Which train to choose for traveling long distances in Germany? FlixTrain vs ICE vs Deutsche Bahn
You like to travel on a budget or are low on funds. FlixTrain may seem like your knight in shiny armor.
It’s often the cheapest long-distance option. But, don’t get blinded by its incredible price.
Here are seven things to know before you travel via FlixTrain.
#1 FlixTrain is seldom on time
Delays are common, so plan buffer time for connections.
If your FlixTrain reaches your destination 60 to 119 minutes late, you can claim 25% of the ticket price back. From 120 minutes, you get 50%. You must file the claim within three months. FlixTrain doesn’t pay if the delay was caused by extraordinary circumstances outside rail operations, such as severe weather, and only pays out amounts above 4 €. You can find the details on FlixTrain’s passenger rights page.
#2 You no longer have to wear an FFP2 mask inside the FlixTrain
During the Corona times, you had to wear an FFP2 mask throughout your journey. This rule ended on 2 February 2023, when Germany lifted the mask requirement in long-distance trains and buses.
You can still wear a mask voluntarily if you want to protect yourself.
#3 It’s freaking hot to travel in FlixTrain during the summer
FlixTrain runs two train types: Classic and Comfort. The older Classic trains do not have air conditioning. Thus, they are very hot during summer. The newer Comfort trains are fully air-conditioned. During booking, you can see whether a Classic or a Comfort train runs on your trip.
Thanks to the heat, you won’t have the best travel experience. So, I recommend you carry a small fan* that runs on a battery to make your journey a bit comfortable.
#4 The wind noise inside the FlixTrain gets loud
There is no air conditioning on the Classic trains, so you have only one option to survive the summer heat: open the windows.
Once you open the windows, you get a loud noise that is complementary with air.
The noise gets worse when the train enters the tunnels. The wind noise in tunnels can be uncomfortable.
So, carry noise-canceling headphones* or earplugs* on your journey to block out the noise.
#5 You can’t buy food or water on FlixTrain
A long journey is tiring. But traveling empty stomach with no access to food and water can make you miserable.
Hence, carry enough food and water to survive your time on FlixTrain.
#6 You can charge your phone on FlixTrain, but don’t count on the Wi-Fi
Every seat on FlixTrain now has a power socket and USB ports, so you can charge your phone or laptop on board. The Wi-Fi is free, but FlixTrain itself points out that its availability varies by route and occupancy.
Still, carry a power bank* as a backup if you are traveling long distances, and download what you need before the trip.
#7 FlixTrain is a cheap mode of travel
The only pro of traveling in FlixTrain is that it is cheap. But, it charges you for your precious time and comfort.
In the end
It’s about expectation management. You should know what price you have to pay to travel via FlixTrain.
The comfort gap is shrinking, though. FlixTrain is gradually adding its air-conditioned Comfort trains and plans to roll out 65 new high-speed trains (up to 230 km/h) from 2028.
Of course, ICE is Germany’s most comfortable and fastest mode of land travel. But it is usually more expensive than FlixTrain unless you book early.
However, if you plan your travel well before a month or two, you may get a cheaper ICE ticket.
Now, you are well prepared to travel via FlixTrain. I wish you a safe and fun trip.
