I've searched a fair amount and can't seem to find a cut and dried answer: We need to get from Strasbourg to Garmisch. Me, husband, 2 savvy teens. Tried French SNCF website, but this indicated we would need to take a car? Any recommendations re itinerary and good websites to help us plan much appreciated!
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16894 posts
The French web site doesn't sell (and therefore doesn't display) connections outside of France. The German site, however, maintains a pretty comprehensive train schedule for all of Europe, despite only selling tickets that touch Germany. (They will sell your whole route.) Looking Up Train Schedules and Routes Online gives you the Deutsche Bahn train schedule link and tips for using it. This is always our first stop for schedule planning.
Posted by
Augsburg, Bavaria
2354 posts
Tip for your search at the DB web site: you may get better prices if you don't search for Strasbourg to Garmisch but for Kehl to Garmisch. Kehl is kind of a suburb of Strasbourg (situated opposite Strasbourg on the German bank of the Rhine) and is connected to Strasbourg both by tram and a local train operated by SWE. Now, if you book a connection involving a SWE train originating in Strasbourg the DB website won't sell you a discounted ticket ("Sparpreis"). But the same train stops after 10 min or so in Kehl and from that station you can get a sparpreis. Buy your (cheap) ticket from Strasbourg to Kehl in addition. That problem doesn't exist if you book a TGV / ICE connection but then your choice is limited.