I want to buy a Bayern Ticket online. (Going from Munich to Salzburg. And yes, I know I don't need to buy online ahead of time, but my travel date is set in stone and I have nothing but trouble trying to use my American credit card in European train stations.) The DB website makes you pick a specific train/time, and I'm sure it will print the specific train/time on the ticket. Will I then need to use the ticket on that specific train/time, or is it true that I can use it any time that day, as long as I'm on an appropriate type of train? I'm going to be doing some sightseeing in Munich and it would be nice to know that I can hop on a train a little earlier or later than expected without getting in trouble for it.
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19274 posts
The Bayern-Ticket is specific for a certain date, but not for any certain train. It can be used all day long on that date (after 9 AM workdays) for any regional train(s) you desire.
If you buy a Bayern-Ticket at an automat or ticket counter, you will specify if it is for use today, tomorrow, or another date. The ticket will come out with that validity date printed on it, and it is non-transferable (that is, if you buy it for today, you cannot use it tomorrow). Same thing if you buy it online.
If you have trouble using your American credit card in the automat, you can always use cash. It's only 23€ for one person, 28€ for two.
Posted by
San Francisco
14980 posts
Your troubles in using an US magnetic credit card or chip and signature card should end in Germany. Germany (and Austria too) are the easiest countries where your (and my card too) credit card is bound to work. The pictorial plainly shows what the DB machine will accept as payment, US credit cards too. I had absolutely no problems paying with my credit cards using a DB ticket machine a month ago.
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19274 posts
I see your question. When buying a Bayern-Ticket online, you must pick a specific train where the Bayern-Ticket is available and the best option. The website will make it look like you are buying it for a specific train, but, in fact, you will be buying a ticket that is not train specific.
After you press the "Purchase" button, the website says, "Valid for any number of journeys on the day of validity, no matter the connection indicated."
If you are using a Meridian regional train from Munich to Salzburg, you can take advantage of the Guten Tag Ticket. It's just like the Bayern-Ticket except just for Meridian and Bayrische Oberlandbahn (BOB) trains in southern Bavaria. It costs 2€ less (21€ first person, 5€ each additional up to 5 total). Unlike the Bayern-Ticket, it is not valid on RVO buses. You should be able to purchase it from Meridian ticket automats. I don't think the Meridian ticket counters charge extra for personal service.