Question for somebody currently living in Germany

Hello, New to the community, I'm planning a trip to Europe this fall and while doing some research on my own I happened across a website that blows the Eurorail prices out of the water. The compan...

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Canadians in Germany

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steveottawa
New Member

Joined: 20 Jul 2007
Posts: 4

Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2007 12:56 pm

Hello,

New to the community, I'm planning a trip to Europe this fall and while doing some research on my own I happened across a website that blows the Eurorail prices out of the water. The company is called Berlin Linien Bus.

I was wondering if anybody has ever taken this bus? I'm traveling on a budget and my time in unlimited. True the bus may be slower but I figure I'll be on holidays, it's not like I'm in a hurry to get there and I'm not going to be late for work.lol

Compared to the prices of the train, I find these prices excellent! Personally, I'd rather pay the more affordable bus fare over the expensive train fares and have more money in my pocket for sightseeing, going out etc.

They advertise over 350 destinations in Germany & Europe, And according to there downloadable brochure they claim to have "rock bottom prices" compared to the competition.

It seems to me, judging by all the slick advertisements for the train that they are trying to sell a lifestyle, that if you don't take the train, you are missing out on part of the European experience.

I figure I could either purchase an expensive railpass that the travel agents try to hard sell to me, or simply take the discount bus offered by Berlin linien bus
If you were in my shoes, what would you do?

Steve

Clapoti
Senior Member

Joined: 23 Feb 2007
Posts: 90
Location: Berlin

Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2007 11:19 pm

Well I've never took this line of bus. but other ones. Bus is so uncomfortable compare to the train. But if you don't care then why not.

Also you should check. since it's a Berlin company, maybe they do only Berlin-Somewhere. Berlin - Prague for exemple. but then maybe you cannot do Prague - Vienna. you should check into that.

steveottawa
New Member

Joined: 20 Jul 2007
Posts: 4

Posted: Thu Aug 09, 2007 2:11 am

Hi Clapoti,

Are the buses in Europe that uncomfortable? Are they not similar to Greyhound? I took the Greyhound from Toronto to Vancouver once, I didn't find the seats that bad. You mentioned taking other buses, which ones? I know of Eurolines, but there passes do not allow in country travel. Everywhere I look on the internet, they say train, train, train. But I find the prices brutally expensive. To me, the bus just seems like an affordable alternative.

Clapoti
Senior Member

Joined: 23 Feb 2007
Posts: 90
Location: Berlin

Posted: Fri Aug 10, 2007 12:45 am

Well it's just that you have more space. I don't remember what bus company I took. it was from Grenoble to Venice and I just said to myself "Never again". Maybe some are better than others. They might be okay, but the train is more comfortable for sure.

But if your ultimate goal is to save money then why not Smile

gtoast
CanuckAbroad Regular

Joined: 10 May 2007
Posts: 63
Location: Fulda, DE...

Posted: Fri Aug 10, 2007 3:28 am

you can also hire rides in private cars with regular people selling space in their private vehicles. prices are pretty good, i dont recall the website but maybe worth loooking into. i will post when i get that info.
there may be luggage restraints, but i can't imagine you would have a lot. it is an option if you want to save money.
im not sure if it is limited to german travel

edit:
website ist

www.mitfahrgelegenheit.de
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steveottawa
New Member

Joined: 20 Jul 2007
Posts: 4

Posted: Sat Aug 11, 2007 3:02 pm

Thanks for the link gtoast!
That opens up a whole window of options!

metalfan2405
CanuckAbroad Regular

Canuck

Joined: 28 Sep 2007
Posts: 35
Location: Wiesbaden, Germany (From: London, Ontario, Canada)

Posted: Sat Sep 29, 2007 11:05 am

I personally recommend taking the train(ICE) if your traveling within Germany, its cheap, fast, and comfortable.
But if you really want to take the bus I can recommend Touring. I've traveled with them myself a few times across Europe and it was ok. I think they're one of the best bus companies in Europe.

Google them (Deutsche Touring)
I can't post a link, sorry Razz