If the special priced tickets I see on line are still available in advance once I get to Germany would I be able to buy the tickets at any train station?
I leave the US on Sunday and arrive on Monday. I am staying in one place until Friday. If the cheaper ticket is still available on Monday when I get there for my trip on Friday would I be able to go to the machines and be given the option of the cheaper ticket or is that just something you can do on line?
That depends on what ticket you mean.
The Schönes-Wochenendes and Länder-Tichets are always available from ticket machines or counters (€2 more) without advance purchase.
Of the 3 day advance purchase tickets, the Dauer-Spezial fares might be available at ticket machines or, for certain, at a ticket counter for €5 extra. However, these popular tickets sell out and are not likely to be available, certainly not for the best prices, 3 days in advance.
Why wait until Monday? Purchase them today (if they are still available) online and print them out at home. That way you have a better chance to getting the best price.
I guess I was just wondering if I should go ahead and buy them. I am going to.
Ok, I am trying to buy my ticket and where is says Credit Card there is no place to put all the info... on the part that says ec-Karte (Maestro) is that where I put in my Credit Card number? I am on the English part and it doesn't explain it well.
OK, maybe someone else on this board has more experience with this. Unfortunately, my only experience with online ticket purchase is theoretical; I only use Länder tickets in Germany (I tend to stay in a limited geographical area). However, I know there are people out there who have done this.
I went through the steps as if I were going to purchase a ticket on a Dauer-Spezial fare, and I got to a point where it asked for two things. One was an ID, which was basically a Bahn Card number (which you don't have), an EC-Karte, Maestro (which I also don't think you have), or a credit card. Below that, they asked you for a credit card (type on pull-down menu includes MC and Visa), and there was room to put in all of my credit card information. I think you have to also put in the same credit card number for ID (but there they don't require the expiration date and verification code, the number is enough). That's how they prevent agents from buying up and reselling all the good tickets.
Thank you so much.
I now have 3 tickets bought for a savings of over $115.
My best savings was almost $50 on a ticket.
I ordered Dauer Spezial tickets on line and used them 2 weeks ago. No problems. Print out the ticket confirmation and have it with you on the train. There is a special logo/imprint on it that the ticket checker scans with a handheld device. Make sure you have your credit card with you that you used when placing the order. They will check. Good luck.
