Possible train problems

[archdukej]

I know you have to make reservations on some ICE trains in Germany, but what about the IC trains?

I will be arriving in Frankfurt on May 6 and need to hop on a train right away and head to Salzburg, my first stop on the trip. That won't be a problem at all, not being able to make a reservation a few days before?

As well, do all reservations cost money? Or is it just their way of ensuring the train is full, or something? I'm not taking any night trains, and want to keep costs down.

Justin

[archdukej]

As well, I'm taking the train from Vienna to Luxembourg. Any suggestions on the best route? I realize it would probably be easier to take a plane, but I've flown enough in my life. I've never been on a train. It's a bit of an experience for me.

Justin

[madamtrashheap]

archdukej, you could stay in Frankfurt for the night (I know we say it's not worth staying in Frankfurt, but the night life is quite good) if the whole reservation thing is becoming an issue. But, being early May you could take the risk and make the booking as you arrive at Frankfurt (there's a train station at the airport) - how late do you arrive in Frankfurt? That journey to Salzburg is only around 5-6 hours so you could stay the night and get up early to catch say the 6am train and be in Salzburg for a great lunch!

Thing is, night trains are booking fast now (looked on the DB site) so if staying in Frankfurt doesn't grab you, you could book online to ensure you have the seat. Have a look at www.bahn.de and click on the "Internat. Guests" heading in the top banner. Reservations on these trains are mandatory - it's not that they will cancel a service because it's not full, it comes down to a few points, the main being saftey as they can't have people standing for the whole journey because they didn't book a seat or sleeper and if you think you can just lie down in the corner that's not going to happen as the guard will nudge you into sleep deprevation. In many cases, for night trains, they will check your ticket before you even get on, so you have to make a reservation. Yes, reservations cost money, anything from Euro5-15 (although others say highter) If you have a pass, then you pay just the reservation fee, not full ticket price.

For your trip Vienna to Luxembourg, did you want to stop anywhere or are you wanting to get there as quick as possible? There is a train that leaves Vienna at 20h34 and gets into Luxembourg the next morning around 9h30, and there is only 1 change to make during the journey. You could also look at going from Vienna to say Munich or even the Black Forest or somewhere "half way" (plenty of places in Germany to choose from that are off the beaten path a little) then stay the night for a bit of sightseeing before continuing to Luxembourg.

Just a thought, if you're going to take the train, you're practically passing back over the area you were just in so would you consider flying into Frankfurt and going straight to Vienna before making your way back to Salzburg, Tirol, etc and then up to the Benelux countries?

[Eagle]

Justin, a few more comments to add to the usual great advice from MTH.

You didn't indicate what time of day your flight would be arriving in Frankfurt? As you're going to be tired after the flight and probably anxious to get to your first stop (Salzburg), I'd suggest getting out of Frankfurt as soon as you clear Customs. Go to the Deutsche Bahn office in the Frankfurt airport, rather than using the automated ticket machines (they're a bit hard to figure out unless you've used them before). You might have to stand in line, but you should be able to buy a one-way ticket AND a reservation for the next train to Salzburg right there. Keep in mind that things are going to be a bit "chaotic" with people milling about, and you're going to be tired (be sure to watch your belongings)! They sometimes have very helpful, English speaking "assistants" working on the line-ups in the office, that will help you with the ticket purchase using an automated machine inside the DB office (having a credit card is a good idea, although I believe they accept cash - make sure you have some Euros for "travelling money").

Finding the station at the airport is a bit tricky, but just follow the signs. You'll have to go through the airport, up an escalator, down a long hallway (some snack bars there, grab a Sub and a beverage if you're hungry - a large Coffee usually helps me at that point!), then down another escalator to the tracks. Be sure to note which train number and track number you will be departing from! If in doubt, ask someone (another traveller will likely be more available than a station official).

As MTH mentioned, the reservations DO cost extra, above the cost of your rail pass or ticket. The reservation card will specify Wagen # (Car #) and Platz # (Seat #); in Italy these often also specify whether the seat is Corridaio (corridor) or Finestrino (window). Note that rail networks use 24-hour time, so you'll need to be familiar with that. There's always a large chart in the stations showing all arrivals and departures (one chart for each) and often these are on the platforms as well. Especially in Italy, it's a good idea to rely more on the electronic sign boards as these are more current (I found that following the crowd seemed to have a certain logic, if I wasn't too sure which train & track number I was supposed to be on - in one case, the paper chart indicated the train was leaving from Track 2, when in fact the day I was travelling it was leaving from Track 17!). In Italy the Track No. will be shown as "Binario #".

Hope this helps. Good luck and happy travels!!!

[archdukej]

As far as arrival times, I'm getting in Frankfurt at about 11 a.m. I think what I'll do is just chance it and wait until I get to Frankfurt as far as reservations go. I have to go to the ticket window anyways to validate my trainpass. I'll check at that time to see if there's anything available.

I believe I have to make a stop in Munich. If worse comes to worse, I can always overnight in Munich, then head out first thing to Salzburg. I hope it doesn't come to it, but who knows.

A question about sleeping on trains. Is there a way to "check" my main pack as baggage on the train? I know everyone says be extra careful with your bag on trains, so I was hoping there was a way to ensure it's safety without having to watch it the entire time. I am hoping to get small nap on the train. I don't want a couchette or a sleeper and can normally get a little bit of sleep sitting in a chair. I do have a small wire lock, so I plan on strapping my bag to my chair to at least deter people from grabbing it and running.

Thanks for all the help.

Justin

[Eagle]

Justin, that's what I was suggesting! Go to the DB ticket office in the Frankfurt airport, validate your Railpass and buy your reservation all at the same time. I might be wrong, but I suspect you'll be able to get a seat on the next train heading for Munich and Salzburg. If not, there should be another one along in a short time, as there are probably several trains per day on that route (I haven't checked?).

AFAIK, there's no way to "check" your baggage on the trains (I've never tried? Perhaps one of the others can confirm that). If you were to secure your Pack with the cable lock, either under your seat (if sufficient room) or on the overhead rail, that should be sufficient. However, no guarantees. Managing luggage is one of the "minor inconveniences" of travelling solo - can't even go to the dining car without hauling the entire kit along and of course WC visits are a problem too!

One thing concerns me though. Were you planning on catching a "short nap" on the ride from Frankfurt to Salzburg. If that's the case, you'll likely be quite tired from the flight (ie: not too easy to wake up). On that route there may be several "changes" during the trip, so you want to make sure you DON'T "doze" past your stop!!!

Happy travels!!!

[madamtrashheap]

archdukej, for some reason I just assumed you were arriving at night (don't know why!) so by all means jump on the next train to Salzburg that's available (book as soon as you arrive at the airport train station). Trains are regular on the Frankfurt-Salzburg route, even on Sunday, and most have only one change (at Munich as you've seen) so you shouldn't have to wait too long. There appear to bw 2 trains that might suite you, one at 12.36 and another at 12.54, otherwise you could get to Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof (main train station - 15mins from the airport) and then get the 12.20 direct. Up to you. If you do want to snooze a little, Eagle's point of missing you stop if you're very tired is a valid one so maybe work out how long until you have to change/arrive and set the alarm on your watch/phone/travel alarm. Sounds dorky, but will save you a heap of hassle. Eagle's advice of going to the DB office at the airport is also correct - you can ask questions, get your ticket/reservation and find out the changes and travel time of your journey. You might have to go to the Ausland (International) booth as you're travelling to Austria which is technically "international".

For checking your baggage on trains - as far as I know (too) you can only do this in first class and only on some routes. Do make sure you luggage is tagged with your name and details. Often you can store it in the rack overhead (depending on how large it is) otherwise there are storage areas at the end of each carriage. Lock it, as always, and just keep an eye on it as you travel.

What did you decide about the Vienna-Luxembourg journey?

[archdukej]

I think I'm just going to go straight through from Vienna to Luxembourg. I've thought about making a stop, but I don't see the point in making one stop.

So, as far as Vienna-Luxembourg, I'm just going to power through. I've checked a few schedules, and it looks like I won't get in until just before midnight, but my hostel knows, so it shouldn't be a huge problem.

[madamtrashheap]

Would you consider an earlier train as there are a few - on in particular leaves at 10.30 and gets in at 21.30 that night? It will let you travel on the train and see the scenery without arriving in Luxembourg too late. Otherwise there are always night trains (that leave at 20.30 and get in just before 9 the next morning). If you haven't already, have a look at www.oebb.at and click the language selection at the top drop-down menu.