I am trying to book a one-way ticket from Paris to Berlin on TGV/ICE for December 21, 2009, but the system says that it accepts bookings only up to 12/12/2009. Could someone please tell me when the reservations for dates beyond 12/12 will be accepted.
Thanks a lot!
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That's the date of the train schedule change in Germany.
Booking for the next period after 12/12 should be bookable ca. 4-6 before and not earlier.
It's quite a nuisance ...
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Also (and I understand that this may not be the right forum), is first class on DB worth extra EUR? I see a 2-class fare for 39 EUR and the 1st one is for 69 EUR. Does 1st class include a free snack/drink, or is it just about the legroom, which is undoubtedly important on Paris-Mannheim-Berlin adventure.
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For this long journey I would hesitate not a single moment and pay 30 Euro extra for first class. It is not only legroom but it is generally more space (three seats instead of four in a row) and the cabin certainly will be a bit quiter....
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Totally agree with Flying Lawyer, go for the first class ticket (69 € is a very good deal)
Both trains you are planning to take tend to be very crowded at times, and with a 1st class ticket you are more likely to get a seat than in coach (though you might want to book a seat in advance)
1st class on DB: larger, more comfortable seats; more legroom and recline; generally quieter atmosphere; free newspapers; drinks and food are brought to your seat, if you wish (prices are the same as in the onboard restaurant)
Another hint is to always check the booking sites in the originating and arriving countries as prices and availability do vary.
I recently booked a trip from AMS to FRA, and the inexpensive 1st class tickets were sold out on the DB site but still available from NS. I got 1st from NS for what DB wanted for 2nd.
Thank you all for your replies! Seeing that there is no other reasonably priced option to get from Paris to Berlin one-way for 21/12, DB seems like a good deal. And indeed, I have noticed that on bahn.com the fare is cheaper than it is on snfc.fr (though the French offer routings via Cologne).
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Quote:
Originally Posted by olm022
Ah, got it. Thanks, Rambuster.
Also (and I understand that this may not be the right forum), is first class on DB worth extra EUR? I see a 2-class fare for 39 EUR and the 1st one is for 69 EUR. Does 1st class include a free snack/drink, or is it just about the legroom, which is undoubtedly important on Paris-Mannheim-Berlin adventure.
You get a small snack/drink on the TGV from Paris to Mannheim route. Internal German trains don't have free drinks. But you do get table service ie the conductor will take your drinks order and bring them to you (of which then you pay him/her).
Another hint is to always check the booking sites in the originating and arriving countries as prices and availability do vary. I recently booked a trip from AMS to FRA, and the inexpensive 1st class tickets were sold out on the DB site but still available from NS. I got 1st from NS for what DB wanted for 2nd.
Thanks and I will try FRA-AMS on the ns.nl site as the train time I want on bahn.de has no discounts.
Also (and I understand that this may not be the right forum), is first class on DB worth extra EUR? I see a 2-class fare for 39 EUR and the 1st one is for 69 EUR. Does 1st class include a free snack/drink, or is it just about the legroom, which is undoubtedly important on Paris-Mannheim-Berlin adventure.
If you get the ticket at that price I would do that. And don't forget (even if you just want to rush to the city and see it's sights) to make a short complimentary stay (with your first class ticket) at the DB Lounge at Berlin Hbf.
From there you have a breathtaking view. Refreshments and a small snack are served FREE of charge there.
This is a "double lounge" for DB Bahn frequent traveller (bahn.comfort status) at the entrance and with a second ticket check a small first class section. Can be used as "arrivals lounge" directly after your arrival at Berlin Hauptbahnhof. Can be found in upper floor on the side to the "Kanzleramt".
So just enjoy your trip and (a short) stay at Berlin Hbf.
