Difference between revisions of "Deutsche Bahn"

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''' Deutsche Bahn AG ''' is the German national railway company. Virtually all active train stations, most inter-city trains and also ''S-Bahn'' city trains are under it's control. Most regions of Germany now offer some kind of transportation network, local DB trains are usually included and the network's rules apply.
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[[image:Regionalbahn.jpeg|right|thumb|250px|RegionalExpress]]
  
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In general, they provide the most expensive public transport I've seen so far and are often at least some minutes late. Use alternative means of transportation whenever possible.
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'''Deutsche Bahn AG''' (DB) is the German national railway company. Virtually all active train stations, all long-distance trains and and many regional trains and ''S-Bahn'' city trains are run by them.
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==Pricing==
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Most regions of Germany offer some kind of transportation network, local DB trains are usually included and tickets from both of them are valid, although the pricing might be very different.
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The normal fares are pretty expensive and usually not used by locals. There is a wide range of special offers and rebate systems, but they are rather difficult to use for single spontaneous trips. Some exceptions are the ''Wochenendticket'' (Weekend ticket) which is valid for a whole saturday or sunday for up to 5 persons in all regional trains in whole Germany. They are 35 EUR. This means, you can actually get i.e. from [[Munich]] to [[Hamburg]] for 7 EUR, but it will take you about 12 hours. On weekdays you can use the ''Länderticket'', which is about 30 EUR and is valid 5 persons in all regional trains for one day in a certain Federal State.
  
 
== Blackriding ==
 
== Blackriding ==
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Blackriding in DB trains generally doesn't make much sense, because chances that you reach your destination without getting into some kind of trouble are rather low.
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On long distance trains (IC and ICE) you can buy a ticket from the conductor, which makes blackriding almost impossible. The fair will be 10% higher though. If you fall asleep (or pretend to), there is a chance that the conductor doesn't want to wake you up. Wearing headphones might help. Check the fares beforehand anyway, because they are pretty high.
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If there really is no way to hitchhike, see below:
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In regional trains (''S-Bahn'', ''RegionalBahn'' or ''RegionalExpress'') blackriding mostly doesn't make much sense, because chances that you reach your destination without getting into some kind of trouble are rather low.
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On some regional trains, there is a ticket machine. This varies from region to region, so you should check it before.
  
 
=== Getting caught ===
 
=== Getting caught ===
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* I have no idea if there are special rules if you don't possess a German ID
 
* I have no idea if there are special rules if you don't possess a German ID
  
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''The following is based on personal experience, your mileage might vary :)''
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[[Category:Germany]]
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[[Category:Public transport]]
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=== Plan A (regional trains only) ===
 
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[[image:Regionalbahn.jpeg|right|thumb|200px|RegionalExpress]]
 
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* On small ''RegionalBahn'' or ''RegionalExpress'' regional trains (see picture, ''not'' the loco+waggon setup!), there usually is a ticket machine
 
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* You might be able to quickly check if there's a conductor on the train (which is not always the case) before you buy a ticket. ''be careful on multi-wagon trains''
 
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* Sometimes transportation network's rules demand you buy a ticket before getting on the train, but AFAIK DB conductors are even obligated to sell you a ticket, albeit for a higher price
 
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''This is risky if there is no working ticket machine, because I wouldn't swear to the last part. I also once experienced a conductor actually hiding in the drivers cabin (they are often in there but you should be able to spot them).'' --[[User:atopia|Ben]]
 
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=== Plan B ===
 
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''experiences on small-range trains only, differences on long distances and ICEs?''
 
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* When getting caught, refuse to give your ID and just argue with the conductor until they kick you out of the train
 
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This has happened to me twice (unintentionally) and I think it is a standard policy, at least if there is no train station with the ''Bundesgrenzschutz'' (German Border Control, who is also in charge of train security) nearby. Maybe that is because you can't get local police to just jump into a train (how do they get back to their car, after all?) and the conductor can't force you out of the train. You risk getting sued instead of getting fined, but I think the risk is very low. -[[User:atopia|Ben]]
 
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{{stub}}
 
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[[Category: Germany]]
 
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[[Category: Public transport]]
 

Revision as of 12:51, 12 December 2008

RegionalExpress

Deutsche Bahn AG (DB) is the German national railway company. Virtually all active train stations, all long-distance trains and and many regional trains and S-Bahn city trains are run by them.

Pricing

Most regions of Germany offer some kind of transportation network, local DB trains are usually included and tickets from both of them are valid, although the pricing might be very different.

The normal fares are pretty expensive and usually not used by locals. There is a wide range of special offers and rebate systems, but they are rather difficult to use for single spontaneous trips. Some exceptions are the Wochenendticket (Weekend ticket) which is valid for a whole saturday or sunday for up to 5 persons in all regional trains in whole Germany. They are 35 EUR. This means, you can actually get i.e. from Munich to Hamburg for 7 EUR, but it will take you about 12 hours. On weekdays you can use the Länderticket, which is about 30 EUR and is valid 5 persons in all regional trains for one day in a certain Federal State.

Blackriding

On long distance trains (IC and ICE) you can buy a ticket from the conductor, which makes blackriding almost impossible. The fair will be 10% higher though. If you fall asleep (or pretend to), there is a chance that the conductor doesn't want to wake you up. Wearing headphones might help. Check the fares beforehand anyway, because they are pretty high.

In regional trains (S-Bahn, RegionalBahn or RegionalExpress) blackriding mostly doesn't make much sense, because chances that you reach your destination without getting into some kind of trouble are rather low.

On some regional trains, there is a ticket machine. This varies from region to region, so you should check it before.

Getting caught

  • if they get your ID, it means you'll be donating from 40 EUR to the full ticket price to the DBs shareholders (mostly the German state, if that makes you feel better)
  • You don't have to pay instantly, but usually by bank transfer within 10 days
  • As a last line of defense, conductors can call the police and legally keep you from leaving to prevent you from "illegally obtaining a service"
  • I have no idea if there are special rules if you don't possess a German ID
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