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Planning a group trip with children? Here's how to save on train travel!
A group trip with children by train doesn't have to be expensive! Deutsche Bahn offers numerous ways to save that will protect your travel budget. Find out how you can benefit from child discounts, group prices, and early bird offers. Plan your unforgettable journey now! More information can be found in our contact form.
The topic, briefly and concisely
Take advantage of the children's discounts offered by Deutsche Bahn, where children up to 5 years travel free and children from 6 to 14 years receive a 50% discount to ease your travel budget.
Choose between the Super Sparpreis Gruppe for affordable prices and the Sparpreis Gruppe for more flexibility with cancellations to find the best option for your individual needs.
Make use of the family areas and free services offered by Deutsche Bahn to make the train journey as pleasant as possible for your children and to use the travel time optimally.
Discover the best saving tips and offers for your next group trip with children by train. Get informed now and book smart!
Are you planning a group trip with children and looking for a relaxed and cost-effective travel option? The railway offers numerous advantages for families and groups who wish to travel together. From special children's discounts to comfortable family areas – Deutsche Bahn has a lot to offer to make your journey as pleasant as possible. At GoTuro, we aim to help you find the best deals and plan your trip optimally.
A train journey is not only more environmentally friendly than, for example, a car journey, but also significantly more relaxing. During the journey, children can move freely, play, or look out of the window, allowing you as parents to enjoy the trip without having to focus on the traffic. Additionally, many trains offer special family areas that cater to the needs of travellers with children. You can find information on the various group fares of Deutsche Bahn here.
Deutsche Bahn offers various group fares tailored specifically to the needs of travel groups. These include the Sparpreis Gruppe, the Super Sparpreis Gruppe, and various European offers. Each of these fares has its own advantages and disadvantages regarding price, flexibility, and booking conditions. Below, we provide an overview of the different options so you can make the best choice for your group trip with children.
Save up to 50%: How children benefit from train discounts
One of the biggest advantages of planning a group trip with children by train is the attractive children's discounts. Deutsche Bahn offers special rates for children that can make your journey significantly cheaper. It's important to know the various regulations to fully benefit from the discounts. On Deutsche Bahn's page for individual travel with children, you can find more information.
Children up to and including 5 years of age generally travel for free when accompanied by an adult. They do not need their own ticket and are not entitled to their own seat. This is particularly beneficial for families with small children. However, it is advisable to find out about the exact conditions in advance to avoid misunderstandings. Note that no seat reservation is required for the free transport of children up to 5 years old.
For children aged 6 to 14 years, there is a discount of 50% on the regular fare. This discount applies to domestic routes within Germany and generally includes a free seat reservation. This is a significant saving that can relieve your travel budget. It is important to note that this regulation mainly applies to domestic routes within Germany. For international routes, different regulations may apply, which we will explain in more detail in the next section. Information on group prices within Germany's fare system can be found on the Deutsche Bahn website.
On international routes, age limits and discount rates can vary. Some countries have different regulations than Germany. For example, Luxembourg offers free travel for all children in the 2nd class, while Belgium only grants a 40% discount for children between 6 and 11 years old. It is therefore advisable to inform yourself about the specific conditions for the respective destination country before booking. bahnfüchse GmbH provides valuable information and support for fare optimisation in this regard.
Super Sparpreis or Sparpreis: Which group ticket suits you?
When booking group tickets for the train, you have several options available, including the Super Sparpreis Gruppe and the Sparpreis Gruppe. Both fares offer attractive conditions for group travel with children, but differ in terms of flexibility and price. It's important to know the differences to make the best choice for your individual needs. Deutsche Bahn provides answers to common questions about group travel on their FAQ page (in German).
The Super Sparpreis Gruppe is usually the cheapest option but offers less flexibility. Tickets are available from €8.99 per person, but include a train binding. This means you are tied to the booked train and will not receive a refund in the event of a delay or missed train. Additionally, cancellations or rebookings are generally not possible unless you use the 3-hour window after booking. This option is particularly suitable if you have planned your journey firmly and do not expect any changes.
The Sparpreis Gruppe offers more flexibility but is slightly more expensive. Tickets are available from €9.99 per person and also include a train binding. Unlike the Super Sparpreis Gruppe, however, you can make cancellations or rebookings for a fee. This is particularly beneficial if you are unsure whether you can make the trip as planned. The additional cost for this flexibility can be worthwhile to cushion unforeseen events. Information on the Super Sparpreis Gruppe can be found on the Deutsche Bahn website.
For international travel, Deutsche Bahn offers the Super Sparpreis Europa Gruppe and the Sparpreis Europa Gruppe. These fares are available from €14.99 and €16.99 respectively and apply to certain countries. Again, there are differences in terms of flexibility and cancellation conditions. It is advisable to inform yourself about the specific conditions for the respective destination country before booking. The FAQ page of Deutsche Bahn offers detailed information on this.
Online, app, or travel centre: How to optimally book your group ticket
Group ticket bookings for the train can be made in various ways: online, via the DB Navigator App, at the travel centre, or by phone. Each of these booking channels has its own advantages and disadvantages, which should be considered when planning your group trip with children. At GoTuro, we aim to help you find the best booking method to suit your needs. The early bird offers for groups provide additional planning security.
The online booking and the DB Navigator App allow you to book tickets for up to 99 people. The advantage of these channels is the convenience and the ability to book anytime, anywhere. However, online bookings typically require full payment upfront, and cancellation options are limited. It's important to carefully check the conditions before completing your booking. The DB Navigator App offers a high capacity for booking large groups.
The DB travel centre and the telephone booking offer the advantage of personal advice and greater flexibility. Here, you can make a deposit (usually €6 per person) and pay the balance up to 14 days before departure. Also, the cancellation and rebooking conditions are often more lenient than with online bookings. This option is particularly suitable if you have specific requirements or are unsure which fare best suits your needs. In the travel centre, you will receive comprehensive advice and can address all your questions.
For large groups, Deutsche Bahn offers special early bird offers. These offers are aimed at groups of 20 or more people and provide planning security for trips that take place before the timetable change. Booking is usually done before the timetable change, and special conditions apply regarding deposit, cancellation, and rebooking. This option is ideal if you are planning a large group trip with children and want to benefit from attractive prices.
Free cancellation within 3 hours: Stay flexible
The flexibility in cancelling and rebooking train tickets is an important factor when planning a group trip with children. Deutsche Bahn offers various options that allow you to adjust your travel plans if necessary. It is crucial to know the respective conditions to avoid unpleasant surprises in the event of a cancellation or rebooking. The bahndampf.de provides valuable information on this.
For the Super Saver Group Fare, cancellation or rebooking is generally not possible. However, there is an exception: the so-called 'Immediate Cancellation' within 3 hours of booking. This option is only available for digital tickets and allows you to cancel the booking free of charge within 3 hours of completion. This is particularly useful if you have made an error during booking or your plans change at short notice.
With the Saver Group Fare, cancellations are possible for a fee. For online bookings, the fee is usually €19 up to 7 days before the start of the journey. For bookings made in the travel centre or by phone, cancellation is free up to 14 days before the start of the journey; after that, a fee of €5 per person is charged. It is important to note that in online bookings, the cancellation of individual travellers is not possible. You can only cancel the entire booking. GoTuro class trips offer suitable deals for this.
The option to cancel individual travellers is only available with the Saver Group Fare if the booking was made in the travel centre or by phone. Here you can cancel individual persons from the group, as long as the minimum group size of 6 people is maintained. This is particularly advantageous if, for example, a child becomes ill and cannot travel. However, it is important to observe the deadlines and fees to avoid unnecessary costs.
Child-friendly facilities: Making the train journey an adventure
Die Deutsche Bahn places great emphasis on the comfort and needs of families travelling with children. There are various services and features designed to make train travel an enjoyable experience. At GoTuro, we want to show you the options available to make your group travel with children by train as comfortable as possible. Deutsche Bahn provides information on individual travel with children.
Many trains have special toddler compartments and family areas, tailored to the needs of families. These areas offer child-friendly facilities, such as tables for drawing and playing, as well as proximity to toilets with changing tables. It is advisable to request these areas when booking to ensure you and your children have a comfortable place. Family areas are often colourfully designed, creating a pleasant atmosphere for children.
Deutsche Bahn offers special family reservations at fixed prices. This allows you to ensure that your family can sit together with enough space for everyone. It is advisable to reserve seats early, especially for popular destinations and dates. Family reservation gives you the assurance that you and your children can sit together throughout the entire journey. GoTuro group travel offers suitable packages for this.
Additionally, Deutsche Bahn offers free services for children, such as surprises, magazines, children's menus, and a 'Kinderwelt' in the ICE Portal. These offerings aim to entertain children during the journey and provide variety. There are also special apps and online games that children can use during the trip. Deutsche Bahn strives to make the journey as pleasant as possible for children, offering a variety of entertainment options.
Regional tickets and the Germany fare: Affordable alternatives for regional travel
In addition to the classic group tickets, there are also alternative options that are suitable for regional travel with children. These include the state tickets and the Quer-durchs-Land-Ticket, as well as the Gruppenpreis Deutschlandtarif. These tickets often offer a cost-effective way to travel within a specific region or across Germany. At GoTuro, we want to give you an overview of these alternatives so you can choose the best option for your group travel with children by train. The GoTuro short trips offer suitable deals for this purpose.
The state tickets and the Quer-durchs-Land-Ticket are ideal for regional travel. They are valid for up to 5 people and allow unlimited travel within the respective federal state or across Germany. However, these tickets do not offer seat reservations or cancellation options. They are particularly suitable if you wish to travel flexibly without fixed plans. The state tickets are often cheaper than individual tickets, especially when travelling in a small group.
The Gruppenpreis Deutschlandtarif offers a 50% discount on local transport for groups of 6 or more people. Tickets can be booked up to 12 months in advance. Children aged 6 and over pay half the group price. This option is ideal if you have a larger group and are travelling on local transport. It is important to note that for groups of 21 or more people or groups with at least 6 bicycles, pre-registration is required. Deutsche Bahn offers detailed information on this.
For small groups of 2-3 people, it can be cheaper to book a Super Sparpreis Gruppe Ticket (minimum group size 6 people) rather than individual tickets, especially when considering the cost of seat reservations with individual tickets. It is advisable to compare the different options to find the most cost-effective solution for your needs. The GoTuro Baltic Sea group trips offer suitable deals for this purpose.
Travel Time, Entertainment, and Catering: How to Plan Perfectly
Good planning is key for a successful group trip with children by train. There are various aspects you should consider to ensure your journey runs smoothly and everyone involved is satisfied. At GoTuro, we would like to offer you some tips and recommendations to help you with your planning. The GoTuro Partyreisen offer suitable packages for this.
It is advisable to book early, especially for popular destinations and dates. The earlier you book, the greater the likelihood of benefiting from low prices and available seats. Additionally, you have more time to take care of all the details and prepare the trip optimally. The GoTuro Klassenfahrten offer suitable packages for this.
Select the travel time carefully and avoid peak periods if possible. For example, travel during the week rather than the weekend to avoid crowded trains. You should also consider holiday periods in your planning, as trains are often heavily frequented at this time. A tip: travel outside of peak times for a more relaxed arrival at your destination.
Key Benefits of Planning Ahead
Here are some of the key benefits you'll gain:
Reduced Stress: Planning ahead allows you to avoid last-minute rushes and ensures a smoother travel experience.
Cost Savings: Booking early often results in lower fares and better deals on accommodations and activities.
Better Availability: Early planning increases the chances of securing preferred travel dates, accommodations, and activities.
Ensure you have enough entertainment for the children. Bring games, books, or audiobooks to keep the children entertained during the journey. Colouring books and pencils are also a good way to entertain them. Many trains offer special entertainment programmes for children, such as films or games. Do not forget to pack enough snacks and drinks to satisfy the children’s hunger and thirst during the trip.
Train travel with children: Stress-free, affordable and environmentally friendly holidays
More useful links
On the website of the Deutsche Bahn, you will find detailed information on the various group fares.
The Deutsche Bahn provides information on individual travel with children and special offers.
Information about the group prices in the Deutschland tariff can be found on the Deutsche Bahn website.
The Deutsche Bahn offers answers to frequently asked questions about group travel on their FAQ page.
Information about the Super Sparpreis Gruppe can be found on the Deutsche Bahn website.
The FAQ page of Deutsche Bahn provides detailed information on group saver fares.
The early booking offers for groups of Deutsche Bahn provide additional planning security.
The Deutsche Bahn provides information on individual travel with children on their page.
The Deutsche Bahn offers detailed information on the group price Deutschland tariff.
FAQ
Which age groups benefit from Deutsche Bahn's children's discounts?
Children up to and including 5 years generally travel for free, while children aged 6 to 14 receive a 50% discount on the regular fare. This mainly applies to domestic routes within Germany.
Which group tickets are particularly suitable for families?
The Super Saver Group Fare is often the cheapest option but offers less flexibility. The Saver Group Fare provides more flexibility for cancellations and rebooking, but is somewhat more expensive. For travel abroad, there are the Super Saver Europe Group Fare and the Saver Europe Group Fare.
How can I best book group tickets for the train?
You can book group tickets online, via the DB Navigator app, at the travel centre, or by phone. Online bookings are convenient, but often require immediate payment. Travel centres offer personal advice and more flexible payment terms.
Are there special early booking offers for group travel by train?
Yes, Deutsche Bahn offers early booking offers for groups of 20 or more people. These offers provide planning security and special conditions regarding deposit, cancellation, and rebooking.
How flexible am I with the cancellation of group tickets?
With the Super Saver Group Fare, cancellation is generally not possible, except within 3 hours of booking (instant cancellation). With the Saver Group Fare, cancellations are possible for a fee.
What facilities does Deutsche Bahn offer for families with children?
Many trains have toddler compartments and family areas with child-friendly facilities. There are also special family reservations to ensure your family can sit together.
What alternatives are there to classic group tickets for regional travel?
For regional travel, there are regional tickets, the Quer-durchs-Land-Ticket, and the Group Price Germany Tariff. These tickets are often more cost-effective, but do not include seat reservation or cancellation options.
What should I consider when planning a group trip with children by train?
Plan early, choose the travel time carefully, and ensure there is enough entertainment for the children. Pack snacks and drinks and get information about the various offers from Deutsche Bahn.
