How to go to other countries from Germany?

Germany’s ideal location in the heart of Europe makes it one of the best hubs for exploring nearby countries. With easy to access rail connections, budget-friendly buses, and quicker border crossings, it is easy for anyone to travel from Germany to another country in Europe.

In this blog, you will discover:

• Closest countries to travel from Germany
• Countries accessible via ICE trains or FlixBus
• Travel times from major German cities
• Booking tips, seasonal advice, and cost-saving tips
  

Closest countries to travel from Germany (and can be reached by ICE or FlixBus)

Germany is bordered by nine countries. Below you will find information of only those countries that are accessible via Deutsche Bahn ICE trains OR FlixBus

 1. Austria

• ICE: Yes Route(Berlin → Vienna, Munich → Salzburg)
• FlixBus: Yes
• Average travel time:
  Munich → Salzburg: 1.5 hours
  Berlin → Vienna: 8–9 hours

 2. Switzerland

• ICE: Yes Route (Frankfurt → Zurich, Hamburg → Basel)
• FlixBus: Yes
• Average travel time:
  Frankfurt → Zurich: 4 hours

3. France

• ICE: Yes Route (ICE/TGV partnership)
• FlixBus: Yes
• Average travel time:
  Frankfurt → Paris: 3.5 hours
  Stuttgart → Strasbourg: 1–1.5 hours

4. Netherlands

• ICE: Yes Route (Berlin/Hamburg → Amsterdam)
• FlixBus: Yes
• Average travel time:
  Berlin → Amsterdam: 6 hours

5. Belgium

• ICE: Yes Route (ICE to Brussels via Cologne)
• FlixBus: Yes
• Average travel time:
  Cologne → Brussels: 2 hours

6. Denmark

• ICE: Yes Route (Hamburg → Copenhagen)
• FlixBus: Yes
• Average travel time:
  Hamburg → Copenhagen: 4.5 hours

7. Czech Republic (Czechia)

• ICE: Yes Route (Munich → Prague via fast services; Berlin → Prague via EC; ICE partial)
• FlixBus: Yes (very frequent)
• Average travel time:
  Berlin → Prague: 4–4.5 hours

Countries that can NOT accessed by ICE but accessible via FlixBus

Poland (no direct ICE, but direct FlixBus)
Luxembourg (no ICE, but trains + FlixBus combo work easily)

How to Travel from Germany to Nearby Countries by ICE

How can I book an ICE Cross-Border Ticket

Step 1: Go to Deutsche Bahn’s booking platform

• Website: bahn.com
• App: DB Navigator (recommended)

Step 2: Search and add your route

Examples:

• Berlin → Amsterdam
• Munich → Salzburg
• Frankfurt → Paris

Step 3: Choose your ticket type

• Super Sparpreis Europa (cheapest; non-refundable)
• Sparpreis Europa (still cheap; partial refunds)
• Flexpreis Europa (fully flexible; more expensive)

Step 4: Choose your seats 

Seat bookings cost ~€4–€5 and are worth it during holidays or weekends.

What are the best times to book ICE Tickets

• 2–3 months in advance for the lowest prices.
• Weekdays are cheaper than weekends.
• Early morning & late-night departures cost less.

How to Travel from Germany to Nearby Countries by FlixBus

FlixBus is Germany and Europe’s largest budget bus network.

How can I book a FlixBus Ticket

Step 1: Go to the FlixBus app or flixbus.com

Step 2: Enter cities (Berlin → Prague, Munich → Vienna, etc.)

Step 3: Choose your time (night buses available)

Step 4: Pay and save the digital QR ticket

What are the best times to book FlixBus Tickets

• 1–3 weeks in advance for best prices
• Prices increase during:
  • Summer
  • Christmas/New Year
  • Easter
• Weekdays are significantly cheaper
• Return on Sundays is usually expensive

Popular Travel Routes From Major German Cities

Travel from Berlin to other Countries

Find how easy it is to travel from Berlin to Amsterdam, travel from Berlin to Prague, travel from Berlin to Copenhagen and travel from Berlin to Poland

Berlin tips: DB’s Saver fares (Sparpreis/Super Sparpreis) are limited and often cheapest 2–12 weeks before travel. For city-pair trips of 4+ hours, book early for the best price/performance balance.

Travel from Munich to other Countries

Find how easy it is to travel from Munich to Austria, travel from Munich to Prague, and travel from Munich to Switzerland

Munich tips: Short trips to Salzburg are ideal for day/weekend breaks. Railjet offers many fast direct services – watch saver fares on ÖBB and DB.

Travel from Frankfurt to other Countries

Find how easy it is to travel from Frankfurt to France, travel from Frankfurt to Belgium, and travel from Frankfurt to Netherlands.

Frankfurt tips: As a hub, Frankfurt has excellent high-speed links; best prices appear 8–12 weeks in advance for major international routes

Travel from Düsseldorf to other Countries

Find how easy it is to travel from Düsseldorf to Amsterdam, travel from Düsseldorf to Belgium, travel from Düsseldorf to Luxembourg, travel from Düsseldorf to Netherlands, travel from Düsseldorf to Denmark, and travel from Düsseldorf to Switzerland.

Düsseldorf tips: FlixBus departures from Düsseldorf ZOB are frequent – very competitive for Belgium/Luxembourg. For faster train options, route via Cologne Hbf (short S-Bahn) to catch ICE/TGV.

Tips for Cross-Border Travel from Germany

1. Book early morning trains for the lowest price – 6–8 AM departures are the cheapest for both ICE and FlixBus.

2. Use your BahnCard for discounts -If you travel often, BahnCard 25 or 50 can cut your costs dramatically.

3. Always download your ticket offline – WiFi on trains/buses can be weak at borders.

4. Avoid last-minute FlixBus bookings – They can become more expensive than trains.

 5. Avail cross-border student discounts – Many routes offer cheaper fares if you’re under 27 or have ISIC.

6. For Austria & Switzerland, arrive early for scenic routes – The landscapes through the Alps are incredible — sit near the window.

7. Pack snacks – Food on trains can be pricey. FlixBus stops are unpredictable.

Final Advice

Whether you prefer the speed of ICE trains or the budget-friendly flexibility of FlixBus, cross-border travel is simple, efficient, and stress-free.

Use the hacks in this guide to save money, plan smartly, and enjoy seamless weekend trips across Europe.

New to Germany ? Learn how to use public transport in Germany.
Give this guide a read!

How to use Public Transport in Germany