We'll be travelling to Europe in May next year and intend taking the train from Copenhagen to Cologne for a few days then on to Lucerne.
Question is should we be looking at booking as far ahead as possible or should we just rock up at the station and hope for the best?
Your input would be really appreciated. Many thanks
Posted by
Liverpool UK
440 posts
You can book upto 3 months in advance usually at a discounted rate, however you have to be on the train that is on your ticket otherwise you will have to pay again. Aslong as you can make all the connections definitely book in advance
Posted by
7688 posts
I believe that trains from Copenhagen (which is on an island) with destinations in Germany usually take a ferry for a short crossing to the mainland. We did that trip ending up in Hamburg. Your rail trip may take longer.
Consider an inexpensive flight, if you can find it.
Posted by
Huntsville, AL, USA
8176 posts
Do yourself a favor and look into taking Ryanair--a budget European airline, from Copenhagen to Koln-Bonn. The distance by train on the ground is just too far when there is an inexpensive alternative.
To get to Lucerne by rail from Cologne will require getting to Stuttgart and changing trains for Zurich. Then you'd have to take a train to Lucerne from there. Your whole itinerary is just a little difficult.
Posted by
Green Bay
20262 posts
You can buy the tickets ahead of time at www.bahn.com. Discount "Savings" fares are refundable with a 17.50 EUR fee up to the day before you travel.
For instance, I am seeing an 8:55 depature from Cologne to Basel connecting to a train to Luzern. at 5 hours and 10 minutes, that is the fastest one.
For Copenhagen to Cologne, It is a 9 hour and 13 minute journey with a change in Hamburg.
Posted by
Brisbane, Australia
7175 posts
9hr 13min via Hamburg for Copenhagen to Cologne.
5hr 10min via Basel for Cologne to Luzern.
I'd consider flying to Cologne, unless you are open to a Hamburg stayover.