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Heidelberg to Paris by train

Posted by (North Carolina, US) on

Although my intended travel plan seems straight forward to me, I'd appreciate an extra set of eyes. We are staying at the Hotel Hollander Hof in Heidelberg. We are traveling by train on Friday, Sept. 23rd to Paris. It appears the hotel is closer to the Altstadt station (.6 miles) then the main station (1.8 miles) per Google maps.

Using the DB site there is an appealing train leaving the Altstadt station for Paris via Mannheim. There is a 20 minute transfer time between trains in Mannheim. Although 20 Euro more than the earlier or later train options, this offers a more desirable departure and arrival time as well as involves only 1 connection versus 2.

First, is the Altstadt station a walkable (sidewalks or pedestrian paths) distance? (2 early 40 reasonably fit adults with a 21" suitcase each & daybag)
Second, is there a better option I am not aware of that I should be using instead?

Thanks!
H

Posted by
19233 posts

It looks like the shortest walking route to Heidelberg-Altstadt Bahnhof has you walking along the side of a busy highway (37), but there as also an only slightly longer route using more conventional streets (Oberneckarstr. and Hauptstr.). It looks like there is also a bus every 10 min from Neckarmünzplatz, about 350m away from your hotel, to the Alstadt station. I'm sure the staff at the hotel can advise you.

You can also walk across the bridge in front of your hotel and catch a bus on the other side directly to the Heidelberg Hauptbahnhof.

Posted by
12040 posts

I know the Holländer Hof well. The Altstadt Bahnhof is an Sbahn station, and there's no problem walking there. Although certainly a easier walk than to the Hauptbahnhof, you can just as easily walk to Bismarkplatz and catch one of the frequent streetcars from there to the Hauptbahnhof.

Posted by
7 posts

I agree. I lived in Mannheim for 5.5 years and spent tons of time in Heidelberg as well, since it's very close.

There's no need to spend an extra $20 to take a train from the Altstadt station; it's quite easy to take a bus or tram to the HBf. Have fun! Also, while you're in Heidelberg, be sure to visit the Zuckerladen ("sugar shop"), which is a teeny, cramped, personality-filled, bonkers candy store that most tourists don't know about. And try to make a side trip to Ladenburg or Weinheim, both of which are gorgeous--and reachable in about 30-45 minutes by cheap public transit. :)

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