Germany Backpacking Budget – Cost of Travel (2023)

Germany travel costs

On this page, we look at the cost of travel in Germany. Read on for a suggested shoestring and more comfortable Germany backpacking budget. We also have information about the currency and some sample prices around the country in 2023.


cost of travel in Germany
Map of Germany from wikitravel, can be re-used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Germany Cost of Travel in 2023


Germany on a Budget – How much do you need?

  • €55/day

For anyone backpacking Germany on a budget, you can expect to spend roughly 55 Euros per day. This shoestring budget should cover all your daily travel expenses including the cost of accommodation (hostel dorm bed), transport and meals. You may still need to be a bit selective and savvy when choosing your daytime activities and evening entertainment though to stick to this budget.

Germany is Europe’s financial and political powerhouse, but it is surprisingly good value with backpacking costs in other European countries often a bit higher, although you’ll still find it expensive if you’re coming from the East.

There is an extensive rail network in Germany, however it is often much cheaper to buy tickets a week or more in advance than on the day of travel, which isn’t always convenient for backpackers who enjoy flexibility. To stick to a Germany backpacking budget of €55/day, you can either sacrifice that flexibility by planning your trip in advance or it might prove cost effective to purchase some form of nationwide or regional rail pass. Keep an eye out for special promos on this, some of which are great value.

Hostels are plentiful almost everywhere in the country and prices are pretty much standard in terms of Europe and a bit cheaper than some of Germany’s more expensive neighbours. The abundance of good domestic beers means going out to bars and pubs isn’t that expensive if you’re a beer drinker and there are plenty of night clubs that cater to a more budget-orientated crowd which isn’t always the case in other parts of the continent. Therefore nights out are reasonably inexpensive compared to some parts of Europe, although you’ll still struggle to stick to 55 Euros per day if you’re going out a lot.

More Comfortable Germany Backpacking Budget

  • €75/day

Extending your Germany travel budget to 75 Euros per day will give you greater freedom to go with the flow if you want that flexibility. It would also allow you to stay in better quality hostels, which can sometimes prove cost-effective in any case, particularly if there are good kitchen facilities that will enable you to cook your own meals.

It should also free up a bit of money for a few more nights out or more day-time excursions than you can realistically expect to afford on the shoestring budget.

This may also be a more suitable budget if you only have a few days in Germany as part of a wider Europe Interrail route. Likewise if you are mostly going to be in places like Berlin and Munich, two of the best cities to live in Germany as well as travel to, you may end up spending a bit more.

Beer in Germany - how much does it cost?
Beer in Germany is reasonably good value by Western European standards.

Germany Travel Costs

Approximate Price
Bavaria Rail Ticket (unlimited travel for 1 day)€27 (discounts for groups)
Train from Frankfurt to Berlin (4-5 hours)€20-80 (book well in advance for cheaper fares)
Meal in an affordable local restaurant€10-16
Local beer in bar/restaurant€3-4.50
Dorm bed in a hostelFrom €20/night
Budget private roomFrom €40/night
Entrance ticket for Neuschwanstein Castle€17.50
Travel insurance for backpacking GermanyDepends on your age/circumstances – Get a quote from Heymondo in under a minute!

Prices in Germany are relatively reasonable when compared to the cost of travel in France while it’s also slightly cheaper than the cost of travel in the United Kingdom, although there is greater regional variation there. You can typically find dorm beds from around €20 per night while getting from A to B doesn’t have to be expensive if you book ahead or take advantage of special offers such as the 49 euro nationwide ticket set to launch in 2023.


Money – Euros

£1 = €1.13

US$1 = €0.93

Germany uses the Euro and these exchange rates are correct as of March 2023. Contactless payments via debit/credit card or mobile are very widely accepted.


This Germany backpacking budget was last updated in March 2023.


Germany Backpacking Budget – Cost of Travel (2023)

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