By Contributing Writer
The Deutsche Bahn or German Rail is expensive if you don't know how the system works.The Deutsche Bahn pricing system rewards advance bookings and travel in groups of up to five. It penalizes day-of travel for one to two people, usually meaning tourists who do not know how the system works.
Pricing Tiers
The Deutsche Bahn has a price-tier system, in which prices steadily increase based on availability. The lowest fares are called dauer-specials, which start at 29 euros. But they sell out quickly so booking three to two months in advance is recommended. If you have to pay standard prices, it makes more sense to get a four-day German Rail Pass. Prices also are discounted when more people purchase the same itinerary together.
Types of Trains
There are also three types of trains, the fastest are ICE trains, the second fastest are EC trains, while the slowest are regional RE trains. Prices vary accordingly. The ICE offers direct connections and travel to international destinations. EC trains make more stops than the ICE trains while the RE trains stop at almost every town on the way.
Group Travel
Special group fares for weekend travelers of up to five, called Schönes Wochenende tickets (Happy Weekend tickets), can be purchased on the weekends and are valid for one day of travel for up to five people anywhere in Germany on the RE trains for 37 euros.
ICE Travel Times
The travel time for an ICE train from Cologne to Berlin, which is basically cross-country, is about 4.5 hours. Berlin to Munich on the ICE is about 6 hours. Hamburg to Munich is also 6 hours on the ICE.
Seat Reservations
You have to pay extra for seat reservations. You can also decide to go without a reservation, in which case you sit in unreserved seats in your class. Reserved seats have notifications specifying when the seats will be occupied. For example, it will say, "Hamburg to Lübeck," but you can sit in these seats until they are claimed.
Bahn Cards
If you're planning to stay longer in Germany, you might be interested in investing in a Bahn card. No matter when you book your tickets, these cards offer you 100, 50 or 25 percent off the standard price.
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