Country guide
Flights to Germany
Several viable gateways, fast trains between them, and a calendar that moves prices
Germany is unusual in Europe for having several airports with genuine transatlantic service rather than one dominant gateway. Frankfurt and Munich are the largest, with Berlin, Düsseldorf and Hamburg also served, which means the right arrival depends on where you are actually going.
The ICE rail network then connects everything quickly, and the airports themselves are plugged into it — Frankfurt has a long-distance station under the airport, which makes onward travel unusually painless.
Cities we have guides for
Where to go beyond the obvious
Bavaria and Munich
Munich, the Alps and the castles to the south. Oktoberfest runs from late September into early October and fills the city's hotels at multiples of the normal rate.
Berlin
A very different city from the rest of the country, with the museums and modern history that most first-time visitors come for. Well connected by rail from anywhere.
The Rhine and Moselle valleys
Castles, vineyards and river towns, easily reached from Frankfurt. Works well as a two or three day addition rather than a day trip.
Hamburg and the north
A port city with a distinct character, and a gateway to the Baltic coast. About two hours from Berlin by fast train.
When to go
May to September gives the warmest weather and the longest days, with beer gardens and outdoor life at their best. It is also when prices peak.
Late September to early October is Oktoberfest in Munich, which is a genuine draw and makes accommodation in the city extremely scarce and expensive.
Late November and December is Christmas market season, which is the other reason people plan a German trip around specific dates. Cold, crowded and worth it if that is what you came for.
Getting around
ICE high-speed trains connect the major cities quickly and arrive centrally. Advance fares are substantially cheaper than buying on the day.
Frankfurt Airport has a long-distance rail station in its own building, so you can step off a transatlantic flight and onto a train to Cologne, Munich or Hamburg without entering the city.
A car is useful for the Romantic Road, the Black Forest and the Alps, and unnecessary in any of the cities.
The basics
- Currency
- Euro (EUR)
- Language
- German; English is widely spoken in cities and among younger people
- Time zone
- CET, or CEST from late March to late October
- Power
- Type F plug, 230V
- Driving
- On the right; sections of Autobahn have no general speed limit
- Entry for US passports
- Short visits are visa-free, but the EU is introducing an electronic travel authorisation for visa-exempt visitors. Confirm the current requirement with German or EU authorities.
Before you book
Check the trade fair and festival calendar
A major Messe in Frankfurt or Oktoberfest in Munich can multiply hotel prices and empty the city of rooms. Shifting your dates by a week can transform the cost.
Use the train from the airport
Frankfurt's long-distance station connects directly to most of the country. For many destinations this beats a connecting flight outright once airport time is counted.
Cash is still common
Card acceptance has improved but plenty of smaller restaurants, bakeries and market stalls remain cash-preferred. Carry some.
Sunday closing is real
Most shops close on Sundays, including supermarkets. Restaurants and museums stay open, but planning to buy anything is a mistake.
Routes to Germany
Flight times are non-stop estimates from great-circle distance. Actual schedules and whether a non-stop exists on your dates come from a live search.
Airport guides
FAQ
Flights to Germany — common questions
If yours isn't here, just call — we're happy to explain.
Which German airport should I fly into?
Frankfurt and Munich have the most transatlantic service. Frankfurt is the better arrival if you plan to travel on by rail, because its long-distance station connects directly to most of the country. Munich is easier to connect through and closer to Bavaria and the Alps. Berlin, Düsseldorf and Hamburg also have some direct service and may suit your destination better.
Is the train good in Germany?
The ICE network is fast and connects the major cities centrally, and advance fares are much cheaper than buying on the day. The standout feature for arriving travellers is Frankfurt Airport's long-distance rail station, which lets you step off a transatlantic flight and onto a train to Cologne, Munich or Hamburg without going into the city first.
Why are German hotel prices so high on my dates?
Most likely a trade fair or festival. Frankfurt hosts several major international Messe events each year and Munich's Oktoberfest runs from late September into early October, and during either, hotel rates rise sharply and availability disappears. The dates move annually, so check them against your travel plans before booking.
Still have a question? We're happy to explain — just call.
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