New Year's Eve is a popular travel time. Many people travel to friends, family, or to major cities to celebrate the new year. With the right planning, you can travel cheaply and stress-free by train even during New Year's Eve. Here you'll find all the important tips for your New Year's journey.
Essential Tips for New Year's Eve Travel
1. Book Early (4-6 weeks ahead)
Demand at New Year's Eve is extremely high. Book at least 4-6 weeks in advance to get the best Saver fares. The earlier, the better!
2. Saver Fares at New Year's Eve
Saver fares at low prices are available even at New Year's Eve, but availability is limited. Early booking gives you the best chances.
3. Seat Reservation Recommended
Trains are often full at New Year's Eve. A seat reservation (from €4.50) is strongly recommended, especially on long journeys.
4. Plan Buffer Time
Delays are more common at New Year's Eve. Plan buffer time and avoid tight connections, especially on December 31st.
Best Booking Times for New Year's Eve
Optimal: 6-8 weeks ahead
The best Saver fares and largest selection of connections are available when you book 6-8 weeks before New Year's Eve. This is the ideal booking window.
Still possible: 3-4 weeks ahead
Up to 3-4 weeks before New Year's Eve you can still find good deals, but selection becomes smaller and prices slowly rise.
Difficult: Less than 3 weeks
Less than 3 weeks before New Year's Eve, Saver fares become very rare. Flex fares are often the only option and significantly more expensive (€50-150).
New Year's Eve Prices: When is it Cheapest?
| Date | Demand | Prices | Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| December 29-30 | Very High | Expensive | Book early! |
| December 31 | Medium | Cheaper | Good alternative |
| January 1 | Very High | Expensive | Book early! |
| January 2-3 | High | Medium | Good prices still possible |
Special Tips for New Year's Eve Travel
Group Travel
From 6 people, you get group discounts. This can significantly reduce the cost per person, especially at New Year's Eve.
Tip: Book group trips even earlier (8-10 weeks ahead) for the best prices.
Luggage
At New Year's Eve, many travelers bring more luggage (e.g., for parties). Plan enough time for luggage and use luggage storage at stations if needed.
Tip: Ship large items by parcel to reduce luggage.
Special Trains
Deutsche Bahn often offers additional connections (special trains) on popular routes at New Year's Eve, especially on December 30th and January 1st.
Tip: Subscribe to DB newsletters for early information.
BahnCard at New Year's Eve
With the BahnCard, you get additional discounts on Saver fares even at New Year's Eve. With multiple trips, the investment pays off quickly.
Tip: BahnCard 25 costs €62/year and saves more than the investment with 2-3 trips.
Conclusion: Stress-Free Travel into the New Year
New Year's Eve train travel doesn't have to be expensive or stressful. With the right planning and early booking, you can travel cheaply and relaxed even during the holiday season.
The key tips: Book 4-6 weeks in advance, reserve seats, plan buffer time, and use group discounts or BahnCard. This way you'll arrive at your celebration relaxed and affordably!