Changes

Jump to navigation Jump to search

Train

31 bytes added, 02:09, 25 July 2016
no edit summary
== [[Germany]] ==
 
''See also [[Deutsche Bahn]]
Germany is great for riding the trains for free. ICE and IC are the best trains (with fewest stops). There's always two conductors on them. They are pretty pedantic about checking tickets, so it's pretty unavoidable to get caught. Once you're caught, however, you'll simply have to get off at the next stop. Sometimes they'll ask you to show your passport or remind you that you can buy a ticket on the train. They'll never call the police or give you any fines. The regional trains are not that bad too, they are lightly checked. The trains go all night (unless you're somehow stuck in a very bad station), so they're a great option when it's too late to hitchhike. Taking the very small train from Aachen to Liege (Belgium) is a very big mistake, you will get kicked off in a small village far from any main road and you will have problems getting out of there.
On the weekends, it's easy to hitch regional trains with other people's group tickets. There's a ticket valid for up to five people on regional trains throught throughout Germany on Saturday and Sunday called the '''Schoenes Wochenend Ticket''', which is generally cheaper than a round trip ticket or two tickets. The result is that any group from two to four people is using one of these tickets, and has a free spot. Simply get on any regional train (not IC or ICE) or walk around the platform before the train arrives. Ask groups of people if they're traveling with a SW ticket and if they have a free spot on the ticket. Usually they will let you ride for free, but if they ask for a few euroeseuros, you can always barter (another person doesn't cost them any more) or ask more people. On most regional trains, there's someone who will let you ride for free. Beware of rideshares (mitfahrgelegenheit), which always ask for money. Also, when you reach your ticket-holder's destination, ask if they still need the ticket! If they're transferring or taking the S-Bahn, they will probably use the same ticket. But if not, they will probably give you their ticket and you can use it to continue on your way. Take it even if they wrote their name on it, because you will rarely be asked to ID yourself. Questions about this method of traveling can be directed toward [[User talk:Dr.Keith|Keith]], who has used this method extensively throughout Germany.
[[User:PeterOB|PeterOB]] do not think that you are only kicked out of train. Control is very hard and pedant – all passengers, all places and WC too are checked. In high speed trains ICE with not so much stops – you have to manage seat reservation and conductor have free seats and seats with person in computer and compare stats with computer every station.
252
edits

Navigation menu