Train or plane in Germany

[melon126]

Hello AFF!

Been lurking the forums for years and finally making our first big trip! Just looking for some advice on whether we should take the train or plane?

We're travelling as a group of 5 adults and a baby. The plan is to go from London to Cologne (Rhine river) to Berlin to Prague to Munich and finishing up in Zurich.

Some advice on the destinations will also be appreciated!
Thanks in advance

 

[RooFlyer]

Welcome to AFF melon126

This resource will be valuable for researching the train options: The man in seat sixty-one. (Is one of the best train resource out there, in spite of the quirky title).

 

[fairbasa]

It's a relatively personal choice. I love the trains in Western Europe. Travelling on ICEs (fast trains) within Germany is fantastic, they're so fast when factoring in lost airport time. Heading to/from Prague (or anywhere East in general) was fine but the trains are a lot slower so in some cases it makes more sense to fly.

Check out db.de for train maps and schedules, even outside of Germany. It's a great resource for planning.

 

[GarrettM]

Within Germany, train for sure. Excellent fun.

We also trained from Berlin to Prague, but that was two adults and no baby. It's a nice way to see the countryside though.

 

[Denali]

Im team train. I found it more relaxed but get the first class seats if you can. I also had a seat close to the luggage rack to keep an eye on our bags.

 

[NM]

one benefit with trains in Europe is that the stations tend to be in the middle of the major cities, while the airports tend to be many km from the city centre. So transfers can be much easier and time saved. The trains a generally much more comfortable than an economy seat on an aircraft (lots more leg room). And no concerns with parking, traffic rules, reading maps/GPS etc.

 

[fairbasa]

one benefit with trains in Europe is that the stations tend to be in the middle of the major cities, while the airports tend to be many km from the city centre. So transfers can be much easier and time saved. The trains a generally much more comfortable than an economy seat on an aircraft (lots more leg room). And no concerns with parking, traffic rules, reading maps/GPS etc.

And you can turn up 3mins before departure and jump on! There's also no hassles with security, although at the present moment that may be a negative rather than a positive.

 

[melon126]

Welcome to AFF melon126

This resource will be valuable for researching the train options: The man in seat sixty-one. (Is one of the best train resource out there, in spite of the quirky title).

Thanks RooFlyer, such a great website full of information!

I'm definitely thinking train for trips under 5 hrs, but to Prague its more than 6 hours and am slightly concerned that's a bit too long to be on a train. But have never done it so still undecided!

 

[RB]

My preference would be for train travel & as advised earlier I would be looking at the Man in Seat 61. I am not sure about the idea of 1st class- We have done a lot of train travel in various European countries & have found 2nd class to be pretty good when we have used it. I think it would come down to the time of year/school holidays etc & the difference in price at time of booking.
With regards keeping an eye on your luggage, we have encountered no problems. I think a bit of pre-planning so you are not lugging huge bags around makes a massive difference. The carriages vary a lot in luggage space above seats but we are very happy to utilise the floor space between seat rows & there is usually plenty available.
It is a long time ago now but in Prague we stayed here http://www.australianfrequentflyer....s-bridge-residence-apartments-room-30944.html. Location cannot be beaten & I see it still rates highly
If you are looking for something to do while in Munich, we found Garmisch (about 1.5 hr train ride) to be a fabulous spot & the trip out is beautiful countyside.

 

[fairbasa]

How much time will you have?

If you have any interest in WWII, I can highly recommend making the trek from Munich down to Berchtesgaden to see the Kehlsteinhaus and do the tour. It's a full day trip, but if you're choosing between it and Neuschwanstein, I would STRONGLY encourage you to do Neuschwanstein instead. Amazing scenery the whole way there on the train and Berchtesgaden is a beautiful town with so much history.

Still probably rates as one of the best things I've ever done in Europe.

 

[Melburnian1]

Another vote for the comfort of a train.

I normally have a pass - Eurail or German rail pass. Investigate the latter and see if they're worth it, as they give flexibility.

Germany is a wonderful place to visit - great scenery, people, food and best of all, trains.

 

[Pushka]

Trains are fabulous. Travelled from London to Paris then Paris to Barcelona. This year will be Amsterdam - Brussels - London. Security though is a little on my mind.

 

[melon126]

How much time will you have?

At this stage the plan is 3 days in each of Rhine Valley, Berlin, Prague and Munich. 2 days in Lucerne and then overnight in Zurich for flight home. We have 7 days in London with family which I'm happy to cut 1-2 days if you think I should spend more time elsewhere?

 

[whatmeworry]

I recommend going to Dusseldorf along with Cologne. You don't have much time but avoid cities like Dortmund, Hannover and Hamburg. Mainly because these cities were bombed out in WW2 and have lost more of their architecture compared to other cities.


Also Nuremberg is also worth checking out, time permitting.

You should checkout train v plane times factoring in transit times, plus the cost of either.

 

[Mattg]

For longer trips within Europe I'm relatively indifferent between plane and train. Plane can be quicker and is sometimes even cheaper, although the extra time getting to/from the airport can add up. For shorter trips the train is definitely the way to go. For your trip from Munich to Zurich/Lucerne, I highly recommend going via Innsbruck as this takes you through the spectacular scenery of the Arlberg Pass.

At this stage the plan is 3 days in each of Rhine Valley, Berlin, Prague and Munich. 2 days in Lucerne and then overnight in Zurich for flight home. We have 7 days in London with family which I'm happy to cut 1-2 days if you think I should spend more time elsewhere?

Sounds great! I would personally allocate an extra day each for Berlin and Munich (and maybe one less day for Cologne).

There are lots of excellent day trips available out of Munich, such as Neuschwanstein Castle which is one of my favourite places in Europe. Salzburg, Innsbruck and Nuremberg are also easy day trips from Munich. To go to any of these places you can get a "Bayern Ticket" which gives you unlimited travel for one day on regional trains within Bavaria and/or to Salzburg/Innsbruck for a cost 25 Euros + 6 Euros for each additional passenger.

 

[fairbasa]

I recommend going to Dusseldorf along with Cologne.

Any particular reason for this? I personally found Cologne semi-interesting but Dusseldorf definitely not somewhere I have any reason to go back to.

Munich and Berlin are the must sees, very different but both amazing. "Real" Germans say Munich is Bavarian, not German...but if that's the case count me as a Bavarian fan!

Berlin has some interesting WWII era underground tours if that's of any interest...

 

[Longtoo]

There is no train from Prague to Munich. You still get your 'train' ticket from Deutsche Bahn but the service is by bus. Slower than ICE but the ride is still comfortable. If you take this option, I suggest you work out in advance where the bus stop at Prague hlanvi nadrazi is. It is not as well guided as inside a train station.

 

[thommo9]

Hello AFF!

Been lurking the forums for years and finally making our first big trip! Just looking for some advice on whether we should take the train or plane?

We're travelling as a group of 5 adults and a baby. The plan is to go from London to Cologne (Rhine river) to Berlin to Prague to Munich and finishing up in Zurich.

Some advice on the destinations will also be appreciated!
Thanks in advance

Hopefully I can be of some help, I've just returned from Europe with train travel between Prague and Munich and then Munich to Zurich.

Prague to Munich train was operated by the Czech train authority CD (blue trains). Wife and I travelled with reserved seats in Economy. We found the train leaving Prague to be relatively empty but filled up at stops along the way to Munich. No wifi on board and the carriages weren't are new as the RJ trains based out of Vienna that we had travelled on a week earlier. For the price you can't go wrong. The journey was scenic and the time flew by. Arrive straight into Munchen HBF where we jumped on the U-Bahn to our accommodation. Transfer on the U-Bahn much cheaper and quicker than a taxi.

Munich to Zurich was operated by the Swiss Train authority SBB and as you may expect, very clean and prompt trains. Again no wifi on board but some magical scenery along the way into Zurich. Do ensure you book reserved seats on this journey as probably an hour before we arrived at Zurich HBF, the aisles were full with people standing as more and more got on along the way. Again, jumped on the S-Bahn to our accommodation but many other hotels would be in close walking distance as the station was so central.

My advice - train over plane any day. To be able to arrive at the train platform 10 minutes before you leave and jump on beats airport security and early check ins.

 

[Magoo]

I'm another train fan. European trains are terrific.

As well as Seat61.com, the Train Travel forum of Tripadvisor is a good resource and the Man in Seat 61 answers questions there, as well as several other experienced and knowledgeable train travellers. Read up on rail passes vs point to point tickets. Rail passes, especially Eurail passes, are often not particularly good value.

 

[tyrolean]

Since Germany is my home country and I have to travel around on a weekly basis I may offer a few hints:

It depends on the routes:
- There are some very good high-speed lines which offer a very good service - there the train is much easier than a plane.
These are for example: Cologne-Frankfurt-Stuttgart or Hamburg-Berlin or Hannover-Frankfurt.

- There are some connections that are very bad (train lines like 150 years ago, old coughpy and dirty trains).
Worst Examples: Munich-Prague, Nuernberg-Dresden.
So in General North-South is easy East-West is a bit of a problem.
Do not expect to have WiFi on board. That is a national disgrace.

Have a look at long distance bus services that are offering dirty cheap rides between major towns (and working wifi on board).
www.flixbus.de is the place to look as Flixbus is now the monopoly operator.

General Rules:
Try to get on direct trains. German Railways is known for their disruptions and delays. So you may have a good chance of losing your connection.
I had a 2,5 hour delay on a train ride form Frankfurt to Düsseldorf caused by an incident on the high-speed-line.
We did take the scenic Rhine tour on the old tracks, which was amazing but very slow.


Tickets:
- Have a look at the Rail passes or Saver Tickets.
- Saver Tickets are only for special trains, but are very cheap if you book early.
- Have a look at first class tickets. They come with seat reservations and have lounge access in a few train stations (free toilet, coffee, soft drinks,...)

Traveling with a kid:
- I preferred flying, as it is easier to keep the kid quiet for 1h flying than for a few hours in the train, but again it depends on the routes.

If you want to see what is in between: Take the train as a scenic ride: Especially Frankfurt-Mainz-Cologne is beautiful on the Rhine river.

Your routes:

London-Cologne:
If you want to visit Brussels in between take the train.
Otherwise: Fly!

Cologne-Berlin:
Flying is easier and quicker, train connection not so good. I would prefer flying.
If you try Air Berlin (to earn a few QF SCs and points) be aware that they are in a not so good financial condition. They should be safe for the next 12 months, but nobody knows what will happen soon.
Cologne Airport has a good train connection and Berlin TXL Airport is quite close to the town.

Cologne: The Cathedral is a must, then go to some pubs. Cologne people are very open minded and friendly, you will find friends in the pup within minutes!

Berlin-Prague:
Train may be an option. You may stop in Dresden, which has been rebuilt after 1990 and is very nice for a stopover.
The Elbe River has very scenic points (You may like Bad Schandau and stroll around there if you like a bit of nature).

Prague-Munich:
Trains are a disgrace, very slow. But the ride is scenic as well. You may prefer the long-distance bus.

Stopover: You may stop in Regensburg (the place where I live). UNESCO World Heritage. 2000 years old, town form 14th century, saved in WWII.
Nice place to stay a day or two. Must see: Cathedral and historic (Stone) bridge over the Danube river.
Regensburg-Munich can be done by train.

Munich (my home town): Lots of things to do:
Go to the Hofbräuhaus to take a photo, but drink you beer elsewhere (tourist trap).

In summer with a kid: Stop at one of the lakes in the south (Tegernsee in the mountains, Starnberger See is very close to munich,...)
There are boat rides and you can stop for a swim.

Munich-Zurich:
Same as MUC-PRG: A route that looks close, but can be a pain to travel (part of my weekly commuting routine).

Train: Takes very long. Flying: Very expensive due LH Monopoly and long travel times to MUC airport.
Maybe Bus.

If I were you: I would hire a car in Munich and drive a scenic way. Neuschwanstein is basically on the way to Zurich.
I would slowly do a nice day trip on that way and book a one way car.

My suggestions in Stops:
Kloster Andechs : Great Beer Garden and Church

Then: One of the Lakes: Starnberger See:
Maybe: https://www.buchheimmuseum.de which is nice.

Then: Ettal and Linderhof Castler (which is worth to visit inside), as Ludwig II has finished it.
www.schlosslinderhof.de/

Then:
Pilgrimage Church of the Scourged Saviour
UNESCO World Heritage Nice (just a short stopover)

Then: Neuschwanstein
If you run out of time, do not visit it form the inside, as Ludwig II did die before finishing it. Inside is not impressive!
www.neuschwanstein.de/




Take a walk to the little bridge behind the castle and make a photo.
In summer, bring your bathers as there is a nice little lake there.

Then: Head on to Lindau:
Lake of constance, which is beautiful in the summer (may stop over there for a night).
Lots of things to do.
If the weather is nice take the cable car up the Pfänder in Bregenz (Austria).
The Pfänder - local mountain on Lake Constance

Short way: South of the lake!
Long scenic way: North of the lake and take the Ferry Meersburg-Konstanz.
Stop over in Konstanz.
You can get rid of your car in Konstanz (at the train station) and take the train to Zürich (which is fast and convenient).
This will save you the toll sticker for Switzerland and the international surcharge.
Be aware that the road north of the lake of constance is very congested. Beautiful, but very slow.

Toll roads: No toll in Germany, but you need to buy Toll Stickers for Austria and Switzerland in advance (at most fuel stations near the border).

Possible drop off points for the car (in Germany):
Lindau: Train to ZRH.
Friedrichshafen: Ferry + Train to ZRH (very scenic way). FDH has a nice shore, but is ugly (again WWII).
Car Ferry to Konstanz + Train to ZRH (1-1.5h scenic car ride).