We are new to booking train tickets, so this may be a silly question to some of you. Looking to book a Flexpreis ticket from Salzburg to the Munich airport. Not sure what time of day we want to depart from Salzburg which is why I want that ticket. (I do know that I can purchase tickets at the station on that day, but our preference is to have them in hand before we leave home) My understanding is that with a Flexpreis we can board any train on the day we are traveling. However, when I look at the timetables some of the Flexpreis tickets are 34.50 EUR and some of them are 37 EUR. Why the difference in price? If I purchase the lower priced ticket, may I still board any train on that day?
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16893 posts
They are different train types. The more expensive ticket should work on the cheaper train, but not vice versa, unless you pay to upgrade it.
Posted by
Green Bay
20028 posts
What day of the week and what time is your flight, and is it an intercontinental flight?
Posted by
OP
South Carolina
55 posts
We have an early morning flight, so we will be staying at a hotel near the airport the night before.
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19092 posts
The 34,50€ ticket is for regional trains. With that ticket you could not board a Railjet (RJ) or a EuroCity (EC) train.
If you are using one of the regional connections after 9 AM on a workday (any time on a weekend day), you might as well use a Bayern-Ticket. Same flexibility, lower price (28€ for two people).
I think you are being overly paranoid about having the ticket in hand before you leave home. Bayern-Tickets don't sell out and are always the same price. There are no reserved seats on regional trains. If you purchase the ticket in advance, make sure it is for the right day; once purchased, it's non-exchangeable, non-refundable.
Posted by
Green Bay
20028 posts
Since you are just going from Salzburg to Munich airport, why not buy a Bayern ticket (assuming two of you), for 28 EUR. Take any regional train (Meridian trains for the most part) after 9 am to Munich Ost or Munich Hbf and then change to the S-Bahn to Munich airport. You could even go to the Hbf and store you luggage in a locker, then tour Munich for the rest of the day. Your Bayern ticket will also work on the Munich U-Bahn and trams for the day. Head to the airport in the evening and check into your hotel.
A lot cheaper than Flexpreis tickets.
https://www.bahn.com/i/view/GBR/en/prices/germany-regional/bavariaticket.shtml
Posted by
OP
South Carolina
55 posts
Thanks for all of your explanations and suggestions. Appears that the Bayern ticket is the way to go. Appreciate the help!