Traveling by train in Germany is… an adventure. Not just because of the many delays and train cancellations, but also because of DB Navigator, the Deutsche Bahn app. Although the app basically does what it’s supposed to, it is unpredictable in many ways and therefore not exactly the best tool for stress-free public transport travel. Fortunately, there are alternatives that we would like to introduce to you in this article.
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Train: Timetable & live tracking
Google Play Store
Google Play Store
Google Play Store
The app “Bahn: Fahrplan und Live Tracking” is an unofficial alternative to the well-known DB Navigator and is available as an app for Android, iOS and the web. It provides real-time information on timetables, connections, capacity forecasts, carriage sequences and live tracking. The Deutschlandticket filter is particularly useful as it allows you to find the best journeys for the 49-euro ticket.
Practical live data
With just a few clicks, you can search for connections and get a comprehensive overview of all trains, transfers and, if applicable, walking routes. As soon as you have found a suitable connection, you can save it as a favorite and always keep an eye on it. The departure boards inform you which trains are leaving the station next.
The real-time information is always up to date and also shows delays or cancellations. You get detailed information about all the train stops, including times, platform numbers and additional information about delays and disruptions. A map view shows the entire route, all stations and the approximate location of the train.
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Capacity forecast makes travel planning easier
A particularly useful feature is the capacity forecast, which shows you the current and predicted capacity of the trains. This allows you to decide in advance whether you should reserve a seat or choose an alternative connection. The app also shows the carriage sequence so that you can go straight to the right section on the platform.
In addition, the app offers a live tracking feature that allows you to share a personal live link with family and friends, so you can track in real time how your train journey is going and when you are expected to arrive.
Filter for the Deutschlandticket
There is a corresponding filter for users of the 49-euro ticket. This automatically searches for connections that are only served by local and regional trains that are included in the Deutschlandticket.
Train: Timetable & live tracking
Advantages:
- Filter for the Deutschlandticket
- Real-time information
- Live tracking of trains
Disadvantages:
- No ticket booking possible
Public transport – timetable information
Google Play Store
Google Play Store
Google Play Store
An outstanding alternative to DB Navigator is the open source Android app Öffi – Fahrplanauskunft, developed by Andreas Schildbach. If you download the app from the Google Play Store, you actually get three programs in one: Öffi stops, Öffi network maps and Öffi connections. All three apps are free and ad-free, and you can switch between them seamlessly without having to open them separately.
Individual connection selection
To find the right connections and stops, Öffi first asks you to select a transport association (for example, “Deutsche Bahn”) or a region. The app not only offers local connections within a transport association, but also Germany-wide and international connections.
Clever functions for stops
If you activate GPS, Öffi Haltestellen shows you the surrounding bus and train stops, including the distance and the next departure. Small direction arrows act like a compass and show you in which direction the stop is. A tap on the stop lists all the buses and trains that run there, including departure intervals and any delays.
Using the three-dot menu, you can add connections to your favorites, display the stops on Google Maps, and calculate a walking route. The options “Connection from here” or “Connection to here” take you directly to the “Public transport connections” app.
Comprehensive connection details
If you change the transport network to “Deutsche Bahn” for long-distance connections, the app visualizes the next connections including train numbers and departure and arrival times in a waterfall diagram. By tapping on a connection you get detailed information, including all intermediate stops and delays.
An additional feature is the integration into your smartphone’s Google calendar, whereby all connection details, such as arrival and departure times, are automatically entered. Unlike DB Navigator, however, Öffi lacks all booking and reservation functions.
Personalized connection settings
For precise connection information, you can select under “Settings” and “Connections” whether you are looking for the fastest connection or the shortest route, for example. For precise time information, you can specify how fast you can walk. The search for barrier-free routes is also taken into account if the appropriate settings are selected.
Public transport – timetable information
Advantages:
- Free and ad-free
- Informs about public transport networks in 15 countries
- Calendar connection
Disadvantages:
- Not available for iOS
- No ticket booking possible
Trainline: Buy train tickets
If you’ve been thinking, “And how are journey planner apps supposed to help me if I can’t buy tickets?”, here’s the app you’ve been waiting for: Trainline. Originally known as Captain Train, it was acquired by British company Trainline and now offers a comprehensive solution for train tickets across Europe.
Available for both Android and iOS, Trainline features a sleek, ad-free interface that makes the booking process extremely easy and quick.
Simple booking process
With Trainline you can book train tickets not only in Germany, but also in many other European countries. The app cooperates with bus and train companies from over forty countries, including Germany, Spain, Italy, France, Great Britain, Switzerland, Belgium and the Netherlands. This allows you to conveniently plan and book international trips via the app.
Everything in one app
To use Trainline, simply enter your personal details, choose a payment method (such as credit card or Paypal) and select your destination. The app will then plan your route and find the cheapest ticket price. Up to five tickets can be booked at once and seats can be reserved directly in the app.
Advantages over DB Navigator
Compared to the DB Navigator, Trainline offers a much cleaner user interface. It is particularly useful for planning international trips. While the DB Navigator does show connections abroad, it often does not allow booking or price overviews for these trips. This is where Trainline scores: With just a few clicks, you can find the connection you want, including the price, and book it directly.
Comprehensive information and price comparison
With Trainline you have all the information at your fingertips. The app shows you schedules, departure times, platform numbers and delays in real time. The price comparison is also particularly useful: you can choose from over 270 train and bus providers and ensure that you get the best deal. In addition, you can use your Bahncard or other customer cards to get additional discounts and collect points.
The only downside to the app is that Trainline collects your data for over 100 services for advertising purposes and “blindsided” you at the beginning by asking you to give your consent. You can refuse this at any time in the privacy settings under your account, although this requires a bit of work because it is not done with a single slider.
Trainline App
Advantages:
- Simple ticket raffle
- Price comparison for cheap offers
- Wide coverage of providers and countries
Disadvantages:
- Danger of excessive data tracking
Omio: Train, bus, flights, ferry
Google Play Store
Google Play Store
Google Play Store
Omio, formerly known as GoEuro, is a versatile booking app available for Android and iOS. The app allows you to book train, bus, flight and ferry tickets in a single, easy search – including DB Navigator tickets. This not only saves time and money, but makes your travel planning much more convenient.
Wide choice of transport modes
Omio took a variety of means of transport into account, including trains, long-distance buses, planes and ferries. While traditional public transport connections and local transport associations are not covered, Omio excels on larger, international routes such as from Hamburg to London or from Munich to Paris.
The app searches for connections between stops and stations and offers a clear homepage where you can enter the start and destination, travel date, number of travelers and any discount cards.
Comprehensive functions and easy operation
With Omio you have access to over 1,000 partners in more than 37 countries, including Deutsche Bahn. The app offers live train and bus times, mobile tickets and seat reservations.
Convenient features such as contactless travel and crowd alerts that show you how full your train is make it particularly convenient to use. In addition, you can pay in various currencies and use payment methods such as Google Pay, Paypal and major credit and debit cards.
Compare and book in one place
Omio allows you to compare and book all your train, bus, flight and ferry journeys in one place. The ‘lock in price’ feature helps you avoid price fluctuations. Mobile tickets and live updates save you time and ensure you are always up to date.
Exclusive discounts and flexibility
The app offers exclusive discounts such as GroupSave, Bahncard usage, student discounts and friend referrals. With Omio Flex, you can cancel for any reason up to 24 hours before departure and get 85 percent of the ticket price back.
Omio-App
Advantages:
- Wide choice of transport modes
- Fast, easy ticket booking
- Attractive
Disadvantages:
- Does not include traditional public transport connections
