Nightjet train from Amsterdam to Munich with luggage

Posted by WaCAT (Utah) on 12/31/23 04:30 PM

We are planning a two week trip to Europe. We will spend 4 in Amsterdam, 6 days in and around Munich, and then a few days in Salzburg before heading back to Amsterdam to fly back to the US. We are doing the roundtrip to Amsterdam because we got a good deal using frequent flyer points and doing two one ways would be several thousand more.

The plan is to either fly from Amsterdam to Munich or take the Nightjet train. We will have two pieces of larger luggage, a size up from a carry on. We are wondering if that would be too difficult in our sleeper compartment or if we should just fly instead. We could also rent a car but it looks like a long drive although it could give us more time to explore.

Posted by Pat

San Diego, California

12/31/23 05:02 PM

4768 posts

For the future, you can book open jaw ,( multi- city tickets), instead of two one- way tickets. So you could fly into Amsterdam and out of Munich on one ticket. In my experience, these open jaw tickets are in the same price range as RT to the same city.
Perhaps you can check availability and still change?
In either case, have a great trip and safe travels!

Posted by ChinaLake67

NorthCarolina

12/31/23 05:18 PM

938 posts

When in Europe it's always best to book MULTICITY tickets, that way you don't have to circle back. You fly into Amsterdam and out of Munich. Don't book ONE WAY or RoundTrip, but MULTICITY - the cost is usually no difference, esp considering the time it saves and cost of getting back to a place you've already been - you may can change the tickets?

Posted by CJean

Ontario, Canada

12/31/23 05:47 PM

4885 posts

If you have a sleeper compartment, or a couchette, there is room for your luggage under the lower bed (and usually in an overhead rack in some couchettes). 24/25 inch suitcases will easily fit. You will want to book your sleeper tickets long in advance to ensure availability and the best prices. Since the number of berths is limited, trains can sell out.

You might want to compare the costs of train vs flights (including checked luggage) to see which is better for you.

Driving is a bad idea, especially if you have time constraints. The cost of gas and tolls in addition to the rental cost will likely be more than the cost of flying or train. And then there is the huge drop off fee when you drop in a different country (could be as high as €1000).

It wouldn't hurt to see if you can change your flights to a multicity ticket. Any change fee may be worth the cost in time and money of backtracking to A'dam.

Posted by WaCAT OP

Utah

12/31/23 05:55 PM

4 posts

Thanks to everyone suggesting I book multi city tickets.

That was much more expensive. I used frequent flyer miles and if I had booked from US to Amsterdam and then Munich to US it would have been 60k more miles per ticket than just doing the RT. I can call Delta and see if I can change it. It seems like train or air between the two cities wasn’t a big deal.

I can always cancel the ticket since it was booked with miles.

Posted by Badger

Sweden

12/31/23 08:13 PM

6420 posts

Open jaw tickets are as mentioned better, but if you got a great deal I'd suggest sticking to it.

To answer your question, there is no reason to worry about luggage space in the Nightjet sleepers. But is that two large pieces of luggage each or total?

Renting a car would be a bad idea, it would be expensive and probably be a two day drive to get to Munich.