I'll be in Europe in July. I have found some pretty good deals on the German rail website (DB Bahn) that will save me 50+ Euro's off their standard fare for each ticket(Amsterdam - Frankfurt on July 18, Munich to Budapest night train on July 22). Question: Will I be better off buying them now (I'm fine being locked in on dates), or will I be likely to find special deals when I am over there?
Posted by
Ottawa, Canada
4555 posts
Many of these discount tickets work exactly like the discount airlines.....only a limited number are set aside at these fares, and when they're gone, they're gone. If you're comfortable with your dates, then get them now, especially since July is a very busy travel month.
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
8058 posts
To add to what Norm said, I have found these tickets to be very limited. If you are fixed on a date, snap them up when you find them, keep in mind though, until you have a confirmation, that price is purely speculative, I have stepped through the process multiple times only to have it disappear. Also, for the night train, if you are planning on getting any accommodation other than a train seat (couchette or cabin) those you should definitely book as early as possible.
Posted by
vancouver, bc, canada
421 posts
I think it depends on your situation but if you really want to be on a certain schedule I would say grab them now. It will give you peace of mind.
Posted by
Los Angeles, California, USA
31 posts
In searching for train tickets for my summer Europe trip I have seriously realized that getting them early is best! If you have a set itinerary and know you need to travel on specific dates, buy them now. I found tickets from Brussels to Paris for 22 euros. Waited one week to buy them and they were gone. Ended up buying them for 43 euros. If I waited to the day of, I'd likely pay 86 euros. Big differences!
Posted by
Anaheim, CA, USA
1455 posts
Also take into account if you want a sleeping berth for the overnight train. DB Bahn fills up fast on those!
If I remember correctly, to book a sleeping berth was sort of tricky, and I had to email DB Bahn for assistance.