When riding around on trains and buses in Germany, you might have noticed that they don’t check your bus pass or train ticket more than half your travels. This leads some to think that it is easy enough just to travel illegally and not buy tickets for trains and buses.
Riding Buses Illegally
I’ll admit I’ve done it from time to time. If you for some reason need to ride illegally, the bus is your safest bet. Here, the bus controller is the one who needs to check your ticket. Most of the time you can squeeze in through the middle of the bus. Buses are almost never controlled. I’ve actually not been once checked even on a bus route I rode almost everyday for two weeks.
Riding Trains Illegally
Short train routes are almost never checked. Long routes going from say Frankfurt to Berlin definately will be checked. ICE trains, always. If you need to ride a few stops illegally, say you lost your wallet, do so on slower trains (RE, IRE, and S Bahn). If you are still worried, hide out in the bathroom a few stops. If you do see the conductor checking tickets, just slowly walk to the bathroom or hope that a stop comes up quick. Worst comes to worst and he does get you, fumble around in your coat for a ticket and speak English.
Punishment for Riding Illegally
What is the ulimate punishment if you get caught. Usually it is a 40 euro fine, though it could be more depending on the train. Just be careful and don’t ride illegally if you don’t have to. Buying that ticket is buying peace of mind. It’s always that one time you don’t buy a ticket that you get caught. Trust me, I know.
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