We are planning a day trip from Munich to Salzburg. During the only two days we could do this, there is a notice on nearly all trains that they are at high capacity so other dates/times should be considered. We still want to go knowing that it could be crowded and tough to get a seat (we have a senior and two children with us.)
If we paid for 1st class Bayern tickets (115e vs 56e) would we be more likely to get a seat during these crowded days?
Thank you!
If you get on the train early, you might not need that 1st class.
Also, trying to figure out your pricing of 56 EUR? If they are truly children (under 15), it should be 32 EUR each day.
Looks like the reason is a track closure with a replacement bus for a section between June 7 and June 12. The alternate service you note is showing on trains going with a connection at Muehldorf. so stick to the regular service with the replacement bus as it shows no restrictions, and even though it shows 2 connections (getting on and off the replacement bus) it is still quicker than the route through Muehldorf.
My son turns 16 the day we land so he’s considered an adult. Yikes! And I think it’s 53 euro- I mistyped after staring at my screen too long.
We plan to go early so we might be fine in the morning but I’m most worried about the return when we are all tired. Do all of the regional (is it still Meridian?) trains have a 1st class car? Can you tell which car is which class as you board? We did these a couple of years ago but it was just my husband and I during a less-busy time.
See my edit.
So if 4 people should be 46 EUR each day.
We have five with our two kids and my mom. We’ll be departing from Munich HBF and are looking at the 8 am train and will plan to be on the platform around 7:30. We could try the 7 am train but that would be a tough morning.
I guess I’m more worried about seats on the way back that afternoon. That’s where the 1st class ticket may help out if there’s a huge crowd that manages to board before us.
Thanks for your input- it’s really helpful!
Remember that the Bayern ticket is not valid until after 9 AM on weekdays
The difference between first and second class on the Meridian is basically the leather clothing of the seats. Moreover, there are not more than 16 first class seats on a Meridian (in double or triple traction the number doubles or triples accordingly). In the majority of local trains first class is simply a rip off.
Can you tell which car is which class as you board?
First class compartments ae marked by a yellow ribbon above the windows.
BTW, the DB website shows expected occupancy only for long distance trains not for local trains like the Meridian. The red triangle for the DB connection via Mühldorf is just a global warning (trains on that line cannot be as long as on the main line) and doesn't say anything about a booking status.
In my experience, few people bother buying 1st class tickets on regional trains. There is often room in 1st class even if 2nd class is overcrowded. I have no specific experience on Meridian trains, though.
so stick to the regular service with the replacement bus as it shows no restrictions, and even though it shows 2 connections (getting on and off the replacement bus) it is still quicker than the route through Muehldorf.
I agree. But then it's a waste of money to buy 1th class tickets for that connection. The bus from Teisendorf to Freilassing is 2nd class only and so is the Austrian REX from Freilassing into Salzburg.
The OP can correct me if I am wrong, but appears they are talking about this weekend. There is track work indicated on the Munich-Salzburg rail line between Friday June 7 and Thursday June 12, between Teisendorf and Freilassing.
They are also showing alternative service using regional train to Muehldorf and a connecting train to Salzburg, taking 2 hours and 47 minutes. This route is marked with the red triangle, and noted at the bottom of the page:
Mühldorf(Oberbay)->Salzburg Hbf: Information. Exceptionally high number of passengers! Travellers who have not yet purchased a ticket, please choose another connection. Hindrance probably lasts until 12.06.2019.
The regular Meridian service shows a replacement bus between Teisendorf and Freilassing. There is no such note on these trains, but it takes longer to get to Salzburg because of this, 2 hours and 21 to 27 minutes instead of the normal 1 hour and 46 minutes.
My suggestion, just take the regular Meridian service, as there is no restriction noted on these trains, it will just take a little longer to get to Salzburg. So if you take the 7:53 train at Munich Hbf, you get to Salzburg at 10:19. At Teisendorf, everybody will get off the train and board waiting buses and then be transported to Freilassing where they will board OEBB trains continuing on to Salzburg.
Return will be the similar process. Trains at 17:42, 18:46, 19:42 (with extra connections), 20:44 (with extra connections) etc.
Net result, just go and do it. 1st class is unlikely to do you any good.
My son turns 16 the day we land so he’s considered an adult. ... And I think it’s 53 euro
So if 4 people should be 46 EUR each day.
we have a senior and two children with us
Free children/grandchildren only applies when the children are traveling with, at most, two people, one of which must be one of the parents/grandparents. In this case, the child isn't free, so you have 5 people, and, yes, it's 53€.
