How Much for a Trip to Germany? | USA Today

How Much for a Trip to Germany?

Justine Harrington, Leaf Group Updated March 15, 2018

Germany is a wonderland of medieval castles and other historical sites, gorgeous natural scenery, thriving urban centers and, of course, some of the very best beer in the world. Few cultures have had as much of a global impact as Germany. After all, the land produced Beethoven and Bach, Einstein and Nietzsche, Karl Marx and Anne Frank. Whether you're exploring tiny, postcard-perfect towns in Bavaria, hitting up Berlin's famous nightclubs or hiking in the snow-capped Alps, you'll be entranced by the country's pervasive charm and beauty.

But how much will a trip to Germany cost you? That largely depends on what type of lodging you opt for, the cost of your plane and train tickets, and whether you eat and drink at restaurants for every meal.

Cost of Flying and Train Travel

The most expensive part of your trip will be your plane ticket, and if you're planning to see several parts of the country, train ticket costs will add up as well. For a flight from the U.S. to Germany, depending on the season and whether you fly with a budget airline, ticket prices typically range from $1,000 to more than $2,000. In terms of train travel, your best bet is to purchase a rail pass if you'll be hopping from place to place. The current German Rail Pass prices for adults are €260 for a first-class ticket for three days; a second-class adult ticket costs €190 for three days. So for about the cost of one round-trip plane ticket from Munich to Frankfurt, you could buy a three- or four-day pass for unlimited train travel – a German Rail Pass is a great value.

Where to Stay and How Much It Will Cost

You have three main choices for lodging: hostels, hotels or apartment rentals. The average nightly cost of a midrange hotel in Germany is around €64, according to Statista. Hostels will cost less, usually between €20 and €40 per person (price is determined by how many beds are in a room). Stay in a 10- to 20-person dorm room for the cheapest rates. Renting through Airbnb, on the other hand, opens up a wide variety of options and prices. Rent anything from a tiny apartment on the outskirts of town for €20 a night to a fancy loft apartment for €100 a night to an extravagant castle (yep, you read that right) for €300 per night.

Food, Drink and Miscellaneous Costs

Eating out at midrange restaurants can add up fast (think around 50 euros for two people, with one drink apiece), but there are plenty of less expensive restaurant options as well. Beer typically costs anywhere from €5 to €8 per serving, while coffee and soda are around €3 or €4. Concert or opera tickets will run you between €50 and €150, while museum entrance fees are much cheaper (usually between €10 and €15). Keep in mind that some tipping is typical in German bars and restaurants; you should tip between 5 and 10 percent on top of the bill.