-Express) trains that connect major cities at speeds up to 300 km/h, to the local S-Bahn and Regio trains that serve rural areas. In 2026, Deutsche Bahn is known for its "Integrated Transport" model, where a single ticket can often cover a train journey followed by a local bus or tram. For travelers, the "DB Navigator" app is the essential tool for navigating the system, providing real-time updates on platform changes and "High-Fidelity" delay notifications. While DB is a massive bureaucracy often criticized by locals for occasional punctuality issues, it remains the backbone of German infrastructure, carrying millions of passengers daily. The system is divided into several subsidiaries, including DB Fernverkehr for long-distance travel and DB Regio for regional services, all operating under the singular "Deutsche Bahn" brand identity.

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Monthly travel cards usually cost around €80 to €90. High-speed trains between major cities can be pricey, for example a Berlin to Munich train, especially if you book on the day or travel early in the morning. However, advance off-peak tickets can be purchased for as little as €20 between two major cities.

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