Deutsche Bahn offers discounted fares for last-minute train tickets

Train travellers in Germany now have more options to scoop up cheaper railway tickets. 

That's because Deutsche Bahn (DB) recently introduced last-minute offers for journeys on long-distance trains. 

"From May 9th our customers will be able to book last-minute fares for the first time," said Michael Peterson, Executive Board Member for Long-Distance Travel, in a statement last week.

Tickets for trips in the following week are now made available every Saturday and Sunday for passengers to purchase, with prices starting at €6.99.

Peterson said BahnCard discounts may also apply to the last-minute sale price.  

DB plans to sell last-minute tickets only for trains where seats are still available. That means the likelihood of snapping up a bargain will be higher outside peak travel times, said Peterson.

The move is significant because DB uses a dynamic pricing system, where fares rise and fall depending on the route and demand. For this reason it's usually better to buy long-distance rail tickets well in advance in Germany.

The last-minute ticket offer is initially be valid for six months, with the option to extend.

It comes after the operator announced it was freezing the cost of long-distance tickets for 12 months.

DB CEO Evelyn Palla said the move is designed to provide "security and stability" at a time when travelling is becoming more expensive due to higher fuel and kerosene prices.

READ ALSO: Deutsche Bahn announces 12 month ticket price freeze on long-distance travel