German Rail pass validity

by baks

Hi,
If we (a couple 2 adults) buy a 5-day German Rail pass, could we use it to travel as below:
* Day 1 Munich to Salzburg
* Day 2 Salzburg to Eagles nest/Konigsee (train or bus?)
* Day 3 Salzburg to either Garmisch-Partenkirchen OR Salzburg to Oberammergau (I believe this train will be via Munich)
* Day 4 Garmisch-Partenkirchen to Fussen
* Day 5 Fussen to Munich
Looking forward to your kind reply.

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Response to German Rail pass validity

Hi again Baks,

You said "If we buy a rail pass", so I think you don't have one yet?
For your planned itinerary in Bavaria I would not recommend a rail pass at all.
Why? Because your travel distances are too short, a lot of bus travel is involved, and I don't know if a rail pass would be valid on the bus routes.

It is true that a German Rail Pass can be used to go to Salzburg, however, I am not sure if multiple trips from Germany to Salzburg and back are allowed.
A rail pass really can save travellers money if they travel long distances all over Germany.

As for your route, unfortunately, using public transport in this southernmost parts of Bavaria means you often have to do some detour. Due to the high mountains train routes are not as direct as one would like.
Yes, Salzburg to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, and even Berchtesgaden to Garmisch would go via Munich.

Unless you have a reason to go back to Salzburg on your Day 2, I would stay in Berchtesgaden, and travel from here to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, or Oberammergau on Day 3.

When you travel within Bavaria you could purchase a Bayern-Ticket for 25 € (first person) at a train ticket machine or online. Up to 5 additional people pay 7 € each. It is valid in all regional trains and buses (not for ICE trains).
The only disadvantage is that you can only use the Bayernticket after 9am on weekdays (all day on weekends), then it is valid until 3 am of the next day.

Happy planning.

Rita

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