Trains: Regional and Long Distance
The German rail company, the "Deutsche Bahn" ("DB") – also known as "Die Bahn", runs trains over longer distances. The Deutsche Bahn has a complicated pricing system with many possibilities to save money if used to full advantage. If you buy your ticket several days in advance the fare is often cheaper. However, your single or return tickets are valid only for a specific train connection. It is also recommended to book in advance because of the limited number of tickets. If you travel with a friend, the second person only has to pay half price. Children up to the age of 14 travelling with their parents or grandparents travel free of charge.
If you use the "Deutsche Bahn" often then it is recommended to use a "BahnCard". Depending on the type of "BahnCard", you can get a reduction of 25 per cent in addition to the other reductions or 50 per cent off the original price. It’s worth using the "BahnCard100" if you travel long distances everyday.
It is good to know as early as possible when and where you are travelling. If you combine the various saving possibilities, the "Deutsche Bahn" can be a cost-effective way of travelling. There are also other offers available such as the Happy Weekend Ticket ("Schönes-Wochenende-Ticket"), the state ticket ("Länderticket") or monthly and yearly tickets ("Monatskarten" and "Jahreskarten"). The "Interrail Ticket" allows young people (under the age of 26) to travel all over Europe for around 300 euros.
You can get information at travel agencies of the "Deutsche Bahn" or on the Internet at 
www.bahn.de.
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