As a student, you receive significant benefits from semester tickets, allowing you to travel almost for free to most regions within Germany. As soon as you arrive, make sure to have the Deutschland ticket with you. The do’s and don’ts below will help you avoid confusion as you navigate from A to B.
The Do’s
1. Learn About the Transportation System in Germany
No matter how much you read before arriving, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the local transportation system. Use Google Maps, DB Navigator*, or a local app (i.e. VGN Fahrplan & Tickets in Bamberg or VOSpilot in Osnabrück) to understand bus and train routes, including which stops to get on and off at, and which platform to transfer for your next bus or train.
*Deutsche Bahn (DB Navigator): The Deutsche Bahn Navigator is a public transportation app for anyone traveling in Germany. It provides up-to-date information on train schedules, buses, trams, regional trains (Regionalbahn, Regional Express), and more.
2. Talk to the Driver or DB Staff
Don’t hesitate to use Translation Apps such as Google Translate, DeepL or Bing Translator. Prepare some useful phrases in German in advance, such as „Hält dieser Bus an…?“ meaning “Does this bus stop at…?” DB staff at the central station (Hauptbahnhof) can also provide you with exact routes and schedules.
3. Make Use of Your Semester Ticket
If you can activate your student card online from your home country, do it. Traveling from the airport to your accommodation may require several trips on trains and buses. Having the Deutschland semester ticket ready saves you time and money, as you won’t need to buy single tickets for each leg of your journey. An activated online ticket allows you to commute worry-free immediately after you land.
The Deutschland semester ticket, also known as "Studi-Ticket" or "Semtix," is a travel pass for students that is valid for one semester. It covers local transport throughout Germany, including underground and suburban railways, buses, trams, ferries, and regional trains.
Hochschule für Wirtschaft und Recht BerlinIRE: Interregio-Express
RE: Regional-Express
RB: Regionalbahn
S-Bahn: Straßenbahnen
U-Bahn: Untergrundbahn
The Don’ts
1. Don’t Hesitate to Accept Help Offered by Locals
I took the wrong bus and got lost on my first day in the countryside near Landkreis Bamberg. A local woman on the bus offered to help drive me to my accommodation, as there were few buses operating that weekend. Initially, I was hesitant to bother her, but without her assistance, it would have taken me several more hours to figure out how to get to my apartment.
2. Don’t Overpack Your Luggage
Bring only the essentials. You can buy almost everything you need in discount stores and supermarkets in Germany. Commuting with heavy and cumbersome luggage can slow you down and increase the risk of missing your buses.
3. Don’t Be Late
Traveling from one city to another may involve multiple buses and trains. Carefully plan your routes and aim to arrive as early as possible. Missing one bus can affect your next connections and may end up costing you both time and money. As a student, you want to save as much as you can.
Commuting in a new country on your first day can be challenging, but the transportation networks in Germany are well organized, making mobility accessible for students. With a little research and careful route planning, you’ll find commuting enjoyable after all.