In my previous travels and in using European public transportation I have not usually used local transport with luggage. I am traveling this spring to Leipzig and Berlin with friends, and I think we all agreed to take carry-on luggage only. There will be four of us, and my question is how easy will it be for us to get on and off S-Bahn in these cities with our luggage? The routes are great to our hotels, and this seems (to me) preferable to Uber. If it were just me, I don’t think I would hesitate to use the train. With four of us, I’m not so sure.
Suggestions? Experiences?
Posted by
NorthCarolina
1210 posts
We take the train with big checked bags and backpacks and a tote each and do fine. We travel to the Xmas Markets often, so we have lots of luggage. Typically we have 2 people get on the train & the rest of us pass the bags to them. Get there early to figure out how the train pulls in and find your car. Tickets are cheaper earlier out - we often get 1st class very cheap by booking far out.
Seat61.com is very helpful with all train info and photos of the cars and seats.
Posted by
OP
WV
87 posts
Thanks. We’re taking trains between cities (tickets already purchased!). City transportation (airport or Hbf to hotels) is my question.
Posted by
Schwerin
4330 posts
Luggage is no issue on airport trains. Be aware that fastest connections from BER to center are not done by S-Bahn. Connections changed in December.
See "The best connections from Berlin to BER Airport".
Journey planner for Berlin and Brandenburg: https://www.vbb.de/en
Ticket fares - ABC area needed: https://www.vbb.de/en/tickets/single-fare-tickets/single-fare-ticket/
Around Berlin you need to time stamp tickets for validity.
Posted by
Bellingham, WA
1523 posts
I'd be concerned that you wouldn't all fit in an Uber, even if you're traveling carry-on only (which doesn't necessarily mean one bag each). Also, you might find that the s-bahn (or whatever was suggested by the other poster) is closer than the ride app pickup area, which I have found is often the furthest thing out.
Posted by
Freedonia
18351 posts
I was recently in both Leipzig and Berlin. I took public transit in both cities with my carry on luggage. No problem.
Posted by
Wengen
3605 posts
Local transport nowadays often has level boarding, so you just roll your suitcases on. S-Bahn is used daily by people with strollers, and even people in wheelchairs. Don't overthink this, you'll be fine.