Help! Should I buy a Rail Pass for Germany

1) Info on the German rail pass is here: https://www.bahn.com/en/view/offers/passes/german-rail-pass-promotion.shtml
and a leaflet here: https://www.bahn.com/en/view/mdb/bahnintern/international/partnerbilder/pdf_2017/mdb_242383_flyer_grp_2017.pdf
It says:

The German Rail Pass entitles you to travel throughout Germany, . . . . as well as on selected routes to touristic destinations in Europe on trains/buses operated by DB: . . . . DB IC Buses to Strasbourg, Prague, . . . .

I.e. it covers you on buses to Prague, but not trains.

2) I assume you mean Dresden, not Drestin. Mis-spelling names can cause a lot of aggravation when looking things up online

3) You can look up train times and fares on the DB (German Railways) website: https://www.bahn.com/en/view/index.shtml
Fares are a lot cheaper if purchased in advance. But once purchased you are committed to which train you travel on. Look for a date ~1 month in the future to see the advance-purchase prices, than you can compare with a Rail Pass.

This is my first time traveling to Europe. We are traveling from Germany, Hungary, Spain, Scotland, which is better for us, driving or Euro Train? If I buy an Euro Pass, can it be used for all these country? Which is the best way to travel?

Please advise.

Thanks,
Virginia

Virginia, Why don't you start a new topic instead of tagging on to an exiting thread. Then you'll get notified when you get answers. And you won't pester Janet.

Comment on the DB Bus system, which I used in 2015 when train routes were scrambled by the refugee crisis - the buses are very clean and new, and have free wifi onboard. Even with a Pass, you may need to make a reservation ahead of time, ask at a train station info centre. The object of the DB bus system is to bring tourists to the DB train network. Routes are typically non-stop. One small issue is that bus stations are not the same as train stations, so check where the bus leaves from and arrives. The DB website gives clear directions. And mark your suitcases somehow so they don't get picked up by other passengers by mistake in the arrival free for all.
The German train network is a delight, but move rapidly when changing trains, as they time it close. Your route looks fantastic.

In case others find this thread and get confused.........

John just mentioned the "DB Bus system". That isn't what the pass is about. The pass covers "DB IC Bus" and the IC bit is important, these are long distance and often international links which connect with the DB long distance train network. They are infrequent by German standards (bear in mind the standard pattern for IC trains is hourly....) and there are only a few routes. They are white with red stripes like their long distance trains. They are what in real english we would call "coaches".

But DB are the biggest operator in Germany (possibly Europe) of normal buses, which form quite a dense network covering all the little villages and tourist stops where the trains don't reach. These are red and normally have a DB logo, although sometimes they manage the system on behalf of local authorities and subcontract to other bus firms who may display a notice with a DB logo. These buses (maybe 98% of the DB Bus system) are not mentioned in the small print of validity for the German Rail Pass - but will be offered by the DB journey planner if you don't deselect Bus

Hi,

Whether by DB train or DB bus, the routes you listed are covered by the Pass. Keep in mind that if you commit to a specific date to get the discounted tickets, you have locked yourself in, ie, sacrificing flexibility for savings. Decide which is more important ...savings or flexibility, depending on your travel style and priorities. If savings are a priority, then opt for the discounted tickets; if not, then forget about savings in planning the routes as being more important than flexibility.