European Rail Travel - Allowance for customs in FRA

I arrive in Frankfurt around 7:30 AM, then take the train to Munich. How much time should I allow to clear customs, get bags, etc. and is it worth the upgrade for first class from Frankfurt to Munich. I apologize if this is not strictly a "German rail" question.

I arrive in Frankfurt around 7:30 AM, then take the train to Munich. How much time should I allow to clear customs, get bags, etc.

Well, this very much depends on where you come from. If you don't want to take the detour via Stuttgart (there are two ICE lines between Frankfurt Airport to Munich, one via Würzburg/Ingolstadt and one via Stuttgart/Ulm) you should have about one hour between your arrival and the departure of the next train which could get a bit tight, especially if you end up in T2 (I would allow for about 15 min. to get from T1 arrivals to the platform, and 20 to 25 min. for T2 arrivals to the platform) and if you want to avoid to rush (additionally, it can be a bit hard to find the way to the station if you are unfamiliar with the airport). So, I wouldn't recommend you buy a restricted fare ticket for any train leaving before 9:something.


and is it worth the upgrade for first class from Frankfurt to Munich. I apologize if this is not strictly a "German rail" question.

Well, this very much depends on what you would consider "worth". First class fares (at least the fully flexible ones) are always at 160% the cost of a second class ticket which should make for a ~50 EUR surcharge o/w p.p. for your relation. If you hold lots of bags, this would definitely pay off (2nd class ICE coaches have VERY restricted room for baggage, actually it's not much better in 1st class, but less people you'll have to share the restricted space with). Additionally, if you end up having to wait for the next train to depart, a 1st class ticket would grant access to the railway lounge which is not particularly nice but still a better place to wait for your train than the windy platforms. Nevertheless, since "the Squaire", the new shopping mall on top of the airport station has opened, you'll find lots of places to spend your waiting time. Apart from the more comfortable seats, the other first class benefits aren't really worth the fare difference (newspapers are cheaper if you buy them at the kiosk), so if you are comfortable travelling second class, I wouldn't advise you to take first (unless you are willing to risk buying a restricted ticket which may even be cheaper than a full-fare second class ticket).

Thanks! Lots of good information. Will be arriving on AA, not sure which terminal that is.There is a nonstop ICE leaving about 10, which may be my best bet.

Thanks! Lots of good information. Will be arriving on AA, not sure which terminal that is.There is a nonstop ICE leaving about 10, which may be my best bet.

"About 10"? You mean 9:54? This is the one travelling via Stuttgart; just be advised that the route via Würzburg is quicker (and includes a 300 kph route while vmax on the Stuttgart route is 250 kph and will get pretty slow between Stuttgart and Ulm, just in case you want to fully experience the ICE ;) ).