If there is no cycle path, adults must cycle on the road. Children up to the age of eight are required to cycle on the pavement in towns or cities. Children up to the age of 10 may cycle on pavements if they choose to. There are road traffic rules that you must follow. For example, you’re not allowed to cross the road when the traffic light is red or use your bike if the light is broken. If the police see this, you may have to pay a fine.

Cities have different types of public transport such as regional trains (S-Bahn), underground trains (U-Bahn) trams (Strassenbahn, or Tram in southern Germany) and buses. Most cities have apps for public transport, allowing you to buy your ticket online. Additionally, ticket machines are available at stations and bus and train stops. Most train stations have ticket counters. Sometimes, you can buy your ticket directly on the bus or tram.

In many cities, you need to validate your ticket before travelling. To do this, you insert your ticket into a machine, which will stamp the ticket. In other cities, tickets are immediately valid. They already have a timestamp on them. These tickets do not require stamping.

You can also buy a day pass, a weekly pass, a monthly pass or an annual pass. This is a cheaper option if you use public transport regularly. Discounts are often available for children, students and senior citizens. This allows them to travel at a reduced fare. People with disabilities usually have free access to public transport.

Timetables are displayed at bus stops and train stations. They indicate the times and locations of bus and train services. You can also find this information on the transport company’s website or app.

Most of the time, there are no barriers at the entrance of train stations. You can simply walk in. However, you still need to have a ticket. Ticket inspections are carried out on buses and trains. If you are caught without a ticket, you will have to pay a fine.

In many larger cities, you can rent e-scooters or e-bikes using special apps. The apps enable you to locate an e-scooter or e-bike nearby. You pay for each ride directly through this app. When you arrive at your destination, you simply park the e-scooter or e-bike. This service is especially convenient when there is no public transport nearby.

Do you regularly use public transport or travel a lot in Germany? If so, the Deutschland-Ticket could be a great option for you. For 49 euros a month (as of 2024), you can travel on all buses, trams, underground trains, suburban and regional trains. However, the Deutschland-Ticket is not valid for long-distance coaches, or IC/EC or ICE trains, which require a separate ticket. The Deutschland-Ticket is only available as a subscription. This means you pay for one month and you automatically receive a new ticket for the following month. So you pay 49 euros every month. If you no longer want the ticket, you have to cancel it by the 10th of the month.

Most people in rural areas own a car, because public transport is limited or unavailable. Some people also use cars in cities. There are parking spaces along the streets and car parks. Street signs indicate where parking is allowed. You usually have to pay for these parking spaces. Finding a free parking spot is often very difficult.

Many cities have car-sharing options. You can rent a car through an app. This is especially convenient for occasions like family trips. You pay per kilometre or for the time you use the car. Car sharing is more affordable than owning your own car.

If you drive a car, you need to know the German road traffic rules. For example, you should understand the meaning of traffic signs and know speed limits. You must also always carry your driving licence with you when you are driving. For your own car, you also need the vehicle registration document. If you’re stopped by the police, they may ask to see these documents. You must hold a valid driving licence from Germany or another EU country.

If you come from a non-EU country, you must exchange your driving licence within the first six months of arriving in Germany. It’s important to do this as soon as possible, because you are only allowed to drive with your foreign licence for six months. Contact your local driving licence office. If you don’t exchange your driving licence within six months and you wish to drive, you will be required to retake your driving test in Germany.

Would you like to travel to other German cities or abroad? You can do this by train, plane and coach.

Many people travel within Germany by train. Deutsche Bahn (DB) operates services on most routes. In some regions, there are also other providers. Families with children can travel cheaply with Deutsche Bahn. Children up the age of 14 who are accompanied by one or both parents can travel for free. However, trains can be expensive if you book late. It’s best to use special offers. The earlier you book, the cheaper the tickets will be. The Deutschland-Ticket is valid on regional trains operated by Deutsche Bahn. Remember that regional trains usually take a little longer than on ICE trains.

Pick-up points for long-distance coach services are usually located near main train stations. They operate between many different cities in Germany and Europe. If you book early, tickets can be particularly cheap. The long-distance coaches are comfortable and often have Wi-Fi.

There are several international airports in Germany. Large ships also sail to islands in the North Sea and the Baltic Sea.