A Deutsche Bahn train in Berlin’s main station. Photo by hidden europe.

By Nicky Gardner and Susanne Kries—

Okay, we’ve said it before, but we’ll gladly say it again. Have Cheapos realised just how much rail fares in Europe can vary according to where you purchase your tickets?

We took a day out from our regular work with hidden europe magazine last week and conjured up a tempting palette of trips criss-crossing the continent. And then we compared the ticket prices on a national rail website (that of the Deutsche Bahn) with the prices offered for those journeys by rail ticketing agents based in Britain and North America. We took care to ensure that the tickets we purchased were in every case for exactly the same trains.

So a straight comparison, comparing like-with-like. Same class of travel, same comfy seat, same scenery slipping by outside the window – for all five routes in our basket of European rail trips.

The five routes we tested

1. Berlin to London single (by day, depart after 9:00 AM, any route) on September 3: one adult, 2nd class.
2. Amsterdam to Salzburg single (by day, no more than one change of train) on July 14: one adult, 1st class.
3. London to Cologne via Brussels single (depart at 8:00 AM or later) on September 10: one adult, 2nd class.
4. Berlin to Zagreb single via Hamburg (2 night stop) and Munich (2 night stop) on August 20: one adult, any class.
5. Nuremberg to Dresden same day return (direct trains only) on June 20 for a family of five, 2nd class.

For each of these five journeys, we thought that the German Railways (viz. Deutsche Bahn) website at www.bahn.de would offer some reasonable fare advice, and so it did. Indeed, all five journeys could be booked online through their website.

Then we turned to agents selling rail tickets in North America and Britain to get quotes for precisely the same journeys. This was done first by online research, often followed up by telephone calls to check precise details.

The results

And guess what? The leading agencies specializing in European rail tickets always charged at least twice as much as would the Deutsche Bahn for exactly the same journey.

The key point here is that in most of Europe, rail operators have a whole raft of special promotional fares that massively undercut the regular tariffs (often with discount of more than 80% on the standard fare). But agents rarely offer those discounted fares, preferring to safeguard their hefty commission fees by selling only the full fare.

Comparing the fares

Now take a look at how those fares compared. Listed below are the Deutsche Bahn (DB) fares that were available for purchase around midday of Friday, June 12, 2009 followed by the cheapest fare quoted the same day by a leading North American or British agent (all sterling and dollar fares have been converted to euros just to make things clearer).

1. Berlin to London (2nd class) DB: €49 / Agent Fare: €209
2. Amsterdam to Salzburg (1st class) DB: €79 / Agent Fare: €255
3. London to Cologne (2nd class) DB: €49 / Agent Fare: €106
4. Berlin to Zagreb with stops in Hamburg and Munich (2nd class) DB: €29 / Agent Fare: €322
5. Nuremberg to Dresden day return for family of 5 (2nd class) DB: €37 / Agent Fare: €705

Helpful advice?

We found one leading British agent who was extremely helpful on the phone, going to some lengths to suggest that for certain routes it might be wiser to get the tickets from a German source (but declining to give the specific name of the company or website).

A well-known North American agent emphasized that their dollar fares on offer would undercut anything we might purchase in Europe – a claim which is patently undermined by the results of our survey. The North American agent suggested that a rail pass might be a better bet for some of our journeys, and hinted that we would encounter a range of problems if we attempted to purchase directly from the Deutsche Bahn website.

Booking tickets in advance

The reality is that booking train tickets on www.bahn.de is pretty easy, even without a knowledge of German. The site has a decent English language interface, though in some instances you will find additional functionality on the German language website.

Also, it really helps to have a good knowledge of European patterns of service and railway geography. A good place to start is by studying the latest edition of the Thomas Cook European Rail Timetable and the same company’s Rail Map of Europe.

Booking well in advance is often the key to finding cheap fares, but our research found that plenty of discounted promotional fares are still available for travel this summer. And we did not cast around trying to dig up the cheapest possible travel dates, having fixed our palette of routes and travel dates before embarking on our research. If you would like the see the full results of our survey, just click here.

And, oh yes, just in case you were wondering, we were paid not a cent by the Deutsche Bahn to publish this!

About the authors: Susanne Kries and Nicky Gardner are regular contributors to EuroCheapo and together edit hidden europe magazine. They live in Berlin.

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• hidden europe: 2008 European Rail Schedule Highlights

Italy

Travel dates: Select dates, November - March

By Michael Hicks
Travelzoo Staff

Sceptre Tours just announced a package to two of Italy’s top destinations — Tuscany and Venice — for the unbelievable price of $699 per person (based on four travelers). Similar package trips cost well over $1000.

This deal includes:

• Roundtrip airfare from New York City’s JFK and Newark airports to Florence, returning via Venice. Depart from Boston for $20 more, or from Miami or Chicago for an additional $90
• Four nights at the scenic Fattoria Degli Usingoli, overlooking the rolling hills and vineyards of Tuscany
• Two nights at Hotel Plaza Mestre, with easy proximity to attractions throughout Venice
• Rental car with unlimited mileage
• Breakfast each morning at Hotel Plaza Mestre
• Upgrade to an automatic car and winery tour for $99 per person

Prices and available dates can vary by departure gateway. The best prices were available over the following departure dates from New York City’s JFK airport:

• Nov. 1-2, 5-12, 15-20, 29-30
• Dec. 1-2, 5-10, 15-16, 23-31
• Jan. 1-28
• Feb. 10-13, 22-28
• March 1-20, 23

This offer is based on four travelers, and the package is available for two and three passengers with similar discounts

Click here for more information and to book online with Sceptre Tours, or call 800-221-0924 and mention Travelzoo to book by phone. Note: There is a $25 charge to book by phone. The final price will include up to $150 in taxes per person.

Sceptre Tours
phone: 1-800-221-0924
Click here for more information

Like this deal? E-mail it to a friend. »

^* Terms/Conditions:
$699* package price is per person based on four adults traveling and includes round-trip economy class airfare on valid transatlantic services between New York or Newark to Florence returning from Venice, four (4) nights accommodations at Fattoria Degli Usingoli and two (2) nights Hotel Plaza Mestre, Venice. Based on select travel dates between 11.02.09 to 3.21.10. Black out dates apply from Sep 5-7, 9-10 and 20-28. Holiday periods will be available at slightly higher rates: Nov 21-28, Feb 14-21 and Dec 16-Jan 6. Prices from other airports will vary. Lowest rates are based on availability. Land only is available with a supplement $100 per person. Seats are limited and prices may be restricted to specific flights, class of service, travel dates, length of stay or room type. All gratuities are the responsibility of the passenger. Accommodations include applicable taxes but does not include any services or meals. Offer applies to North American-originating passengers only. Seats are limited and prices may be restricted to specific flights, class of service, travel dates, length of stay or room type. Excludes government taxes/fees/facility charges of up to $53 eastbound and $95 westbound and the September 11 Security Fee of $2.50 for U.S. enplanements. Flight restrictions/terms and conditions apply. Frequent flyer mileage/points do not apply. Tickets are nonrefundable. Stopovers are not permitted. Offer cannot be combined with any other discount/promotion. Child/infant discounts not available. Valid for new bookings only. Price is based on the lowest available airfare and may be subject to availability and change. Substantial penalties apply for cancellation/changes. Full payment is due at time of reservation. Other restrictions may apply. Visit www.sceptretours.com or call us for full details on change/cancellation policy and detailed land offering. $25 per person concierge fee will apply for all bookings through the call center. Optional Trip Cancellation Waiver will be offered during the booking process and if purchased, you will be allowed to cancel for any reason up to 72 hours prior to departure and receive a full credit for travel 364 days from your original book date, less the amount paid for insurance and fees. If you have not purchased our Trip Cancellation Waiver, all bookings are nonrefundable.

Paris At Its Best
Travel 11/01/2009 - 11/09/2009 from $699*
Package Includes:
Roundtrip flight
6-night hotel accommodations in Paris
Continental breakfast daily
Hotel taxes and service charges

Purchase deadline: July 16, 2009

Hotels.com have a last minute summer travel sale. You can save up to 40% on some great holidays. They have trips to suit your fancy, whether this is European Hotels, faraway places like Thailand or Summer beaches closer to home.

See all Hotels.com voucher codes and deals

Up to 40% off

It’s time… don’t miss your chance to experience the 2010 Passion Play… and with savings of $400 off per couple^†… there is no better time than now to make your travel plans. But that’s not all…purchase an air-inclusive Oberammergau tour with Collette, and your vacation begins at home with FREE Door to Door round trip sedan service to the airport!

All tours include Oberammergau and reserved seats to the Passion Play.
Choose from 8 programs:

Choose from 8 programs:

Alpine Explorer with the Glacier Express
11 Days • $3499*

Italy
12 Days • $3899*

Discover Switzerland, Austria & Bavaria
10 Days • $2999*

Exploring the Alpine Countries
13 Days • $3749*

Imperial Cities
10 Days • $2999*

Discover Croatia
12 Days • $3499*

France & Bavaria
11 Days • $3449*

Bavaria
8 Days • $1999*
(offer not valid on this tour)

Various cities to Spain

Travel dates: Through August

By Andrew Bradick
Travelzoo Staff

Ticket prices for summer travel to Europe have been holding steady until this week. Fare wars among multiple airlines have driven prices to unheard-of levels for flights to Spain. Some fares cost 50% less than they did at this time last year.

Flights now start at $460 roundtrip including taxes from multiple cities across the U.S. for travel through August.

Below are just some of the Spain routes on sale (roundtrip, including taxes). Click the applicable link below to see Fly.com fare calendars displaying the lowest fares by travel date:

To Madrid from (all prices below are roundtrip including taxes): 

• Baltimore … $460-$558
• Pittsburgh … $460-$593
• New York … $519
• San Francisco … $525-$588
• Atlanta … $554-$671
• Dallas … $659
• Chicago … $659-$676

To Barcelona from (all prices below are roundtrip including taxes):

• New York … $519-$539
• Washington, D.C. … $558-$652
• St. Louis … $602-$645
• San Francisco … $602-$639
• Los Angeles … $623-$730
• Seattle … $640-$652
• Chicago … $661
• Tampa … $674-$694
• Minneapolis … $686-$699

If your desired departure city or destination is not listed above, chances are still good that it is on sale. Click here to search on Fly.com to find the lowest prices for summer flights to Spain and the rest of Europe. 

Fly.com

Offer details for travel May 25 - September 2, 2009

This summer, get more of your holiday with $100* savings on your hotel. All you have to do is book your round-trip flight to Europe on British Airways .

$100* discount on hotels.

Europe is an exciting destination where you can experience contrasting styles and cultures. Our city centre hotels and apartments are located close to all major tourist attractions and historic landmarks making them an ideal base from which to explore. We offer a wide range of hotels and apartments to suit all budgets, below are just a few you can choose from to use your $100 discount:

How to book hotel discount

Hurry, this offer ends May 19, 2009.

Take a look at our top featured hotels in Europe

Amsterdam Athens Barcelona London Madrid Paris Prague Rome

3-star Ibis Amsterdam Centre

Continental breakfast included

The Ibis Amsterdam Centre is located close to Amsterdam’s Central Station and is also near several tram stops making travel around the city quick and easy. The famous Dam Square and Stedelijk Museum are also within walking distance. The rooms at the Ibis Amsterdam Centre are comfortable, modern and spacious.

3-star Albus Grand

Continental breakfast included

This stylish hotel is located in the historic heart of the city. Rembrandt Square and Reguliersdwarsstraat are just around the corner and Amsterdam’s most famous shopping street, the Klaverstraat, begins opposite the hotel. The Albus Grand has a stylish, contemporary decor and provides a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere.

3-star Philippos

Full breakfast included

The Philippos enjoys an excellent location in the heart of the old city. This family run hotel has a welcoming feel and contemporary decor. Some of the rooms have balconies, but for the best views of the Acropolis at sunset, the rooftop terrace is a must. The hotel is also close to several tavernas, and the popular ancient theatre, Herodus Atticus.

4-star Herodion

Full breakfast included

The family run Herodion offers a quiet location just outside the Plaka district, approximately a 10-minute walk to the entrance of the Acropolis. A modern hotel with contemporary decor, the Herodion has a fresh feel with light and airy interiors. The hotel has a roof top terrace which is split over two levels, two Jacuzzi hot tubs and a roof top bar.

3-star San Agustin

Full breakfast included

The small, family run San Agustin hotel is in the city centre but enjoys a quiet location just a short walk from Las Ramblas. One of the oldest hotels in the city, the San Agustin offers simple but comfortable accommodation in delightful surroundings.

3-star Catalonia Aragon

Full breakfast included

The Catalonia Aragon is a comfortable hotel with a relaxed atmosphere. Set on a street called Arago, it is located in the heart of Barcelona. Gaudi’s famously unfinished cathedral, the Sagrada Familia, is just a few metres away. Excellent transport links are also nearby, allowing easy access to any part of the city.

3-star Royal National

Continental breakfast included

The Royal National hotel is perfectly located, with Covent Garden, Oxford Street and the British Museum right on your doorstep. This large and busy hotel has been a favourite with British Airways Holidays’ guests for many years. There is also an excellent choice of dining options nearby.

3-star Central Park

Continental breakfast included

This hotel offers a great location from which to see London. It is close to numerous attractions including Kensington Gardens and the Portobello Antiques Market. There is a wide selection of excellent shops and restaurants nearby. The recently refurbished bar provides a perfect setting in which to relax. Alternatively, you can enjoy a light snack in the lounge.

3-star Jurys Inn Chelsea

Continental breakfast included

This hotel is within walking distance of trendy Kings Road with its designer shops and cafes and the popular Chelsea and Fulham Football Clubs. Ideal for families, it’s spacious guest rooms are bright and comfortable and can accommodate up to three adults or two adults and one child.

4-star Holiday Inn Kensington Forum

Continental breakfast included

This large hotel is well located in fashionable Kensington where you will find impressive museums and exclusive shops. Bedrooms are bright and modern and the public areas provide a good choice of places to eat, drink and relax. Harrods, the world famous department store, is also close by.

4-star Rembrandt

Continental breakfast included

The Rembrandt is situated opposite the Victoria and Albert Museum in Kensington and mixes contemporary and elegant decor with many original Edwardian features. The Palette restaurant offers succulent roasts from the Carvery and a seasonal a la carte menu. The stylish Conservatory provides a bright, informal setting for light meals, snacks and afternoon tea.

4-star Radisson Edwardian Vanderbilt

Continental breakfast included

The Radisson Edwardian Vanderbilt is a stylish hotel, suitably located in fashionable South Kensington. This elegant Victorian townhouse still retains many original features. The hotel is a short walk away from world-class museums and galleries and close to Knightsbridge, Earls Court and Olympia.

NEW YORK--MAY 8, 2009-- The lowest fares this season for
summer flights to Europe from New York were announced this
week by Icelandair. The carrier's sale cuts prices to as low
as $489 roundtrip, including a free stopover in Iceland.

The $489 fare is valid for flights to London, June 15 -
Sept. 30. For $90 more, flights are available to Oslo and
other popular Scandinavian destinations.

For all of these cities, a stopover in Reykjavik, Iceland,
can be added at no extra cost. 

The sale ends May 15. Some of these flights can be booked on
very limited dates during this travel period for as much as
$100 less than the advertised fares. But most of the sale
flights are priced in the $489-$579 range.

To book tickets with Icelandair, click below. To book a
flight with an Iceland stopover click on Advanced Booking
Engine on the landing page and select Multi-City.
http://www.travelzoo.com/Newsflash.ashx?581219-18990694

PARSIPPANY, NJ — 05/08/09 — Heading to the United Kingdom for Wimbledon or to South Africa for the international soccer tournament? Planning to visit Israel? Avis Rent A Car today announced that customers traveling to Europe, Israel and South Africa can now save up to 20 percent on rentals of three days or longer.

"This time of year is perfect for traveling abroad," said Kaye Ceille, senior vice president of global travel and partnership sales for Avis Budget Group, parent company of Avis. "We are pleased to bring renters in Europe, Israel and South Africa the freedom to explore these destinations in a more affordable and enjoyable fashion."

The promotion is open to U.S. and Canada residents and is valid at participating locations in Belgium, Croatia, Denmark, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Israel and South Africa. Customers must reference Avis Worldwide Discount (AWD) number G026200 when making a reservation on www.avis.com or AWD number D808300 when reserving a vehicle via the Avis Reservation Center at 1-800-331-1084 or a local travel professional. Reservations must be made on or before June 5, 2009 and rentals must begin on or before June 30, 2009. This offer is subject to availability and blackout dates may apply. For full terms and conditions of this promotion, visit www.avis.com/europe.

To make a reservation, visit www.avis.com, contact the Avis Reservation Center at 1-800-331-1084 or contact a local travel professional.

About Avis

Avis is one of the world’s leading rental car brands with approximately 5,100 locations in more than 160 countries.

Avis is operated in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Latin America and the Caribbean by Avis Budget Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries (www.avis.com), with approximately 2,200 locations. Avis is operated in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia by Avis Europe plc (www.avis-europe.com) and its subsidiaries under an exclusive license of Avis Budget Group, Inc. The two companies share technology and marketing initiatives and collaborate to provide a seamless Avis rental experience to consumers and businesses around the world, backed by the renowned Avis "We Try Harder" customer service.

Paris, France

Travel dates: July 12 - Aug. 25

By Travelzoo Staff

A summer trip to Paris usually means paying for peak-season airfare and hotel rates. But those willing to plan ahead can avoid the high prices. Go-today.com just released an $899 Paris package with 4-star accommodations for travel July 12 - Aug. 25. This is at least $400 less than competing packages.

Package includes:

• Roundtrip airfare to Paris (see departure cities below)
• 4 nights at centrally located 4-star Villa Eugenie Hotel
• Continental breakfast daily
• Hotel taxes and service charges
• Airline fuel surcharges
• Upgrades start at +$50

Departure cities:
New York City … $899; Boston, Philadelphia … +$30; Baltimore, Washington D.C. … +$50; Chicago, Miami … +$120; Denver, Los Angeles, Phoenix, San Francisco, Seattle … +$220; click the click below for more cities.

The $899 price is valid for Wednesday departures between July 12 and Aug. 25.  This package is available on other departure days of the week.  Thursday-Sunday travel will incur a surcharge of $35 each way.  A Saturday night stay is required.

About the Hotel: Situated near Parc Monceau, the Villa Eugenie is a superior boutique hotel close to many of the city’s major sights. Montmarte, Sacre Coeur Bascilica, Galeries Lafayette Department Store, Moulin Rouge, Arc de Triomphe and Champs-Elysees are all within 1.5 miles of the hotel. For longer day trips outside of Paris, there is a regional train station right across the street. 

Click here for full details and to book with go-today.com. Or call 800-227-3235 to reserve over the phone. Additional taxes of approximately $160 apply.

For more information about travel to France, please visit www.franceguide.com.

go-today.com