The routes

BTE AutoReiseZug runs between Hamburg-Altona and Lörrach on the Swiss border. In 2026 the train ran on 102 days from May to October, always in the evening. Urlaubs-Express (UEX) runs from Hamburg and Düsseldorf to Munich, Villach in Austria and Lörrach in summer, and ski trains to Tyrol and Salzburg in winter. There is no direct car train from Hamburg to Italy.

What it costs

With BTE, a couchette costs from €220 per person and the car from €189 one way (December 2026 to October 2027). The price for the car goes up with its weight, so a heavy electric car costs more than a small petrol car. With UEX, the price depends on the route, the day and how many have booked.

With an electric car

Neither BTE nor UEX says anything about electric cars in their terms. Ask the operator before you book. Check the dimensions too. With UEX you can book online if the car is at most 205 cm high and 190 cm wide, with at least 11 cm of ground clearance. With BTE the roof may be at most 155 cm wide including luggage. The car is not charged on the train, so board with enough charge to reach the first charger the next morning.

Getting to Hamburg

Charge up in Denmark before you cross the border. Then you will have enough to reach the train. For the rules in Germany, such as the environmental sticker for cities, see the guide on Germany.

Is it worth it?

Weigh the ticket against electricity, a night in a hotel and a day on the road. The train makes most sense when you are going far south, for example to Austria, Italy or Switzerland, and if you want to arrive rested.

Checklist