Originally Posted by
wsflyer
Etch,
Thanks for your reply. My wording may not have been clear, but my main question was how much time should I allow between my plane's scheduled arrival at FRA at 0700 and the ICE train's departure?
Your advice is great, but I'm more interested in getting to Cologne quickly to see the cathedral. (I know the surrounding areas are worthy of a more lengthy visit, but I can only do so much in a few hours.
)
By the way, if you order train tickets in advance, you can get a discount for more than one person. For four people (two adults, two kids), the FRA--Cologne ICE roundtrip is available for 126 euro. These savings require a non-refundable ticket, so I am wondering what is the best time to schedule the train. Thanks again.
If you are buying non-refundable tickets, you might want to play it safe and go with the 9:09 departure. Immigration through FRA is usually quick and painless, but it would not hurt you to pad your time a little. That way, if your flight is a little late, you won't be doing the OJ Simpson dash through the airport with your family in tow. Long holding patterns at FRA are not unheard of. The train station you will want (the Fernbahnhof-or long distance train station) is about a 5-10 minute walk from the arrivals halls, depending on which terminal you land at. It is very well marked.
If you are early, there are numerous small grocery stores or coffee shops where you can get a quick bite or a drink.
I fully understand why you would want to make a quick trip in Cologne to see the Dom. Your train will slow down crossing the Rhein bridge past Koeln-Deutz bahnhof and you will see the cathedral in all its glory as you come into the station. The view is nothing short of spectacular, and you will remember it for the rest of your life. Enjoy the Koelsch beer, too. It is served up in .2 liter glasses, and it is a perfect refreshment.