To ensure your journey through Augsburg Hauptbahnhof goes smoothly and without unnecessary stress, we have collected a few practical recommendations. Although this station is not a giant labyrinth, it has its own features that are useful to know in advance.
Arrival time and tickets. We recommend arriving at the station at least 20–30 minutes before your train departs, especially if you are travelling with luggage or during rush hour. In Germany, there are no turnstiles at the entrance to the platforms — access is free. However, this does not mean you can travel without a ticket: controls on trains are strict. If you bought a paper ticket from a machine (for example, a "Bavaria Ticket"), do not forget to validate it at the special stands before going onto the platform. Electronic tickets on a smartphone do not need to be validated.
Boarding the train. For long-distance trains (ICE or IC), it is important to know in advance where your carriage will stop. On every platform, there are information boards with a carriage layout plan (Wagenstandanzeiger). Find the number of your train and carriage on the diagram to determine the required platform sector (A, B, C, etc.). This will save you from having to run with suitcases along the entire train during a short stop.
Transfers and navigation. Augsburg station has recently undergone extensive modernisation, and transferring between trains and city transport has now become maximally convenient. The tram station is located underground, directly beneath the railway tracks. If you need to transfer from a train to a tram, simply use the escalators or lifts leading down from the platform, bypassing the main hall. Usually, 10–15 minutes is sufficient for transferring between different trains, as the passageways are compact and easy to understand.
Luggage and safety. The station is considered a safe place, and federal police patrol regularly. Nevertheless, as in any crowded place, do not leave your belongings unattended. If you have heavy bags, use the lifts available at every exit to the platform. Ramps in the old part of the station can be steep, so the lift is a more reliable choice.
Night waiting. Although the station building is formally open around the clock, life here quiets down at night. Most cafes and shops close by 23:00, waiting halls can be cool, and seats are not designed for sleeping. If you have a long night layover (more than 3–4 hours), it is wiser to book a room in one of the hotels located on the station square to rest in comfort and safety.