Journey to Germany for Leisure
Tourism in Germany: A Look at the Most Popular Modes of Transport for European Visitors in 2023
Germany, known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and picturesque landscapes, has become a popular destination for tourists from all over Europe. In 2023, an impressive 85.3 million overnight stays by foreigners were recorded, with Europe accounting for 72% of these visits[1]. Let's take a closer look at the most common modes of transport used by these European travellers.
The most popular modes of transport for tourists visiting Germany from European countries in 2023 are primarily trains and public transportation systems. Long-distance and regional trains, including high-speed InterCityExpress (ICE) trains, are widely used to travel between major German cities and from neighboring countries into Germany[2][3]. For instance, the ICE trains connect large cities at speeds up to 300 km/h, making them a preferred option for quick cross-country or cross-border journeys.
Within cities, tourists frequently use local public transport modes such as buses, trams, subways (U-Bahn), and commuter trains (S-Bahn). The local bus services in Germany saw nearly 4.8 billion passengers in 2022, indicating their popularity. Several cities, including Hamburg and Cologne, benefitted from the introduction of the Deutschlandticket in May 2023, a monthly ticket priced at €49 that grants unlimited access to local and regional public transport across Germany. This ticket is especially attractive to tourists intending to use regional trains and public transport extensively during their stay[1][2].
In addition to trains and public transportation, other modes of transport account for a smaller percentage of trips to Germany from European countries. Taxis are often used for short transfers, such as hotel transfers from train stations. Specialized tourist transport, like funiculars or cable cars, are popular at tourist sites for scenic views, such as Heidelberg’s historic funicular to Heidelberg Castle[3][4].
Here's a summary of the most common modes of transport for tourists visiting Germany from European countries in 2023:
| Mode of Transport | Description/Use | Popularity/Note | |----------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------| | Long-distance trains (ICE, InterCity, EuroCity) | High-speed trains connecting major cities and international routes| Popular for fast intercity and cross-border travel; require advance booking[2][3] | | Regional and local trains (S-Bahn, U-Bahn) | Used for travel within and between cities/regions | Widely used by tourists with regional tickets like the Deutschlandticket[1][2] | | Local buses and trams | Urban public transport | Most used public transport mode in Germany, very popular in cities[1] | | Taxi transfers | For last-mile transport such as hotel transfers from stations | Included often in tour packages, e.g., Heidelberg station to hotel[3] | | Tourist-specialized transport | Funiculars, cable cars for sightseeing | Popular at tourist sites for scenic views[3][4] |
In conclusion, tourists from European countries most commonly rely on the efficient rail network and urban public transport systems, augmented by taxis and local sightseeing transports during their 2023 visits to Germany. The introduction of the affordable Deutschlandticket in 2023 has further boosted the use of regional trains and public transport among visitors[1][2].
References:
[1] Deutsche Bahn (2023). Deutschlandticket: The Unlimited Monthly Ticket for Public Transport in Germany. Retrieved from https://www.bahn.com/en/view/ticket-offer/deutschlandticket
[2] Deutsche Bahn (2023). InterCityExpress (ICE). Retrieved from https://www.bahn.com/en/view/intercityexpress
[3] Deutsche Bahn (2023). Regional and local trains (S-Bahn, U-Bahn). Retrieved from https://www.bahn.com/en/view/regional-and-local-trains
[4] Heidelberg Tourist Office (2023). Heidelberg Funicular. Retrieved from https://www.heidelberg-tourist.de/en/heidelberg-funicular/
- Many European travelers enjoying the lifestyle of Germany prefer using trains and public transportation systems, with the long-distance trains (ICE, InterCity, EuroCity) and regional and local trains (S-Bahn, U-Bahn) being the most popular modes of transport for intercity and cross-border travel.
- For city exploration, tourists in Germany often utilize local public transport modes such as buses, trams, and taxis, while tourist-specialized transport like funiculars or cable cars offer scenic views at popular destinations such as Heidelberg Castle.
