Country Guide

Visiting from The UK

Eurostar connections, post-Brexit border rules, UK bank cards, and the things British travellers get wrong.

Exchange Rate

€1 ≈ £0.87

29 May 2026

Germany rail travel scene — Photo by Sarthaak Maji on Unsplash

London to Germany by rail

Eurostar departs London St Pancras for Brussels-Midi (roughly 2 hours). Onward German ICE from Brussels runs direct to Aachen, Cologne, Frankfurt, and Dortmund. The connection is tight but reliable — both trains use the same station.

London → Cologne: ~4h 30 total
London → Frankfurt: ~5h 30 total
London → Berlin: ~8–9h via Cologne connection

Flight versus rail

Rail wins door-to-door for destinations west of Berlin. For Cologne, Düsseldorf, or Frankfurt, you skip airport check-in faff, no liquid restrictions, and generous luggage. For Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, Dresden, a cheap low-cost flight is usually faster.

Mistakes British Visitors Make

Through-tickets

Expecting to buy one through-ticket from London to a German city.

The Deutschlandticket

Using the old "€9 Ticket" name — it is now a €63/month subscription.

Validation

Turning up at regional platforms without validating your paper ticket.

Currency

Assuming UK cards get charged in GBP — they get charged in EUR.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the train from London to Germany?

Yes. Eurostar London St Pancras to Brussels-Midi (2h), then direct ICE to Cologne (1h 50), Frankfurt (3h 10), or Dortmund (2h 30). Total London→Cologne is about 4h 30.

Is it cheaper to fly or take the train from the UK to Germany?

Flights are almost always cheaper in absolute euros, but door-to-door time often beats rail only for destinations east of Berlin once you count airport faff.

Do UK bank cards work on German trains?

Yes — Visa and Mastercard issued in the UK work everywhere. Chase, Monzo, Starling, and Revolut are best for mid-market rates.

Do I need the Deutschlandticket as a UK visitor?

It's worth it if you're in Germany 3+ weeks or bouncing between small towns. Cancel by the 10th of a month.

Is my UK mobile contract valid in Germany?

Most UK networks charge for EU roaming now. EE, Vodafone, and Three charge ~£2/day. Check your provider.

Price Disclaimer: All prices mentioned on this page are non-binding and subject to change. Prices are examples only and may vary depending on booking time, route, and availability. Current and binding prices are available exclusively on the official websites of the respective providers (bahn.com, omio.com).