We are a family of a five and I’m having trouble getting tickets from Paris to Mannheim to then travel on to Berlin. We are Global Eurail pass holders and seems like I’m to late to get a seat. We would be traveling on 6/1/19. When I made reservations for our hotels I planned on an overnight from Paris to Berlin. I’ve checked out buses and even flights. Is there an alternative train route that is doable without reservations? Worst case scenario we could fly but trying to avoid another $700 + a hotel stay. Thoughts or ideas appreciated!
I can make the reservation from Mannheim to Berlin no problem. I’ve tried going into Heidelberg and even Frankfurt but still unable to make a reservation for a reasonable price. Does the pass even work on those trains and is it always full price on the French trains ?
Posted by
Knoxville, TN, USA
7209 posts
Unable to make reservations for a “reasonable price”? So are you saying you are able to get a reservation but you think it costs too much?
I’m sorry you are another victim of those dreadful Eurail Passes, but your exact problem is one that’s discussed here quite frequently.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
At https://ricksteves.mytraintravel.com/, you can currently book the 9:06 a.m. direct TGV for $15 per person in 2nd class. I suggest doing that now. Mannheim to Berlin doesn't require reservations, but they are an option either on the same site or through DB (bahn.com). DB doesn't sell most international seat reservations online.
The 9:06 can also be booked all the way to Frankfurt, which is where DB suggests making the connection. If you have a 1st-class pass, you can also book the 10:55 or 13:55 departures from Paris to Karlsruhe for $34 per person.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thanks for you help! I was trying to stick with the overnight train. I was able to book Paris to Strasbourg for 10 euros/ticket then Strasbourg to Berlin for 9 euros/ticket. I may regret the 12 hour travel time 😏.
Posted by
Green Bay
21098 posts
12 hours? Yikes! Its an 8 hour trip.
Posted by
San Francisco
14915 posts
Hi,
There is a way to do Paris to Berlin by night train but it isn't direct, if you want that option, one change is required.
Take the TGV to Strasbourg, change to the S-Bahn going to Offenbach, they go every 30 mins or so. Catch the night train Offenbach to Berlin. With the Pass you're covered but not for the seat reservations, which are extra.
Better in Offenbach than Mannheim. Taking this night route, if timed correctly, I would have no problems esp on a Global Pass...easy. There are always seat reservations on night trains in Germany.
That Global Pass is obviously valid in Germany and France. You do need to get reserve a seat (mandatory) on the TGV Paris to Strasbourg, after that it's simple.