I have a 840am flight out of FRA, and according to DB Bahn I can catch the 530am from Bacharach. 1) Would anyone take a chance that the train will have no problems and 2) I can't purchase tickets online, so I feel extra insecure of planning this route.
Posted by
Basel, Switzerland
8889 posts
Bacharach 05:37
Frankfurt(M) Flughafen Regionalbfm 06:34
Yes, I would trust that train to run on time, millions of Germans do every day. I would think at least half the people travelling to the airport do so by train.
You cannot purchase tickets online because this trip is within the greater Frankfurt ticketing system (RMV), not the DB system. A single ticket will cost you €11.60, buy it from the RMV ticket machine at the station.
Why would you feel insecure not being able to buy a ticket online?
Posted by
OP
4 posts
Sorry, I don't mean to imply that German trains cannot be relied upon (although the subway certainly cannot be in NYC haha). I only meant this is my only way back to Frankfurt to catch my flight, so I want to make sure there's nothing to be read into the fact that I can't book online. From your post I take it to mean that the only reason I cannot book is because it's a regional train. Thank you.
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19274 posts
I once came into FRA on an ICE from Karlsruhe for an early afternoon flight out, and once came in from Boppard on a direct RE with no problem. The train from Bacharach to FRA is a regional train, which has no seat reservations. There would be no benefit to buying tickets in advance.
If you are still worried, go to Mainz the night before and take an S-Bahn or regional train into the airport in the morning. In addition to the RE you are looking at from Bacharach, there are three other trains from Mainz to the airport in the previous hour.
I would recommend this hotel in Mainz. It is right across the station square, a short walk in the morning, they have a great breakfast, and the price is good. I stayed there 5 years ago before leaving from FRA and found it most convenient.
Posted by
Greeley, co, usa
2588 posts
I've taken that train twice. No problem - just getting up early !
Posted by
Basel, Switzerland
8889 posts
jlatels,
To paraphrase your original question, you were asking why you couldn't purchase a ticket on the Amtrak website for a train on the NYC subway to JFK airport. Enjoy your trip.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32353 posts
I've also travelled that route, and as I recall there's often one change but it's not difficult (just a walk across the platform). You'll likely arrive at the Regionalbahnhof which is across the street from the terminal. The only thing I wouldn't like about that plan is getting up at that time of the morning (although I have done that on occasion, including on my trip last September when I had to take an airport shuttle at 04:30).