We, ages 29 29 22 21, will be meeting in Munich and staying there for 7 days, we will be traveling around Bavaria and going to Salzburg and possibly Vienna or Innsbruck. I need to find the right train pass information and the best price, budget is a major concern. Any advice is appreciated, this is our first visit to Europe.
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19274 posts
In Bavaria, as long as you don't mind spending a little time getting to places, you can't beat the €28 Bayern-Ticket (yes, that is €28 for all four of you, hop on/off travel on regional trains, all day weekend days, after 9 AM workdays).
For longer distances, there are Sparpreis tickets in Germany, starting at €19 for the first traveler, €10 for the others, for less than 250 km, starting at €29/€20 for over 250 km. These are purchasable online from the German Rail website, have to be purchased at least 3 days in advance (3 months advised), require at least one leg to be on an express train (ICE/IC/EC), are date and train specific, and are non-refundable after the day before travel.
Austria has a pass, Einfach Raus, similar to the Bayern-Ticket, €28 for four people. (2-5, actually. A single traveler can't use it.)
Posted by
Paradise
7070 posts
You might venture to Salzburg or Innsbruck, which are relatively close in, but there's so much to see just in Bavaria that I definitely wouldn't add Vienna. You'd need a few days to see Vienna, a destination that requires a certain tolerance for dullness anyway.
For a first visit to Europe, you've picked a good area. You'll get more specific advice if you tell us what your interests are. The dates you're traveling will help as well.
Here's the Bavarian rail network to help you see where you CAN get by train.
Posted by
OP
Marion, WI, USA
2 posts
Do I just go to the website and buy the Bayern Ticket there? Or when I'm at the train station? I'm VERY unfamiliar with the entire train/travel system.
We are leaving Chicago on 4/2 and returning on 4/10.
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19274 posts
There is no rush to by Bayern-Tickets. They aren't limited in quantity and don't sell out like some offers. Just buy them at the station from an automat.
Posted by
Puyallup, WA, USA
881 posts
Skip the train passes for sure.
I used the fares Lee mentioned years ago, and spent a nice few days going from Munich to Prien am Chimsee, to Salzburg, stopping along the way at no additional cost. It was great!
You might want to also think about driving, Stacy. The two 29 year olds would have to drive (not a bad thing). There are things in those areas, that having a car to get around to makes nice especially between Munich and Salzburg, and south of Salzburg. The mountains, lakes, and castles are beautiful.
With four of you, car would probably be close in price, depending on the drop off fee. Parking in Salzburg is about $13.00 a day - if the hotel doesn't provide it.
Or - just rent a car for one day out of Salzburg. Worth it. =)