Train Times and Prices... WOW

[Palermo10]

I'll be getting a youth 2nd class pass good for 6-7 days of travel within the month. Won't be using it for the Czech game since I'll be staying in Dusseldorf and it's close enough that I can just use local rail (same with Dortmund if I get Germany-Poland tickets).


Right on mate - I inquired about the 22 March friendly in Dortmund, and a one-way city pass is about e8.25, or an all day unlimited city pass is about 16 euros. Dortmund, Gelsenkirchen, Dusseldorf, I believe they are all in the same metro area and work.

[n4100]

First, as to the rail passes -- I am getting the twin Germany only rail pass which looks to be the way to go for myself and my brother-in-law. Its only $135.00 (per person) for 4 days of travel ANYWHERE in GERMANY plus $18 per person per day extra -- the only catch is you have to travel together.
We are getting 6 days for a grand total of $342 ($171 per person) -- can't beat the deal as an adult.
http://www.raileurope.com/us/rail/passes/german_rail_twin_pass.htm

For youth (under 26) there is an even better deal if you are not traveling with another person necessarily:
http://www.raileurope.com/us/rail/passes/german_rail_youth_pass.htm

$142 for 4 days plus only $13 for any extra days.

Although we are going to take a train to Amsterdam after the first match -- it actually works out MUCH cheaper to just pay for this trip seperately than to buy a multi-country pass.

Good Luck!

You may actually want to look into the Germany & Benelux Pass. It may work out cheaper than buying a single RT for the trip to Amsterdam. If you're set on getting an RT, take the train to the last stop in Germany before buying a ticket, that way you're only paying from there, instead of deep inside Germany.

I plan on getting a youth pass ( for me ) and then an adult for my dad , with about three extra days . Is there a limit to the number of passes they can sell? or if they can run out? No, they don't run out or have a limit. You might also be better off if you get a German Rail Twin Pass, Adult second class, even though you qualify for the Youth pass. It'll work out cheaper for you and your dad to travel together on a twin pass than for the two of you to do it seperately.

Also, if anyone is a Yank living over in Europe (student/military/whatnot) and has been for 6 consecutive months, you'll qualify for an Interrail pass, which isn't listed on Rail Europe. Its far superior to the passes most Yanks qualify for. Its intended for European residents and gets one around a whole lot cheaper and to far many more places.

[NBlue]

You may actually want to look into the Germany & Benelux Pass. It may work out cheaper than buying a single RT for the trip to Amsterdam. If you're set on getting an RT, take the train to the last stop in Germany before buying a ticket, that way you're only paying from there, instead of deep inside Germany.

Yes -- I did look into this and it is close but the Germany pass is actually slightly cheaper as the pass to Amsterdam is only going to be about $15. Thanks though -- and others who plan on traveling in Holland or Belgium should definitely look into that!

[BuffloSoldier]

My wife and I are getting the eight-day flex Eurail pass; but that's mostly due to our criss-crossing Europe in between games (match day games, but also Berlin, Paris and Vienna).

[gngrasso]

I have a Beemer 3 Series waiting at FRA. I could not go to Germany and pass up a chance to drive on the ultimate roadway.

I plan on getting to match cities the morning of the games. Would NOT even try to get into a city after 2 pm by car on matchday.

:D

[nowherenova]

I have a Beemer 3 Series waiting at FRA. I could not go to Germany and pass up a chance to drive on the ultimate roadway.

I plan on getting to match cities the morning of the games. Would NOT even try to get into a city after 2 pm by car on matchday.

:D
Better hope they don't give you a 4-banger or you'll be over there in the right lane maxing at 130 k while old ladies in 600 SEL's blow by you.

(I joke from experience)

[gngrasso]

Better hope they don't give you a 4-banger or you'll be over there in the right lane maxing at 130 k while old ladies in 600 SEL's blow by you.

(I joke from experience)

Oh, I fully expect to get blown away by german old ladies! Should still be an experience, though. Gotta love a country where you could get a fine for "excessive noise caused by slamming of car doors", and get arrested for giving someone the finger while driving. :eek:

[doogiemo]

I plan on getting to match cities the morning of the games. Would NOT even try to get into a city after 2 pm by car on matchday.

:D

ditto here!! it would be insane to even think about getting a few hrs b4 the match.

[klattamaniac]

I've seen this mentioned a couple times here and other places, but...when it says 4-day pass (or 6-day or whatever), do those days have to be consecutive? Or can I travel one day, stay in a city for 3-4 days, travel to another and have that count as two days of travel?

[MarkoC]

I've seen this mentioned a couple times here and other places, but...when it says 4-day pass (or 6-day or whatever), do those days have to be consecutive? Or can I travel one day, stay in a city for 3-4 days, travel to another and have that count as two days of travel?
The 4, 6 , and 8 day passes are flexipasses, which allow for non-consecutive travel days within a period of 2 months.

[Sagz]

With those passes that have 6-7 travel days. Is that any 6-7 days or is it 6-7 consecutive days?

[dfb547490]

It's any X number of days within a certain time period (usually a month). Keep in mind though that trains that depart after, i believe 7 pm, count as traveling on the next day.

Anyone know if the rail stations in Kaiserslautern and Nuremberg will have either rental lockers or a bag check?? I really don't want to have to lug my crap around all day on gameday, let alone worry about putting it somewhere during the game.

[eissman]

The 2006 edition of Rick Steves' rail pass guide has just been released.
The pdf document can be downloaded via this link:
http://www.ricksteves.com/rail06/pdfs/06RailGuide.pdf


Great link DirkDiggler!! I swear by Rick Steve's...

Anyone who has not visited this PDF file, do so immediately for great accurate material on your Deutsche Bahn plans for Germany 2006. In particular, fill out page 5 - "What's The Best Pass For Your Trip" - section. This will really make you focus on the actual days you travel and thus allow you a better perspective as to what amount of days you really need to spend on a pass. For myself, I just assumed that since I would be there 10 days a 10-day pass was all that I need to cover my ace. WRONG... I soon realized that I could easily get by with a 5-day pass, plus or minus a day. Brilliant!!

Try it.

[eissman]

It's any X number of days within a certain time period (usually a month). Keep in mind though that trains that depart after, i believe 7 pm, count as traveling on the next day.


Ah... this is GOOD information that I was unaware of. Thanks DFB! :)


Anyone know if the rail stations in Kaiserslautern and Nuremberg will have either rental lockers or a bag check?? I really don't want to have to lug my crap around all day on gameday, let alone worry about putting it somewhere during the game.

Yes, from what I am aware of in Rick Steve's travel books. He mentions dropping off bags in Nuremburg lockers at the station... cannot speak for K-town, however.

[El-Professor]

I have a Beemer 3 Series waiting at FRA. I could not go to Germany and pass up a chance to drive on the ultimate roadway.

I plan on getting to match cities the morning of the games. Would NOT even try to get into a city after 2 pm by car on matchday.

:D

Driving the 'Bahn is a blast!! Even in a four-banger its still a hoot to get blown like your standing still while doing 90mph!

We rented a villa in the countryside near several venues and rented a couple of cars. We'll drive to the villa and sightseeing, but on game days we'll drive to the nearest train station and take the train in. The German 4-day passes are awesome for this.

Still lots of those countryside villas and hostels available.

[miked9]

does anybody know if the youth rate as under 26 means "26 and under" or "25 and 364 days and under"?

I turn 26 in may :(

[Palermo10]

I think I saw 25 or younger on your first day of travel.

[ami-berliner]

One thing to note is there are several different types of trains. ICE (Inter City Express), which I assume most rail times are quoting, are very fast and make few stops. They are also the most expensive option. Then there is the IC (Inter City). They make more stops, but are cheaper. Finally there are the Bummelzuege which are the slowest, oldest, and cheapest option. They make a stop in about every Podunk town on the route (It took me 14 hours to go from Köln to Berlin; one-way). There used to be a weekend ticket special for the Bummelzuege. It was something like 35 D.Mark for a ticket that was good for an entire weekend, and up to 5 people could travel on it. I'm not sure if this is still an option, but just remember to look for all options before going with the high priced ones. Also, there used to be an inter-city ride share program, but again, I'm not sure if it's still around.

[AGF Aarhus]

The 54, 74 and 90 Euro special tickets DB is selling are good for all trains (including ICE), as is the WC pass they are selling.

Most other passes will also be valid on ICE, although possibly with a small supplement. Reservations, contrary to belief, are almost alway free.

The Happy Weekend ticket still exists, but is not a realistic option if you actually want to make it to a game before kickoff.

Do be aware that DB employs a mind-bogglingly complex pricing system full of excpetions and special offers. If you do not buy a pass or the special tickets they are selling (mentioned above), book your tickets as early as possible, as fares rise as availability decreases.

[cswan]

does anybody know if the youth rate as under 26 means "26 and under" or "25 and 364 days and under"?

I turn 26 in may

This is lifted directly from Rick Steves' Railpass travel guide:

"You must be under age 26 on your first day of railpass travel."

Christine S.