Sebastiani Theater, Sonoma Plaza, Wednesday, March 26th, 2025 - "Two tickets for the loge?"
5 Stunning German Train Trips at a Bargain Price
For less than $65, the Deutschland-Ticket lets you take a month’s worth of unlimited journeys on the country’s regional trains and local transport systems. It’s a low-cost ticket to explore.
By Sally McGrane
Published March 19, 2025 Updated March 26, 2025 - NY Times
In Germany, a country with one of the world’s most extensive public transportation systems, traveling has gotten a whole lot simpler.
That’s thanks to the Deutschland-Ticket, or Germany-Ticket, a new type of (almost) all-inclusive travel pass. Priced at just 58 euros, or about $63, for a month of travel, it lets you crisscross the country using Germany’s vast network of regional trains. You don’t even need to organize tickets for your journeys; you can just show up at the train station and board. (The faster, longer-distance trains, like the Intercity or InterCity Express, are not included in the pass).
Once you’ve arrived at your destination, the Deutschland-Ticket lets you bypass the byzantine local German transportation ticketing systems that can stymie even locals. Instead, no matter where you are, you can hop on any type of local public transportation, from buses to trams to underground systems, 19th-century steam locomotives and ferries.
Since its introduction in 2023, the Deutschland-Ticket has sparked something of a post-pandemic renaissance in local travel. A raft of Deutschland-Ticket-themed travel books and websites have appeared, as cardholders use the opportunity to explore corners of the country using climate-friendly transportation, at a fixed price.
5 Stunning German Train Trips at a Bargain Price
5 Train Routes That Highlight the Beauty of Europe
Most of these routes run daily, come at no extravagant cost and have special details that will make your journey comfortable, scenic and memorable.
By Palko Karasz
March 26, 2025 - NY Times
Europe’s railways have rarely inspired as much excitement as they have in recent years. Train companies, eager to capitalize on this newfound enthusiasm, have been racing to add new destinations, revive old ones or simply provide more seats on popular routes. Others have gone for luxury charters aimed at recreating the opulence of train travel in the past.
With travelers now spoiled, the selection below focuses on some constants: tried and tested routes that are easily accessible and offer the kind of beautiful scenery that has been a source of delight to travelers for decades, or even a century. Most of them run daily and come at no extravagant cost, yet still have special details that will make your journey comfortable, scenic and memorable.
5 Train Routes That Highlight the Beauty of Europe
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