6.11 Rail travel in Germany-2

Buying a ticket

When booking a train ticket in Germany, it certainly pays to ask if there are any special reductions (Ermäßigungen). There are also of course reduced fares and special deals for senior citizens (Senioren) and children and teenagers (Junioren), as well as special holiday tickets (das Ferienticket) (see left). Travellers might also consider the Schönes Wochenende Ticket (= literally: "Nice Weekend Ticket"). This provides weekend travel on local trains only for up to five persons travelling together.

 

But the perhaps the biggest price-slasher for the regular visitor is die BahnCard, a railpass valid for a whole year, giving you a 25% reduction on all fares. It costs 55 euros for second class travel and 110 euros for first class travel. Other versions of the BahnCard give you 50% and 100% reduction on train travel, but you need to pay more for them. You can get more information on the BahnCard by clicking here.

 

Deutsche Bahn AG---The homepage of Germany's privatised rail company also has an English version.

Die BahnCard---What the BahnCard is and how can you acquire one?

ICE-Fanpage---Everything you could possibly want to know about the InterCity Express.

The ICE crash at Eschede---Information about the horrific ICE crash in Eschede in June 1988 which claimed 100 lives.

Berliner Verkehrsseiten---Markus Jurziczek's website offers information about the local transport system in Berlin.

Eurail---How to buy a Eurail ticket and travel across Europe by rail.