As summer approaches, Europe is preparing for a season of high travel demand, with many travelers looking for ways to save on flights and accommodations. Fortunately, Germany and Hungary have recently launched unlimited travel passes that offer significant discounts on public transportation within each country.
On May 1st, both countries rolled out these passes, which are available to locals and tourists. While the passes can help travelers save money on transportation costs, there are a few essential details to remember.
Details On The New Germany And Hungary Tickets For Travelers
In Germany, the Discover Germany Pass offers unlimited travel on all regional and local trains, many buses, and trams for a set number of consecutive days. The pass can be purchased for up to 10 days and is valid for travel in all 16 German states. Prices start at €159 ($174.92 USD) for adults and €80 ($88.01 USD) for children.
Similarly, in Hungary, the Explore Hungary Pass offers unlimited travel on all public transportation services, including buses, trams, metros, and local trains. The pass can be purchased for 3, 5, or 7 days and is valid for travel throughout the country. Prices start at 6,900 HUF ($20.41 USD) for adults and 3,450 HUF ($10.20 USD) for children.
While these passes offer great value, there are some limitations to be aware of. For example, reservations may be required for certain trains or routes. The passes may also not be valid on some high-speed trains or international routes. Travelers must present a valid passport or ID when purchasing and using the passes.
Despite these limitations, the new travel passes in Germany and Hungary will be a popular choice for travelers looking to explore these countries while keeping their transportation costs low.
Things To Know Before Purchasing Germany Ticket
Before purchasing a Germany Ticket, there are some important details to note. Interested buyers can get the pass by visiting the official website.
One important thing to remember is that travelers must purchase the pass before the 20th day of the month before the month it will be used in. Additionally, the pass is only valid for the month it was purchased, which may not be suitable for tourists staying for a shorter period that spans two months. For example, if someone arrives on June 27th and leaves on July 4th, they must purchase separate passes each month.
Children under the age of six can use public transportation for free. Lastly, the passes automatically renew each month, so those who won’t be staying long-term should cancel their subscription before the 20th day of the month.
What To Know About The New Hungary Ticket For Travelers
Hungary has recently introduced two new travel cards for purchase, both available to tourists. The National Travel Card costs $54 monthly, while the County Travel Card is available for just $27. Both passes are only valid for one month and will expire at the end of the month they were purchased. However, they can be purchased in advance and will be activated on the first day of the chosen month.
Foreign students with valid identification are also eligible for a 90% discount on the price of the passes. Foreign students must present a valid student ID when purchasing the pass to receive the discount.
The National Travel Card provides unlimited travel on all train lines operated by MÁV-START, MÁV-HÉV, and GYSEV, as well as bus services on Volánbusz. However, it does not cover municipal services, meaning it cannot be used for travel within a city. If you are traveling through Hungary and want to spend some time in Budapest, you must purchase an additional ticket to travel in the town.
On the other hand, the $27 County Travel Card is designed for use within any of Hungary’s 19 counties. If you are only staying within one region and plan to use bus or rail services between cities in that county, this pass is a good option.
Things To Know Before Purchasing Hungary Ticket
Tourists can purchase the passes at major train stations or online. While tickets are available for purchase in person at ticket offices, on the MÁV app, or onboard buses, it’s crucial to know that the tickets are not valid for travel within cities. Instead, they are only eligible for travel between cities.
It’s also worth noting that the passes won’t cover first-class train travel. If you’re planning to travel to Hungary, be sure to consider these details before making your ticket purchases.