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Train from Rotterdam to Munich

Posted by on

Wife and I am traveling from Rotterdam to Munich in June. We would like to go by train (this is our preference over a flight). Best itinerary has us going on an NS train from Rotterdam to Utrecht. Then, in Utrecht, we switch to a German ICE train to Frankfort. Then, transfer to another ICE train for last leg to Munich. I have a couple of questions.

1) Is there an advantage for buying tickets from DB instead of NS? They both offer the same itinerary at the same price.

2) From what I have read, it sounds like I should be able to catch any NS train to Utrecht, regardless of time. However, I am "tied" to the two ICE trains a the times stated. Is that correct?

3) Do I need to validate (swipe in) before getting on train in Rotterdam?

4) When I transfer from NS to DB in Utrecht, do I need to validate the ticket in any way (swipe in or out)?

Posted by
2015 posts

Might need to be corrected, but I don't think you are tied to ICE times per se. I think you buy the route at a certain speed level, and then you can travel the route that day at your purchased speed or slower. But seat reservations are tied to specific trains, and the ICE trains can feel more like airplane seating, not random open seats all over different cars. If you want to be sure you won't be standing room only for many hours then you'll need to board the ICE trains on which you reserved seats.

Again, not as expert as some on this!

Posted by
2015 posts

Also, and you might already know this, you can take an overnight sleeper train from Brussels (quick from Rotterdam) direct (no changes) to Munich. If that's your thing. Some people love overnight sleeper trains; some not so much. If you are amenable it saves a whole lot of sitting around all day on an unremarkable rail route.

Posted by
5 posts

I have seen the sleeper trains. We get off a cruise in Rotterdam in the morning and we are meeting our kids in Munich later that same day. So, the sleeper train won't work this time. But I would love to try it one of these days.

Posted by
21855 posts

However, I am "tied" to the two ICE trains a the times stated. Is that correct?

If you buy a Super Sparpreis or Sparpreis Ticket, that is correct. They are discounted tickets based on you riding those specific trains. A full fare ticket (Flexpreis) is good on any train.

At Rotterdam, you will have to scan your ticket to open the gate to enter the platform area. At Utrecht, you should just be able to go to your new platform without scanning anything. You would only have to scan your ticket if you exit the platform area into the general station area.

PS, I do see that the Utrecht-Frankfurt ICE has a compulsory seat reservation.

Posted by
2015 posts

Re booking website, I'd use Bahn.com for a journey mostly in Germany.

And I probably wouldn't book the entire trip on one itinerary. I'd book Rotterdam-Utrecht separately through the Netherlands rail website. Might not make any difference but this is how I tend to do it - reserve the long distance trains way ahead with the national rail company in charge of those trains, then book the city to nearby city hops separately at my convenience. Maybe not the right call though? I always get there :)

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