Originally Posted by
You want to go where?
The argument could be made that ICE trains have had more serious accidents than TGV (1 versus 0). They could also cite the 2008 ICE-3 recall regarding defective axles.
I am not willing to hang my hat on the 1 versus 0 argument, and would cite the recall as a positive example of ICE safety rather than negative.
Flying Lawyer, I know about that route. Have traveled it often. You are right that is very scenic.
There have been several ICE accidents, thinking of Cologne, Fulda and Eschede. Some were technically caused, others by sheep or exterior circumstances. In any case, the TGV has a better record and has been traveling for longer. It is also clear that the ICE is more comfortable.
The Bahn prices are indeed ridiculous. I am shocked every time I need to buy an ordinary ticket ever since I travel by rail i.e. 20+ years. The punctuality record of the DB is also far behind that of Switzerland and France. In addition, the friendliness and helpfulness of their personnel leave much to be desired. Mehdorn as CEO is a calamity. I have no idea how he manages to hang on to his chair. So, I think there are good reasons not to like the DB. And I know that I'm not the only one to feel like this. It becomes especially painful if you see how other countries do the same thing much better.
I just checked the prices. On a weekday at 2pm as an example the regular price is 71 Euro. Travel time is between 2:30: and 1:30h depending on the connection. There is a Sparpreis where you are tied to an exact train combo and must book three days at least in advance. Being tied to one particular train is not ideal when you are arriving by plane and the price is not much better at 59 Euro. He will also have to switch trains in Cologne which is a PITA when you have a lot of luggage. Even though, it is probably better than renting a car and driving after such a long flight.
As for French trains traveling on German rails, I think that is the case with the Thalys to Cologne and the new trains that go from Paris southbound in the direction Stuttgart (perhaps they even go to Munich, not sure). Otherwise, I am not in the know about rail and wheel specifications for French and German high-speed trains and whether they are even compatible. No idea.
Prices into FRA are so much cheaper because it's the biggest German airport and the most flights go there and connect there, so you get an economy of scale. How much cheaper were the flights really. Is it worth the hassle?
Till