For all of you who want to rent cars in the near future while in Germany, do check the prices of gas. They are going up and quickly. Price right now is almost $8.00 a gallon and they expect it to rise even more to about 2 euro a liter, or around 8 euro per gallon. Figure that into your travel budget and see if riding the trains might make a bit more sense.
Posted by
Atlanta
1358 posts
I hear Lee coming....
Posted by
Calgary
2297 posts
Is diesel going up at the same rate?
Posted by
Portland, Maine, USA
171 posts
Can anyone tell me what the price of fuel in France is? I am renting a car in May
Posted by
Salt Lake City
1528 posts
We lived in Germany for 6 years and owned our own car. With GI gas coupons, the car was usually the most economic way to travel and a great way to see Germany. I have priced a car for a couple trips since we have been returning and, in those specific instances, I have found the train much cheaper. I can still imagine a car being more convenient in the Alps or the Black Forest.
We will probably stick with the train in the foreseeable future. We like German towns: small, medium and large. It is a treat to get off the train within walking distance of our hotel and not have to worry about fighting traffic, finding our way or parking. We generally focus on one or two areas so Länder Tickets or cheaper local network tickets often work for us. Travel by train is more relaxed and pleasurable as well as cheaper.
There is a learning curve with the train system and sometimes Die Bahn acts like the monopoly that it is. With all that, I would still encourage a traveler to at least cost out a trip by train.
Regards, Gary
Posted by
Paradise
7072 posts
I am elated that the Germans have seen fit to subsidize their train system so lavishly. It's an absolutely marvelous way to see their country, and it's really quite generous of the German taxpayers and government to let me buy rail tickets there.
I am also exceedingly pleased that I live in the USA, where although I gripe about my taxes, I can travel inexpensively on my own wheels. I'm sure glad I have not had to help fund the German train system or pay the exorbitant gasoline taxes that Germans must pay to operate their vehicles. That California is now facing an estimated 43 billion dollar price tag for its let's-be-Germany LA-to-Bay Area high speed rail system is vexing and ominous. The price overruns and subsidies will soon be passed on to Joe Taxpayer if this thing flies, and we'll soon be much more like Germans in our finances, but really - who wants to go to LA?
But I digress. Travelers, do as Jo suggests and use the trains before the system gets hacked up to privatization and while the German economy still permits such reasonably-priced travel.