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Quick answer: You can take your bicycle on most Deutsche Bahn trains in Germany. On long-distance trains (ICE, IC), a bicycle ticket costs €9 and a reservation is mandatory. On regional trains (RB, RE), no reservation is needed. Many day tickets — like the Quer-durchs-Land-Ticket or Bayern-Ticket — include bicycle transport for free.
Travelling Germany by bike and train is one of the most flexible and scenic ways to explore the country. Whether you’re planning a coastal cycling holiday, a multi-day river route, or just a weekend escape, this guide covers everything you need to know about taking your bicycle on German trains in 2026.
Bicycle on Train: Prices at a Glance
| Train type | Bicycle ticket price | Reservation required? |
|---|---|---|
| ICE, IC, EC (long-distance) | €9 (with BahnCard) / higher without | Yes — mandatory ✅ |
| Regional trains (RB, RE) | €4.50–9 depending on region | No |
| S-Bahn (city rail) | Free outside peak hours | No |
| Quer-durchs-Land-Ticket | Free (included) | No |
| Bayern-Ticket / Ländertickets | Free (included) | No |
| ICE Sprinter | Bicycles not allowed ❌ | — |
Taking Your Bike on ICE and IC Trains
Germany’s high-speed ICE trains and intercity IC trains do allow bicycles — but with strict rules you need to follow before boarding:
- Reservation is mandatory: You must book a bicycle space in advance. Without a reservation, you cannot board with your bicycle even if you have a bicycle ticket.
- Limited spaces: Most ICE trains have 3–6 bicycle spaces per train, located in a dedicated carriage. These fill up fast, especially on summer weekends.
- Folding bikes are always free: A folded bike counts as regular luggage — no ticket, no reservation needed, on any train including ICE Sprinter.
- E-bikes are allowed on most trains. The battery must be securely attached. Check the specific rules on bahn.de before travel if your battery is removable.
- Not allowed on ICE Sprinter trains (identified by the Sprinter logo in the timetable).
→ Search train connections with bicycle options on bahn.de
Bicycles on Regional Trains
Regional trains (Regionalbahn/RB and RegionalExpress/RE) are the most bicycle-friendly option in Germany. No reservation required — just buy a bicycle day ticket at the station or in the DB Navigator app and board at the designated carriage door.
Bicycle spaces are usually near the doors at either end of the train. Look for the bicycle symbol on the outside of the carriage. During busy periods (summer, public holidays), carriages fill up quickly — arrive at the platform early.
S-Bahn: City Rail with Your Bike
S-Bahn networks in Munich, Berlin, Hamburg, Frankfurt and other cities generally allow bicycles for free outside rush hours. Typical restrictions apply Monday to Friday:
- Morning peak: approximately 06:00–09:00
- Evening peak: approximately 16:00–19:00
Outside these times, and all day on weekends and public holidays, bicycles are usually free. Rules vary slightly between city networks — check the local transport authority’s website or ask at the station.
Day Tickets That Include Your Bicycle for Free
| Ticket | Bicycle included? | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Quer-durchs-Land-Ticket | ✅ Yes | All regional trains across Germany |
| Bayern-Ticket | ✅ Yes | All regional trains in Bavaria |
| NRW-Ticket | ✅ Yes | Regional trains in North Rhine-Westphalia |
| Baden-Württemberg-Ticket | ✅ Yes | Regional trains in Baden-Württemberg |
| Brandenburg-Berlin-Ticket | ✅ Yes | Regional trains in Berlin and Brandenburg |
→ Buy the Quer-durchs-Land-Ticket (bicycle included)
How to Book a Bicycle Space on ICE Trains
- Open bahn.de or DB Navigator. Search your route and filter connections by “bicycle transport possible” to see only trains that accept bikes.
- Add a bicycle ticket during the booking process. The price is €9 with a BahnCard, or slightly more without.
- Reserve a bicycle space at the same time — select a specific space in the bicycle carriage if the option is available.
- Show both tickets when boarding — your passenger ticket and your bicycle ticket. The conductor checks both.
💡 Tip: Bicycle spaces on ICE trains sell out fast during summer and on weekends. Book as early as possible — ideally at the same time as your passenger ticket.
Best Cycling Routes Reachable by Train in Germany
- North Sea coast (Sylt): Take the regional train from Hamburg to Westerland — no ICE needed, bicycles accepted without reservation.
- Lake Constance (Bodensee): Train to Konstanz or Lindau, then cycle the famous 273 km lakeside route.
- Elbe Cycle Route: Start in Hamburg or Dresden — both accessible by ICE or regional trains.
- Moselle Valley: Train to Koblenz or Trier, then follow the Mosel cycle path through vineyards and medieval towns.
- Bavaria: The Bayern-Ticket (bike included) covers the Allgäu, Chiemsee and Zugspitz region — ideal for alpine cycling holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to take a bicycle on an ICE train?
€9 with a BahnCard (25 or 50). Without a BahnCard the price may be higher — check during booking on bahn.de or in the DB Navigator app. A seat reservation for your bicycle is also required and costs extra.
Can I take my bike on the train without a reservation?
On long-distance ICE and IC trains, a reservation is mandatory. On regional trains (RB, RE), no reservation is needed — just buy a bicycle ticket. On S-Bahn and with day tickets like the Bayern-Ticket, bicycles are usually free outside peak hours.
Are folding bikes allowed on all trains?
Yes. A folded bicycle is treated as regular hand luggage and is allowed on all trains — including ICE Sprinter trains that don’t accept regular bikes. No ticket or reservation needed.
Can I bring an e-bike on the train?
Yes, e-bikes are generally allowed on German trains under the same rules as regular bicycles. Make sure the battery is securely fitted. For very large or heavy e-bikes, check bahn.de for any specific restrictions before travel.
Is a bicycle included in the Bayern-Ticket?
Yes. The Bayern-Ticket includes one bicycle per person for free on all regional trains in Bavaria. The same applies to most other German Ländertickets (state day tickets).
Summary
Taking a bicycle on German trains is straightforward once you know the rules. Use regional trains and day tickets for the easiest, cheapest experience. For long-distance ICE journeys, book early and always reserve a bicycle space — spaces are limited and popular routes sell out fast in summer.
→ Find train connections with bicycle transport and book now