Transport
Public Transport
While certainly not up to the standards of their Dutch and Swiss neighbours, public transport in Germany is still vastly superior to the UK.
Buses, trams and trains are usually modern and clean, with very frequent services in major cities and an integrated system of buses and trains connecting suburbs and commuter towns.
Single-trip public transport tickets for shorter distances are not that much cheaper than in the UK in most cases. However, any commuter pass lasting a month or more is usually way cheaper than the equivalent ticket in Britain, especially compared to rail fares in London and the South-East.
Monthly passes often include free travel for family members or accompanying travellers during the evening and at weekends.
Also, unless you live out in the sticks, you’re usually not forced to commute to work by car as a necessity, like most folks sadly are in Britain.
Cycling
Bike paths are everywhere, especially so in university cities, and many of them are set aside from major traffic arteries, so cycling feels a lot safer too.
If you’re in a larger city, it’s incredibly easy to get around without owning a car.
Many train stations also have secure bike parking, so you can lock your bike and combine cycling with public transport for longer distances.
Driving
For drivers, Germany can be both a blessing and a curse.
Diesel is considerably cheaper than it is back home. Petrol is roughly the same price, depending on exchange rates at the time.
The road network is well developed and the Autobahns don’t have tolls.
On the downside, buying a car is considerably more expensive (Germany serves as a huge export market to Central & Eastern Europe for second hand cars). Servicing and repairs are pricey too, especially the cost of labour.
Traffic jams are also a common sight on motorways, just like in the UK.
What about those famous Autobahns?
Well, they may theoretically have large stretches that are de-restricted but you can barely drive 20km without hitting roadworks or some sort of contraflow system.
In the western part of the country, the Autobahns are in a poor state, construction is everywhere and most motorways are only 2×2 lanes.
Driving in the east, on the other hand, feels like Disneyland because all their Autobahns were widened and expanded post-reunification.
