How does one get a Half Fare Card
 

I just read a lovely trip report that mentioned the use of this card. I searched to find more info on same and came up with another trip report. Would someone please tell me more?
Thanks so much.

In what country or city?

I'm going to Germany.

Oops, Stuttgart is where we're starting.

Hi beelady, if you are talking about the Swiss Half Fare Card, it can be purchased at any Swiss train station for 99 SFr. We bought ours in Grindelwald since we drove there. The station clerk was kind enough to make a copy of our passports to go along with the Half Fare Card. You might want to have one available so you don't have to carry your passport around with you. We left our passports in our apartment. ((b))

Oops, can't help you with Germany. ((b))

They're not cheap. You can apply for a "Bahncard" abo at all major railways stations, just ask. 25% off is 51.50€ /year, 50% off is 206€ (seniors + students pay 1/2 the price). And you could also get a Weltmeister- Bahncard for 19€ whose validity depends on the performance af the german team. At the station you'll receive a prelim. card, the card itself will be mailed to your home address and this will be an open end subscription. So don't forget to cancel in time.


http://www.bahn.de/-S:PtVOSN:eVedCdN...ard_info.shtml

Even with the expensive half-fare card you could find the German Twin pass cheaper if traveling a whole lot. Rather than buy the half-fare card (which of course is useful if you're going to be in Germany a long time and riding lots of trains, look at the German Twin Pass, starting at $150 p.p. for two traveling together with extra days only about $19/day up to a max of 10 days. Compare prices at www.bahn.de to see if pass is best for you - doesn't take many rides to make it pay off. Can be used on any train virtually any time - just hop on. For details on German Twin pass (also available in single forms) i recommend BETS (800-41-2387; www.budgeteuropetravel.com for their expertise in my experience with them over many years. www.ricksteves.com also has good info on German trains as does www.euraide.com

And if you're concentrating travel in one region then you may eschew a German Railpass in favor of the Lander Cards - unlimited travel in say the region around Munich - Bavaria - on local trains only but that's fine for this type of travel at a ridiculously low price. If traveling between Frankfurt and munich and back however the German Twin pass may well be cheaper than the normal train fare. You can also scour the www.bahn.de for special online only advance fares that are sold in limited numbers.