Can I buy a twin German Rail Pass if my son is under 25 (he's 23)?

There is no age limit and the Twin pass is the better price. When you follow links from http://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/transportation/trains/germany-rail-passes, go ahead and enter 2 adults and mark the box for traveling together. Delivery time from Rail Europe is 3 - 5 business days via UPS, with tracking. I would not order from the German site and rely on the mail service. You can also buy the pass at a German train station, if that sounds easier.

If a 23 year old could only buy a youth pass (which is only for 2nd class), he couldn't choose 1st class, could he? (Come to think of it, maybe not a bad idea. LOL)

To Laura from Rick Steves - Thanks for your reply and, yes, I would trust the US mail with tracking over the other choice. Are there advantages or disadvantages of purchasing at the rail station in Germany? Do you know if you get the DB Bahn rates quoted on their website including promotions? The DB Bahn rates are much less expensive that Rail Europe and DB Bahn is running a special. On the DB Bahn website, they are listing a promotional pass for 5 days at the rate of 267 Euros (~$360) versus the normal rate of 356 Euros (~$484). Rail Europe is quoting $520. They do list this is the "details" German Rail Pass 5 days which made me question the strictness of the > 25 requirement.

"Promo offer with a 25% discount
Promotion Passes can be sold from 30.06.2014 to 31.08.2014.
Travel with a Promotion Pass is possible between 30.06.2014 to 15.09.2014.
Valid for: two persons, > 25 years , days in 1 month with a 25% discount

Let me know. Heidi

I'm curious to know how many days you intend to purchase. Last month I purchased a Twin German pass through Rick's website and it cost a total of $772 (first class). I realize $200 of that was for first class, but it still seems quite a lot more than what we are talking here. And I certainly don't recall any discounts. ?? Also, my pass came in one week.

I just saw the Sit'n'Save special. 25 % discount (but you must get seat reservations for all the crack trains).
This site from DB offers trackable shipping for $12 for one week delivery, and if you are real antsy, $35 for for 3 day.
http://www.germanrailpasses.com/passes-prices/ordering-info/shipping

HI Sam - once again, great advice (you also replied to a different post). So the above prices were from the DB Bahn site with the 25% discount (I may be a few dollars off due to the Euro to dollar conversion). The dicey thing is, I don't believe I can get them in time. So I could purchase tickets in Germany at the DB Bahn ticket office but I am not sure if this deal is a internet only type of thing. The site you mentioned seems the best bet and gives some piece of mind for just a few bucks more (www.germanrailpass.com). They are $384 plus shipping but I will get them in time. As for the reservations, that could be problemmatic although it doesn't sound like I need to reserve all tickets at the time of purchase (per their website). RailEurope is not offering the 25% off until tomorrow so I don't know what that will be and if all tickets need to be reserved. Heidi - Just so you know, I am a Green Bay Packers fan - Go Green Bay!!! I know I am a few months too early on that :-)

When you look at the "How to Buy" blurb, it seems to indicate that they must be purchased outside of Germany, or on-line and sent via the expedited service, which says if ordered today you will have them on June 24 for the $12 service and June 20 for the $35 service and you get tracking on both. One added cost may be that if your credit card charges the usually and customary 3 % for foreign purchases. I use Capital One, so it is not a problem for me but could be for you. The US agencies are good old Rail Europe and Euraid, Those would not be subject to the fees, but then they tack on who knows what for currency exchange.

Yes I have the awesome capital one card. Learned that last year from Rick Stevea when I went to Italy last year.

Passes typically aren't worth their costs as single tickets can be purchased in advance at savings. Also if your intended travels include southern Germany the two you travel all day long for about 25 Euro total Bavarian Pass ticket. If you want a pass for Switzerland then buy a real "Swiss" pass. There are many options there including the Swiss Half Fare Card