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Last update: 23 June 2024

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Your Guide to Commuting in Germany

Welcome to Germany! Whether you're new here or just looking to get around more efficiently, Germany's fantastic public transportation system has got you covered. No car? No problem! Here’s your quick guide to navigating like a local.

**Discover Your Ride**:

_Bus / N / SEV_:

_Bus_: Hop on regular city buses for everyday trips.
_N_: Night buses keep you moving after dark.
_SEV_: Special replacement buses for U-Bahn routes.

_Tram_:

Glide through the city on street-level trams—perfect for sightseeing.

_S-Bahn_:

Reach the suburbs and nearby cities with these convenient trains.

_U-Bahn_:

The metro is your fastest option for inner-city travel. Not all cities have it, so use other options when needed.

_R/RE/RB_:

Explore multiple cities with regional trains.

_IC/ICE_:

Speed between major cities on high-speed trains. Separate tickets required.

[![Deutsche Bahn](https://www.awin1.com/cshow.php?s=2475989&v=14964&q=425397&r=1664867)](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?s=2475989&v=14964&q=425397&r=1664867)


**The Magic Ticket: Deutschland Ticket**

For just €49 per month, the Deutschland Ticket gives you unlimited access to buses, trams, S-Bahn, U-Bahn, and regional trains. It’s your all-in-one pass to hassle-free travel!

_Affordable_: €49/month.

_Convenient_: Covers almost all public transport options.

_Exceptions_: IC/ICE trains require separate tickets.

**Getting Started**:

_Bank Account_: Ensure you have a [German bank account](https://germanyfordummies.de/en/posts/open-a-new-bank-account) with SEPA Direct Debit to purchase your ticket.

_Cancellation_: Plan ahead! Cancel one month in advance, by the 10th of the previous month.
**Example**: To cancel for August, submit your request by July 10th.


You can buy a ticket at the [English website] (https://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?gid=425395&mid=14964&awinaffid=1664867&linkid=2476039&clickref=")

Ready to explore Germany? Grab your Deutschland Ticket and enjoy the ride!

Happy Travels!

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Mobility

Deutschland ticket

Germany has very good public infrastructure and commuting through the cities is often easy and simple, but when you need to get outside the city and go to other places, often having a car is a more convenient solution (faster commuting, you don't have long waiting times between trains etc.)

So as a new expat in Germany you have the right to bring your car from your homeland with you in the first six months after your arrival in Germany.

**The rules are**:
- The car must be yours in the past 12 months priror moving to Germany. 
- You must request for car import within the first six months after your first entrance in Germany
- You must translate all documents to German (sometimes English are accepted, but to avoid any misunderstanding and not spending time, it is always better to have them translated to German). Required documents are Vehicle log/book, car insurance.
- You must not sell your car for the next 24 months after the import.

In between the process you will need to get a clarification form Zoll (customs) that you are free from import tax, you will then need to go to do a technical inspection of your car (TÜV).

Once you complete the process you will get the new German vehicle documents (part 1 and part 2) which later can be used for getting a german insurance and issuing a new license plates of the car.

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Getting your car in Germany

A Comprehensive Guide to German Pensions

How to register and pay for utilities in Germany

Health insurance

News

Deutschland ticket

Getting your car in Germany