I'm planning a trip with a friend to Germany in July. Our itinerary includes Hamburg, Berlin, Prague (Czech), Munich, Salzburg (Autria - day trip), Rothenburg, Rhine Valley (maybe Cochem along Mosel River?), and back to Hamburg in 2 weeks. Is bus a good method (cost, schedule, convenience, etc.) of transportation between each city or is the train better?
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19233 posts
You will find two kinds of buses in Germany. There are regional bus companies, like RVO (Regionalverkehr Oberbayern) and there are private bus companies (Eurobus, ?, I think). The regional buses tend to coordinate their schedules with German Rail; they augment the rail schedule rather than compete with it. You are unlikely to find regional buses between cities that are served by trains. Long distance routes, that are served by trains, are sometimes also served by private bus companies. Their fares tend to be lower, but the schedules are slower, less frequent, and convenient.
There are a lot of good train connections where you want to go. Use them.
Posted by
Myrtle Beach, USA
12313 posts
The only places I really like traveling by bus (so far) are UK and Mexico. Both have limited rail coverage and much higher prices for rail so buses give you more coverage and low prices.
For your itinerary I would take the train unless I was traveling with four people, then I would rent a car.
Posted by
nanaimo
156 posts
Train travel in germany is fantastic and I would suggest a German Twin Pass through Raileurope which is a rare excellent buy through them for two people travelling together with a minimum of 4 days. If you plan your journey out its the most economical way I have found it the best way to travel in germany. We left Munich, spent the day in Rothenburg and then went Berlin that evening. You must buy in the USA and its easy to use although for some short trips such as Munich to Salzburg in 2 hours, it may be cheaper to buy day tickets. Bonus is that it also takes you into Salzburg so you would only have to pay for the Czech part of your journey.
Posted by
Puyallup, WA, USA
881 posts
I haven't done much busing in Germany (well, alot on organized tours, but not on bus companies). I'd recommend the train highly though. Quick, efficient on time (you are in Bavaria), and it's super easy and cheap to just get your tickets there!
Posted by
OP
Federal Way, WA, USA
4 posts
Thanks for the replies! I'm considering the Germany Railpass. To go to Prague, do I have to stop by a bordering city to get a point-to-point ticket or can I buy it from Berlin since the trip doesn't require any rail change?
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19233 posts
German Rail in Berlin should be able to sell you a ticket from Furth im Wald to Prague for about €20 per person.