My sister and I are planning to take trains from Paris to Rothenburg , then Munich , then Salzburg back to Munich before flying back to the States
I am very confused about how to make train reservations even tho I have read through the Rick Steves books on train reservations,
questions
1. would you recommend Ist or 2nd class seats for an approximately 8 hour train trip from Paris to Rothenburg
2.are assigned seats required
3. would you pick a particular site to make reservations
appreciate any help/ advice
thank you
Posted by
not here anymore
631 posts
Paris to Rothenburg
All long distance trains in France are subject to compulsory reservation so whichever train you get from Paris needs pre-booking, especially since it could be much cheaper than trying to do it when you are in Paris (and I mean trying, you may fail if you leave it too late).
There are various options of route but you won't be on any train for longer than about 4 hours (Paris to somewhere in Germany) - prices fluctuate based on booking trends, sometimes 1st class isn't too much dearer so is worth considering. Who you book with depends upon which route you choose - but it will be online with the company. Seats are assigned and in some cases can be chosen from a seat plan.
Rothenburg - Munich
For two people this is best done on a BayernTicket, a state day ticket valid on all public transport execpt the long distance trains (which wouldn't save enough time to justify the higher price). This is bought on the day of travel. €31 for two people after 9AM Monday-Friday, anytime weekends. Don't forget, also covers local transport in Munich to reach hotel.
Munich - Salzburg
at most another BayernTicket on the day. If you were close to either Munich Hauptbahnhof (main station) or Ost Station there is a slightly cheaper option. Salzburg main station is considered to be the Bavarian state boundary
Salzburg - Munich
if back to the city, reverse of above. If to the airport only BayernTicket (the cheaper option won't go that far!)
Posted by
Green Bay
20103 posts
Use www.bahn.com and put in from PARIS to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, and the day you want to travel and a time starting at 6 am. You'll see your options and prices for tickets if you buy on-line now and use print-at-home tickets.
Just checked for Sept 28 and prices were as low as 59.90 EUR per person. Best was leaving from Paris Gare de l'EST at 7:20, changing trains at Karlsrhue, Ansbach, and Steinach.
You can also check at www.trainline.eu. They sell tickets for both French and German trains. Should be the same as Deutsche Bahn.
The trips inside Germany, rothenburg to Munich to Salzburg to Munich airport are best bought out of a ticket machine when you are ready to travel. Those special tickets cost 2 EUR more if you have to use the ticket window. They are on unreserved trains. Just hop on and find a seat.