1st or 2nd class train travel
#16
Moderator: InterContinental Hotels and Germany
Join Date: Oct 2002
Posts: 6,552
I am going to move this thread from the Germany Forum to the European Train Travel forum,. where is from my points if view fits better.
There is a redirect
FLYGVA
co-moderator Germany Forum
There is a redirect
FLYGVA
co-moderator Germany Forum
#17
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: EDKA, STR, ZRH
Programs: LH SEN, A3*G, IHG plat, DB Comfort, SPG gold
Posts: 964
One note on "oversold" trains - actually (with a few exceptions), there is no such thing as "oversold" trains, as you may purchase (full fare) train tickets in Europe without seat reservations which are valid on any train of the given service category (like regional, IC or ICE) during several days (usually 2) for single trips or one month for return journeys. Hence, as many people appreciate the flexibility of those tickets, it is quite likely that more people will actually board a train than the number of abailable seats. This is particularly true when travelling on Fridays or Sundays. Of course, people will have to stand during the ride under such circumstances, both in first and second class.
Double- or multi-selling of seat reservations, however, has become a rare exception in the last few years. Hence, no matter whether you will buy first or second class, it is very advisable to book a seat reservation at a small charge (free for first class within Germany) when you buy the tickets, especially when you are travelling as a non-solo traveller and when you purchase tickets that are only valid on a specific train. Counting on a seat in the restaurant car is a bad idea, as others will have the same idea and, to be honest, it's bad style towards people who actually want to dine on the train.
Whenever you find your reserved seats occupied, try to politely ask the people sitting there to move away (after double and triple checking your reserved seat number, coach number, train number and date of travel). If they refuse, get a conductor to sort things out.
Double- or multi-selling of seat reservations, however, has become a rare exception in the last few years. Hence, no matter whether you will buy first or second class, it is very advisable to book a seat reservation at a small charge (free for first class within Germany) when you buy the tickets, especially when you are travelling as a non-solo traveller and when you purchase tickets that are only valid on a specific train. Counting on a seat in the restaurant car is a bad idea, as others will have the same idea and, to be honest, it's bad style towards people who actually want to dine on the train.
Whenever you find your reserved seats occupied, try to politely ask the people sitting there to move away (after double and triple checking your reserved seat number, coach number, train number and date of travel). If they refuse, get a conductor to sort things out.
#18
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: FLL -> Where The Boyars Are
Programs: AA EXP 1.7 M, Hilton Gold, Hertz 5*, AARP Sophomore, 14-time Croix de Candlestick
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One note on "oversold" trains - actually (with a few exceptions), there is no such thing as "oversold" trains, as you may purchase (full fare) train tickets in Europe without seat reservations which are valid on any train of the given service category (like regional, IC or ICE) during several days (usually 2) for single trips or one month for return journeys. Hence, as many people appreciate the flexibility of those tickets, it is quite likely that more people will actually board a train than the number of abailable seats. This is particularly true when travelling on Fridays or Sundays. Of course, people will have to stand during the ride under such circumstances, both in first and second class.
I was once traveling between Erfurt and Frankfurt when the train was taken out of service at Eisenach. We were put on the next train to Frankfurt, on which most of the 1.class seats were taken (I did find one of the last open seats). 2.class did overflow, with quite a few standing.
Last edited by Non-NonRev; Jul 24, 2016 at 1:54 pm
#19
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Malaga, Spain
Posts: 1,077
i'm planning a trip to Czech/Germany/Denmark/Netherlands in October and am looking at train options.
However travel in Denmark and NL on domestic trains is another matter. The carriages are a bit older and it's sometimes difficult to tell what you are paying for.
Fully endorse travelling 2nd and taking a meal or a beer in the German/CZ dining car which is nicely traditional with table cloths and excellent service
#20
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: PEK
Programs: A3*G, UA Gold EY Silver
Posts: 8,956
One note on "oversold" trains - actually (with a few exceptions), there is no such thing as "oversold" trains, as you may purchase (full fare) train tickets in Europe without seat reservations which are valid on any train of the given service category (like regional, IC or ICE)
#21
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: manchester, uk
Posts: 205
At least for the UK this isn't accurate. That you get a seat reservation included when buying an advance ticket =/= a seat reservation is required
#22
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Asia/Europe
Programs: CX, OZ, MU (+AY, DL), Shangri-La, Hilton
Posts: 7,236
Often the most pleasant 1st class upgrades in Germany are on the regional RE/RB/S-carriages where it mostly guarantees a seat even at rush hour.
I spent a layover in the Cologne/Duesseldorf area on my way to and back from China in June and bought the 1st class supplement for each of my train journeys except for one IC ticket Duesseldorf main station to Duesseldorf airport station.
It was rather pleasant and calming to be able to sit down in otherwise full trains and enjoy the views instead of standing in some doorway with the luggage. Highly recommend spending the few extra euros.
I spent a layover in the Cologne/Duesseldorf area on my way to and back from China in June and bought the 1st class supplement for each of my train journeys except for one IC ticket Duesseldorf main station to Duesseldorf airport station.
It was rather pleasant and calming to be able to sit down in otherwise full trains and enjoy the views instead of standing in some doorway with the luggage. Highly recommend spending the few extra euros.
#23
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: EDKA, STR, ZRH
Programs: LH SEN, A3*G, IHG plat, DB Comfort, SPG gold
Posts: 964
Wouldn't count on that either - as regional trains tend to be extremely overcrowded during rush hour, many commuters choose to pay the extra euro for a first class monthly ticket for their commute - hence, I'm under the impression that regional trains are even more crowded than long distance trains during rush hour (outside of daily rush hours first class on those trains seems to be more or less empty). Just try to get onto the northbound RE1 or RE3 from Düsseldorf Central around 4pm - you'll hardly find enough standing room on those regional lines even in first class.
#25
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: EDKA, STR, ZRH
Programs: LH SEN, A3*G, IHG plat, DB Comfort, SPG gold
Posts: 964
You can use the lounge in Cologne on arrival (basically, to access any DB Lounge, you only need a valid first class long distance ticket for the same day, no matter from where to where), but I'm not sure about Amsterdam. As the lounge there is quite small, they will probably not let you in after arrival. In general, lounge admission rules in Germany are more generous than in other European countries.
#26
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Europe
Posts: 1,589
Except that if you have a first class Interrail or Eurail pass, you won't be allowed into a DB Lounge, whereas in several other countries - Britain, Austria, for example - you will get lounge access.
#28
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Berlin
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#30
Suspended
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Hi folks,
i'm planning a trip to Czech/Germany/Denmark/Netherlands in October and am looking at train options.
At Bahn.de, train from Prague to Berlin is 19 euro is second class and 79 euro in first class.
My attempt at reading the website makes it seem that first class is a slightly nicer seat and some complimentary light food options.
To me, that's not worth 50 euro. I'm traveling with one other person, so it's 100 euro actually. I'm not looking to do this trip "on the cheap" as the 100 euro wouldn't change my life or anything, but I am trying to spend my money wisely.
Can anyone comment to me on the differences between 1st and 2nd class, and if i'm correct that the differences are not that extreme. Because I'm traveling with a companion, seat width/having my own direct aisle access seat is slightly less important as I'm unlikely to be seated next to a stranger.
I'll be planning other train travel throughout Germany and Holland - but am trying to piece together each train as it becomes 90 days away. Any advice anyone has would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks to all in advance.
i'm planning a trip to Czech/Germany/Denmark/Netherlands in October and am looking at train options.
At Bahn.de, train from Prague to Berlin is 19 euro is second class and 79 euro in first class.
My attempt at reading the website makes it seem that first class is a slightly nicer seat and some complimentary light food options.
To me, that's not worth 50 euro. I'm traveling with one other person, so it's 100 euro actually. I'm not looking to do this trip "on the cheap" as the 100 euro wouldn't change my life or anything, but I am trying to spend my money wisely.
Can anyone comment to me on the differences between 1st and 2nd class, and if i'm correct that the differences are not that extreme. Because I'm traveling with a companion, seat width/having my own direct aisle access seat is slightly less important as I'm unlikely to be seated next to a stranger.
I'll be planning other train travel throughout Germany and Holland - but am trying to piece together each train as it becomes 90 days away. Any advice anyone has would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks to all in advance.