We will be arriving at Frankfurt airport on July 8th at 11:20 a.m. I have searched this forum and gotten some very good information but I hope someone will make some clarifications for me as some were rather old. I have learned that there are two separate train stations, Fernbahnhof and Regionalbahnhof. Since we are going a distance (Zeitz), we will be on a ICE leaving from Fern 4. We are checking luggage so can you tell me approximately how far it is from the baggage section to the Fernbahnhof? Is it well marked? Is it reasonable to think we could catch a 1:02 pm train. Also, I'm finding we have a few better options if we take train to Leipzig (like no connections) rather than search all the way to Zeitz. There are locals every hour from Leipzig to Zeitz. I have read that Leipzig is one of the largest stations in Europe with lots of platforms . There are many Leipzig stops on the DB site, but I assume we will get off at the Leipzig HBF to catch the local to Zeitz? We have purchased a German twin pass (first class), will we still need to get a seat reservation for the ICE? If so, can you get it just prior to departure? Many thanks,
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19274 posts
You don't have to have a reservation for an ICE (except for the rare ICE-Sprinter); sometimes it is recommended. You can purchase reservations for 4,50€/seat at the ticket counter at the Fernbahnhof.
I don't know how you are searching. Use the German Rail Query webpage. It shows a number of one change connections. Some go through Leipzig; faster connections go through Weißenfels.
Here is the plan of Leipzig Hbf. It's a large station, but there are larger stations, Frankfurt Hbf and Munich Hbf, to name two.
Posted by
OP
Maryland
31 posts
Thank you both very much. Lee, I have been using the German Rail Query webpage. When I type Leipzig, the following appears:
Leipzig HBF, Leipzig Messe, Leipzig/Halle Flughofen, Leipzig Coppiplatz, Leipzig Mockern, Leipzig Plagwitz, Leipzig Paunsdorf, Leipzig Gohles, Leipzig Nord, Leipzig Holzhausen, Leipzig Knarthain, Leipzig Liebertwolkwitz. Am I to assume we get off at the Leipzig HBF to make a connection to Zeitz? Are all the others here local stops? As for going through Leipzig, I prefer less hassle than speed. Currently I'm getting warning notes about construction work going through WeiBenfels.
One other question. On the DB timetable, if we are unable to get the 13:02 train to Leipzig (duration: 3:53), the next one is 14:11 (duration 4:24). They are both direct and ICE, what would account for the time difference?
Posted by
OP
Maryland
31 posts
Thank you George, and for the great links as well!
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
Hbf means main station and is usually the best choice. Some trains make more stops or the connection time is longer, which you could see under the detailed view for each connection. I hope your plan is not to reserve ahead, but to be flexible with that schedule info you'll have in hand.