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Hotels, transport and food: How the cost of travel in Germany is rising this summer
The price of a summer holiday in Germany is rising once again this year, with hotels costing between 20 and 30 percent more in 2025 than five years ago, according to
analysis
by
Budget Your Trip
.
For example, in 2025 the average price of a hotel room in Germany is €90 to €110 per night for a standard room - up significantly from five years ago when the average price was approximately €65 to €75.
It's possible to pay a lot more, of course, and rooms can still be found for €30 to €50 per night in budget hotels.
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Higher transport costs
Travelling by car or train remains a cost-effective option for many, especially for longer or interregional trips, but even here the overall trend is toward higher travel expenses for residents and visitors alike.
The most visible change this year was
the rise in the
Deutschlandticket
price
to €58 a month, but road travel has also been affected by higher fuel and parking costs.
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Eating and drinking out
According to Germany's statistical office and current industry analyses, restaurant prices in Germany have risen by an average of around 30 percent since 2020, approximately double the rate of inflation over the same period.
Even simple dishes like lasagne or salad have become around 20 to 25 percent more expensive and side dishes such as fries have seen an even greater increase.
The steep rise in prices – driven by high energy costs and labour costs as well as inflation – is especially marked when it comes to drinks.
The price of beer, in particular, has risen dramatically, with the cost of a litre of
Helles
set to hit a record high of €15.80 at this year's
Oktoberfest.
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How are Germans reacting to the rising costs of a holiday at home?
Germany remains the favourite travel destination for German tourists, accounting for 36 percent of all leisure trips taken by Germans in 2024. But the number of people choosing to holiday abroad continues to grow.
A stand-up paddler sails on Lake Constance (Bodensee). Photo: picture alliance/dpa | Felix Kästle
According to the ADAC Travel Monitor, one in every three Germans is now prioritising saving when it comes to planning their summer holidays, with a growing number of people looking at more affordable destinations including Bulgaria, Tunisia, and Egypt.
Germans are also booking their holidays earlier to take advantage of early bird deals.
According to the ADAC, 44 percent of German holiday makers booked their main vacation four months in advance in 2024, compared to 39 percent in 2022 and 35 percent in 2020.
The most important criterion for people in Germany booking their summer holiday remains uncomplicated arrival and departure - named by nearly three-quarters of German travellers.
For people holidaying in Germany, Bavaria maintains its position as the number one destination among the federal states.
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Following an analysis of German tourism by the
Stiftung für Zukunfstfragen
(Foundation for Future Studies)
,
Professor Ulrich Reinhardt summed up the domestic travel trends in Germany: 'classic destinations such as the North Sea and Baltic Sea coasts or the Alpine region remain popular, but lesser-known destinations are becoming increasingly important.
"More and more citizens are consciously choosing new places away from the busy holiday areas and are looking for more individual travel experiences.'
