Presuming that this is possible, after you enter your credit card information, are you able to print your tickets? I don't want to get to the point of having paid and not be able to print them. Any experience with DB site? I bought tickets from the Trenitilia site last year and was able to print them but I remember hearing a long time ago that you had to pick up tickets bought from DB in Europe???
Barb
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19233 posts
I've purchase tickets from the Bahn on two occasions. They always immediately sent me an email with the tickets in an attached PDF file which I could print. Some tickets for end points outside Germany can't be sent online; those are mailed to you, but they'll let you know before you commit.
I would advise you to register with the Bahn when you purchase the tickets (option 2). That way you can always go on and print more copies of the tickets if something happens to the first copy.
Posted by
OP
Andover, MN, USA
222 posts
Thanks Lee for the tips. Good to know that they notify you the options before you complete the purchase.
Posted by
OP
Andover, MN, USA
222 posts
Lee, I was back on the site and don't know where to sign for Option 2. Are you talking about the Home Page or the page that comes up on Rick Steves that is the page where you enter destinations?
Barb
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19233 posts
Go to the German Rail Query page and put in your starting and ending point, date, and time. Pick from one of the connections and click on purchase.
Yes, I just got the same message that the online booking system is temporarily unavailable.
When the website is working, the first page after you click on purchase might offer you a Bahn Card. The next page will offer ask you if 1) you are already registered, 2) if you want to register and purchase, or 3) if you want to purchase without registering. I recommend option 2 because it allows you to get your pdf file online and print again if something happens to the first copy.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
I found the DB site to be quite straightforward when booking train tickets and I believe all their online tickets allow printing at home. You will confirm that online before you enter a credit card. I would not choose delivery to USA, since tickets lost in the mail may not be replaceable.
Posted by
OP
Andover, MN, USA
222 posts
Thanks everyone for your input. I took all the great advice and bought my tickets for my husband and myself one way Amsterdam to Berlin for a total of 78 euro - the 90 day advance price!! Lee, I followed your advice with option2 and registered. I have more tickets to buy as the "90 day" time comes up.
Barb