Last July, I took the train from Hamburg to Berlin, Germany. Given that it was an enjoyable experience, let me share it with you:

1. Available Options
2. Average Travelling Time
3. Average Cost
4. Pros and Cons
5. My Concern
6. About Deutsche Bahn
7. Ticket Selection
8. Route from Hamburg to Berlin

Part 1: Available Options

For this purpose, there are four options available:

1. Domestic Flight;
2. Train;
3. Taxi;
4. Rent a Car

Part 2: Average Travelling Time

In sum, this is the average travelling time for each option:

1. 4 hours for domestic flight;
2. 3 hours for train ride;
3. 4 hours for taxi ride;
4. 4 hours for car ride.

Part 3: Average Cost (SGD)

On the other hand, this is the average cost for option option:

1. $120;
2. $140;
3. $710;
4. $250.

Part 4: Pros and Cons

Pros:

Domestic Flight: Most convenient since I am at the airport
Train: Frequent train rides throughout the day
Taxi: Most convenient
Rent a Car: Somewhat convenient

Cons:

Domestic Flight: I may miss the flight if there is any hiccup, e.g. flight delay
Train: I have to drag my huge luggage and carry my heavy backpack everywhere
Taxi: Look at the cost!
Rent a Car: Need to stare at the GPS constantly

Part 5: My Concern

Comparatively, it was cheaper to choose either the domestic flight or the train ride. However, I don’t want to face the aftermath of missing the domestic flight. Thus, I decided to take the train.

Part 6: About Deutsche Bahn

In Germany, Deutsche Bahn is the train service that links cities in Europe together. In detail, there are two choices for seats – 2nd class and 1st class.

Part 7: Ticket Selection

I opted for the 1st class ticket as it included free seat reservation (which will otherwise cost an additional Euro 4.50 = SGD 7). At the same time, I get access to their lounges while waiting for the train to arrive. To seal the deal, it offers free “no data limit” WiFi on board. (Though I somehow exceeded their data limit in the end.)

Pro Tip: Choose Digital ticket when checking out from their website. Thereupon, you may show the ticket operator your digital ticket from the convenience of your smartphone.

Part 8: Route from Hamburg to Berlin

1. From Hamburg Airport, walk to Hamburg Airport (Flughafen) Station. [5 minutes]
2. Take the train from Hamburg Airport (Flughafen Station) to Hamburg Hauptbahnhof (Hbf) [24 minutes]
3. Thereafter, take the Intercity train to Berlin-Spandau Station [ 1 hour 53 minutes]

On the whole, the journey took less than 2 hours. For the most part, I enjoyed watching countless YouTube videos using the on board WiFi. If you are flying through cities in Germany, consider taking the train. It was by all means a worthy experience!