Train from Frankfurt airport to Cologne
Sep 17, 2016, 6:22 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 73
Train from Frankfurt airport to Cologne
Do you recommend purchasing a ticket online beforehand or just leave it until arriving at the airport?
Looking on the Deutsche Bahn website, for the ICE trains, the lowest price ticket is for a specific train only (no changes), followed by a 1st class ticket for a specific train only, followed by the most expensive which is for any train.
Seems a bit risky buying for a specific train because of potential flight delays etc.
Appreciate your opinion.
Looking on the Deutsche Bahn website, for the ICE trains, the lowest price ticket is for a specific train only (no changes), followed by a 1st class ticket for a specific train only, followed by the most expensive which is for any train.
Seems a bit risky buying for a specific train because of potential flight delays etc.
Appreciate your opinion.
Sep 17, 2016, 6:30 pm
#2
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Do you recommend purchasing a ticket online beforehand or just leave it until arriving at the airport?
Looking on the Deutsche Bahn website, for the ICE trains, the lowest price ticket is for a specific train only (no changes), followed by a 1st class ticket for a specific train only, followed by the most expensive which is for any train.
Seems a bit risky buying for a specific train because of potential flight delays etc.
Appreciate your opinion.
Looking on the Deutsche Bahn website, for the ICE trains, the lowest price ticket is for a specific train only (no changes), followed by a 1st class ticket for a specific train only, followed by the most expensive which is for any train.
Seems a bit risky buying for a specific train because of potential flight delays etc.
Appreciate your opinion.
Sep 17, 2016, 6:56 pm
#3
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The pricing might be worth the risk, though. If you're going to pay 29 euros for an advance purchase ticket, versus 79-89 euros for a walkup fare, I'd take the risk and just consider it cheap insurance. I usually time my departure about 3 hours after arrival to account for minor delays and haven't missed a train yet.
Sep 18, 2016, 4:19 am
#4
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If you chose a train taking the routing along the Rhine river via Mainz and Koblenz (very scenic, usually less crowded trains, but about double traveling time - 2hours vs. 50-60 mins) tickets are much more affordable. A flex ticket on this route for an ICE train in 2nd class oneway is 49 Euro vs. 67 Euro on the highspeed route. 1st class is at about 60% higher price and includes the fee for the seat reservation (4,50 fee, reservation possible up to 10 mins before departure).
Sep 18, 2016, 8:20 am
#5
Join Date: Mar 2016
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Posts: 59
Depends on what is important for one. If guaranteed seating is essential, then I would buy definitely in advance for a specific train with enough cushion.
As you get frequent connections to Cologne, I personally wouldn't like to be tied to a specific train and therefore buy a flex ticket. Even if you have then eventually (depending on the time of the day) the challenge to find a free seat, which can be a hassle with heavy luggage.
The train ride takes less than 1h, so I wouldn't go for 1st class. Independent of buying a restricted or flex ticket.
Regardless of the chosen ticket, I would buy online in advance, so you don't have to queue up at the ticket machines.
As you get frequent connections to Cologne, I personally wouldn't like to be tied to a specific train and therefore buy a flex ticket. Even if you have then eventually (depending on the time of the day) the challenge to find a free seat, which can be a hassle with heavy luggage.
The train ride takes less than 1h, so I wouldn't go for 1st class. Independent of buying a restricted or flex ticket.
Regardless of the chosen ticket, I would buy online in advance, so you don't have to queue up at the ticket machines.
Sep 18, 2016, 11:31 am
#6
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If there is some extra time, I'd recommend the "Rhine route" as well, advance ticket in 1st class with a comfortable buffer after flight arrival.
Sep 18, 2016, 2:51 pm
#7
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Sep 18, 2016, 2:55 pm
#8
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FRA has a FC lounge for DB train passengers. IIRC it has coffee, newspapers, and continental breakfast but no alcohol.
Sep 18, 2016, 6:16 pm
#9
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As others have pointed out, this is a pretty cool route.
Sep 18, 2016, 6:21 pm
#10
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 73
Thanks for all the thought-provoking replies and suggestions. As much as the Rhine route sounds appealing, I think I'll probably end up going with the quick route as I'll be tired after an overnight transatlantic flight and probably just want to get to Cologne asap.
Sep 18, 2016, 6:29 pm
#11
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Don't forget that if you arrive too early, you won't have immediate access to your hotel room.
Sep 20, 2016, 1:17 pm
#12
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) and shared for passenegrs in First Class anbd those with Bahn Comfort Status (the frequent ride program of Deutsche Bahn). The first class section of the Bahn Lounge at Frankfurt main station offers a food service for passengers traveling in First Class.
Sep 21, 2016, 4:56 am
#13
Join Date: May 2010
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Do you recommend purchasing a ticket online beforehand or just leave it until arriving at the airport?
Looking on the Deutsche Bahn website, for the ICE trains, the lowest price ticket is for a specific train only (no changes), followed by a 1st class ticket for a specific train only, followed by the most expensive which is for any train.
Seems a bit risky buying for a specific train because of potential flight delays etc.
Appreciate your opinion.
Looking on the Deutsche Bahn website, for the ICE trains, the lowest price ticket is for a specific train only (no changes), followed by a 1st class ticket for a specific train only, followed by the most expensive which is for any train.
Seems a bit risky buying for a specific train because of potential flight delays etc.
Appreciate your opinion.
https://www.bahn.com/i/view/GBR/en/p..._and_fly.shtml
Then you can purchase your rail ticket through them and you get flexibility in case the flight is delayed etc.