Transfers

What is the best way to get from the airport to your lodging? Through one of our partners, we will be happy to organize a transfer that allows for your smooth arrival and departure. That way you can simply sit back and relax while being driven to your lodging or picked up at the end of your trip.

 

How the transfer works

Transfers for adults

Transfers for adults

You can purchase a transfer when you register for your German course. If you don't yet have an arrival or departure date, you can go ahead and sign up for the transfer anyway and let us know the exact times later. When you arrive, you will be met by a driver from our partner enterprise in the reception area.

If you arrive on time, go directly from passport control to the baggage claim. Your driver will either be waiting there or at the location the two of you have prearranged. S/he will be holding a sign with your name on it or the did logo. Detailed pick up instructions will be included in your transfer confirmation sent via email.

In most cases you will be transported individually. Occasionally, it may be possible other guests will be transported with you. Alternatively, you may take a taxi to the airport, in which case you will not receive a set price beforehand. The taxi driver will use the taxi meter to calculate the fare. Depending on the location of your lodging, it is possible a taxi transfer may be less expensive than a prearranged transfer reservation. Prearranged transfer reservations through did include transportation costs, organizational costs and wait times.

Wait Times

Your driver will wait up to 45 minutes after arrival for you. Notify us using the emergency number on your transfer confirmation if you expect to be delayed or can't find the driver right away. If it looks like you may miss the transfer due to a flight delay, your driver will try to take this into consideration, but nothing is guaranteed. Extra costs incurred (i.e., you did not meet the driver on time and did not notify him in advance) are not refundable. Costs for additional driver wait time will be calculated and added to your bill. In most cases you can ask for reimbursement of any extraordinary costs from your airline. Please refer to your airline for more information on their reimbursement policies. To avoid this risk, you may take a taxi to the airport instead.

Transfers for youth

Transfers for youth

Students taking part in our youth courses will be met in the arrival hall either by a did staff member, a host family member or a driver from our transfer company. The person meeting the student will wait outside the baggage claim or in the appropriate airline's area for unaccompanied minors (surcharges apply).

Good to know

Arrival day: Sunday between 8 am - 8 pm

On arrival day we offer group transfer. The group transfers typically take place between 8 am and 8 pm and participants are transported to their lodgings in small groups. Please note, wait times at the airport may be longer with group transfers. While waiting, students will be supervised by did staff members. We recommend you reserve your flight to arrive within the specified window so as not to incur any additional surcharges

UM Transfer

For participants traveling alone, a transfer for unaccompanied minors (UM) may be required. If so, choose a UM transfer when registering. Please note, because of the extra time required for individual pick up and assistance at the airport, a surcharge will be incurred.

Arrival day: Sunday before 8 am or after 8 pm or on Saturday

If it is not possible for you to arrive between 8 am and 8 pm, additional surcharges will be incurred for airport pickup. The amount of the surcharge depends on the day and time of arrival. We ask that you discuss this with our staff ahead of time. Please note, during the week no transfers can be guaranteed.

Departure day: Saturday

We also offer transfers on the day of departure. Again, there is the group transfer option between 8 am and 8 pm. Additionally, you can book the UM (unaccompanied minor) service for a fee. Should you need to depart on a different day or at another time, we ask that you discuss this with our staff before you book your flight.

Host Family Transfers

At course locations offering host family accommodation, the host family may pick up the student. In this case, the host family will drive their own car, use public transportation or take a taxi to bring you home. Host family transfers are generally from the local train station only rather than the airport and must be arranged for ahead of time.

Wait Times

Should you be traveling without UM service, we recommend you read the transfer instructions on your transfer confirmation very carefully. If your airplane or train is delayed, call the emergency number immediately. Avoidable delays (i.e., failure to look for the driver immediately) may lead to additional costs due to longer wait times.

Transportation

Public Transportation

After arrival you will soon realize how easy it is to travel with public transportation. Tickets can be purchased from automatic ticket machines or at designated ticket booths.

Tickets

Depending on length of stay, we recommend purchasing weekly or monthly passes. Cost information for each individual transportation operation can be found here: Berlin / Frankfurt / Hamburg / München

Youth Courses

For participants enrolled in youth courses, public transportation costs are included in the package. Youth will receive their tickets directly from us.

  • Fare dodging: Be careful! If you are caught riding without a valid ticket, you are riding "black". Fines as high as €60 may be levied against you.

Other means of transport

Bicycle
Eco-friendly

Bicycle

Bicycles can be borrowed quite conveniently through various apps. Bicycling is an awesome way to get to know the city or ride to school, especially in the summer. Besides, it is a reasonably priced alternative. Stay safe and use the identified bike trails.

Bus und train
Inexpensive

Bus und train

If you would like to do some traveling within Germany, we recommend taking the train or bus. The bus is normally cheaper, but with the train you will arrive quicker. It is advisable to purchase your tickets early. These methods of transport are not as expensive and are often sold out.

Taxi
Comfortable

Taxi

Traveling by taxi in Germany for short distances is relatively expensive and not the most ideal way to get around the city. Remember, you have to pay in cash if you don't already have a taxi app (i.e., FREE NOW) installed on your phone.