5-days-in-30 (flexi) = €365/2 adults... 7-days flexi costs €60 more.
Discount available through December 16, also for fewer or more travel days, also for continuous passes
This could be just the right fix for couples/friends hitting Christmas-markets around the country. Valid also to certain destinations outside Germany (Salzburg, Brussels, Venice under certain conditions.)
https://bahn.eurail.com/en/one-country-pass/german-rail-twin-pass
do they have to be bought by that date but can be used next year, or do they have to be bought and used by that date?
Bought by the 16th to get that price. Seller is eurail, so I am guessing that use should take place within 12 months... not sure, though.
In 2000, I bought my last rail pass, a 5 day German Rail pass. It was a 2 week trip; I used the pass for the five most expensive legs of the trip. When I came home I used the German Rail website to find the walk-up ticket price of those legs, and I found I just barely came out ahead with the rail pass.
Since then I've learned a lot about using Saver Fares (advance purchase tickets for long distant trains) and regional passes (Länder-Tickets, for regional trains all day in one German Land, like the Bayern-Ticket).
My last three trips were one 14 day trip alone and 2 3-week trips with my late partner, each trip with nine legs for which a rail pass could have been used. On each of these trips (55 days, total), I had 9 days of travel where I could have used a rail pass. I didn't spend close to $365 for tickets on any of these trips.
Now, maybe my mode of travel is a little different from a lot of people. I tend to exploit one area, making a lot of short, local trip, rather than making vast leaps, trying to see the whole country in a few days.
But my point is, instead of just assuming that a rail pass will pay for itself, do an analysis. Look at your itinerary, what rail connections you will be making, and how much things like Länder tickets and other regional passes might cost for those connections, and what advance purchase Savings Fare tickets will cost. You might be surprised.
BTW, this is a Eurail Pass and the discount includes the Global Pass and most single country passes. From the Rail Europe site:
Save 25% on Eurail and Interrail Passes this season. Book by 17 December to save big on all Global Passes and most One Country Passes (only Switzerland excluded) available in both 1st and 2nd class. Travel anytime within 11 months of purchase.
FYI: Eurail Passes are for non-European residents exploring Europe by train, while Interrail Passes are for European citizens and residents. So whatever your case, your pass is on sale right now.
Lee's right - a careful rail pass v. ticket alternatives analysis can often be fruitful. The right choice depends on many factors, however, and unfortunately, a good analysis is anything but simple and straightforward.
It's wisest to lay out your travel plans in detail on this forum so that those who know the ropes of rail travel in Germany can provide tips and guidance.
