It's not so much the distance, but which trains you take, how fully booked they normally are, and how much in advance you book. Sometimes a detour is cheaper th

It's not so much the distance, but which trains you take, how fully booked they normally are, and how much in advance you book. Sometimes a detour is cheaper than the direct route. If you don't mind sitting in the train a bit longer, one possible trick (of many) with the German system is to book most of your trip using regional (non-long-distance) trains, and only a small bit in an IC or ICE. That way you can usually get across the entire country for 39 EUR (or less with a Bahncard) even if booked a few days in advance. Extensions into neighbouring countries often come for (almost) free.