The latest prices for direct flights from Edinburgh to Munich for the opening game of the tournament are now as high as £906 (correct as of 4 December via Skyscanner), meaning even the most loyal Scotland fans will be questioning whether they can afford to make a trip.
The Tartan Army has been hit by huge price increases after the draw was made, with reports that flight and hotel costs had already increased by as much as 750% over the last year before the draw was made.
To help fans that haven’t already finalised their travel and accommodation plans, Maxine McCreadie, a personal finance expert at debt specialist Carrington Dean, has provided her tips to keep costs down.
Get prepared for Wednesday
“Fans can apply for standard and accessibility tickets until Tuesday 12 December via UEFA’s ticket portal. Now the group stages have been drawn, Scotland fans can select the matches against Germany, Switzerland and Hungary, or select other matches to increase their chances of getting a ticket for any game.
“Fans must note that, if they are successful in the ballot, they will be required to pay for all of their allocated tickets by the given deadline or their application will be cancelled.
“The 10,000 tickets available for Scotland Supporters Club members for group stage matches will become available from midday on Wednesday 6 December. Eligibility is based on the Scotland Supporters Club Loyalty Points system and any remaining tickets will become available for all members between 12 noon on Thursday 14 December and 5pm on Friday 15 December.
“After this allocation has been sold, the cheapest tickets for the opening match against the hosts quickly increase from £42 to £162, £343, and £514.”
Look at alternative travel options
“Since the draw at the weekend, we’ve already seen some huge increases in the price of direct flights to Munich, Cologne and Stuttgart, so fans will have to be open to finding alternative routes unless they want to pay these massive fares.
“The good news for the Tartan Army is that there are a number of major travel hubs in Germany and surrounding countries and good public transport links to get around.
“Instead of flying straight to Munich for Scotland’s opener, for example, fans could get a flight from Edinburgh to Prague before jumping on a train from Czechia’s capital. This direct train adds five and a half hours to the journey, but this would give fans time to sleep off the celebrations or commiserations on the return leg, as well as saving an impressive £449 compared to a direct flight.”
Consider staying away from tourist traps
“For fans looking to stay the length and take in all three group stage matches – and hopefully some knockout games – choosing the city you stay in could make a massive difference to your budget.
“The host cities will be buzzing and thousands of Scots will be basing themselves in Munich, Cologne and Stuttgart which will make for an amazing atmosphere. Unfortunately, this demand will drive costs up and many will already be facing a limited choice of accommodation as the best value hotels get booked up.
“Staying slightly further away from the host cities could save you cash in the long run, and cities like Essen, less than an hour from Cologne by train, will be in slightly less demand while still being in the thick of the action with Dortmund, Dusseldorf and Gelsenkirchen all nearby.”
Make the most of public transport
“Scottish fans that are lucky enough to bag themselves a match ticket can make the most of public transport with a number of discounts in place for the tournament.
“Fans with a match ticket will be able to make the most of a 36-hour travel pass which grants free public transport travel between 6am on matchday until 6pm the following day. This covers public transport within the host city, as well as regional travel on relevant networks.
“Ticket holders can also secure special fares on train tickets within Germany, with second class travel for €29.90 one way between 12 June and 16 July.”
