Summer holidays are the most popular vacation time in Germany. Millions of people travel on vacation, to visit friends, or go back home. With the right planning, you can travel affordably and relaxed by train even during the holidays. Here you'll find all the important tips for your holiday journey.
Essential Tips for Holiday Travel
1. Book Early (4-6 weeks ahead)
Demand during holidays is high. Book at least 4-6 weeks in advance to get the best Saver fares. The earlier, the better!
2. Saver Fares During Holidays
Saver fares at low prices are available even during holidays, but availability is limited. Early booking gives you the best chances.
3. Travel Mid-Holiday
The first and last holiday weeks are usually more expensive. Travel during the middle weeks to get better prices.
4. Use Group Discounts
From 6 people, you get group discounts. This can significantly reduce the cost per person, especially for family trips.
Best Booking Times for Holidays
Optimal: 6-8 weeks ahead
The best Saver fares and largest selection of connections are available when you book 6-8 weeks before the holidays begin. This is the ideal booking window.
Still possible: 3-4 weeks ahead
Up to 3-4 weeks before holidays start, you can still find good deals, but selection becomes smaller and prices slowly rise.
Difficult: Less than 3 weeks
Less than 3 weeks before holidays start, Saver fares become very rare. Flex fares are often the only option and significantly more expensive (€50-150).
Holiday Prices: When is it Cheapest?
| Holiday Week | Demand | Prices | Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 (Holiday Start) | Very High | Expensive | Book early! |
| Weeks 2-4 (Mid-Holiday) | High | Cheaper | Best prices |
| Weeks 5-6 (Holiday End) | Very High | Expensive | Book early! |
Special Tips for Holiday Travel
Vacation Luggage
During holidays, many travelers bring more luggage. Plan enough time for luggage and use luggage storage at stations if needed.
Tip: Ship large or heavy items by parcel to reduce your luggage.
Family Travel
Children up to 14 years travel free (up to 3 children per adult). From 6 people, you get group discounts.
Tip: Use family discounts and book early for the best prices.
Special Trains
Deutsche Bahn often offers additional connections (special trains) on popular routes during holidays, especially to vacation destinations.
Tip: Subscribe to DB newsletters for early information.
BahnCard During Holidays
With the BahnCard, you get additional discounts on Saver fares even during holidays. With multiple trips, the investment pays off quickly.
Tip: BahnCard 25 costs €62/year and saves more than the investment with 2-3 holiday trips.
Popular Summer Destinations by Train
Baltic Sea
Rostock, Warnemünde, Stralsund
Direct ICE connections from Berlin, Hamburg
Bavaria & Alps
Munich, Garmisch, Berchtesgaden
ICE hub Munich, regional connections to Alps
Black Forest
Freiburg, Baden-Baden, Titisee
Direct ICE to Freiburg from major cities
North Sea
Sylt, Cuxhaven, St. Peter-Ording
Connections via Hamburg to islands
Rhine Valley
Koblenz, Rüdesheim, Mainz
Scenic train routes along the Rhine
Lake Constance
Konstanz, Lindau, Friedrichshafen
ICE to Konstanz, regional to lakeside towns
Conclusion: Relaxed Vacation Travel
Holiday train travel doesn't have to be expensive or stressful. With the right planning and early booking, you can travel affordably and relaxed even during the busy holiday season.
The key tips: Book 4-6 weeks in advance, travel during mid-holiday weeks, use group discounts or BahnCard, and reserve seats. This way you'll arrive at your vacation destination relaxed and affordably!