I am looking to buy a Select Pass. I can not decide if I need a 3 or 4 country pass. My confusion lies with my planned Rome to Munich night train that passes through Austria. Should I add Austria as my 4th country or not? What I am debating is I know it will cost an extra $50 to add the 4th country. My question is will it cost me more than that to cross? The RS website gives a range of $25-$40, but I just wanted a second opinion.
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19091 posts
That night train's last stop in Germany is in Rosenheim, and the first stop in Italy is in Fortezza. According to German Rail, a ticket from Rosenheim to Fortezza on an EC (similar train to the CNL night train) costs 41,50€, which today is $54. If adding the 4th country costs a little less and simplifies things, I'd do it. Up-date: Sorry, I didn't read the original post closely enough. Thought you said Munich to Rome. But the same thing applies in reverse. A Fortezza to Rosenheim ticket would be required to cover the entire journey, but it looks like adding a country to your Selekt Pass would be cheaper and less complicated. And Sam has a good point(below)(which is a perfect example of how not sticking to the original question can be helpful). You should price out all the legs to see if a rail pass is really your best option. In many cases, you can get a complete (rail and accommodations) advance purchase ticket online from the Bahn for not much more than the price of accommodations alone (called a reservation fee) that you would pay in addition to a rail pass.
Posted by
Green Bay
20016 posts
As is often posted on this sight, price out your itinerary in advance on each country's rail site to see if a rail pass really saves any money. With the rail pass you're always traveling first class if you're over 25, so you'll be paying a premium for that. Italy is especially cost effective to purchase point-to-point tickets.