travel from the uk to germany

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Information on entering germany, covid-19-related restrictions for entry into germany lifted with effect as of saturday, 11 june 2022.

Since Saturday, 11 June 2022, all COVID-19-related restrictions on entry into Germany have provisionally been lifted. Since that date, travel from the United Kingdom to Germany is permitted for all purposes (including tourism and visits). For entry into Germany proof of vaccination, recovery or testing is no longer required.

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Germany Travel Restrictions

Traveller's COVID-19 vaccination status

Travelling from the United Kingdom to Germany

Open for vaccinated visitors

COVID-19 testing

Not required

Not required for vaccinated visitors

Restaurants

Not required in public spaces.

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Can I travel to Germany from the United Kingdom?

Most visitors from the United Kingdom, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Germany.

Can I travel to Germany if I am vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated visitors from the United Kingdom can enter Germany without restrictions.

Can I travel to Germany without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from the United Kingdom can enter Germany without restrictions.

Do I need a COVID test to enter Germany?

Visitors from the United Kingdom are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering Germany.

Can I travel to Germany without quarantine?

Travellers from the United Kingdom are not required to quarantine.

Do I need to wear a mask in Germany?

Mask usage in Germany is not required in public spaces.

Are the restaurants and bars open in Germany?

Restaurants in Germany are open. Bars in Germany are .

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Can I go to Germany? Rules for travelling from the UK

In England , international travel for leisure has been permitted since Monday 17 May 2021. Germany was previously on the UK 's green list – but what are the rules for travelling there now? 

What are the entry requirements for Germany?

Fully vaccinated travellers – those who received their final dose at least 14 days before travelling – may enter Germany from the UK for any purpose. Anyone aged 12 or over must possess either proof of vaccination (find out the acceptable forms on the German government website ), proof of recovery from Covid for at least 28 days and no more than 90 days, or a negative Covid test prior to arrival. 

Those who are not considered fully vaccinated can only enter Germany if they are a resident or citizen, a spouse or other family member of a resident, serve in an important role or have ‘an urgent need to travel’, and they must have proof of a negative Covid test taken before entry (within 48 hours before departure for Germany if it's a PCR test, or 48 hours before the time of arrival if it's a rapid antigen test). Unvaccinated children up to the age of 11 are allowed to enter Germany from the UK, as long as they travel with at least one fully vaccinated parent. Children aged 12 to 17 can only enter if they are fully vaccinated, a resident (or the child of a resident), or have an urgent need to travel.

If you are fully vaccinated and have spent any of the previous 10 days in a country designated high-risk by the German government, you must complete pre-departure digital registration . If you have done so and are not fully vaccinated, you must quarantine for 10 days – with test and release available after five days. For more details, go to the UK government website . 

Can I travel to the UK from Germany?

As of 18 March 2022, there are no Covid travel rules in the UK, which means that anyone returning to the country does not need to test, quarantine or fill in a passenger locator form , regardless of their vaccination status. The government is also no longer managing any quarantine hotels in the UK, as of the end of March.

The Man in Seat 61

How to travel from

London to germany by train.

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Train travel UK & Ireland...

Train travel in europe..., train travel in asia..., train travel in africa..., train travel in america..., train travel in australasia, london to germany by train.

It's easy to travel from the UK to Germany by train.  Take Eurostar from London to Brussels in 2 hours and switch to a high-speed ICE train to Cologne taking 1h57, then take another luxurious ICE train to Munich, Berlin, Hamburg or anywhere in Germany.  London to Brussels starts at £52 one-way or £78 return, Brussels to Cologne at €18.90 each way, Brussels to Berlin or Munich at €27.90, city centre to city centre, no airports, no flights.  Children under 4 go free, there's free WiFi and you can bring your own bottle of wine if you like.  This page explains the best routes, times, & how to buy tickets.

Choose your destination:     London to: Augsburg Berlin Bielefeld Bochum Bonn Bremen Colditz Cologne (Koln) Dortmund Dresden Duisburg Dusseldorf Essen Frankfurt Hamburg Hannover Heidelberg Koblenz Leipzig Mainz Mannheim (via Brussels) Mannheim (via Paris) Munich Neuschwanstein Castle Nuremberg Osnabruck Regensburg Saarbrucken Stuttgart Ulm Train times, fares & tickets

Train travel within Germany

International trains to & from germany, station guides, other useful information, interactive map :   click a destination or route, useful country information, london to hannover & berlin, which route to choose.

Which option is cheapest?  You have to go online and see, because each option involves several tickets and the price of each ticket varies like an air fare.  However, at short notice, the ferry options are usually cheaper than Eurostar.

Can you go out one way, back another?   Yes!  Almost all European train fares are priced as one-way, so you can book one-way out on one route and one-way back on another.  Eurostar is the exception where a return fare is cheaper than two one-ways, so book London-Paris or London-Brussels as a round trip if you can.

Can you stop off?   Of course!  Simply book trains either side of the stopover on whatever dates you want.  Each part of these journeys is ticketed separately in any case (for example, the Eurostar and the sleeper train), so it's no problem to stop off on the way at any of the main interchange points.

What if you're not starting from London?   See this advice about starting your journey from elsewhere in the UK .

Option 1, London to Berlin by daytime trains

This is the fastest & most direct option.  Take a morning Eurostar to Brussels, a high-speed ICE3neo train to Cologne, and another luxurious ICE train to Berlin, with restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  Treat yourself to lunch with a beer or glass of wine in the restaurant, I recommend the Erdinger Weissbier and DB's choice of German red wine.  An overnight stop in Brussels or Cologne can make for a time-effective journey as shown by the shaded journeys in the timetable below.

Timetable outward 2024

Timetable inward 2024, notes for the timetables.

Always check these train times using int.bahn.de , as they can vary.  About the 20-minute connection in Brussels .

t = Eurostar (formerly Thalys) , not ICE

How much does it cost?

London to Brussels by Eurostar starts at £52 one-way or £78 return in standard class, £97 one-way, £140 return standard premier (1st class).

How to buy tickets

Buy tickets from London to Berlin or anywhere in Germany at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com .

They're in plain English, in €, £ or $, international credit cards accepted. There's a small booking fee.  You print your own ticket or you can load the Eurostar ticket into the Eurostar app and show the DB ticket on your phone.

When does booking open?

Booking for Eurostar opens up to 11 months ahead.  Onward trains open up to 6 months ahead, less when the mid-December timetable change intervenes.  Journeys involving a Brussels-Cologne Eurostar (formerly Thalys) open 4 months ahead.  I recommend waiting until all trains are open before buying a non-refundable Eurostar ticket.  More about when booking opens .

Booking tips

It helps to specify Brussels as a via station if you want to see journeys with an easy same-station change in Brussels, rather than also seeing journeys via Paris.  Using www.raileurope.com , click More options and enter Brussels (any station).

Is it a through ticket?

There are no through tickets from London to Germany, DB's Sparpreis London fares were discontinued in 2020 .  But www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com can sell you a Eurostar ticket from London to Brussels plus an onward ticket from Brussels to anywhere in Germany as one seamless transaction.  The connection between tickets in Brussels is protected by the Railteam Promise/HOTNAT .

One-way or round trip?

On most European trains, a return fare is two one-ways, but on Eurostar , return fares are cheaper than two one-ways so always book round trips involving Eurostar as a return.  For more control over the booking, book London-Brussels as a return journey, add to basket, book Brussels to Berlin one way, add to basket, then Berlin to Brussels one-way, add to basket & check out.

Seat reservations

About that 20-minute connection at Brussels Midi

The slick 20-minute connection in Brussels between Eurostar and an ICE to Germany, sometimes 18 or 19 minutes, is a recognised connection.  It's not usually a problem, especially if you use the Brussels Midi short cut between platforms (if open).

You are protected by the Railteam Promise/HOTNAT , so if the Eurostar is delayed you can travel on later onwards trains at no extra charge.

The system knows whether a connection is acceptable or too tight.  If you plan to book your Eurostar & ICE tickets separately, first run a London-Cologne enquiry at int.bahn.de to check that the system recognises that Eurostar as connecting with that ICE, on that specific date.

Travelling from the UK regions:   See the advice here .

Another way to buy tickets

This is a little more work, but there's no booking fee and int.bahn.de lets you select your seat from a seat map on German ICE & IC trains.

First check that your outward Eurostar & ICE are a recognised connection by running a London to Cologne enquiry at int.bahn.de and confirming that your chosen Eurostar & ICE appear together as one journey.  See the bit about 20-minute connections in the previous section.

Step 1, book the Eurostar from London to Brussels (and back, if returning) at www.eurostar.com .

Eurostar return fares are significantly less than two one-ways, so if you're coming back, always book Eurostar as a round trip.

Booking opens up to 6 months ahead, sometimes more.  You print your own ticket or can load it into the Eurostar app on your phone.

After booking you can use the Eurostar Manage Booking feature to select your seat on Eurostar .

Step 2, book from Brussels to Berlin at the German Railways site int.bahn.de .

A round trip is priced as two one-ways, so you can book one way at a time if it's easier.

You print your ticket or can show it on your phone.  I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in and check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.

How to buy tickets by phone

Using an interrail pass.

Pass or point to point?

Let's be clear, a pass will not save money over the cheapest point-to-point advance-purchase fares you might see if you book a few months ahead.  But when point-to-point fares are expensive (for example, at short notice) OR you want flexibility, for example the ability to change your mind, re-route or reschedule as necessary, a pass might be what you need.

If flexibility is what you want, buy the pass.  If it's about saving money, you'll have to check point-to-point prices and do the maths.

It's worth doing the maths if you are under 28, if you have kids (kids get a free pass when accompanying an adult but still need to pay reservation fees) or if you live a long way from London (as a pass covers you from your home station to London).  Passes are available in 1st & 2nd class.

How to use a pass for a trip to Germany

Step 1, buy a 4-days in 1-month Interrail pass from www.raileurope.com (click Rail passes and select Europe ) or www.interrail.eu , see pass prices on the Interrail page .  You load the pass into the Railplanner app on your phone.

A 4-day pass is enough to get from almost anywhere in mainland Britain to anywhere in Germany & back again.

A 4-day pass gives you unlimited train travel on any 4 dates you choose in an overall 1 month period.  The first travel day can be any date you select in the 11 months after buying the pass, the overall 1 month period starts from that date.  Learn about how Interrail passes work here .

Step 2, make a Eurostar passholder reservation from London to Brussels & back, see prices & how to make Eurostar passholder reservations online .  Tip:  Eurostar passholder availability is limited, so check availability before buying a pass .

Step 3, reservations between Brussels and Berlin are usually optional , but recommended.  You can make seat reservations for around €5 each way at int.bahn.de by entering Brussels to Berlin and clicking the Book seat only link under the red search button.

By all means go out one way, back another, with an Interrail pass you can use almost any of the trains & routes to/from Germany shown on this page, find out how to reserve the relevant trains using the Interrail reservations guide .

Let Railbookers or Byway arrange it

Railbookers are a train travel specialist who can arrange a tour or short break by train as a package, with rail travel, hotels & transfers.  On their website you'll find suggested tours & holidays which can be customised to your own requirements.  One of their most popular trips is a short break by train from the UK to Cologne & Berlin , customisable to add extra nights.  Another top seller is their holiday to Berlin & Prague , also with travel to & from London by train.  Finally, have a look at their Ultimate Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Budapest - this is by train on the outward leg from the UK, but can easily be customised to include train travel from Budapest back to London.

Byway ( Byway.travel ) is a new UK-based eco-holiday firm with a 5-star TrustPilot rating .  If you're nervous about booking train travel yourself, they'll book a holiday to Germany for you as a package, including train travel and hotels, starting from any British station you like.  Byway includes package protection, a 100% Covid refund guarantee, free disruption & re-planning and on-demand WhatsApp support while you're away.

Tailor Made Rail can also organise a trip to Berlin & Germany by train, with hotels and transfers. Call their dedicated seat61 phone line 020 3778 1461 and quote seat 61 when booking.  From outside the UK call +44 20 3778 1461.  Lines open 09:00-17:30 Monday-Friday.  Their website is www.tailormaderail.com/destinations/germany .

What's the journey like?

1. London to Brussels by Eurostar

Eurostar trains link London & Brussels in just 2 hours, travelling at up to 300 km/h (186 mph).  There are two bar cars, power sockets at all seats and free WiFi.  Standard Premier and Business Premier fares include a light meal with wine (or breakfast, on departures before 11:00).  There's a 30-minute minimum check-in as all border formalities are carried out before you board the train.  More about Eurostar & check-in procedure .  St Pancras station guide .  Brussels Midi station guide & short cut for changing trains in Brussels .

Easy 20 minute connection, Eurostar to ICE :  That's the 11:04 Eurostar from London on the right, arrived at 14:05 on platform 3, and the 14:25  ICE to Cologne & Frankfurt on the left on platform 4.  All you have to do to change trains on this particular departure is walk 20 feet across the width of the platform!  If the connection is missed, you're covered by Railteam/HOTNAT .

2. Brussels to Cologne by ICE3neo

In June 2024, the latest type ICE3neo took over this route from ICE3M.  These ICEs have a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  In 1st class, food & drink orders are taken & served at your seat.  50 minutes after leaving Brussels the ICE calls at Liège, where you can admire the impressive station designed by celebrity architect Santiago Calatrava.  As you approach Cologne Hbf you'll see the twin towers of Cologne Cathedral on the right, next to the station.  More about ICE3 .  Brussels Midi station guide .  Cologne Hbf station guide .

An ICE3neo at Brussels Midi .  Click on the interior images for larger photos.  Photo above courtesy of Christian Hunt.

3. Cologne to Berlin by ICE2

The Cologne to Berlin route is operated by ICE2, although some departures are now ICE4 .  ICE2 trains have a restaurant car, bar car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. In 1st class, bistro orders are taken at your seat.  Immediately after leaving Cologne Hbf , the train crosses the Hohenzollern bridge over the Rhine.  It passes through the industrial Ruhr via Wuppertal & Hamm.  After leaving Hannover, the train passes non-stop through Wolfsburg - look out for the original Volkswagen factory on the left, built in 1938.  The train then travels at up to 280 km/h (174 mph) on the high-speed line to Berlin Hbf , where it arrives at the low-level platforms.  More about ICE2 .  Cologne Hbf station guide .  Berlin Hbf station guide .

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Option 2, London to Berlin by Eurostar & European Sleeper

This is shown on the European Sleeper page .

Option 3 , London to Berlin by Eurostar & Nightjet sleeper

From 10 December 2023 there are not one but TWO different sleeper trains from Brussels to Berlin, both running 3 times a week on different days, the existing European Sleeper ( see the European Sleeper page ) and a new Austrian Nightjet sleeper train , shown below.  The Nightjet is expected to become daily from autumn 2024.  So on 6 days a week you can hop on a lunchtime Eurostar to Brussels, have an early dinner, then sleep your way to Berlin.

London ► Berlin Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays

Eurostar has two cafe-bars, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  Standard Premier & Business Premier fares include lunch with wine.

Important update 2024:  ÖBB have given up trying to run this train from 12 August to 25 October 2024, due to the amount of trackwork.

This comfortable Austrian Nightjet sleeper train has an air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-car with nine 1, 2 & 3-berth standard compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet. There's a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers.  The train has a couchette car with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and an ordinary seats car.  See the Nightjet page for a guide to on-board accommodation, travel tips, photos & video .

There's no restaurant car, but in sleepers or couchettes you can order drinks, snacks and hot dishes from a room service menu, served in your compartment.  The sleeper & couchette fares include a light breakfast with tea or coffee, served in your compartment.

Berlin ► London Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays

There's no restaurant car, but in sleepers or couchettes you can order drinks, snacks and hot dishes from a room service menu, served in your compartment.  The sleeper & couchette fares include a light breakfast with tea or coffee.

Fares vary like air fares, book early for the cheapest prices.  Return fares are twice the one-way fare.

On the sleeper train, berths are sold individually, so one ticket means one bed, the other beds in your compartment will be sold to other passengers.  For sole occupancy, simply book 1 ticket in a 1-berth sleeper or 2 tickets in a 2-berth sleeper or 4 tickets in a 4-berth couchette and so on.

Using www.thetrainline.com allows you to book all your tickets in one place, in €, £ or $, international cards no problem, small booking fee.  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead, less than this when the mid-December timetable change intervenes .  Child under 6?  See here .

Tip:   After booking you can use the Manage booking facility at www.eurostar.com to choose a seat from a seat map, see tips on choosing a seat on Eurostar .

Eurostar trains link London & Brussels in just 2 hours, travelling at up to 300 km/h (186 mph).  There are two bar cars, power sockets at all seats and free WiFi.  Standard Premier and Business Premier fares include a light meal with wine (or breakfast, on departures before 11:00).  There's a 30-minute minimum check-in as all border formalities are carried out before you board the train.  More about Eurostar & check-in procedure .  St Pancras station guide .   Brussels Midi station guide .  In Brussels, I recommend using the Pullman Hotel bar as your VIP waiting room .

2. Brussels to Berlin by Nightjet

Option 4, London to Berlin with overnight stop in Amsterdam

This is a long way round so much slower than option 1, but there's only one change of train, it can be cheaper and what's not to like about some time in Amsterdam?  It also allows an after-work departure from London so is time-effective.  Take Eurostar from London to Amsterdam Centraal in around 4h, often with keener pricing than between London & Brussels, stay overnight, then take a German Intercity train from Amsterdam Centraal to Berlin Hbf next day in 5h52.

London ► Berlin

Day 1, travel from London to Amsterdam by Eurostar , leaving London St Pancras at 18:04 daily except Saturdays, arriving Amsterdam Centraal 23:11.

Eurostar has two cafe-bars, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, see the London to Amsterdam by Eurostar page .

Stay overnight in Amsterdam .  The Park Plaza Victoria Hotel is directly opposite the station and gets very good reviews.  The Ibis Styles Amsterdam Centraal is also opposite the station for a relatively inexpensive for overnight stop, or try the Hotel Luxer .

Day 2, travel from Amsterdam Centraal to Berlin Hbf by Intercity train on any departure you like.

The 05:59 from Amsterdam arrives Berlin 11:51, or there's an 07:59, 09:59, 11:59 and so on, see the Amsterdam-Berlin timetable .

All have power sockets at all seats & a refreshment trolley.  More about Amsterdam to Berlin trains .

Berlin ► London

Day 2, travel from Berlin Hbf to Amsterdam Centraal by Intercity train leaving Berlin Hbf at 16:06 & arriving Amsterdam Centraal at 22:00.

Or book an earlier train if you like, trains leave Berlin Hbf at 06:06, 08:06, 10:06, 12:06, 14:06, see the Berlin-Amsterdam timetable .

Day 1, travel from Amsterdam to London by Eurostar , leaving Amsterdam Centraal 07:47 Monday-Saturday, arriving London St Pancras 10:43.

Or on Monday-Fridays & Sundays you can leave Amsterdam Centraal at 13:47, arriving London St Pancras at 16:57.

Or spend a day in Amsterdam & take the afternoon Eurostar leaving Amsterdam Centraal at 16:47 daily except Saturdays, arriving London St Pancras 19:43, see the London to Amsterdam timetable here .

Eurostar has two cafe-bars, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.

London to Amsterdam by Eurostar starts at £51 one-way or £98 return in standard class, £97 one-way or £168 return in standard premier (1st class).

Children under go 4 free, children under 12 pay a reduced fare.

Amsterdam to Berlin starts at €37.90 in 2nd class, €69.90 in 1st class.

Children under 6 go free, children under 15 also go free when accompanied by an adult.

Fares are dynamic, like air fares, so book ahead and avoid busy days such as Friday afternoons for the cheapest fares.

Step 1, buy a Eurostar ticket between London & Amsterdam at www.eurostar.com .  You print your own ticket or can load it into the Eurostar app.

Step 2, buy tickets between Amsterdam & Berlin at the German Railways website int.bahn.de .  You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.

London to Cologne , Düsseldorf, Essen, Dortmund

Cologne, or Köln in German from its Roman name, Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium , was once the largest city in Germany, with a magnificent cathedral right next to the main station.  There are several good options for travel from the UK to Cologne, Düsseldorf, Duisburg, Essen or Dortmund.

Option 1 , London to Cologne & Düsseldorf by Eurostar + ICE

Getting to Cologne from London is easy by train:  Hop on a high-speed Eurostar train from London to Brussels in just 2 hours, then travel from Brussels to Cologne by high-speed ICE train in just 1h57 with restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  Frequent regional trains then link Cologne with Düsseldorf, Essen, Bochum & Dortmund.  ICEs are run by Deutsche Bahn (German Railways).

Notes for the timetable

Buy tickets from London to Cologne, Düsseldorf or anywhere in Germany at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com .

These sites are in plain English, in €, £ or $, international credit cards accepted. There's a small booking fee.

You print your ticket, or you can load the Eurostar ticket into the Eurostar app and show the DB ticket on your phone.

Booking for Eurostar opens up to 11 months ahead.  Onward trains open up to 6 months ahead, less when the mid-December timetable change intervenes.  I recommend waiting until all trains are open before committing to a non-refundable Eurostar ticket.  More about when booking opens .

It can help to specify Brussels as a via station if you want to see journeys with an easy same-station change in Brussels, rather than also seeing journeys via Paris.  At www.raileurope.com , click More options and enter Brussels (any station).

There are no through tickets from London to Germany, DB's Sparpreis London fares were discontinued in 2020 .  But www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com will seamlessly sell you a Eurostar ticket from London to Brussels plus an onward ticket from Brussels to anywhere in Germany.  The connection between tickets in Brussels is protected by the Railteam Promise/HOTNAT .

On most European trains, a return fare is simply two one-ways, but on Eurostar , return fares are cheaper than two one-ways so always book round trips involving Eurostar as a return.  For more control over the booking, book London-Brussels as a return journey, add to basket, book Brussels to Berlin one way, add to basket, then Berlin to Brussels one-way, add to basket & check out.

The slick 20-minute connection in Brussels between Eurostar and an ICE to Germany, sometimes 18 or 19 minutes, is a recognised connection.  It's not usually a problem, especially if you use the Brussels Midi short cut between platforms , if it's open.

After booking you can use the Eurostar Manage Booking system to select a seat on Eurostar .

Step 2, book from Brussels to Cologne or Düsseldorf at the German Railways site int.bahn.de .

A round trip is ticketed as two one-ways, so you can book one way at a time if that's easier.

You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.  I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in and check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.

Railbookers are a train travel specialist who can put together a tour or short break by train as a package, including rail travel, hotels & transfers.  Their website has a range of suggested tours & holidays which can be customised to your requirements.  One of their most popular trips is a short break by train from the UK to Cologne & Berlin , customisable to add extra nights, with train travel throughout.

2. Brussels to Cologne by ICE3

In June 2024, the latest type ICE3neo took over this route from ICE3M.  These ICEs have a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  In 1st class, food & drink orders are taken at your seat.  50 minutes after leaving Brussels the ICE calls at Liège, where you can admire the impressive station designed by celebrity architect Santiago Calatrava.  As you approach Cologne Hbf you'll see the twin towers of Cologne Cathedral on the right, next to the station.  More about ICE3 .  Brussels Midi station guide .  Cologne Hbf station guide .

An ICE3neo at Brussels Midi .  More about ICE trains .   ICE3neo photos courtesy of Christian Hunt.

Option 2 , London to Cologne & Düsseldorf by Eurostar + Eurostar

Take a Eurostar from London to Brussels in just 2 hours, then take a Eurostar (formerly Thalys) from Brussels to Cologne, Düsseldorf, Duisburg, Essen or Dortmund with power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  This option involves a more robust connection in Brussels and no need to change again in Cologne if you're going to Düsseldorf, Duisburg, Essen or Dortmund.  More about Eurostar (formerly Thalys) .

Buy tickets from London to Cologne, Düsseldorf, Essen or Dortmund at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com .

Both sites are in plain English, in €, £ or $, international credit cards accepted. There's a small booking fee.

Booking for Eurostar opens up to 11 months ahead, booking for Eurostar (formerly Thalys) trains opens up to 4 months ahead, less when the mid-December timetable change intervenes.  I recommend waiting until all trains are open for sale.  More about when booking opens .

If you're booking to Düsseldorf, Duisburg, Essen or Dortmund, both www.raileurope.com & www.thetrainline.com normally suggest this option.

If you're booking to Cologne, www.thetrainline.com typically offers both options 1 & 2, look closely at the timings to choose the one you want.

However, www.raileurope.com often only offers Eurostar+ICE (option 1) with the slick 20-minute connection.  To make it offer this Eurostar+Eurostar option with the 1h20 connection, click More options and enter Brussels (any station) with a 1 hour duration.

There are no through tickets to Germany, www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com seamlessly sell you a Eurostar ticket from London to Brussels plus an onward ticket to Germany.  The connection between tickets in Brussels is protected by the Railteam Promise/HOTNAT .

On most European trains, a return is simply two one-ways, but on Eurostar to/from London , return fares are cheaper than two one-ways so always book round trips as a return.  For more control over the booking, book London-Brussels as a return journey, add to basket, book Brussels to Cologne, Düsseldorf, Essen or Dortmund one way, add to basket, then Germany to Brussels one-way, add to basket & check out.

2. Brussels to Cologne, Düsseldorf, Duisburg, Essen or Dortmund by Eurostar (formerly Thalys)

A Eurostar at Brussels Midi.  More about Eurostar (formerly Thalys) .

London to Bonn, Koblenz, Mainz

High-speed Eurostar trains link London with Brussels in just 2 hours.  From Brussels, high-speed ICE & Eurostar (formerly Thalys) trains take 1h57 to reach Cologne.  Regular trains link Cologne with Bonn, Koblenz and Mainz.

How to check train times

Simply use the London-Cologne timetable above to find train times from London to Cologne, then use int.bahn.de to find connecting train times from Cologne to Bonn, Koblenz and Mainz.

Buy tickets from London to Bonn, Koblenz, Mainz or anywhere in Germany at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com .

Anyone from any country can use www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com , in plain English, in €, £ or $, international credit cards accepted. There's a small booking fee.

You print your own ticket, or you can load the Eurostar ticket into the Eurostar app and show the DB ticket on your phone.

Booking for Eurostar opens up to 11 months ahead.  Onward trains to Germany open up to 6 months ahead, less when the mid-December timetable change intervenes.  Journeys involving a Brussels-Cologne Eurostar (formerly Thalys) open 4 months ahead.  I recommend waiting until all trains are open before committing to a non-refundable Eurostar ticket.  More about when booking opens .

Step 2, book from Brussels to Bonn, Koblenz or Mainz at the German Railways site int.bahn.de .

London to Frankfurt

Option 1, by Eurostar to Brussels :  This is the fastest and easiest option.  Take a Eurostar to Brussels Midi in 2 hours, make a simple same-station change onto a high-speed high-speed ICE to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf in 3h15.  Both Eurostar & ICE have power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  You arrive at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf in the heart of the city.

Option 2, by Eurostar to Paris :  Take a Eurostar to Paris Nord in 2h20, it's then an easy 7-minute walk to Paris Est for a high-speed ICE to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf taking around 3h50.  Apart from the 7-minute walk in Paris this is almost as easy as option 1, it takes only a little longer depending how the connections work.  How about lunch in Paris ?

Option 3, by Stena Line overnight ferry from Harwich to Hoek van Holland :  The ferry alternative!  Leave London Liverpool Street by train at 19:36 or Cambridge at 19:47, sleep in a cosy private cabin on the Stena Line superferry from 21:00 to 08:00 with shower, toilet & satellite TV.  Next day, take the metro to Rotterdam and onward trains to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf arriving at 14:31.  This is a great option if Eurostar is expensive (for example, at short notice), if you live in East Anglia, or if you prefer a ferry to the Tunnel.

Option 5, by Eurostar to Brussels & the scenic Rhine Valley route .  Similar to option 1, taking Eurostar to Brussels and an ICE onwards, but instead of staying aboard the ICE all the way from Brussels to Frankfurt, you change in Cologne onto a slower train running along the Rhine Valley to Frankfurt, past cliffs and castles and the fabled Lorelei Rock.  It takes an hour longer, but it's worth it!  If you want this option, use www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com , entering 'Koblenz' as a via station.  To enter a via station at www.raileurope.com , click More options .  See the Rails Down the Rhine page .

Option 1, London to Frankfurt via Brussels

Check these train times at int.bahn.de .   About the 20-minute connection in Brussels

Station guides:  London St Pancras   Brussels Midi   Frankfurt (Main) Hbf

Buy tickets from London to Frankfurt or anywhere in Germany at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com .

Booking for Eurostar opens up to 11 months ahead.  Onward trains to Germany open up to 6 months ahead, less when the mid-December timetable change intervenes.  Journeys involving a Brussels-Cologne Eurostar (formerly Thalys) open 4 months ahead.  I recommend waiting until all trains are open before buying a non-refundable Eurostar ticket.  More about when booking opens .

Step 2, book from Brussels to Frankfurt at the German Railways site int.bahn.de .

Eurostar trains link London & Brussels in just 2 hours, travelling at up to 300 km/h (186 mph).  There are two bar cars, power sockets at all seats and free WiFi.  Standard Premier and Business Premier fares include a light meal with wine (or breakfast, on departures before 11:00).  There's a 30-minute minimum check-in at London St Pancras as all border formalities are carried out before you board the train.  More about Eurostar & check-in procedure .  St Pancras station guide .  Brussels Midi station guide & short cut for changing trains in Brussels .

2. Brussels to Frankfurt by ICE3

From June 2024, the latest type ICE3neo has taken over this route from ICE3M.  These ICEs have a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  In 1st class, food & drink orders are taken at your seat.  The train calls at Liège, where you can admire the impressive station designed by celebrity architect Santiago Calatrava, and at Cologne Hbf , where you'll see Cologne Cathedral to the right as you approach, right next to the station.  Immediately after leaving Cologne Hbf , the train crosses the long Hohenzollern bridge over the Rhine before joining the 300km/h high-speed line to Frankfurt.  More about ICE3 .  Brussels Midi station guide .  Frankfurt (Main) Hbf station guide .

An ICE3neo at Brussels Midi.  Click on the interior images for larger photos.  Photo above courtesy of Christian Hunt.

Option 2, London to Frankfurt via Paris

Note for the timetable.

London to Paris by Eurostar starts at £52 one-way or £78 return in standard class, £97 one-way, £168 return standard premier (1st class).

How to buy tickets:  Raileurope.com

The easiest way to buy London-Frankfurt train tickets is at www.raileurope.com . 

Booking for the Paris-Frankfurt trains opens up to 6 months ahead, up to 6 months ahead for Eurostar & German domestic trains.

www.raileurope.com can book journeys to Frankfurt via both Brussels or Paris.  If you want the Paris route, click More options and enter Paris Nord as a via station.  It connects to both the French & German railways ticketing systems. There's a small booking fee.

Or buy using bahn.de & eurostar.com

It's also worth checking prices for the Paris-Frankfurt train on int.bahn.de , as this is the German reservation system so prices can vary from those on the French system.  Furthermore there's no booking fee and child age limits are more generous:  When booked through int.bahn.de , children under 6 go free and children under 15 can also go free if accompanied by an adult.  Booking this way involves two websites, so do a dry run first on both sites to check prices and availability before booking for real.

Buy tickets by phone

1. London to Paris by Eurostar

Eurostar trains link London & Paris in 2h20, travelling at up to 300 km/h (186 mph).  There are two bar cars, power sockets at all seats and free WiFi.  Standard Premier and Business Premier fares include a light meal with wine (or breakfast, on departures before 11:00).  There's a 30-minute minimum check-in as all border formalities are carried out before you board the train.  More about Eurostar & check-in procedure .  St Pancras station guide .  Paris Gare du Nord station guide .

2. Paris to Frankfurt by ICE3

In Paris it's an easy 7 minute 500m walk from the Gare du Nord to the Gare de l'Est for the ICE to Frankfurt.  The superb German ICEs have a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  In 1st class, food & drink orders are taken at your seat.  More about ICE3 .  Paris Gare de l'Est station guide .  Frankfurt (Main) Hbf station guide .

Video guide :  Paris-Frankfurt by ICE

London to nuremberg.

High-speed Eurostar trains link London with Brussels in just 2 hours.  From Brussels, ICE high-speed trains run to Frankfurt in around 3h05.  Change at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf for Nuremberg ( Nürnberg in German), taking just 2h05.  Eurostar has a cafe-bar, ICEs have a restaurant car, and both Eurostar & ICE come with power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.

Always check times for your date using int.bahn.de .  About the 20-minute connection in Brussels

Station guides:  London St Pancras   Brussels Midi   Cologne Hbf   Frankfurt (Main) Hbf   Munich Hbf

Buy tickets from London to Nuremberg at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com .

Step 2, book from Brussels to Nuremberg at the German Railways site int.bahn.de .

I recommend changing Transfer time from normal to 20 minutes to avoid risky 10-minute connections.

Nuremberg rail museum & rally grounds

London to osnabrück & hamburg, option 1, london to osnabrück, bremen, hamburg by train.

You can easily travel by train from London to Osnabrück, Bremen or Hamburg in a day, using Eurostar, a high-speed Eurostar (formerly Thalys) or ICE train to Cologne, then a comfortable German InterCity train from Cologne to Osnabrück, Bremen or Hamburg.  For more information, read on.

You can check these train times at int.bahn.de .  About the 20-minute connection in Brussels .

Station guides:  London St Pancras   Brussels Midi with advice on changing trains   Cologne Hbf   Hamburg Hbf

Buy tickets from London to Osnabrück, Hamburg or anywhere in Germany at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com .

Step 2, book from Brussels to Osnabrück, Bremen or Hamburg at the German Railways site int.bahn.de .

It's worth doing the maths if you are under 28, if you have kids (kids get a free pass when accompanying an adult but still need to pay reservation fees) or if you live a long way from London (as a pass covers you from your home station to London). Passes are available in 1st & 2nd class.

Step 2, make a Eurostar passholder reservation from London to Brussels & back, €30 each way.  See prices & how to make Eurostar passholder reservations online .  Tip:  Eurostar passholder availability is limited, so check availability before buying a pass .

Step 3, reservations between Brussels and Hamburg are usually optional , but recommended.  You can make seat reservations for around €5 each way at int.bahn.de by entering Brussels to Berlin and clicking the Book seat only link under the red search button.

Railbookers :  For holidays or short breaks to Germany by train call rail specialists Railbookers.  They offer custom-made holidays & tours to Germany with trains, transfers & hotels sorted for you in one place.  As they're selling you a package they'll look after you if anything happens such as a strike or major delay.  The trips you see online are examples which can be customised to include train travel to & from the UK with no flying necessary, or to add extra nights, just call them.

In June 2024, the latest type ICE3neo took over this route from ICE3M.  These ICEs have a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  In 1st class, food & drink orders are taken at your seat.  More about ICE3 .  Brussels Midi station guide .  Cologne Hbf station guide .

London to Stuttgart & Munich

There are several good options for travel between the UK and Stuttgart or Munich:

Option 1, by Eurostar & TGV via Paris :   Take Eurostar to Paris, it's an easy 7 minute 500m walk from the Gare du Nord to Gare de l'Est, then take a direct 320 km/h double-deck TGV Duplex from Paris to Stuttgart or Munich.  This is the fastest option.

Option 2, by Eurostar & ICE via Brussels :   Take Eurostar to Brussels, a Eurostar (formerly Thalys) or ICE high-speed train to Cologne, then a high-speed ICE train from Cologne to Munich.  This is the most frequent option with a range of services every day.  It involves two easy same-station changes of train.

Option 3, by Eurostar & Nightjet sleeper train .  A time-effective option, using either the Paris-Munich or Brussels-Munich sleepers.

Option 1:  London to Stuttgart & Munich via Paris

Station guides:  London St Pancras   Paris Gare du Nord     Paris Gare de l'Est     Munich Hbf

Buy tickets at Raileurope.com

The easiest way to buy London-Munich or London-Stuttgart train tickets for journeys via Paris is at www.raileurope.com .

www.raileurope.com can book journeys to Stuttgart or Munich via both Brussels or Paris.  If you specifically want the Paris route, simply click More options and enter Paris Nord as a via station. There's a small booking fee.

Booking for Eurostar opens up to 6 months ahead, sometimes longer, booking for Paris-Munich TGVs opens up to 4 months ahead, but I'd wait until all your trains are open for booking.  More about when booking opens .

Other ways to buy tickets

It's worth checking prices for the Paris-Munich train on int.bahn.de , as this is the German reservation system so prices vary from those on the French system used by www.raileurope.com .  In addition, there's no booking fee and child age limits are more generous:  Using bahn.de, children under 6 go free, and children under 15 also go free if accompanying a fare-paying adult.

Booking this way involves two websites, so do a dry run first on both sites to check prices and availability before booking for real.  Booking for Eurostar opens up to 6 months ahead, sometimes longer, booking for Paris-Munich TGVs opens up to 4 months ahead, but I'd wait until all your trains are open for booking.  More about when booking opens .

The results will show cheap Sparpreis fares (if available).  You pay by credit card and simply print out your own ticket.  Easy!

Tip:   In the westbound Munich to Paris direction, I recommend changing Transfer time from Normal to at least 30 minutes before running the enquiry.  That will avoid tight 7-minute connections into a Stuttgart-Paris train that only runs every 2-3 hours.

How to buy tickets by phone

See the Interrail pass section below

2. Paris to Munich by TGV Duplex

In Paris it's an easy 7 minute 500m walk from the Gare du Nord to the Gare de l'Est for the TGV to Germany.  Sit back with a glass of red and enjoy the ride - book an upper deck seat for the best views.  The train is equipped with power sockets for laptops & mobiles at all seats in both classes, and a cafe-bar serves drinks, snacks & microwaved hot dishes.  The train soon leaves the Paris suburbs behind and speeds across a vast wide open plateau of woods & farmland at up to 320 km/h (199 mph), past picturesque French villages of the Champagne region.  An hour or two later, the train leaves the high-speed line and slowly meanders through pretty wooded hills, the countryside eventually flattening out towards Strasbourg.  On leaving Strasbourg, look out for Strasbourg cathedral on the left with its famously missing second tower.  Minutes afterwards you rumble across the river Rhine into Germany, before heading on to Stuttgart & Munich.  Paris Gare de l'Est station guide .  Munich Hbf station guide .  More about TGV Duplex .  See TGV video guide .

Option 2:  London to Stuttgart & Munich via Brussels

It's easy to travel by train from London to Munich in a day, using a morning Eurostar to Brussels, a high-speed ICE3 train to Frankfurt, then another luxurious high-speed ICE to Munich, all with power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  Treat yourself to lunch with a beer or some wine in the ICE restaurant car.  Alternatively, an overnight stop in Brussels can make it more time-effective, as shown by the shaded journeys in the timetable below.

Stuttgart, Ulm, Augsburg :  You can travel to Stuttgart, Ulm or Augsburg on the same departures from London, with a different connection from Frankfurt.  For simplicity, I only show the Munich times in the timetable below, but a journey to Stuttgart, Ulm or Augsburg is booked in exactly the same way as to Munich.

Buy tickets from London to Munich or anywhere in Germany at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com .

Step 2, book from Brussels to Stuttgart or Munich at the German Railways site int.bahn.de .

Step 2, make a Eurostar passholder reservation from London to Paris or Brussels & back, see prices & how to make Eurostar passholder reservations online .  Tip:  Eurostar passholder availability is limited, so check availability before buying a pass .

Step 3 if going via Brussels:  Reservations between Brussels and Munich are optional, but recommended.  You can make seat reservations for around €5 each way at int.bahn.de by entering Brussels to Munich and clicking the Book seat only link under the red search button.

Step 3 if going via Paris:  Reservations on Paris-Germany trains are compulsory, seat reservations cost around €18 each way and can be made using the official Interrail reservation service .

Railbookers :  Rail specialists Railbookers offer custom-made holiday & tour packages to Germany by train, with rail travel, transfers & hotels sorted for you.  The trips you see on their website can be customised to your requirements, just give them a call.

Eurostar trains link London & Brussels in just 2 hours, travelling at up to 300 km/h (186 mph).  There are two bar cars, power sockets at all seats and free WiFi.  Standard Premier and Business Premier fares include a light meal with wine (or breakfast, on departures before 11:00).  There's a 30-minute minimum check-in as all border formalities are carried out before you board the train.  More about Eurostar & check-in procedure .  St Pancras station guide .   Brussels Midi station guide & short cut for changing trains in Brussels .

2. Brussels to Frankfurt & Frankfurt to Munich by ICE

Germany's superb ICEs have a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  In 1st class, food & drink orders are taken at your seat.  The Brussels to Frankfurt train calls at Liège, where you can admire the impressive station designed by celebrity architect Santiago Calatrava, and at Cologne Hbf , where you'll see Cologne Cathedral to the right as you approach, right next to the station.  Immediately after leaving Cologne Hbf , the train crosses the long Hohenzollern bridge over the Rhine before joining the 300km/h high-speed line to Frankfurt.  More about ICE3 trains .  Brussels Midi station guide .  Cologne Hbf station guide .  Frankfurt (Main) Hbf station guide .  Munich Hbf station guide .

Option 3, London to Munich by sleeper

ÖBB (Austrian Railways) run an excellent Nightjet sleeper train from Brussels to Munich 3 times a week, final destination Vienna, and another from Paris to Munich Ost on the same days of the week, also en route to Vienna (the Brussels-Vienna & Paris-Vienna trains are combined into one train between Mannheim and Vienna).  ÖBB expect to make these trains daily from autumn 2024.  It's a comfortable and time-effective option if you don't mind the early arrival.

London ► Munich (via Brussels)

This comfortable Austrian Nightjet sleeper train has an air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-car with nine 1, 2 & 3-berth standard compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet. There are toilets & a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers.  The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu.  The train has couchette cars with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats.  A light breakfast is included in sleepers & couchettes, served in your compartment.  See the Nightjet page for a guide to on-board accommodation, travel tips, photos & video .

London ► Munich (via Paris)

Munich ► london (via brussels), munich ► london (via paris).

This comfortable Austrian Nightjet train has an air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-car with nine 1, 2 & 3-berth standard compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet. There's a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers.  The train has a couchette car with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and an ordinary seats car.  See the Nightjet page for a guide to on-board accommodation, travel tips, photos & video .

Tip:   If you have a ticket for a sleeper, you can use the ÖBB lounge at Vienna Hbf with complimentary tea, coffee, snacks & WiFi.

How to buy a connecting ticket from other UK towns & cities:  See the advice on special add-on tickets here .

1. London to Paris or Brussels by Eurostar

Eurostar trains link London & Brussels in just 2 hours, London & Paris in 2h20, travelling at up to 300 km/h (186 mph).  There are two bar cars, power sockets at all seats and free WiFi.  Standard Premier and Business Premier fares include a light meal with wine (or breakfast, on departures before 11:00).  There's a 30-minute minimum check-in as all border formalities are carried out before you board the train.  More about Eurostar & check-in procedure .  St Pancras station guide .  Brussels Midi station guide .  Paris Gare du Nord station guide .

2 .  Brussels or Paris to Munich by Nightjet sleeper train

London to Leipzig & Dresden

There are several good options for travel from the UK to Leipzig or Dresden:

Option 1 , London to Leipzig or Dresden by daytime trains

This is the cheapest option, London to Leipzig or Dresden in a single day.  Or break up the journey with an overnight stop in Brussels or Cologne if you like.

London ► Leipzig, Dresden

Option 1, leave London St Pancras by Eurostar at 07:04 on Mondays-Fridays, change at Brussels Midi & Frankfurt (Main) Hbf and arrive Leipzig Hbf 17:10 & Dresden Hbf 19:38.

Option 2, leave London St Pancras by Eurostar at 09:01 every day, change at Brussels Midi & Frankfurt (Main) Hbf and arrive Leipzig Hbf 19:10 & Dresden Hbf 21:38.

Option 3, leave London St Pancras by Eurostar at 11:04, change at Brussels Midi & Frankfurt (Main) Hbf and arrive Leipzig Hbf 21:10 or (change again at Leipzig) Dresden Hbf 23:38.

Option 4, with overnight stop in Brussels

Day 1, travel from London to Brussels on any afternoon or evening Eurostar you like.  The last one leaves London St Pancras at 19:34, arriving Brussels Midi at 22:38, but by all means book an earlier one for more of an evening in Brussels.

Stay overnight in Brussels .  I recommend the excellent Pullman Hotel Brussels Midi which is an integral part of Brussels Midi station itself, or the inexpensive Ibis Brussels Midi just across the road.

Day 2, travel from Brussels to Leipzig in around 6h58, or to Dresden in 8h11.  Find times that suit you at int.bahn.de .

Option 5, with overnight stop in Cologne

Day 1, travel from London to Cologne on any of the services shown in the London to Cologne section .  You can leave London St Pancras at 15:04 daily, change at Brussels Midi and arrive Cologne Hbf at 20:15.

Stay overnight in Cologne .  The good & inexpensive Ibis Hotel Köln-am-Dom is ideal as it's part of Cologne Hbf itself, with an entrance to the left of the main station entrance - many of its rooms have a cathedral view.

Day 2, travel from Cologne Hbf to Leipzig in as little as 4h23, or to Dresden in 5h42.  Find times that suit you at int.bahn.de .

Dresden, Leipzig ► London

Option 1, leave Dresden at 06:10 daily or Leipzig at 07:33, change at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf & Brussels Midi arriving London St Pancras at 18:57.

Option 2, leave Dresden at 10:10 or Leipzig at 11:33 Mondays-Fridays & Sundays, change at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf & Brussels Midi arriving London St Pancras at 21:57.

Option 3, with overnight stop in Brussels

Day 1, travel from Dresden or Leipzig to Brussels, check times at int.bahn.de .  For example, you can leave Dresden at 12:10 or Leipzig at 13:33, arriving Brussels Midi at 21:35.

Stay overnight in Brussels.  I recommend the Ibis Brussels Midi , just across the road from Brussels Midi station, or the Pullman Hotel Brussels Midi which is part of the station itself. 

Day 2, travel from Brussels to London on any Eurostar you like.

The first one leaves Brussels Midi at 07:56 Mondays-Saturdays, arriving London St Pancras 08:59 or at 08:52 Sundays arriving 09:57.

Buy tickets from London to Leipzig, Dresden or anywhere in Germany at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com .

Step 2, book from Brussels to Leipzig or Dresden at the German Railways site int.bahn.de .

Step 3, reservations between Brussels and Leipzig or Dresden are usually optional , but recommended.  You can make seat reservations for around €5 each way at int.bahn.de , by setting up an enquiry and clicking the Book seat only link under the red search button.

Escape to Colditz?

Colditz has become part of WW2 folklore and it's well worth a visit.  A train leaves Leipzig every hour for Grossbothen (or on some departures, Grimma) where a bus connects for Colditz.  Journey from Leipzig about 1 hour 7 minutes.  You can check train and bus times at int.bahn.de .  In 1992, I made the whole journey from Leipzig to Colditz by train, as did many of the PoWs.  See the Escape to Colditz page for more information .

2. Brussels to Frankfurt & Frankfurt to Leipzig or Dresden by ICE

Germany's superb ICE (InterCity Express) high-speed trains have a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  In 1st class, food & drink orders are taken at your seat.  The ICE3 train from Cologne to Frankfurt calls at Liège, where you can admire the impressive station designed by celebrity architect Santiago Calatrava, and at Cologne Hbf , where you'll see Cologne Cathedral to the right as you approach, right next to the station.  Immediately after leaving Cologne Hbf , the train crosses the long Hohenzollern bridge over the Rhine before joining the 300km/h high-speed line to Frankfurt.  The train from Frankfurt to Leipzig & Dresden will be an ICE-T .  More about ICE trains .  Brussels Midi station guide .  Frankfurt (Main) Hbf station guide .

Option 2, London to Dresden by European Sleeper

Option 3 , london to dresden by czech sleeper.

This is the most time-effective way from the UK to Dresden.  From the timetable change on 11 December 2022, a new overnight service with sleeping-car & couchettes links Zurich with Prague, routed via Karlsruhe & Dresden.  From London you can pick this new sleeper up in Karlsruhe.  It's a comfortable option, some sleepers have an en suite toilet & shower, breakfast included.

London ► Dresden

The sleeper train has a Czech air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-car with nine 1, 2 & 3 bed compartments with washbasin, and three 1, 2 & 3 bed deluxe compartments with en suite shower & toilet.  There are toilets and a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in regular sleepers.  There are also 4 & 6-berth couchettes.  A light breakfast with tea or coffee is included in the sleeper fare.

Dresden ► London

This 320 km/h double-deck high-speed train has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  Book an upper deck seat for the best views, any seat number >60 is upper deck.

Alternatively, if you don't fancy the 5am arrival at Karlsruhe and don't mind a later arrival in London .

You can book the sleeper from Dresden to Basel instead, it arrives at Basel SBB at the much more agreeable hour of 07:20.  The 10:34 TGV-Lyria from Basel SBB reaches Paris Gare de Lyon at 13:40, cross Paris by metro and take the 17:03 Eurostar from Paris Nord to London.

How to much does it cost?

Step 1, book London to Karlsruhe at www.thetrainline.com or www.raileurope.com , both easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee.  Using one of these sites means you can book everything easily in one place.  About Raileurope .  About Thetrainline .

Booking opens up to 6 months ahead for each of these trains, see more about when bookings open .  I recommend waiting until all trains have opened for booking and times are confirmed before buying a non-refundable Eurostar ticket.

Tip:   You can book from London to Karlsruhe all in one go if you like, but for more control over the connection in Paris, I'd book London-Paris first, add to basket, then book Paris-Karlsruhe and add to basket, ensuring at least an hour between trains.  That way you can allow a more robust connection than the system would give you, and you can see if earlier Eurostars have cheaper prices.

Tip:   If you are making a round trip, London-Paris return fares are significantly cheaper than two one-ways so it's cheaper to book this as a return.  All other trains are one-way ticketed so it makes no difference how you book, and it can be easier to book one way at a time.

Alternatively, you can book the Eurostar at www.eurostar.com , then book the Paris-Karlsruhe TGV at int.bahn.de .  This is more work and prices should be the same, but there's no booking fee.

Step 2, book the Karlsruhe-Dresden sleeper at the Czech Railways website www.cd.cz .  Booking opens 2 or 3 months ahead .

Leave 2nd class selected.  Do not select 1st class even if you want a deluxe sleeper, if you do the sleeper train won't show up.

The train will appear in the search results twice , both marked No transfers .  The first appearance is the seats carriages marked EC (EuroCity), ignore this.  Click the buy button against the second appearance of this train, with a sleeper & couchette symbol marked EN for EuroNight, and continue.  Use the modify & edit features to adjust the type of couchette & sleeper.  You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.  You can also try booking at the Austrian Railways site www.oebb.at .

What is the sleeper train like?

It has one modern Czech sleeping-car with 9 standard compartments with washbasin and 3 deluxe compartments with a compact en suite toilet & shower.  Each compartment can be sold with 1, 2 or all 3 beds in use, as single , double and T3 .  There are toilets and a shower at the end of the corridor, and each compartment converts from beds to a private sitting room for the daytime parts of the journey.  There is a power socket for laptops and mobiles.  All necessary bedding and towels are provided.  The doors have card-key locks like hotels.  A very safe, civilised and comfortable way to travel!  Do not obsess about getting a deluxe - In the standard compartments the beds and the decor are exactly the same as the deluxe ones, the only difference is that the compartment floor space is a fraction smaller (though not so you'd notice) and there's a washbasin instead of an en suite toilet & shower.  You can of course use the shower at the end of the corridor - you access it using the same card key that opens your compartment door.  This train also has couchettes, basic bunks with rug & pillow, you can book a bunk in either a 6-berth or less crowded 4-berth compartment.

London to other destinations in Germany

You can get to just about anywhere in Germany by train from London.  If your destination is a small place close to one of the big cities shown on this page such as Berlin, Hamburg or Munich, use the train times on this page to that city then use the German Railways website int.bahn.de to find train times onwards from that city to your final destination.  The German Railways website will also give fares and sell tickets for journeys within Germany.

London to anywhere in Germany

If your destination isn't listed here , for example, London to Heidelberg, Regensburg or Konstanz to name just three, use this booking process to search for journeys:

Buy tickets from London to anywhere in Germany at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com .

Anyone from any country can use www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com , in plain English, international credit cards accepted and fares shown in multiple currencies. There's a small booking fee.

You print your own ticket, or you can load the Eurostar ticket into the Eurostar app, and show the DB ticket on your phone.

Tip:   It can help to specify Brussels as a via station if you want to see journeys with an easy same-station change in Brussels, rather than also seeing journeys via Paris.  At www.raileurope.com , click More options and enter Brussels (any station).

There are no through tickets from London to Germany, DB's Sparpreis London fares were discontinued in 2020 .  But www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com will seamlessly sell you a Eurostar ticket from London to Brussels plus an onward ticket from Brussels to anywhere in Germany.  The connection between tickets in Brussels is protected by the Railteam Promise/HOTNAT .  If the onwards train from Brussels is a German Railways ICE , you'll normally get a Eurostar ticket plus a through ticket from Brussels to Germany.

About those 20-minute connections at Brussels Midi

The slick 20-minute connection in Brussels between Eurostar and an onward ICE , sometimes less than this, is usually a recognised connection which lots of people make.  It's not usually a problem, especially if you use the Brussels Midi short cut between platforms .

Even though the system sells you separate tickets either side of Brussels, you are protected by the Railteam Promise/HOTNAT so if there's a delay and you miss the connection you will be allowed to travel on later onwards trains at no extra charge.

The system is programmed to know which connections are recognised/acceptable and which are too tight - if you intend booking your Eurostar and ICE tickets separately (which I often do to check prices for Eurostar and onwards trains separately, and to retain more control over the booking) it's wise to run a London-Cologne enquiry first just to check that the system does indeed recognise that specific Eurostar as connecting with that specific onward ICE, on that specific date.

How to buy a connecting ticket from other UK towns & cities :  See the advice on special add-on tickets here .

Neuschwanstein : Bavaria's fairytale castle

See the Neuschwanstein page for a guide to reaching Bavaria's fairytale castle, including how to make an inexpensive DIY day trip from Munich by train, with photos of a visit to the castle.

By Harz steam railway to the Brocken

See the Harz railway page .

Escape to Colditz

See the Escape to Colditz page .  Now part of WW2 folklore and well worth a visit!  Colditz is easy to reach from Leipzig, or you can do it as a day trip from Berlin or Dresden.

Berchtesgaden, Obersalzberg & Eagle's Nest

Another site from WW2 which can be visited, the site of Hitler's country house, the Berghof, can still be seen at Obersalzberg on the mountain above Berchtesgaden, where Göring, Bormann, Speer and others also had houses.  The ruins of the Berghof were demolished in 1952, all that can be seen now is an overgrown site with a large retaining wall.  Hitler's impressive mountain-top tea house, the Eagle's Nest, is still standing and can be visited in summer.  First, travel to Munich as shown above .

Travel from Munich Hbf to Berchtesgaden by regional train, these leave every hour through the day with one simple change at Freilassing, total journey time 2h35.  int.bahn.de will give train times and sell you a train ticket - look for all-train departures that don't involve a bus.  The regular fare is around €43 each way, so it's cheaper to buy a Bayern Ticket for €29 for the first passenger + €10 for each additional passenger, this gives unlimited travel for the day on regional trains after 09:00 on weekdays, any time at weekends so will cover a same-day round trip.

Although you can buy on the day at the station, buying online at int.bahn.de saves time and the system automatically shows the Bayern Ticket for journeys where this is cheaper than the regular fare.

Roughly hourly buses then link Berchtesgaden with Obersalzberg, journey time only 12 minutes, from where tourist shuttle buses go up to the Eagle's Nest.  The bus operator is www.rvo-bus.de .  Or take a tour - Eagles Nest Historical Tours ( www.eagles-nest-historical-tours.com ) do an Obersalzberg tour and an Eagles Nest tour, leaving from the tourist information centre directly across the roundabout from the station.

Holidays & breaks

London to germany via harwich - hoek.

The ferry alternative!  If Eurostar is expensive, especially at short notice, the ferry can be cheaper.  If you live in East Anglia, the ferry can be more convenient, there's even a direct train from Cambridge to Harwich which connects with the night boat.  If you want to avoid the Channel Tunnel or if there are strikes in France, this is also the route for you.  Or you may simply prefer a leisurely cruise across the North Sea in a cosy private cabin with toilet, shower & satellite TV, after an excellent dinner in the ship's restaurant.  The route via Harwich & Hoek of Holland is one of those shown in dark blue on the route map above .  There are two departures a day, the day boat and the night boat.

Using the night boat

A convenient evening departure from central London by train and a good night's sleep in a cosy private cabin with toilet, shower & satellite TV on board the rock-steady 63,000 ton Stena Line superferry.  Next morning, take onward trains to anywhere in Germany.

London, Cambridge & Harwich ► Germany

At Harwich, the station is right next to the ferry terminal and you walk off the train into the terminal, check in at the Stena Line desk and walk straight onto Stena Line's luxurious overnight superferry Stena Hollandica to Hoek van Holland.

The ferry sails at 23:00 and arrives at Hoek van Holland at 08:00 next morning, Dutch time.

All passengers travel in cosy private cabins with en suite toilet & shower & satellite TV.  Deluxe Comfort class & Captains class cabins are also available, and there's free WiFi in the lounges, restaurants & bars on 9 deck.  You can get on board the ferry around 9pm, have a late dinner in the restaurant and settle into your cabin.

German Intercity trains link Amsterdam Centraal with Osnabrück, Hanover & Berlin Hbf every 2 hours, change at Osnabrück for Hamburg.

For example, you can leave Amsterdam Centraal at 11:59 and arrive Berlin Hbf at 17:51, see the Amsterdam to Berlin InterCity train page .

Germany ► Harwich, Cambridge & London

Day 1, take a train from anywhere in Germany to Amsterdam or Utrecht.

You can check train times & buy tickets from any German station to Amsterdam or Utrecht at int.bahn.de .

Coming from Berlin, Hamburg, Bremen, Hannover or Osnabrück it's easiest to go via Amsterdam.  For example, the 10:06 Intercity train from Berlin Hbf arrives Amsterdam Centraal at 16:00.

Coming from Munich, Stuttgart, Nuremberg, Frankfurt, Cologne or Düsseldorf it's quickest to go via Utrecht.  The ICE train leaving Frankfurt (Main) Hbf at 13:29, Cologne Messe/Deutz 14:50 & Düsseldorf 15:12 arrives Utrecht Centraal at 16:59.

Day 1, travel from Amsterdam or Utrecht to London by Stena Line Rail & Sail .

Take the 18:35 train from Amsterdam Centraal to Schiedam Centrum or the 17:48 train from Utrecht Centraal to Rotterdam Alexander to connect with the frequent metro train to Hoek van Holland Haven.  By all means take an earlier train/metro, there are departures every 15-30 minutes and the ferry starts boarding at 19:30.

At Hoek, the station is right next to the ferry terminal.  Check in at the Stena Line desk and walk up the gangway onto the ferry and sail overnight in a snug private cabin to Harwich

The ferry sails from Hoek van Holland at 22:00 and arrives at Harwich International at 06:30 next morning (day 2), UK time.

All cabins have shower, toilet & satellite TV.  At Harwich the station is integrated with the ferry terminal. 

On day 2, Take a train from Harwich to London Liverpool Street arriving around 08:56, or from Harwich to Cambridge arriving 09:41 (10:39 on Sundays).  See the Stena Line Rail & Sail page for full details .

Step 1, book from London or any Greater Anglia station to Hoek van Holland at www.stenaline.co.uk/rail-and-sail/to-holland .

This is a special Stena Line Rail & Sail ticket, see the Stena Line Rail & Sail page for more tips & information on how to buy one.

You buy the metro ticket from Hoek van Holland to Schiedam or Rotterdam at the metro station using the ticket machines or simply by touching in & out with any contactless bank card.

Step 2, now book trains from Schiedam Centrum or Rotterdam Alexander to anywhere in Germany at German Railways website int.bahn.de .

Booking opens up to 6 months ahead . You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.  I recommend registering when prompted, so you can log in at any time and check or reprint tickets.

Step 1, London to Holland by train & ferry

A train takes you from London's Liverpool Street station directly to the ferry terminal at Harwich.  You walk off the train, into the terminal, get your boarding card & cabin key at the Stena Line check-in desk and walk straight onto the overnight ferry to Hoek van Holland.  The superferries Stena Hollandica and Stena Britannica are the largest ferries of their kind in the world.  Have a late dinner in the lounge, retire to bed in a private cabin with toilet, shower & satellite TV.  At Hoek van Holland, you walk off the ship, through passport control and straight onto the metro station for the frequent trains to Schiedam & Rotterdam.  Change at Schiedam Centrum for a Dutch Railways train to Amsterdam Centraal (if heading for Hannover or Berlin), or at Rotterdam Alexander for a Dutch Railways train to Utrecht (if heading to Düsseldorf, Cologne, Frankfurt & southern Germany).  The journey from London to Holland is explained on the Stena Line Rail & Sail page .  See the video .

The Stena Hollandica boarding at Harwich, a floating hotel with private cabins, restaurant, bar, lounges, shop & kennels.

Above left, standard outside cabin.  Larger photo .   360º photo .  Above right, the Stena Plus lounge with complimentary red & white wine, tea, coffee & snacks.

Above left, the bar on 9 deck. Above right, a Captain's Class cabin with complimentary minibar, toilet & shower.

Step 2, Holland to Germany by ICE high-speed train or comfort InterCity (IC) train

You can pick up a German Railways ICE train to Düsseldorf, Cologne & Frankfurt either at Amsterdam Centraal (where they start) or at Utrecht Centraal (a bit quicker).  More info about ICE trains .  If you're heading for Hannover or Berlin, go to Amsterdam Centraal to catch an InterCity train there.  More info about Amsterdam-Berlin InterCity trains .

An ICE3neo at Amsterdam Centraal.  Click on the interior images for larger photos.

Using the day boat

It's an early start from London, but Stena Line's Harwich to Hoek van Holland daytime crossing connects nicely with the 3-times-a-week European Sleeper from Rotterdam to Berlin, making this a good option for Berlin, Leipzig or Dresden if the days and times suit you.

London & Harwich ► Berlin, Dresden

Step 1, travel from London to Harwich by train.

You leave London Liverpool Street at 06:00 Mondays-Fridays, 06:36 Saturdays or 06:44 Sundays, check train times at www.nationalrail.co.uk .

At Harwich, the station is right next to the ferry terminal.  You walk off the train and into the terminal, check in at the Stena Line desk and walk onto Stena Line's luxurious superferry to Hoek van Holland.

Step 2, cruise from Harwich to Hoek van Holland with Stena Line.

On Mondays-Saturdays the ferry sails at 09:00 arriving 17:15.  On Sundays she sails at 09:00 arriving at 18:00.

The ferry has a bar, self-service restaurant, lounges, a premium Stena Plus lounge, children's play area & free WiFi.  A private cabin is optional (but half price) on the day crossing, all cabins come with toilet & shower & satellite TV.

Step 3, hop on the metro from Hoek van Holland to Rotterdam.

On arrival at Hoek van Holland, walk off the ferry into the terminal and go through passport control.  Walk out of the terminal to the adjacent metro station and hop on the metro from Hoek van Holland Haven to Eendrachtsplein in downtown Rotterdam, the metro leaves every 20-30 minutes, journey time around 30 minutes, see metro network map .  Buy a ticket using the ticket machines or simply touch in and out with any contactless bank card.

From Eendrachtsplein it's an 850m 11-minute stroll to Rotterdam Centraal , see walking map , or you can change at Beurs onto metro line D or E and go 2 stops to Rotterdam Centraal .

You've time for dinner in Rotterdam, try Kaapse Maria ( www.kaapsebrouwers.nl ) for craft beer and good pub food, half way between Eendrachtsplein & Rotterdam Centraal, see location map .  Check opening hours, it's open Monday & Friday but closed Wednesdays.  Alternatively, Le Nord ( lenord.nl ), La Cazuela & Dunya are all good bistros 5 minutes walk north of the station, see walking map .

Step 4, travel from Rotterdam to Berlin or Dresden by European Sleeper .

The European Sleeper leaves Rotterdam Centraal at 21:21 on Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays, arriving Berlin Hbf 06:18 & (from 25 March 2024 onwards) Dresden Hbf 08:29.

The train has 4 & 6 berth couchettes & a sleeping-car with 1, 2 & 3 bed compartments with washbasin .  A light breakfast is included in sleepers, extra in couchettes.  More about the European Sleeper .

For Leipzig, change in Berlin.  I'd allow at least 1 hour between trains, check times at int.bahn.de .

Dresden, Berlin ► Harwich & London

Step 1, travel from Dresden or Berlin to Rotterdam by European Sleeper .

The European Sleeper leaves Dresden Hbf at 20:30 &  Berlin Hbf at 22:56 on Tuesdays, Thursdays & Sundays, arriving Rotterdam Centraal at 07:32 next morning.  The train is extended to serve Dresden from 26 May 2024 onwards.

If you're coming from Leipzig, check times at int.bahn.de .  I'd want at least 1 hour between trains in Berlin.

Step 2, hop on the metro from Rotterdam to Hoek van Holland.

Walk from Rotterdam Centraal to Eendrachtsplein metro station, 850m, 11 minutes, see walking map , or take metro line D or E 2 stops to Beurs.  Then take metro line B from Beurs or Eendrachtsplein to Hoek van Holland Haven, it runs every 20-30 minutes, journey time 33-35 minutes, see metro network map .

Buy a ticket using the ticket machines or simply touch in and out with any contactless bank card.  The ferry terminal is right next to Hoek van Holland Haven metro station.  Walk into the terminal and check in at the Stena Line desk.  You'll need to leave downtown Rotterdam around 12:00 Monday-Friday or 11:30 Sundays, allowing for travel time and ferry check-in.

Step 3, cruise from Hoek van Holland to Harwich with Stena Line.

The ferry sails at 14:15 Monday-Saturday or 13:45 on Sundays, arriving Harwich at 19:45.

Step 4, travel from Harwich to London by train.

Step 2, book the sleeper from Rotterdam to Berlin or Dresden at www.europeansleeper.eu .

1. London to Rotterdam by train & ferry

A train takes you from London Liverpool Street station directly to the ferry terminal at Harwich International.  You walk off the train and into the terminal, get your boarding card at the Stena Line check-in desk and walk straight onto the ferry to Hoek van Holland.  The superferry Stena Hollandica is the largest ferry of its kind in the world.  There's a self-service restaurant, bar, lounges, a premium Stena Plus lounge, children's play area & free WiFi.  At Hoek van Holland, you walk off the ship, through passport control and out of the terminal to the adjacent metro station for the frequent metro train to Rotterdam.  See the Stena Line Rail & Sail page for full details, photos & travel tips .

The Stena Hollandica at Hoek van Holland, a floating hotel with restaurant, bars, lounges, shop, cabins & kennels.

Above left, the bar on 9 deck.  Above right, the Stena Plus lounge with complimentary red & white wine, tea, coffee, soft drinks & snacks.

Above left, a Captain's Class cabin with complimentary minibar, toilet & shower.  Above right, fresh sea air aft on 9 deck.

2. Rotterdam to Berlin by European Sleeper

Launched by two sleeper-loving entrepreneurs in May 2023, the European Sleeper has a sleeping-car with 1, 2 & 3 bed compartments with washbasin, couchette cars with 4 and 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats.  A light breakfast is included in sleepers, available at extra cost in couchettes. Light snacks and drinks can be ordered from the attendant, but there's no restaurant car so bring a picnic and maybe a bottle of wine!  More about European Sleeper .  Berlin Hbf station guide .

Above, the European Sleeper calls at Amsterdam Centraal.  This is a 5-berth couchette car, beyond it is the stainless steel sleeping-car.

The European Sleeper arrived at Berlin Hbf .

Scotland & the North to Germany  

If you live in the North of England or Scotland, option 1 is to take a train up to London and travel from London to Germany as described above.  This may well be the quickest & easiest option.  Here's some advice on buying connecting train tickets to London .  If you live in Scotland, the Caledonian Sleepers will get you up to London in time for a morning Eurostar & onwards trains to Germany.

But consider option 2, by-passing London by taking a luxurious overnight cruise ferry from Newcastle to Amsterdam run by DFDS Seaways or a similar overnight ferry from Hull to Rotterdam run by P&O Ferries , then onward trains to Germany.  There are direct trains from Holland to Osnabruck, Hannover, Berlin, Cologne & Frankfurt.  So why not by-pass London by taking the overnight ferry to Holland, perhaps spend some time in Amsterdam, then hop on a train to Germany?

Scotland & North of England ► Germany

Day 1, take a train to either Hull or Newcastle, whichever is most convenient for where you live.

In Hull, transfer to P&O ferry terminal and sail overnight from Hull to Rotterdam by P&O cruise ferry, with bus/train connection to Amsterdam Centraal.  The ferry has bars, restaurants & cosy en suite cabins.

For details of schedule, fares & tickets from Hull, see the Hull to Rotterdam page .

In Newcastle, transfer to the DFDS ferry terminal at North Shields and sail overnight from Newcastle to Amsterdam by DFDS Seaways cruise ferry.  The ferry has bars, restaurants & cosy en suite cabins.

For details of schedule, fares & tickets from Newcastle, see the Newcastle to Amsterdam page .

Day 2, travel by train from Rotterdam Centraal or Amsterdam Centraal to anywhere in Germany.

Use the German Railways website int.bahn.de to check train times & fares from Amsterdam to anywhere in Germany and buy tickets online.

For example, the 13:59 Intercity train from Amsterdam Centraal arrives Berlin Hbf at 19:51, or there are later trains.

A 12:38 ICE train from Amsterdam Centraal  arrives Cologne Messe/Deutz at 15:09 & Frankfurt (Main) Hbf at 16:26, or there are later trains too.  if you'd like to spend some time in Amsterdam.

Or you could spend the day in Rotterdam or Amsterdam, have dinner, then take the 3-times-a-week European Sleeper overnight to Berlin.

Germany ► Scotland & North of England

Day 1, take a train from Germany to Rotterdam Centraal (for P&O to Hull) or to Amsterdam Centraal (for DFDS to Newcastle).

You can check train times & fares from anywhere in Germany to Amsterdam & buy tickets online at the German Railways website int.bahn.de . 

For example, the 08:06 Intercity train from Berlin Hbf arrives at Amsterdam Centraal at 14:00.

The 09:29 ICE train from Frankfurt (Main) Hbf & 10:50 from Cologne Messe/Deutz arrives Amsterdam Centraal at 13:29, or there are other trains.  By all means travel earlier and have more time in Amsterdam.

Or you could take the 3-times-a-week overnight European Sleeper from Berlin to Amsterdam (for Newcastle) or Rotterdam (for Hull), spend the day there, then take the overnight ferry home.

Day 1, if going to Hull:  Transfer by P&O bus from Rotterdam Centraal to Rotterdam Europoort and sail overnight from Rotterdam to Hull with P&O Ferries ( www.poferries.com ), arriving next morning (day 2).  In Hull, transfer from the ferry terminal to Hull station by taxi or shuttle bus.

For details of schedule, fares & tickets, see the Hull to Rotterdam page .

Day 1, if going to Newcastle:  Transfer from Amsterdam Centraal to IJmuiden ferry terminal by DFDS transfer bus and sail overnight from IJmuiden to Newcastle with DFDS ( www.dfds.com ), arriving next morning (day 2).  In Newcastle, transfer from ferry to station by bus or taxi.

For details of schedule, fares & tickets see the Newcastle to Amsterdam page

Day 2, take a train home from Hull or Newcastle.

Fares & how to buy tickets

Step 1, start with the ferry.  Go to www.dfds.com for Newcastle-Amsterdam, www.poferries.com for Hull-Rotterdam.

Step 2, now for the train from Amsterdam to Germany.

Book from Amsterdam Centraal (if you're arriving from Newcastle by DFDS) or from Rotterdam Centraal (if you're arriving at Rotterdam Europoort with P&O) to anywhere in Germany using the German Railways website int.bahn.de .  Allow plenty of time for the port-station transfer.

Booking opens up to 6 months ahead .  You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.  I recommend registering when prompted, so you can log in at any time and check or reprint tickets.

Step 2, then check train times and buy train tickets to Hull or Newcastle as shown on the UK page or using www.nationalrail.co.uk .  Allow plenty of time for the transfer from station to port, and for the ferry check-in.

Step 1, Newcastle to Amsterdam (DFDS) or Hull to Rotterdam (P&O) by overnight cruise ferry, with private en suite cabins, restaurants, bars, cinema, a floating hotel.  If travelling with DFDS from Newcastle, a transfer bus takes you from IJmuiden ferry terminal to Amsterdam Centraal station next morning.  If travelling with P&O from Hull, a transfer bus takes you from Rotterdam Europoort ferry terminal to Rotterdam Centraal , from where frequent Dutch trains run to Utrecht or Amsterdam.

Step 2, take an ICE train from Amsterdam or Utrecht to Germany.  More info about ICE trains .

Holidays & tours to Germany

Railbookers, railbookers.co.uk.

Railbookers can custom-make a flight-free holiday or short break to Germany for you, with train travel & hotels, for however long you like, leaving on any date you like.  If you tell them what you want, they'll advise you on the best trains, routes & hotels and sort it all out for you.  They get a lot of repeat business!  For example:

Short breaks to Cologne with train travel & hotel, check their website for prices.

Short breaks to Berlin, with train travel both ways & 2 or more nights hotel.

7-night holiday to Berlin & Prague by train.

Christmas Markets - Railbookers are experts in Christmas Market breaks by train

Byway, byway.travel

Byway ( Byway.travel ) is a new UK-based eco-holiday firm with a 5-star TrustPilot rating .  If you're nervous about booking train travel yourself, they'll book a holiday to Germany for you as a package, including train travel from the UK and hotels, starting from any British station you like.  Byway includes package protection, a 100% Covid refund guarantee, free disruption & re-planning and on-demand WhatsApp support while you're away.

They can build a trip to your requirements if you phone 0300 131 7173 (open 09:00-17:00 Monday-Friday, from outside the UK call +44 300 131 7173) or email them or use this contact form .  Please say you heard about them from Seat 61.

Tailor Made Rail, tailormaderail.com

Tailor Made Rail offers packages from the UK to Germany by train which can be customised your requirements, with any stopovers you want.  As it's a package, they'll take care of you if anything happens on one part of the trip, for example, a national strike.  They're TTA-protected, which is like ATOL, but not just for agencies that sell air travel.  Website www.tailormaderail.com/destinations/france .

Call their dedicated seat61 phone line 020 3778 1461 and quote seat 61 when booking.  From outside the UK call +44 20 3778 1461.  Lines open 09:00-17:30 Monday-Friday.

Rhine Valley cruises

There are two ways to cruise the wonderful Rhine Valley - as an inexpensive day trip on a scheduled KD Lines cruise, or as a multi-day trip on a full-blown cruise ship which you use as a floating hotel, staying on board in en suite cabins.

A day cruise down the Rhine Valley, an inexpensive short break

Buy train tickets from London to Koblenz, as explained above . 

Buy a ticket for around €35 for the daily scheduled cruise from Koblenz to Rüdesheim run by the Köln-Düsseldorfer Line, www.k-d.com .  Their scheduled day cruises run between April and October, there's usually a sailing from Koblenz around 09:00 arriving Rüdesheim around 15:15.  You may also find an afternoon departure, leaving Koblenz around 14:00 and arriving Rüdesheim around 20:15. The cruise will take you past the Hostile Brothers' castles and the legendary Lorelei Rock.  They have various other scheduled cruises starting as far north as Cologne and going as far south as Mainz, see www.k-d.com  (select English top right then click ''KD Scheduled Cruises' top left).

Treat the timetable as a guide, and don't book any tight connections, the Rhine boats can run late!

Luxury Rhine cruises

River cruisers with private cabins, restaurants and bars cruise the Rhine on multi-day trips where you live on board and visit locations along the way.

Riviera Travel , www.rivieratravel.co.uk , offers 8-day Rhine cruises from Koblenz to Switzerland with train travel by Eurostar to and from London, from around £1,199 per person.  The trips cover Koblenz, the Rhine Gorge and Lorelei Rock, Strasbourg, the Black Forest, Interlaken and Lucerne.

European Rail Timetable & maps

Rail Map Europe is the map I recommend, covering all of Europe from Portugal in the west to Moscow & Istanbul in the east, Finland in the north to Sicily & Athens in the south.  Scenic routes & high-speed lines are highlighted.  See an extract from the map .  Buy online at www.europeanrailtimetable.eu (shipping worldwide) or at www.amazon.co.uk (UK addresses).

Make sure you take a good guidebook.  For independent travel, the best guidebook is either the Lonely Planet or Rough Guide.  Both guidebooks provide an excellent level of practical information and historical and cultural background.  You won't regret buying one!

Click the images to buy at Amazon.co.uk

Or buy the Lonely Planets from the Lonely Planet website , with shipping worldwide.    Alternatively, you can download just the chapters or areas you need in .PDF format from the Lonely Planet Website , from around £2.99 or US$4.95 a chapter.

Recommended hotels

Here are my suggested hotels conveniently located for arrival by train in key German cities, all with good or great reviews.  You are unlikely to be disappointed by any hotel scoring over 8.0 out of 10 on Booking.com .

In Frankfurt

If you walk out of Hamburg Hbf's main eastern exit, you'll find a row of good hotels lined up in front of you on the opposite side of the Kirchenallee.  The pick of these is the excellent 4-star Hotel Reichshof Hamburg , across the road and to the left with art deco-based design and great reviews.  It has its own restaurant for lunch or dinner, although I'd still be tempted to try the beer & traditional German food at Nagel's bar, 150m south along the Kircheallee, restaurant-kneipe-hamburg.de .

The Hotel Europaischer Hof is another good choice and directly in front of you across the road when you walk out of the station.  Other hotels next to Hamburg Hbf with good reviews include the 5-star Hotel Continental Novum (to the right of the Europaischer), Hotel Furst Bismarck (to the right of the Continental Novum), and the Hotel Atlantic Kempinski .

If you'd prefer a hotel right in the city centre, the Henri Hotel Hamburg Downtown is 5 minutes walk from the station on the city side, and gets really great reviews.

If you're on a budget, private rooms in the A&O Hotel start at around £33 for one person or £49 for two people booked at www.hostelworld.com .  The A&O is an 11-minute 900m walk south of Hamburg Hbf, see walking map .  Also try the innovative Cab20 capsule hotel , a 550m 6-minute walk from the station, see walking map .

Affordable hotels right next to Munich Hbf with good or great reviews include the reliable Eden Hotel Wolff or the NH Collection München , both directly across the road from the station's north side exit, ideal for an overnight stop between trains.  I've used the Hotel Wolff myself.

Also consider the more upmarket 25 Hours Hotel The Royal Bavarian , Excelsior by Giesel or Mercure München City Center , all a stone's throw from the station with great reviews.

If you want to push the boat out, the luxurious 5-star Sofitel Munich Beyerpost is right outside the station's south side exit, located in the former Royal Bavarian Post Office building dating from 1896-1900.  It comes complete with a spa with massage service and sauna.

If you're on a budget, the Wombat's Hostel Munich is close to the station's south side exit with private rooms & dorm beds, with good reviews.

Booking.com for hotels

I generally use Booking.com for hotels for 3 reasons:

(1) It keeps all my hotel bookings together in one place;

(2) I've come to trust Booking.com 's review scores;

(3) Booking.com usually offers a clearly-marked Free cancellation option.

Free cancellation means you can secure hotels risk-free even before trains open for booking, and if necessary change those bookings if your plans evolve.

If I'm only staying a night or two, I look for a hotel near the station to make arrival & departure easy.  You can enter the station name (e.g. Berlin Hbf ) as search location.  If staying longer, I look for a hotel close to the sights, entering the name of a city attraction as the search location, then using map view.

I then look for a hotel with a review score of 8.0 or over, any hotel scoring over that won't disappoint.

AirBnB:  Airbnb.com

www.airbnb.com began in 2008 when two designers who had space to share hosted three travellers looking for a place to stay.  AirBnB is a platform which connects hosts with guests, so you can now book a room in people's homes, or an apartment, flat or house which people want to rent out.  It can be nicer than a hostel, cheaper than many hotels.

Backpacker hostels: Hostelworld.com

www.hostelworld.com :  If you're on a tight budget, don't forget about backpacker hostels.  Hostelworld offers online booking of cheap private rooms or dorm beds in backpacker hostels in Paris and most other European cities at rock-bottom prices.

Compare 50 different car hire companies:  www.carrentals.co.uk

The award-winning www.carrentals.co.uk compares many different car hire companies including Holiday Autos, meaning not only a cheapest price comparison but a wider choice of hire and drop off location.

Travel insurance & other tips

Always take out travel insurance.

You should take out travel insurance with at least £1m or preferably £5m medical cover from a reliable insurer.  It should cover trip cancellation and loss of cash & belongings up to a reasonable limit.  These days, check you're covered for covid-19-related issues, and use an insurer whose cover isn't invalidated by well-meant but excessive Foreign Office travel advice against non-essential travel. An annual policy is usually cheapest even for just 2 or 3 trips a year, I have an annual policy with Staysure.co.uk myself.  Don't expect travel insurance to bail you out of every missed connection, see the advice on missed connections here .  Here are some suggested insurers, I get a little commission if you buy through these links, feedback always welcome.

Get an eSIM with mobile data package

Don't rely on WiFi, download an eSIM with a European mobile data package and stay connected.  Most newer mobile phones can download a virtual SIM including iPhone 11 & later, see device compatibility list .  There's no need to buy a physical SIM card!  Maya.net is a reliable eSIM data retailer with a 4.5 out of 5 Trustpilot rating and a range of packages including unlimited data .

Get a Curve card for foreign travel

Most banks give you a poor exchange rate then add a foreign transaction fee on top.  A Curve MasterCard means no foreign transaction fees and gives you the mid-market exchange rate, at least up to a certain limit, £500 per month as I write this.  The money you spend on your Curve card goes straight onto one of your existing debit or credit cards.  And you can get a Curve card for free.

How it works:   1. Download the Curve app for iPhone or Android .  2. Enter your details & they'll send you a Curve MasterCard - they send to the UK and most European addresses.  3. Link your existing credit & debit cards to the app, you can link up to two cards with the free version of Curve, I link my normal debit card and my normal credit card.  4. Now use the Curve MasterCard to buy things online or in person or take cash from ATMs, exactly like a normal MasterCard. Curve does the currency conversion and puts the balance in your own currency onto whichever debit or credit card is currently selected in the Curve app.  You can even change your mind about which card it goes onto, within 14 days of the transaction.

I have a Curve Blue card myself, it means I can buy a coffee on a foreign station on a card without being stung by fees and lousy exchange rates, just by tapping the Curve card on their card reader.  The money goes through Curve to my normal debit card and is taken directly from my account (in fact I have the Curve card set up as payment card on Apple Pay on my iPhone, so can double-click my phone, let it do Face ID then tap the reader with the phone - even easier than getting a card out).  I get a little commission if you sign up to Curve, but I recommend it here because I think it's great.  See details, download the app and get a Curve card , they'll give you £5 cashback through that link.

Get a VPN for safe browsing.  Why you need a VPN

When travelling you may use free public WiFi which is often insecure.  A VPN encrypts your connection so it's always secure, even on unsecured WiFi.  It also means you can select the geographic location of the IP address you browse with, to get around geoblocking which a surprising number of websites apply.  See VPNs & why you need one explained .  ExpressVPN is a best buy with a 4.7 out of 5 Trustpilot ranking which I use myself - I've signed up as an ExpressVPN affiliate, and if you go with expressvpn.com using this link you should see a special deal, 3 months free with an annual subscription.  I also get some commission to help support this site.

Carry an Anker powerbank

Tickets, reservations, hotel bookings and Interrail or Eurail passes are often now held on your mobile phone.  You daren't let it run out of power, and you can't always rely on the phone's internal battery or on being near a power outlet.  I always carry an Anker powerbank which can recharge my phone several times over.  Buy from Amazon.co.uk or buy from Amazon.com .

Touring cities?  Use hill walking shoes!

One of the best things I've done is swap my normal shoes for hill-walking shoes, in my case from Scarpa.  They're intended for hiking across the Pennines not wandering around Florence, but the support and cushioning for hiking works equally well when you're on your feet all day exploring foreign cities.  My feet used to give out first and limit my day, now the rest of me gives up before they do!

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Driving from UK to Germany: Best Routes, Costs & Tips

This post may contain affiliate links, from which we earn an income. Click here to read our affiliate policy.

Planning a holiday in Germany and considering driving there from the UK? As Germany boasts beautiful landscapes, historical sites, and bustling cities just a few hours’ drive from Calais, taking the road less traveled can add an extra element of adventure and discovery to your holiday.

We’ve spent the last four years full-time traveling in Europe and have driven to Germany from the UK more times than we can remember! In this driving from UK to Germany guide, we’re sharing the best routes, costs, and tips to help you have the best trip to Germany.

Germany Route Planner

Whether you’re driving from UK to Germany by car or motorhome, or riding a motorbike, proper planning and preparation will help your road trip from the United Kingdom to Germany go well, so you can arrive relaxed and unstressed.

Be ready to take in the picturesque countryside, history-rich landmarks, and vibrant German cities, all while enjoying the flexibility and freedom that driving affords.

Crossing the English Channel

There are a number of ferry routes to Germany from UK;

• The Dover-Calais ferry takes around one hour and 30 minutes to cross, loading can be time-consuming but you’ll have time on the boat for a meal and be able to rest from driving.
• The Eurotunnel from Folkestone-Calais is the most frequent channel crossing. As with the ferries, the Channel Tunnel queue can be horrendous in peak season and at peak times. This is a good option if you’re traveling with pets or are happy not to leave your vehicle. 
• Check out the slightly more obscure routes which are a little longer but often cheaper and with more special offers to tempt you away from the more well-known routes. Try departing from Newhaven for example, or arriving at Dieppe or Le Havre , although this has you further away from the German border, so you may lose any savings in fuel.
• The Stena Line Harwich-Hook of Holland route operates daily at 9am, with the crossing taking around seven hours. 
• If you cross from Hull to Rotterdam with P&O, their daily crossing departs at 20.30pm and takes around eleven hours, meaning you arrive refreshed and ready for a full day’s drive the following morning.
• The DFDS Newcastle to Amsterdam crossing is also overnight but takes nearly 16 hours and is a bit more expensive, although ideal for those starting their German tour in the north of England or Scotland .

We recommend finding the best deals and crossings with Direct Ferries, who make it easier to compare timings, routes and costs in one place.

Getting to germany.

Once you’re on the continent, there are a number of routes to Germany, depending on your destination. All route statistics and costs are based on driving a 2.5l diesel car from the port of entry. Find your own personalized costs with Via Michelin here .

The Brussels Route

• Distance 379km
• Drive Time 4 hours
• Toll Costs €0
• Fuel Costs €39.11

The most cost-effective and fastest way from Calais to Germany by car is the A16, E40, and E42 route via Brussels, crossing into Germany near Winterspelt.

Places to see along the route include the fabulous city of Bruges, known as the ‘Venice of the North’, the foodie city of Brussels, Belgium’s lively capital, the medieval Wallonia city of Liège, and the wide open spaces of the Parc Naturel Hautes Fagnes-Eifel.

The Luxembourg Route

• Distance 451km
• Drive Time 4.7 hours
• Fuel Costs €46.70

From Calais, the second fastest route is the A25, E42, and E411 through Luxembourg, crossing the German border at Langsur near Trier.

Places on the route to see include the moving Menin Gate at Ypres, one of four memorials to the missing of World War I in Belgian Flanders, the pretty city of Lille with its Flemish influences and historic center, and the characteristic Belgian city of Charleroi.

Further along the route is the small European country of Luxembourg, home to the Ardennes forest, the rocky gorges of the Mullerthal, and the Moselle River valley. Its capital, Luxembourg City, is famed for its fortified medieval old town perched on sheer cliffs which dominate the skyline.

The Scenic Route

• Distance 525km
• Drive Time 5 hours
• Toll Costs €47.5
• Fuel Costs €53.34

A longer, more scenic, and more expensive route from Calais takes you through France on the A26 and A4 via Reims and Metz, crossing the French border into Germany at Saarbrücken.

Places to see as you travel include the WWI battlefields of Hauts-de France and the delightful Champagne region of Grand Est and its royal capital city of Reims. You can also explore the vine-covered slopes of the Moselle Valley between Metz and Nancy, and the gardens and leafy promenades of Metz itself.

For the best experience, allow more time, set your sat nav to avoid the motorways and you’ll find yourself driving through rolling countryside dotted with vineyards, medieval French towns and villages full of half-timbered houses and splendid cathedrals, and in summer, fields of sunflowers.

If you take this route, you will need a Certificats qualité de l’air , known as a Crit’Air sticker, which allows you to enter the low-emission zone in Reims. You can find out more about Urban Access Regulations in Reims here .

The Netherlands Route

• Distance 171km
• Drive Time 2 hours
• Fuel Costs €18.47

From Rotterdam, one of the Netherlands best cities to visit , it’s an easy two hour drive to the German border west of Dusseldorf, although once into Germany this route does mean negotiating the busy road network around the industrial and built-up cities of the Rhine before you can continue your onward journey.

Places to see on the route include the hip up-and-coming city of Rotterdam, known for its bold and modern architecture, Arnhem, the site of the infamous WW2 Battle of Arnhem, and the Roman and Hanseatic city of Nijmegen.

Doing this route from Amsterdam will add 6km to your journey, and from the Hook of Holland, add 27km to your drive.

Is this your first time visiting Germany? Get all the information you need in our Germany Travel Guide , including what to pack, the best time of year to go, getting there, and practical tips to help you have the best trip!

Travelling to Germany After Brexit

Although the UK left the EU at the beginning of 2020, because the pandemic came swiftly on its heels, many of us are still getting used to how it affects traveling in Europe. Here are a few frequently asked questions and answers;

Do I need a visa for Europe?

Nothing changes with your passport, but from 2024, the EU will introduce the  ETIAS  (European Travel Information and Authorisation System), which will be an additional entry requirement for visa-exempt travelers and will involve the traveler registering their details online before traveling, mainly for security purposes.

How long can I stay in Europe?

UK citizens can only stay in the Schengen Area (a zone in Europe where countries have no internal borders and allow the free and unrestricted movement of people) for  90 days in every 180 days  in the Schengen Area. 

The 90 in 180 day rule works on a rolling basis and it can be difficult to work out whether you are within the rules or not, especially if you have visited the Schengen area on several occasions in the preceding 180 days. Use the Schengen calculator to work out your allowance.

What food can I take in my vehicle to Germany?

The European Commission says the following;

• Travelers are not allowed to bring in  meat ,  milk, or their products .
• such products do not require refrigeration before opening.
• that they are packaged proprietary brand products for direct sale to the final consumer, and
• the packaging is unbroken unless in current use.
• For  fishery products  (including fish and certain shellfish such as prawns, lobsters, dead mussels, and dead oysters), travelers are allowed to bring in up to 20kg or the weight of one fish if this is higher.
• For  other animal products , such as honey, live oysters, live mussels, and snails, travelers are allowed to bring in up to 2kg.

Can I use my mobile data in Germany?

It very much depends on who your mobile phone contract is with and when you started the contract. All UK providers now limit data usage in the EU in some way or another, and it’s best to check with your provider to make sure you don’t run up a big bill.

You can find lots of information in our guide to the best SIM cards in Europe , especially if you’re planning to be away for more than a few weeks.

Can I take a pet to Germany in my vehicle?

Yes, you can take dogs, cats, and ferrets to Germany. You’ll need to book a pet-friendly cabin or kennels on the ferry or travel via the tunnel.

Your pet will need a microchip, a valid rabies vaccination and an animal health certificate (AHC) if your pet is registered in the UK, and a pet passport if your pet is registered in the EU.

It can take some time to get all the documents together and the vaccines organized, so make sure you start the process well in advance. You can find out more about traveling with pets on the Gov.UK website .

Documents and Insurance

When traveling to Germany your passport must be;

• issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country (check the ‘date of issue’)
• valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)

UK Driving Licence & International Driving Permit

While traveling in Germany, a full, valid driving license is required.

It’s a good idea to check if an International Driving Permit (IDP) is required as well. An IDP is not a compulsory document for UK drivers in Germany but may be required for citizens of other non-EU third countries. You can check whether you need an IDP for Germany here .

Vehicle Insurance & Green Card

Having at least 3rd party car insurance is mandatory when driving in Germany. It is crucial to check your insurance policy to ensure it covers you when driving abroad. If not, you may need to purchase an extension or a separate policy for your European road trip.

A green card is not required where the country in which your vehicle is registered is a member of the green card scheme – this includes the United Kingdom and all EU countries.

Breakdown Cover & Travel Insurance

European breakdown cover is highly recommended when driving from the UK to Germany. This cover provides roadside assistance and vehicle recovery if you experience a breakdown or an accident during your journey.

Even if you have an EHIC or GHIC card, you’ll also want a comprehensive travel insurance policy. Carefully check the policy details to make sure they cover all your activities and belongings while you’re away from home.

Make sure you have travel insurance you can trust when visiting Germany . We recommend True Traveller for their 5-star TrustPilot reviews, variety of cover options, best activities cover as standard, great prices, and excellent service.

Preparing Your Vehicle

Required equipment.

Before embarking on your journey from the UK to Germany, ensure that your vehicle is equipped with the necessary items. It is compulsory to carry the following when driving in Germany:

• Warning triangle.
• Reflective jacket (for the driver and all passengers).
• Spare wheel and the tools to change a wheel or a tire repair kit.

It’s also a good idea to carry a fire extinguisher and first aid kit which may come in handy in case of emergencies.

UK Stickers & Headlamp Beam Deflectors

When driving on German roads, you must display a UK sticker (GB stickers are no longer allowed) with the Union flag on the rear of your vehicle. This will help inform other drivers and the traffic police about the origin of your vehicle.

If your car is right-hand drive, make sure to fit headlamp beam deflectors to your vehicle’s headlights, or switch them electronically, as this will prevent the beam from dazzling other road users when driving on the right side of the road.

Winter Tyres

When planning a road trip to Germany, especially during the winter months, it’s essential to consider the type of tires on your car.

Germany has specific winter tire regulations that require all vehicles, including motorhomes, towing caravans and motorbikes to be equipped with suitable tires for the weather conditions. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines and delays and will make you unsafe in snowy or icy conditions.

Germany Driving Tips

When planning a drive from the UK to Germany or other EU countries, it’s important to familiarise oneself with the local driving rules and regulations.

Differences in Driving Rules and Etiquette

Driving in Germany may be quite different from driving in the UK, so it’s essential to understand these differences to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. Some key differences include:

• Driving on the right side of the road, rather than the left as in the UK.
• Overtaking is done on the left side, unlike in the UK where it’s done on the right.
• Roundabouts follow a clockwise direction in Germany, whereas they are counter-clockwise in the UK.
• Vehicles on a roundabout have right of way unless signs indicate they don’t.
• Traffic coming from the right takes priority at all crossroads and junctions.

Speed Limits and the Autobahn

Germany is known for its autobahn, a high-speed motorway network where some sections don’t have a speed limit.

It’s important to know that whilst there are no enforced speed limits on certain parts of the autobahn, a recommended speed limit of 130 km/h (80 mph) is advised in those areas for safety reasons.

Make sure to observe and follow signage where there are speed limits, for example in urban or built-up areas.

For those driving outside the Autobahn, the following speed limits apply:

• Urban areas: 50 km/h (31 mph)
• Non-urban roads: 100 km/h (62 mph)

Other Driving Rules in Germany

• Children under 12 years old or under 1.5m tall need to use an approved child seat.
• Any use of a mobile phone, such as making and receiving calls without a hands-free kit, rejecting a call, texting and reading news, searching for data online, or using maps, is forbidden when driving a vehicle in Germany.
• If you have a GPS navigation system that shows you where any fixed-speed cameras are, you must deactivate this function. It’s illegal to carry or use any radar detection equipment when driving through Germany.
• You must wear a crash helmet if you’re riding a moped or motorcycle. Motorcycles on the road must have their passing lights on at all times, even in daylight
• The maximum level of alcohol in the blood for private drivers is 0.05%. For newly qualified drivers with less than two years’ experience and young drivers aged under 21, the limit is 0%.

Tolls in Germany

There are no general tolls for cars, motorhomes, and motorbikes in Germany making autobahn routes through the country a really cost-effective way to access Austria , Italy , and most easterly parts of Europe.

If you are traveling in a massive motorhome camper that is over 7,500kg, like an RV, overland truck , or converted lorry, then we believe that you are exempt from the tolls placed on lorries over this weight. You can find out more in our guide to motorhoming in Germany .

Low Emission Zones in Germany

There are currently 58 u mweltzonen or low-emission zones in more than 70 cities and built-up areas in Germany.

You need an umweltplakette (sticker) on the windscreen which shows the level of your vehicle’s emissions to drive into these areas in your vehicle.

You must be able to evidence that the vehicle meets the Euro 4 standards for a green sticker, by providing copies of the V5C for newer vehicles (manufactured after January 2006), or a Certificate of Conformity provided by the manufacturer.

A yellow sticker only allows you to enter the LEZ of Neu-Ulm in Bavaria and, from 2021 red stickered vehicles are not permitted into any LEZ.

Electric vehicles also require an umweltplakette , which is blue and called an e-sticker. In many German cities, there are advantages for electric vehicles which include the use of bus lanes and free parking.

Head to the Umwelt-Plakette.de website for more information and to get your sticker – you will need to do this at least six weeks before departure to give it time to be processed and arrive in the post. Currently, there are no digital options to replace the physical sticker.

If you hire a vehicle in or close to a German low-emission zone, it will almost always have an emissions sticker. If in doubt or if you hire from a place with no low-emission zone in the vicinity, check with your car hire company.

RELATED POST: Driving in Europe – Everything You Need to Know

Looking for the best SIM card deals in Europe for your trip? Check out our guide to the best data SIMs in Europe and get the best deal for your trip to France.

Destinations in Germany

Germany offers a diverse range of holiday experiences, from bustling cities rich in history and culture to picturesque landscapes and charming small towns. When driving from the UK to Germany, there are a few destinations that stand out as popular choices for travellers.

One such destination is Cologne, a city known for its stunning Gothic architecture and vibrant arts scene. Only a few hours’ drive from Calais, visitors can marvel at the impressive Cologne Cathedral or stroll along the Rhine River promenade.

Düsseldorf, another popular stop, offers a blend of historic charm and modern innovation. With its sophisticated shopping streets and art galleries, it’s a haven for culture enthusiasts and fashion-conscious visitors alike.

For travelers seeking a more laid-back experience, Heidelberg is a favorite among history buffs. Famous for its stunning Castle and Old Town, it can be reached in under seven hours from Calais by car. The town’s picturesque location along the Neckar River makes it perfect for leisurely strolls, while its charming market square offers an array of shops and eateries.

Germany is also famous for its breathtaking countryside, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts and road trippers. The picturesque Black Forest and the fairytale-like Romantic Road are must-visits, showcasing Germany’s idyllic landscapes and charming villages.

No matter what type of holiday or German road trip you’re looking for, driving from the UK to Germany offers an unforgettable journey through some of Europe’s most captivating destinations. Just remember to pack your sense of adventure and enjoy the open road!

Can’t decide? Check out these German travel ideas…

Discover the Magic: 32 of the Best Christmas Markets in Europe

The Best of the Black Forest: Highlights & Hidden Gems

Beautiful Cities in Germany: 27 Picturesque Cities to Visit

Deutsche Märchenstraße: Germany’s Fairy Tale Road

Driving in the Alps: Top Tips & Best Routes

Romantic Road Germany: Itinerary, Map & Tips

Motorhoming in Germany: Your Complete Touring Guide for 2024

Deutsche Alpenstrasse: Route, Map & Highlights

One Day Munich Itinerary + Map, Tips & Guide

Winter Destinations Europe: 23 Amazing Wintry Places

18 Magical Castles in Germany to Add to Your Bucket List

Europe Road Trip – 24 Incredible Routes

Berlin in One Day – Itinerary, Map, Tips & Guide

Six Unmissable Germany Road Trip Routes

Autumn in Europe: 23 Stunning Destinations for Fall

The Best Campsites in Europe – For Campers, By Campers

24 Hours in Hamburg – Itinerary, Map & Travel Tips

Visit Zugspitze Germany – Find Out How!

Want to plan your own road tri p? Get our step-by-step road trip planning guide to help you organize the perfect trip, or get our top Europe road trip routes for inspiration.

Are you looking for more incredible road trips? Check out these top posts…

Grand Tour of Switzerland: The Best Road Trip in Europe?

Road Trips from London: The 6 Best Routes to Explore

Road Trip Belgium: Fall In Love With Europe’s Hidden Gem

Stelvio Pass: The Best Mountain Road in Italy?

Spain Road Trip: 8 Amazing Routes for an Epic Trip

Croatia Road Trips: Five Incredible Routes

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Izzy Nicholls

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Security Alert May 17, 2024

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Travel Advisory May 1, 2024

Germany - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued after periodic review with minor edits

Exercise increased caution in Germany due to  terrorism .

Country Summary:  Terrorist groups keep planning attacks in Germany. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning. They target tourist locations and transportation hubs. They also target markets/shopping malls and local government facilities. They target hotels, clubs, and restaurants. They also attack places of worship, parks, and major sporting and cultural events. They target schools, airports, and other public areas.

Read the  country information page for additional information on travel to Germany.

If you decide to travel to Germany:

• Be aware of your surroundings when traveling to tourist locations and crowded public venues.
• Follow the instructions of local authorities.
• Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans based on new information.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter . 
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Germany.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

Three months beyond planned date of departure from the Schengen area.

Not required for stays under 90 days.

 10,000€ (euros or equivalent).

Embassies and Consulates

U.S. EMBASSY BERLIN    Clayallee 170  14191 Berlin  Federal Republic of Germany  Telephone: +(49) (30) 8305-0 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(49) (30) 8305-0 Fax: +(49) (30) 8305-1050 Email:  [email protected]

U.S. CONSULATE GENERAL FRANKFURT Giessener Str. 30 60435 Frankfurt am Main Federal Republic of Germany Telephone: +(49) (69) 7535-0 Fax: +(49) (69) 7535-2252 Passport, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, and Citizenship:  [email protected]  All other questions:  [email protected]

U.S. CONSULATE GENERAL MUNICH Koeniginstrasse 5 80539 Munich Federal Republic of Germany Telephone: +(49) (89) 2888-0 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(49) 89-2888-0 Fax: If you need to send a fax, please email first to obtain a one-time use fax number.  Email:  [email protected]

U.S. CONSULATE GENERAL DUSSELDORF   Willi-Becker-Allee 10  40227 Duesseldorf  Federal Republic of Germany  Telephone: +(49) (69) 7535-0 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(49) (30) 8305-0  Fax: +(49) (69) 7535-2252 Consular services are provided through the U.S. Consulate in Frankfurt. 

U.S. Consulate General Hamburg   Kehrwieder 8 20457 Hamburg  Federal Republic of Germany  Telephone: +(49) (30) 8305-0  Emergency After-Hours Telephone: Contact the U.S. Embassy in Berlin: +(49) (30) 8305-0  Fax: +(49) (30) 8305-1050 Consular services are provided through the U.S. Embassy in Berlin.  

U.S. Consulate General Leipzig   Wilhelm-Seyfferth-Str. 4  04107 Leipzig  Federal Republic of Germany  Telephone: +(49) (30) 8305-0  Emergency After-Hours Telephone: Contact the U.S. Embassy in Berlin: +(49) (30) 8305-0  Fax: +(49) (30) 8305-1050 Consular services are provided through the U.S. Embassy in Berlin.

Destination Description

See the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Germany for information on U.S. - Germany relations.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

Traveling Through Europe : If you are planning to visit or travel through European countries, you should be familiar with the requirements of the Schengen Agreement. 

• In Europe's  Schengen area , your passport generally must be valid for at least six months at the time of your entry. Although Germany only requires travelers to have three months of validity remaining beyond their intended departure date, airlines may still deny boarding for having less than six months validity, especially if transiting additional Schengen countries.
• If you plan on transiting a Schengen country, review our U.S. Travelers in Europe page .
• You will need sufficient proof of funds and a return plane ticket .
• For additional information about visas for the Schengen area, see the Schengen Visa page.
• If traveling with prescription medication, review the information below regarding pharmaceuticals to avoid potential fines and confiscation.

Carry identification with you at all times.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to, or foreign residents of, Germany.

Find information on dual nationality , prevention of international child abduction and customs regulations on our websites.

Safety and Security

Terrorism:   Credible information indicates terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Europe. European governments are taking action to guard against terrorist attacks; however, all European countries remain potentially vulnerable to attacks from transnational terrorist organizations.

Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad.  Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack –including knives, firearms, and vehicles – to more effectively target crowds.  Frequently, their aim is unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as:  

• High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, and celebratory gatherings)
• Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists  
• Places of worship  
• Schools  
• Shopping malls and markets  
• Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights)  

For more information, see our  Terrorism  page.  

Crime:  Violent crime is rare in Germany, but can occur, especially in larger cities or high-risk areas such as on large metropolitan subway systems and in train stations, primarily during late night or early morning hours. Most incidents of street crime involve the theft of unattended items and pickpocketing.  Theft and pickpocketing primarily take place at train stations, on public transportation, at tourist attractions, and at large public events.   Always pay close attention to your valuables! 

Be cautious and aware of your surroundings. 

U.S. citizens should exercise caution when congregating in known expatriate hangouts. 

Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. They are illegal to bring back into the United States, and you could also be breaking local law. 

Demonstrations:  Demonstrations occur regularly in Germany. Large, public demonstrations take place for a variety of political and economic issues. Demonstrations tend to take place on politically significant holidays like German Labor Day (May 1) and during international summits hosted in Germany.  Demonstration organizers must obtain prior police approval, and police routinely oversee participants.    

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable; avoid areas around protests and demonstrations.
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.
• Strikes may interfere with travel plans. We strongly encourage travelers to check transportation schedule information prior to travel.    

International Financial Scams: See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information.

Internet romance and financial scams are prevalent in Germany. Scams are often initiated through Internet postings/profiles or by unsolicited emails and letters. Most scammers pose as U.S. citizens who have no one else to turn to for help.

Tips to avoid scammers:

• Look for red flags like their location is far away, their profile was recently created or seems to be too good to be true, the pace of the relationship is moving too quickly, or they ask for money.
• Set up a phone call/video chat in the initial stages.
• Do a reverse image search on the profile picture.
• If they ask for help, you should refer to them to the closest U.S. Embassy or Consulate so we can work with local authorities to assist.
• If you believe you have been scammed, report the incident to local law enforcement right away and stop all communications with the scammer.

Common scams include:

• Romance/online dating
• Money transfers
• Lucrative sales
• Gold purchase
• Contracts with promises of large commissions
• Grandparent/relative targeting (kidnapping, arrested, medical emergency)
• Free Trip/luggage
• Inheritance notices
• Work permits/job offers
• Bank overpayments

Technology Usage Abroad: Mobiles Devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and physical damage anywhere in the world. Best practices prior to traveling abroad are keeping all software (operating system and apps) updated and using virtual private network and encrypted voice over IP (VoIP) applications if possible. Make sure that all VPN/VoIP are reputable, and U.S.-based. Do not connect to unknown open Wi-Fi. GPS Navigation Apps are helpful in getting U.S. citizens around in a foreign country. Prior to using the GPS app, make sure you research the route to make sure it is safe. GPS navigation app may give you the shortest route without safety consideration. Be cautious of using dating apps/online dating websites abroad as U.S. citizens can be targeted by scammers. Make sure to inform your friends and family of your whereabouts, meet at a well-known public location, and not consume suspicious food or drinks. Avoid traveling alone to bars or nightclubs.

Victims of Crime:  Report crimes to the local police: in an emergency dial 112 for ambulance and 110 for the police and contact the U.S Embassy or nearest U.S. Consulate (see contact details above). 

Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes. 

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas . 

We can: 

• Help you find appropriate medical care 
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police 
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent 
• Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion
• Provide a list of local attorneys 
• Provide information on  victim’s compensation programs in the United States  
• Provide information on  victim’s compensation and support in Germany
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution 
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home 
• Replace a stolen or lost passport 

We also maintain information on our website on how to report  child abuse situations to the local authorities.

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy or the Consulates General in Frankfurt or Munich for assistance. Call 110 if you are in immediate danger.

Tourism:  The tourism industry is generally well regulated, and rules are regularly enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage, and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities.

Germany sometimes experiences extreme weather conditions including floods, long periods of drought, and unusually harsh winters with vast amounts of snow even in urban areas. Numerous injuries and deaths occur every year in Germany’s Alpine and coastal regions. Most of the emergencies relate to the following sports:  skiing, hiking, snowboarding, mountain biking, sledding, rock and mountain climbing, paragliding, and swimming. Those engaging in Alpine sports are strongly encouraged to register with  German “Alpen Verein.”

In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available throughout the country. Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage.

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.  

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  Department of Justice  website.

Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy or nearest U.S. Consulate General immediately. See our  webpage  for further information.

Special Circumstances: Germany has strict customs regulations concerning:

• Temporary importation or exportation of firearms
• Military artifacts (particularly those of World War II)
• Medications/pharmaceuticals
• Business equipment

Under German law it is also illegal to bring into or take out of Germany any literature, music, or paraphernalia that glorifies fascism, the Nazi past, or the “Third Reich.”

Contact the  German Embassy in Washington  or one of the German consulates in the United States for specific information regarding customs requirements.

Faith-Based Travelers : See our following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report  – see country reports
• Human Rights Report  – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

International Volunteers:

LGBTQI+ Travelers : There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTQI+ events in Germany. Same-sex marriage is available in Germany. LGBTQI+ persons are protected by federal anti-discrimination laws, and LGBTQI+ Pride events are officially encouraged by most large city governments, including those in Berlin, Cologne, Hamburg, Frankfurt, and Munich. 

See   our page and section 6 of our   Human Rights report  for further details.

Travelers with Disabilities:  The law in Germany prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities, and the law is enforced. Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is as prevalent as in the United States. Expect accessibility to be limited in some older public transportation, lodging, and general infrastructure, especially outside major cities, but common in most urban infrastructure. Some older buildings and public transportation systems are less adapted to individuals with disabilities.

Check your hotel or destination to learn more about options to accommodate disabled traveler needs before visiting Germany.

The German National Tourist Board maintains  information about accessibility and disability-friendly travel .

All German airports and  Lufthansa  offer services for disabled travelers.

The German National Railway,  Deutsche Bahn , maintains a mobility resource webpage.

Students: See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers: See our travel tips for  Women Travelers .

Germany has generally high-quality medical care and facilities. Prescript ion and over-the-counter medicines are widely available although brands and drug names differ from those available in the United States.

For emergency services in Germany, dial 112.  

Ambulance services are widely available.  

We highly recommend that all travelers review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Travelers’ Health webpage and general Traveler Advice for Germany.

• Review all sub-sections including the Travel Health Notices, Vaccines and Medicines, Non-Vaccine-Preventable Diseases, Stay Healthy and Safe, Healthy Travel Packing List, and After Your Trip.
• Reasons for Travel (for example: Adventure Travel, Spring Break Travel)
• Travelers with Special Considerations (for example: Allergies, Long-Term Travelers, and Expatriates)
• General Tips (for example: Traveling with Medications, Travel Vaccines)

The Department of State, U.S. embassies and U.S. consulates general do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance. If you are not a resident of Germany, doctors and hospitals will expect immediate payment in cash.

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas or purchase travel insurance for this purpose. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our  webpage  for more information on insurance coverage overseas. Visit the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  for more information on the type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

The Department of State strongly recommends supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Check with the German Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices to ensure the medication is legal in Germany. Also read the information below regarding pharmaceuticals and the documentation required to enter Germany with prescription medication.

Vaccinations: Be up to date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Air Quality: Visit AirNow Department of State for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates.

Air quality varies considerably and fluctuates with the seasons. It is typically at its worst in the winter. People at the greatest risk from particle pollution exposure include:

• Infants, children, and teens
• People over 65 years of age
• People with lung disease such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema

The U.S. Embassy and Consulates General maintain  lists of doctors and medical services in Germany . We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic. 

Medical Tourism and Elective Surgery 

• Medical tourism is a rapidly growing industry. People seeking health care overseas should understand that medical systems operate differently from those in the United States and are not subject to the same rules and regulations. Anyone interested in traveling for medical purposes should consult with their local physician before traveling and visit the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  website for more information on Medical Tourism.  
• Visit the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  website for information on Medical Tourism, the risks of medical tourism, and what you can do to prepare before traveling to Germany.  
• We strongly recommend  supplemental insurance  to cover medical evacuation in the event of unforeseen medical complications.   

Pharmaceuticals 

• If traveling with prescription medication, visit the  German customs website  to ensure the medication is legal in Germany.  For medications that Germany classifies as narcotics, you may only carry a 30-day supply.  A comprehensive list of these medications can be found   here.   If your medication is on that list, there is an additional requirement for your doctor to complete a  certification form .  You will see part E asks for the endorsement of an “issuing authority.”  As there is no such authority in the United States, travelers may have the doctor self-certify the form and enter the information of his or her practice in part E, ideally with a stamp or seal from their office.  Due to Germany’s strict customs regulations, you are not allowed to receive prescription medication by mail without special permission.  Always carry your prescription.
• Exercise caution when purchasing medication overseas.  Medication should be purchased in consultation with a medical professional and from reputable establishments.   
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration are responsible for rules governing the transport of medication back to the United States.  Medication purchased abroad must meet their requirements to be legally brought back into the United States.  Medication should be for personal use and must be approved for usage in the United States.  Please visit the  U.S. Customs and Border Protection  and the  Food and Drug Administration  websites for more information.    

Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy   

If you are considering traveling overseas to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please see our  ART and Surrogacy Abroad page .  

• All surrogacy arrangements, as well as IVF procedures involving the use of donated eggs, are illegal in Germany. For additional information, see  this webpage of the German Foreign Ministry  (German language only).

Adventure Travel: Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about  Adventure Travel .

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:  Road conditions in general are excellent but can differ from those in the United States, but driver error is a leading cause of accidents involving U.S. citizen motorists in Germany.

If you hold a valid U.S. driver’s license, you can drive in  Germany for up to six months  without acquiring a German driver’s license. Many German traffic laws and traffic signs differ significantly from those in the United States. For more information, please visit the U.S. embassy’s webpage on  driving in Germany .

Speed limits are posted on large stretches of the highway, on the Autobahn in urban areas, and when the road has many curves. Although high speeds are permitted on the Autobahn, adverse weather conditions and unfamiliar road markings pose significant hazards. Speed limits are strictly enforced. Use of seat belts is mandatory in front and back seats. Do not park on bike paths or sidewalks. Your vehicle registration, insurance policy, a first-aid kit, a reflective vest, and a reflective triangle must be in your vehicle at all times. In snowy or icy conditions, your vehicle must have snow tires or all-season tires (indicated by M+S marking) or you will be subject to a fine.

Bicycles: German streets and sidewalks have dedicated bike lanes. Bicycles have priority use of bike lanes over pedestrians and automobiles. Bicyclists also have priority over cars when turning onto side streets. If you are driving, check whether a bicyclist is approaching from either direction before attempting to enter side streets, even when the light is in your favor. You will be held responsible for any injury or damage caused if you turn into a side street and hit a bicyclist using a marked bike lane. If you are walking, watch for bicyclists before crossing or stepping into bike lanes. 

Traffic Laws:  If you are involved in a traffic accident in Germany, even a minor fender-bender, you MUST stay with your vehicle and not leave the scene until police arrive to take a report. It is illegal to use your cell phone while driving in Germany. Except on priority roads, vehicles coming from the right have the right-of-way. It is generally illegal in Germany to pass vehicles on the right. Germans strictly observe the ‘slower traffic keep right’ rule. It is illegal to operate a vehicle if your blood alcohol level is 0.05% or higher. You may be fined, and your driver’s license may be suspended for specified periods of time, depending upon the gravity of each violation. 

Public Transportation: Germany has an extensive and safe public transportation network consisting of buses, streetcars, trains, and subways. Metered taxis are also prevalent throughout Germany. Uber and other rideshare companies are available in most cities in Germany. Use common sense safety practices such as guarding valuables and remaining aware of your surroundings on all public transportation. 

Strikes in Germany may disrupt public transportation and travel plans.  We strongly encourage travelers to check transportation schedule information prior to travel.

See our  Road Safety page  for more information. Visit the website of Germany’s  Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMVI) , the national authority responsible for road safety.

Aviation Safety Oversight:   The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Germany’s Civil Aviation Authority as compliant with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Germany’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s safety assessment page . 

Maritime Travel:  Mariners planning travel to Germany should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts . Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website , and the NGA broadcast warnings.

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on X (formerly known as "Twitter") and Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Germany . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the  International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA )  report.”

Travel Advisory Levels

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Subscribe to get up-to-date safety and security information and help us reach you in an emergency abroad.

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Check passport expiration dates carefully for all travelers! Children’s passports are issued for 5 years, adult passports for 10 years.

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Ferry to Germany from the UK

Most booked ferries to germany from the uk.

FerryGoGo » Germany » Ferry to Germany from UK

Harwich Hook of Holland

Newcastle-Amsterdam

Hull-Rotterdam

Dover Calais

Travel to germany by ferry from the uk.

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• Ferries to Germany
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Map with all ferry routes to Germany from the UK

There are several ways to travel to Germany. There is no direct ferry connection between the UK and Germany, so you have to travel via the Netherlands (Holland) or the ferry to France . ( Calais-Dover ) from there on you can travel further by either car or train.

Travel tip: Book early

The prices for the ferries rise sharply as the boats fill up. Especially during peak season, the ferries and parking decks fill up quickly. Therefore, book far in advance and avoid high costs.

Also on this page

Step 1: get a ferry to holland or france first, step 2: get to germany from the ferry ports, timetable, availability, and compare prices, frequent asked questions: ferry to germany from uk, ferry talk: share your questions and opinions.

To get to Germany you can travel via France (Dover to Dunkirk or Calais) or you can travel to the Netherlands and then you can drive from there to Germany and your place of destination.

From the UK there are several ferries leaving. From the Northern parts of the UK or Scotland, you could opt for the ferry between Newcastle and IJmuiden (Amsterdam) . A bit lower when you are traveling from central UK you could choose the ferry from Hull to Rotterdam . Then there is the option to take the ferry more to the South, from Harwich to Hook of Holland (close to Rotterdam).

Via France you could travel via Dover to either Dunkirk or Calais, both these French ports are within a 30-minute drive from each other. From there you can drive along to Germany.

These are the 5 ferry options you can consider.

When you depart from the south or center of England, you can choose to book a ferry from Dover or Harwich. Hull and Newcastle are the best choices when departing from the north. 

UK ⇔ Germany

Dover-dunkirk.

It takes roughly 2 hours from Amsterdam or Rotterdam to drive to the border between the Netherlands and Germany. This can be a short trip, depending on where you need to be.

Are you travelling via Dover to Dunkirk or Calais ? Then the drive is a bit longer. In about 4 hours, you can be at the border area of Maastricht – Aachen. 

Booking your ferry tickets has never been easier! With our online booking module, you can easily find and book your desired ferry crossing in just a few clicks. Enter your travel dates and destination, and the system will show you all available options. You can then choose the one that best suits your needs and budget. It’s that simple!

Important: For the ferry to Germany from the UK, you will have to sail to the Netherlands or France and travel from there to Germany.

No, there are no direct ferry routes from the UK to Germany. You have several options but the most convenient ones are to travel first to the Netherlands or France and to continue your trip to Germany from there on.

The shortest crossing is Dover-Calais with just 1 hour and 30 minutes of crossing time. But what the fastest route to Germany from the UK is, depends a lot on where you live/depart. When you depart from Northern England or Scotland to Germany, the most logical option is probably Newcastle-Amsterdam (IJmuiden). When you live more in the centre of the UK, then Hull-Rotterdam or Harwich-Hoek van Holland seem logical ferry crossings. If you're living in the south you could also opt for the crossings via Dover and then drive towards Germany from there.

Ask, answer, and explore ferry routes with the community's expertise!

I am planning a trip to Europe. Why was ferry boat service from the UK to Germany stopped? Was it economic? political?

Thanks for the question. A lot of the ferries from the UK to Northwestern Europe have ceased operations in the past 20 years. Mainly due to a combination of additional environmental & fuel legislation and low-cost airlines. We do however see greener passenger ferries emerge and a renewed interest in sailing from the UK to Germany and Scandinavia. Hopefully this leads to re-establishing a new ferry to Northwestern europe from the UK. You can also find more about the disappearance of ferries between the UK, Germany & Scandinavia here: https://ferrygogo.com/historic-ferry-crossings-uk-scandinavia/

In the meantime you could use the ferries from and travel from there to Germany. From most of the Dutch (Holland) ports, you'll be in Germany in about 2 hours driving.

Newcastle to Amsterdam Hull to Rotterdam Harwich to Hook of Holland Dover to Calais.

Hope this helps and answers your question.

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At FerryGoGo, we aim to make ferry travel accessible and straightforward for everyone. By offering practical information on ferry routes, guides, and alternatives, we help you make the best choice for your journey, whether you prioritize comfort or speed. Discover the ferry routes that best suit your preferences and needs with FerryGoGo.

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European Travel Plug Adapter for Europe & UK, American to Ireland Italy France Spain Greece Germany Israel Travel Essentials, International Power Outlet USB Charger, US to EU UK Travel Accessories

Sustainability features.

This product has sustainability features recognized by trusted certifications.

Carbon emissions from the lifecycle of this product were measured, reduced and offset.

The Climate neutral label by ClimatePartner certifies that the carbon footprint of a product was calculated and all associated emissions were offset. Additionally, ClimatePartner encourages companies to set ambitious reduction targets and reduce their products' carbon footprints. The certificate number can be entered on ClimatePartner’s website for additional information such as the supported carbon offset project(s). ClimatePartner is improving lives by helping companies tackle climate change with practical solutions.

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Certification Number

Type-L (Italy)

Type C (EU not UK)_White*2

Fast Charger Type C(EU)+Type G(UK)_Black

Fast Charger Type C(EU)+Type G(UK)_White

Type C & Type G(EU+UK)_Black

Type C & Type G(EU+UK)_White

Type C (EU not UK)_Black

Type E/F (German/France/Spain)

Type-C (Europe Not UK) with USB-C

Type-G (UK)_White

Purchase options and add-ons

About this item.

• America to Europe & UK Travel Adapter --- The JARVANIA European travel plug adapter kit includes one Type-C plug adapter and one Type-G mini adapter. The Type-C travel adapter can be used when an American travels to European countries including Germany, Italy, Greece, Iceland, Finland, France, Spain, Denmark, and more. The Type-G universal adapter can be used in the UK including England, Ireland, Scotland, and more. Check the description section to know the compatibility list.
• One Adapter Replaces 3 Chargers --- The US to Europe plug adapter combines 2 USB ports (total 5V/2.5A) and 1 standard N American 2 or 3 prongs outlet (110-250V/10A), allowing you to charge 3 electronics simultaneously, such as for iPhone, iPad, Power Bank, Camera, Earbuds, Kindle, Laptop and more. Don't need to take the bulky USB chargers in your suitcase. Just plug the USB cables and recharge your USB devices. Consider our 2 Pack European adapters to prepare more charging slots and save more.
• Important Warning --- These international travel adapters DO NOT convert voltage. They only transform the plug shapes from Europe to US. Please make sure your appliance (hairdryer/ straightener/ hair curler/ electric toothbrush/ razor) is dual voltage compatible (110-220V input). If your equipment supports 110V input only, please don't use them in Europe, or prepare a voltage converter to step down power from 220V to 110V. Visit our store and find the voltage converter if you need it.
• The Must-have Travel Accessories --- The European plug adapter is specially designed for European travelers. It is small, compact, and lightweight, also easy to use, plug and play. Don't need to take the heavy and bulky power strip or expensive universal travel adapter combo if you’re only visiting some of the European countries on a casual, week-long vacation. The European to US plug adapters are doubtlessly travel essentials or ideal travel gifts for people who will travel to Europe.
• Multi Safety Protection. Worry-Free Service --- With over-current, over-heating, over-charging, over-voltage, short-circuiting protection, and premium fire-proof material, the power adapters keep users and users’ devices safe. We provide an 18-month warranty and offer friendly, easy-to-reach support. For any issue, please feel free to contact us for a replacement or a full refund. Welcome to visit our store and choose more travel adapters with different features. Buy together to save!

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Carbonfree Certified determine the carbon footprint of the product, and associated carbon emissions are offset with reduction projects.

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From the brand.

Welcome to the JARVANIA store.

JARVANIA is a professional brand seller of various charging adapters. We dedicate to providing our customers with cost-effective, good-quality chargers, especially travel adapters, letting you enjoy modern life with ease and joy.

We love to hear from our customers. The valuable suggestions help us keep developing new products and upgrading the existing products for a better user experience.

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European Travel Adapter

Travel Fast Charger Adapter

Product information

Warranty & support, product description.

Depending on where you are going, just take the pieces you need

The travel adapter is one thing that you definitely don’t want to forget on your trip to Europe.

Without it, you won’t be able to keep the electronics and devices juiced up and ready to go.

If you’re only visiting some of the European countries on a casual, week-long vacation, or don’t frequently travel abroad,

you don’t really need to invest in a major universal power adapter which can be more expensive and complicated.

The JARVANIA European Power Plug Adapter Kit is a cost-effective solution for American travelers to Europe and UK.

They are compatible with Type-C and Type-G outlets in European countries including Italy, Denmark, Switzerland, Spain, France, as well as the U.K.

What You Have to Know Before International Traveling:

The plug shapes and power voltage is different between America and European countries.

America uses type-A/B plugs, while most European countries use Type-C plugs (Type-C also fits into Type E, F, H, J, K, L, N sockets that replace the Type C socket in some countries like Italy, Denmark, Switzerland etc.).

American appliances run on 110 volts, while European appliances run on 220-240 volts.

Though most smartphones and tablets are dual-voltage these days, you’ll want to double-check the specifications of your electric toothbrush/hair dryer/hair straightener/clothes steamer/kettle etc. before leaving on your trip.

If your equipment supports 110V input only, please don't use them in Europe, or prepare a voltage converter to step down the power from 220V to 110v.

Type-C Plug Adapter Can Be Used in Countries below:

Afghanistan/ Andorra/ Angola/ Argentina/ Armenia/ Austria / Azerbaijan/ Bangladesh/ Belarus/ Belgium / Benin/ Bhutan/ Burma / Bulgaria/ Central African Republic/ Chad/ Chile/ Comoros/ Congo / Croatia / Cyprus/ Czech Republic/ Denmark / East Timor/ Egypt/ Eritrea/ Estonia/ Ethiopia/ Finland/ France / Gabon / Georgia/ Germany/ Greece / Greenland/ Guinea/ Hungary/ Iceland/ India/ Indonesia / Iran/ Iraq/ Israel/ Italy / Jordan/ Kazakhstan/ Kosovo/ Kuwait/ Kyrgyzstan/ Latvia/ Lebanon/ Libya/ Lithuania/ Luxembourg/ Macedonia/ Madagascar/ Madeira/ Maldives/ Mali/ Martinique/ Mauritania/ Mauritius/ Moldova/ Monaco/ Mongolia/ Montenegro/ Morocco/ Mozambique/ Myanmar / Nepal/ Netherlands/ Norway / Oman/ Pakistan/ Paraguay/ Poland/ Portugal/ Romania/ Russian / Rwanda/ San Marino/ Senegal/ Serbia/ Slovakia/ Slovenia/ Somalia/ South Africa/ Spain / Sudan/ Suriname/ Sweden / Switzerland / Syria/ Tahiti/ Tajikistan/ Tunisia/ Turkey/ Turkmenistan/ Ukraine/ Uruguay/ Uzbekistan/ Zambia

Type-G Plug Adapter Can Be Used in Countries below:

Bahrain/ Bangladesh/ Belize/ Bhutan/ Botswana/ Brunei/ Burma/ Cambodia/ Cyprus/ Dominica/ Falkland Islands/ Gambia/ Ghana/ Gibraltar/ Guatemala/ Guyana/ Hong Kong / Iraq/ Ireland / Jordan/ Kenya/ Kuwait/ Lebanon/ Macau/ Malawi/ Malaysia / Maldives / Malta/ Mauritius/ Myanmar/ Oman/ Qatar/ Saudi Arabia / Seychelles/ Sierra Leone/ Scotland / Singapore / Sri Lanka/ Tanzania/ Thailand / Uganda/ United Arab Emirates / United Kingdom / Vietnam/ Wales / Yemen/ Zambia/ Zimbabwe.

Type-E/F Plug Adapter Can Be Used in Countries below:

Afghanistan/ Andorra/ Armenia/ Austria / Azerbaijan/ Belarus/ Belgium / Benin/ Bulgaria/ Central African Republic/ Comoros/ Croatia / Czech / Denmark / East Timor/ Egypt/ Estonia/ Ethiopia/ Finland/ France / Georgia/ Germany/ Greece / Guinea/ Hungary/ Iceland / Indonesia/ Iran/ Italy / Kazakhstan/ Kosovo/ Kyrgyzstan/ Latvia/ Lithuania/ Luxembourg/ Macedonia/ Madeira/ Mali/ Moldova/ Monaco/ Mongolia/ Montenegro/ Morocco/ Mozambique/ Netherlands/ Norway/ Poland/ Portugal / Romania/ Russian/ San Marino/ Serbia/ Slovakia/ Slovenia/ Spain / Suriname/ Sweden / Syria/ Tahiti/ Tajikistan/ Tunisia/ Turkey/ Turkmenistan/ Ukraine/ Uruguay/ Uzbekistan.

• Type-E/F Plug Can NOT be Used in:

Angola/ Argentina/ Bangladesh/Channel Islands/ Chile/ Eritrea/ Faeroe Islands/ Gabon / Gibraltar/ Greenland/ Guinea-Bissau/ India / Iraq/ Isle of Man/ Israel / Kuwait/ Lebanon/ Liechtenstein/ Maldives / Mauritania/ Mauritius/ Nepal/ Oman/ Pakistan/ Paraguay/ Rwanda/ Somalia/ South Africa / Sudan/ Switzerland / Togo/ Zambia.

Type-L Plug Adapter Can Be Used in Countries below:

Italy/ Chile/ Eritrea/ San Marino/ Syria/ Uruguay.

• Type-L Adapter (3 Round Pin) Can NOT Be Used in Most European Countries :

Argentina /Armenia/Austria /Azerbaijan/ Bangladesh/ Belarus/ Belgium /Benin/Bhutan/ Burma/Bulgaria/Burundi/Cameroon/Central African/ Chad/ Comoros/Congo/ Croatia / Cyprus/ Czech / Denmark /Djibouti/ East Timor/ Egypt/Estonia/Ethiopia/ Finland/France /Gabon/Georgia/ Germany /Gibraltar/ Greece / Greenland/Guadeloupe/ Guinea/ Hungary/ Iceland/ India / Indonesia/ Iran/ Iraq/ Israel / Jordan/ Kazakhstan/ Kosovo/ Kuwait/ Kyrgyzstan/ Latvia/ Lebanon/Libya/ Liechtenstein/ Lithuania/ Luxembourg/ Macedonia/ Madagascar/ Madeira/ Mali/ Martinique/ Mauritania/ Mauritius/ Moldova/ Monaco/ Mongolia/ Montenegro/ Morocco/ Mozambique/ Myanmar/ Nepal/ Netherlands/ Norway / Oman/ Pakistan/ Paraguay/ Poland / Portugal/ Romania / Russian/ Rwanda/ Senegal/ Serbia/ Slovakia/ Slovenia/ Somalia/ South Africa / Spain / Sudan/ Suriname/ Sweden / Switzerland /Tahiti/ Tunisia/Turkey/ Turkmenistan/ Ukraine etc.

Type-C Plug Adapter

Type-G Plug Adapter

Type-E/F Plug Adapter

Type-L Plug Adapter

Comes with a mini Type-G plug adapter. Type C + Type G = EU + UK.

Specifications of Type-C Plug Adapter with USB

• Rated Power: MAX 10A, 2500W at 250V, 1100W at 110V
• USB Output: Total 5V/2.5A
• Material: PC+ABS Flame
• Dimensions: 2.8*2.6*2.3 inch (L*W*H)
• Unit Weight: 75g

Specifications of Type-G Mini Adapter

• Dimensions: 2.1*1.5*1.4 inch (L*W*H)
• Unit Weight: 29g
• Front outlet of the mini Type-G adapter is universal. It accepts two-prong polarized US plugs, three-prong grounded US plugs, European Type C/E/F/L plugs, and UK Type-G plugs. This comes in handy if you want to use some European appliances on your travel to the United Kingdom.

The compact travel adapter is ideal to take on the go, helpful to use in hotel or cruise trip.

Looking for specific info?

Videos for this product.

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European and UK Travel Plug Adapter Kit

JARVANIA FLAGSHIP STORE

European Travel Plug Adapter, Europe & UK Power Outlet Converter for England Ireland Italy France...

Customer Review: good

JARVANIA European Travel Plug Adapter with 2 USB Ports

Product guides and documents

Customer reviews

• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 5 star 81% 13% 3% 1% 2% 81%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 4 star 81% 13% 3% 1% 2% 13%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 3 star 81% 13% 3% 1% 2% 3%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 2 star 81% 13% 3% 1% 2% 1%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 1 star 81% 13% 3% 1% 2% 2%

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

Customers say

Customers like the size, ease of use, value, and travel of the power converter. For example, they mention it's very compact, great for traveling to Europe, and has USB ports. That said, they're satisfied with performance, charging, and quality.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers are satisfied with the performance of the power converter. For example, they mention it works well in the UK, Cyprus, and across Europe. Some say it's small but powerful.

" Worked as expected . Easy to pack, and I like that the UK adapter works without the 2nd plug." Read more

"These power adapters worked well for my phone in Germany and France in 2023. They are small enough to fit into my carry on case." Read more

"...This was easy to set up and worked perfectly ! Highly recommend!!!" Read more

"this worked well and packed easily" Read more

Customers are satisfied with the quality of the power converter. They mention that it is well-made, reliable, and practical. Some say that it works great in France and Italy and that it charges quickly.

"Worked as expected. Easy to pack, and I like that the UK adapter works without the 2nd plug ." Read more

" This little plug is great . I used it on my trip to Europe after using my ridiculously old adapter (from 2009.. 🦕) for way too long...." Read more

"...It seemed a little loose when connecting to each other, but it held up fine and caused no problems...." Read more

" One of the better adapters I've used. It feels sturdy and has plenty of plugs including a USB-C which is nice. Solid buy." Read more

Customers like the size of the power converter. They say it's very compact, easy to tuck into a purse, and not very bulky. Some mention that it'll fit into their in-flight personal item.

"Worked as expected. Easy to pack , and I like that the UK adapter works without the 2nd plug." Read more

"...They are small enough to fit into my carry on case." Read more

"...It did a great job and perfectly fit the receptacles everywhere . If I lost it (or left it in a hotel!) I would buy again...." Read more

"...Purchase the duo and only used the larger device. Fit perfectly on the European electrical outlets . Also great at charging our phones." Read more

Customers like the USB ports in the power converter. They say it has two phone charging ports and is convenient to use. Some appreciate the ability to plug in USB cables.

"...I love that it has USB-c and lights up when it’s plugged in...." Read more

"...The USB charging slots were also very helpful to charge my devices while also powering my laptop through the main 110 outlet...." Read more

"Worked well in UK and Cyprus! Able to charge 3 items at one time using 2 USB + outlet. Lightweight and compact." Read more

"...None of my plugs fell out and it was nice to have the two usb plugs also to charge my phone and watch. Glad I took it!" Read more

Customers find the power converter easy to use. They say it works well, is convenient, and lightweight. Customers also mention that it's simple to switch over to different prongs from country to country.

"...This was easy to set up and worked perfectly! Highly recommend!!!" Read more

"This adapter is easy to use and versatile. the only negative is that is is heavy and the prongs can't be folded which makes it awkward for traveling...." Read more

"I took this with me for a trip to the UK and France. It’s super simple to use and kept my devices charged for the duration of my trip...." Read more

"...outlet easily, but only actually happened a couple of times and easy to plug back in ...." Read more

Customers find the value of the power converter to be good, inexpensive, and priceless for foreign travel. They also say it's an excellent investment for Americans traveling to European countries that use this type of plug.

"... Great price and was delivered quickly." Read more

"The two pieces came in handy for my trip to Europe. The price is good and I was pleased with how my items charged in a decent time" Read more

" Good price " Read more

"...There’s a lot of value for your $ . Buying something like this at the store in Europe will be much more expensive." Read more

Customers find the power converter perfect for traveling around the UK and Europe. They say it's easy to pack and essential for all international travel. Some mention that it'll save the day when traveling through Northern Europe.

"It was perfect for our Europe trip and it has extra outlet for the phone so you can style hair while phone charges" Read more

"This European adapter was perfect for my trip ! The two USB ports were helpful and I was able to charge all of my devices at once." Read more

"This adapter was perfect for my Europe trip , I went to Scotland, Germany and Italy. Never had any issues with any of my devices...." Read more

" Perfect for our trip , nice and neat and small. Just what we were looking for." Read more

Customers are satisfied with the charging capabilities of the power converter. They mention that it charges their phones and iPad easily, quickly, and efficiently. Some say that the USB small port charges very fast. Overall, most are happy with the product's charging capabilities and recommend it to others.

"...Fit perfectly on the European electrical outlets. Also great at charging our phones ." Read more

"...Sometimes three at once with no issues. It seemed to charge normally , no slow downs or issues." Read more

"...Actually charge kind of fast , that is really convenient.I recommend it" Read more

" Compact fast charge good value " Read more

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Travel by Ferry from the UK to Germany

Ferry to Germany

Set sail on a ferry to Germany with DFDS and explore at your own pace, with your vehicle and without having to worry about luggage restrictions. If you’re travelling by ferry to Germany from the UK, cross the Channel and reach the German border in under 4 hours by car! Alternatively, take our Newcastle-Amsterdam ferry route and disembark in Ijmuiden, less than 3 hours’ drive to Germany.

Our Kiel port in northern Germany offers excellent access to all of Germany, including major cities such as Hamburg and Berlin. Reach Kiel with a comfortable overnight crossing from Lithuania . The Danish border is also only a short drive away.

Our Routes to Germany

Book with Confidence with FLEXI Ticket

FLEXI ticket meets your specific needs with unmatched flexibility. Amend or cancel your booking before departure and enjoy travel flexibility with FLEXI ticket.

Klaipeda-Kiel Ferry Crossings

Sail on an overnight ferry crossing from Klaipeda to Kiel, the perfect connection between eastern and western Europe.

UK – France Ferry Crossings

Sail from either Dover or Newhaven to one of 3 ports in France and embark on a road trip this summer. Hit the open road to discover everything Europe has to offer.

Newcastle-Amsterdam Ferry Crossings

If you’re travelling to Holland from the north of England, our Newcastle to Amsterdam ferry crossing is your best option. Sail overnight and enjoy maximum comfort, duty free shopping and fantastic entertainment throughout the day.  

Why visit Germany?

Germany’s landscape is unparalleled. Within an instant it varies from the dense, ancient woodlands of the Black Forest to the crystal waters of its countless lakes and rivers. Germany’s Romanesque revival castles offer flashes of ivory and gold amongst the rich green scenery and transport wanderers into the fairy tale world that Germany is famous for.

In direct contrast, Germany also offers some of the most modern cities in Europe, with metropolises like Berlin, Hamburg and Düsseldorf at the forefront of any and all cultural movements on the continent. Book your ferry to Germany with DFDS today, and get thinking about where you’re going, not how you’re getting there.

Driving in Germany

When you choose to travel by ferry with DFDS, you open the door to exploring Germany at your own pace. Driving in Germany is a unique experience, offering you the freedom to discover everything from its modern cities to its fairy tale landscapes. The country's well-maintained roads and Autobahns make it easy to reach a variety of destinations, including the vibrant metropolises of Berlin, Hamburg, and Düsseldorf. Plus, our crossings linking Germany with Lithuania means you can take your journey even further afield!

Take advantage of the ferry routes offered by DFDS, such as the Newcastle-Amsterdam route , which disembarks in Ijmuiden, less than a three-hour drive to Germany. Or choose our ferry routes to France providing excellent access to Germany’s southwestern border.

READ OUR GUIDE TO DRIVING IN GERMANY

Travel Guides

Explore Cologne and experience a unique city break unlike any other!

Visit Hamburg to explore Germanys second largest city – the ‘Gateway to the World’.

Journey to Frankfurt to enjoy the interesting culture, great food and to get involved in exciting activities.

Visit Dusseldorf to be captivated by the amazing architecture and fantastic art museums.

Visit one of the most relaxing cities in Germany and explore what Kiel has to offer during your stay. Our DFDS ferry will take you directly to Kiel from Klaipeda.

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I moved from the US to Germany and the UK. I love Europe, but it's not the utopia Americans think it is.

• Helene Sula moved to Europe in 2016 after monetizing her travel blog.
• Sula's blog, Helene In Between, enabled her and her husband to relocate to Heidelberg, Germany.
• They now live in Oxford, England, and plan to explore more continents in the future.

This is an as-told-to essay based on a conversation with Helene Sula , a travel blogger and author of "Two O'Clock on a Tuesday at Trevi Fountain: A Search for an Unconventional Life Abroad."

It has been edited for length and clarity.

I grew up in Dallas, and every year my family spent time in London because my parents taught a study-abroad program there.

They loved their jobs; they were making a difference, and their schedule was flexible. I remember thinking, "Is there a job out there like this for me?"

I graduated from college in 2009 during the financial crisis. I was unsure about what to do with my life, so I took the first job that would have me — at Dave and Buster's .

During this time, my husband and I would take momentous 10-day trips across Europe , and we wouldn't sleep because we were trying to see as much as possible.

We thought the best way to keep traveling around Europe was to move there, but we didn't know how. Europe always had a pull on me — it was always in the back of my mind.

In 2011, I started a travel blog called Helene In Between .

I wondered if I could ever make money from it, but at that time nobody was making money online.

I kept hacking away. I tried and failed at many different avenues with the blog and eventually figured out a way to monetize it.

The blog gave my husband and me the freedom to move abroad, and in 2016 we moved to Heidelberg, Germany, without ever having set foot in the country.

Moving to Europe was no utopia

We spent a year researching where to move before we landed in Germany.

All of our previous travel was to bigger cities, but this time we were going to a smaller city and seeing something we'd never seen before.

It felt like a completely different world—like when Harry Potter went to the wizarding world for the first time.

We were charged with excitement. And then, of course, reality set in. Everything's different. It's a different language.

There are pros and cons to absolutely every place on the planet. I often see things online, like, "If I were to move to Europe, my life would be better."

Living any life like that — saying, "If this happens, then I'll be happy" — is a recipe for disaster. Because wherever you go, there you are. You're still going to have issues and problems that arise. Having an open mind and seeing what you can learn is really beneficial.

We often consider Europe a utopia because of its healthcare system or because workers get more time off . There's definitely something to be said about those things.

But making a blanket statement about Europe is misguided. Life can be tough, no matter where you are.

Life in the UK

After three years in Germany, we returned to the US.

We bought an RV and traveled across America, splitting our time between that and spending time with family in Dallas.

Four years later, we moved to Oxford, England.

It's been so wonderful because Oxford, in my opinion, is very similar to Heidelberg. They are both university towns — Heidelberg has the oldest university in Germany, and Oxford has the oldest university in all of the English-speaking world.

It's also close to London and to an airport. It was the perfect pick.

The plan is to stay in England for two years then return to the US and really start exploring. We've never been to Australia, New Zealand, or South America, and we want to take some longer trips to other places.

There are always more places to explore.

What's been so interesting about living abroad is the ebbs and flows. There are super high highs and low lows. You miss your friends and family back home. You often feel lost, whether that's lost in translation, lost while driving, or in the different rules.

But it has always been worth it.

If you enjoyed this story, be sure to follow Business Insider on Microsoft Start.

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England Women v Germany

Book official coach travel to wembley for this lionesses' match.

Choose Your Journey

Children under 14 years of age are not permitted to travel without being accompanied throughout the journey by a responsible person aged 16 years or over. Children aged 14 - 15 years old may travel unaccompanied, as from 5am, arriving at their booked destination no later than 10pm. Unaccompanied children will be asked for proof of age or a signed letter of permission from their parent/guardian. (sms or chat based messages are not permissible)

One infant aged 0-2 travels free when accompanied by an adult with a valid ticket. Additional infants aged 0-2 must be paid for. If you are travelling with more than 1 infant aged 0-2, please book the additional infant as 'Children (3-15).

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Book official Wembley coach travel to see England Women v Germany

Wembley stadium, london, 25 october 2024.

Be part of the Lionesses' latest friendly as they take on Germany at Wembley Stadium. 

Book direct, official Wembley coach travel to the stadium from more than 15 UK departure points with National Express coaches.

Travel to Wembley in style...

• Travel to Wembley from more than 15 key UK locations
• Official coach provider to Wembley Stadium
• The most environmentally friendly way to travel to the match
• Arrive at the stadium from 16.30pm (approx)
• Leave the stadium at 22.30pm (approx)
• Adult return coach fare from just:  £36
• Child return coach fare from just:  £33

Book your travel to London now, Pay Later

Find more events From the biggest festivals to sporting spectaculars and more...

Clearpay lends you a fixed amount of credit so you can pay for your purchase over 4 instalments, due every 2 weeks. Ensure you can make repayments on time. You must be 18+ and a permanent UK resident (excl Channel Islands). Clearpay charges a £6 late fee for each late instalment and a further £6 if it’s still unpaid 7 days later. Late fees are capped at £6 for orders under £24 and the lower of £24 or 25% of the order value for orders over £24. Missed payments may affect your ability to use Clearpay in the future and your details may be passed onto a debt collection agency working on Clearpay's behalf.

Wembley restricted bag policy

Please note - while we are happy for you to bring luggage onboard coaches for events, Wembley Stadium enforces a strict bag policy, prohibiting any bag being brought on site unless it adheres to their regulations.

For more information, please read the full policy  from Wembley Stadium. 

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Open Return Information

Book your return

Your Open Dated Return is valid for 3 months from your outbound journey. To guarantee your seat on your return you need to confirm your ticket before you travel on www.nationalexpress.com/en/help/tickets/open-returns or call 0371 781 8181.

Open Dated Return Information

If your return date is not yet known, open return tickets provide flexibility. When travelling within the UK, the return journey can be made within 3 months of the outward date of travel. To guarantee your seat on your return journey you need to confirm your ticket before you travel by visiting www.nationalexpress.com/en/help/tickets/open-returns or call us on 03717 81 81 81. Lines open 7 days a week, 8am - 8pm (calls to this number are charged at local rate). Valid on any day throughout the year.

Open returns are not available on European journeys.

Wheelchair accessibility

Accessible coaches.

The majority of stops along the routes listed below are accessible to wheelchair users but are subject to change. Please call us to check the latest situation before booking and at least 36 hours in advance of when you would like to travel.

To see a list of accessible coach routes please visit our Accessibility page.

Assisted Travel Helpline

If you are travelling in a wheelchair or require assistance, please call our helpline before booking and at least 36 hours in advance of when you would like to travel.

03717 81 81 81 - ( option 3)  (lines open 8am - 8pm 7 days a week). Calls to this number are charged at local rate.

For more information please visit our Disabled travellers page.

Passengers & Wheelchair accessibility

Passenger descriptions.

Our passenger descriptions are designed to help you choose the right ticket for yourself or your fellow travellers.

Adult (16+) and Children (3-15)

Children under 14 cannot travel alone unless accompanied by an adult (16+). Please note, you may be required to show proof of age at any point during your journey. Failure to do so, may result in the full adult fare being charged.

Children (3-15)

Children under 14 cannot travel alone unless accompanied by a responsible adult (16+).

Disabled Children

Should be booked as Children. If they are travelling in a wheelchair or require assistance, please call our Assisted Travel Helpline.

We strongly recommend that you bring a car seat appropriate to your child's age, but ask you to take responsibility to fit the seat.

Booster Seats

Children aged between approximately 4-11 years old, or up to 150cm tall, may use booster seats. We carry a limited number onboard most coaches.

If travelling with a child, you may be required to show proof of age when buying tickets or at any point during your journey. Failure to do so may result in the child being required to pay the full fare for the journey on that day.

Booster seats

Children aged between approximately 4 years and 11 years or up to 150cm tall may use booster seats, we carry a limited number onboard most coaches along with our comfort fit seat belts.

Disabled children should be booked as children rather than 'Disabled'. If they are travelling in a wheelchair or you wish to book assistance with travel please call our Assisted Travel Helpline before booking and at least 36 hours in advance of when you would like to travel.

You can find a list of accessible coach stops on our Accessibility page .

Please call us 36 hours prior to travelling to check the latest status.

If you are travelling in a wheelchair or require assistance we recommend that you contact us on the following local rate telephone number: 03717 81 81 81 (lines open 8am - 8pm 7 days a week) 36 hours in advance of when you would like to travel.

Adult (26 - 59)

Adult fares are applicable to all passengers aged between of 26 and 59 inclusive.

Child 0 - 12 inclusive

Children aged 12 or under travelling on any European service must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over.

Unaccompanied children will not be carried

Young persons (13 - 25)

Children under the age of 16 are not permitted to travel on any European service unless accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over.

Young persons aged 16 or 17 years can travel alone on European services but only if they have a letter of authority from a parent or guardian.

Senior (60 and over)

Passengers aged 60 and over are entitled to receive a small discount on European journeys. On European journeys a 50% discount is given to carers, please call us on 08717 818177 to book.

Please select your passenger type first and then add your coachcards.

We have three different Coachcards available, each offering savings of 1/3 on all of our Standard and Fully Flexible coach fares all year round.

Prices shown include your coachcard discount, your coachcard number will be required during the booking process.

Adult fares are applicable to all passengers aged 2+. Adults under the age of 16 are not permitted to travel alone on any European service unless accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over or they have a letter of authority from a parent or guardian.

Infants 0-1 Inclusive

Children aged under the age of 2, must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over. Unaccompanied children will not be carried.