DBahn Winter/Holiday Fares?

This happens every year at this time (actually twice a year, also in June, but Dec is the big one). Schedules will probably only have minor adjustments. You should get a really close idea by looking at current schedules. There could be major changes in the fares, but not usually. Years ago the Bahn had a Mitfahrer fare (when tickets were written for two people traveling together, the second person paid half). When they dropped the Mitfahrer fare, it was in December. Länder fares could go up a little. One year the Quer-durchs-Land-Ticket was dropped in December. Although fare changes won't be announced until December 9, the online schedule should be up-dated until June soon.

Thanks, Lee. I am not so concerned about major schedule changes as when I can buy my tickets for my December trip. They haven't opened them up for purchase yet!

I think they will start selling tickets soon, before the first weekend in November. I assume you want to buy tickets soon to take advantage of the advance purchase discount. If not, there is no rush. In my experience, you can always buy tickets just before travel time. For express trains on holidays, you probably want to get a seat reservation. The only time I have needed a reservation was on an ICE on a holiday. All seats on the train were occupied, but only about half were reserved. I had to stand for half an hour, but had I bought a seat reservation with the tickets a few minutes before train time, I would have had a seat.

The Man in Seat 61 says 16th October for DB tickets.

In the past, I've seen the schedule extended, but I've never paid much attention to when it took place. If it is in October, it might not always be the 16th. It might be on the second Sunday, the 14th this year, just like the schedule always changes on the 2nd Sunday in December. So check on Sunday and see if they allow ordering.

I just received an E-Mail from Deutsche Bahn telling me that all winter fare will be open for booking from tomorrow (16th of October).

Thank you so much. I will start looking this evening (and warn my bank).

Cate, in Germany, the 16th starts at 3 PM this afternoon, your time.

Thanks, Lee. I won't be able to get in front of the pc for a few hours after that.

Not up yet! I am getting a (new) error message: "there was an unsuccessful or incomplete search due to a timetable change.
We hope for your understanding." Will try a few more times for a couple more hours tonight and then defer until first thing tomorrow morning.

When I tried at about 5 PM Denver time (1 AM in Frankfurt), I could see the new calendar. I just now tried, and it looked like I could book for December, but if I tried for January, it said I couldn't until Oct 18.

I see my train - it is Sunday Dec 23 at 7:30 am from Munich to Verona - 2 adults and a 13 year old. Price is same for savings and normal price - both 138 euros. Looking on Nov 27 - a Sunday - price is 98 euros for savings and 138 for regular. Will prices go down or do you think I should take regular tix at 138?

If it makes a difference regular is 1.80 euros more ...

Me again - looks like the Sat and Sun prior to Christmas there are no savings fares available or the fares are only 1.80 euros less than regular fare. So, I did go and buy the regular fare (this is for Munich to Verona on Sunday 23 December). My next step is buying Italian train tix. I am thinking I should have ticket in hand for Christmas Eve travel (Verona to Venice) as I want to be able to tell the B&B in Venice my arrival time.