Regional Train and Bus Passes???
 

Just finished with my plans to spend 2 months in the Wurzburg area of Germany.

I'll be staying in Sommerach in an apartment. Got a great deal for me and my dog. I'll be there with my 2 year old Black Lab.

The apartment, regularly 39 Euros per day is costing me 26 Euros a day, dog included! Sommerach is in the Bayern State. I would like to get around Bayern on a regular basis, without renting a car.

I have never stayed put in one part of Germany for such a long period of time. I would be very interested to know if there are discounted travel passes that I can buy in U.S. Dollars that would give me good travel deals for the 2 months that I'll be running around Bayern.

I know there are Fodorites out there with all the right answers! Can you help?

Mark

I'm less experienced than someone like Russ, but I'll give an answer a shot. I think a lot depends on how much you plan to travel and the extent of travel. Several options to consider:
1. "Lander Tickets"--these give single day unlimited local train service in a particular state within germany--e.g., Bavaria. Cost is 21 Euro total and up to five people can ride in second class on RE or RB trains (Sbahn and MVV in Munich, too) for that price.

2. Schoenes Wochende tickets--5 people, unlimited throughout Germany local train, 2nd class travel for one day--costs 28 Euro. Check out Die Bahn's website for more info on both 1 and 2: (http://www.bahn.de/pv/view/int_guest...national.shtml)

3. Bahn Card 25 or 50--gives 25% or 50% off regular, or in the case of the BC 25, also the Sparfares (reduced price, get in advance itinearies), fares. Cost for one year is 50 Euro (2nd class) or 100 Euro (1st class) for the BC 25 and 200/400 Euro for BC 50. You'd have to do the math to see which would be a better deal.

Good travels--lucky person, you.

Thanks JN,

You may not be Russ, but it seems that your info is solid.

I am thinking that the Wocheende ticket will be the best for me.

Really looking forward to those 2 months.
Always wanted to make an extended stay in Germany.

Thanks again

mark

Winnepeg/Mark:
An important point that I failed to mention and that you might not pick up if you don't read German well: The Schoenes Wochende ticket only works on weekends. So, you might need another option or use point-to-point travel for weekday excursions. Sorry for the omission.

Are you planning to travel WITH the dog? Yes, it can be done on the train. I am not sure what the fare would be (I know in Switzerland you pay half fare) but you may want to consider it.

JonJon

Yes, I am travelling with the dog.

You do make a good point. I have no idea what the cost for Bismarck is.

Kiddingly, I wonder if I can get a twin pass that will include him?

Anybody out there have any experience travelling with a dog.

Thanks

Mark