Train tickets using Trainline EU app?

Yes, it's great. I don't understand how they're able to offer an easier-to-use service without increasing the price of the tickets by some nominal amount -- but they don't add a fee, and the interface is much simpler (at least than the national rail company here in France, I don't know for Germany). Completely reliable and easy to use. Go for it!

christine,

I use Trainline often during trips to Europe, either via desktop or using the phone app, and I frequently recommend it here on the forum. One nice feature is that it's possible to buy tickets for trains in a number of different countries, including both networks in italy, which makes it a great "one stop shopping" site. I prefer using it on the desktop when possible so that I can print tickets easily.

As you've probably found, you'll have to register on the website including credit card information. If you haven't done so already, you may want to complete the Verified by Visa or MasterCard SecureCode process with your credit card providers. I vaguely recall that may be required on the Trainline website. Once you're registered, buying tickets is very easy.

I am traveling through Germany in mid-June

In that case, I wouldn't want to be dependent on a reseller and would use the App of the DB (DB Navigator) and book my tickets directly with the DB.

I've used this app on several trips and it's worked great. Sometimes I've purchased tickets on the app just before using them because it's easier than using the machines in stations. I've never had a problem. I currently have a few tickets in my iPhone wallet for a trip in May. I'm buying them as they come available.

The absolute best source of tickets and fares in Germany is the Bahn website. No argument! Learn to use it.

You can also get tickets from Loco2 and Trainline, but these websites are fraught with errors, errors which will lead to tickets that are more expensive than need be.

I've been comparing what I find on Loco2 and Trainline with a trip I've been planning for southern Germany in Apr/May, and I find big errors for these websites. I am preparing a detailed report on all of the inaccuracies I've found and will post them shortly.

I am preparing a detailed report on all of the inaccuracies I've found and will post them shortly.

Interesting. I'm looking forward to it.

Hum, sounds like there are mixed feelings on this topic, but mostly I heard that people have used it and liked it... The only possible negative is that it may be more expensive than using the Bahn site, correct? It's not that they are going to sell me bogus tickets?

I don't mind paying a little more for ease of use and to have my tickets in one easy spot on my phone.

The only possible negative is that it may be more expensive than using the Bahn site, correct?

No. The real negative in my experience is that is is less accurate and less complete than the DB site. Which is, btw, not difficult to use. Even better is the DB app. ...

to have my tickets in one easy spot on my phone

... which offers, of course, that functionality as well. Simply try it an compare.

Moreover, if you book a ticket through a reseller and there is a problem with your ticket, DB people will refer you to the reseller. So, the question seems to be: what's the advantage buying through a reseller?

Which DB app in specific do you think I should download? There seems to be many in the Apple App Store.

I'm planning on prepurchasing train tickets for the larger legs of our June trip: Munich to Rothenburg, Wurzburg to St. Goar. (the rest are smaller regional trains and believe it's best to just do those at the kiosk in the stations)

Thanks for all the help!

The app is called "DB navigator". You can use it together with the web site. E.g., if you have booked a ticket on the website, you can download it to the app.

BTW, for the Munich to Rothenburg trip you could use a Bayern ticket (€25 for one, 31 for two), (usable on regional trains only). It takes approx. 40 min longer but can save you some money.
E.g., for mid June, I see a saver fare of 52.90 for two on the 9:18 ICE - a difference of over €20. Just compare by deselecting "prefer fast connections", which will bring up regional trains too. Sometimes the difference will be bigger, sometimes it's insignificant.

Christine,

"The only possible negative is that it may be more expensive than using the Bahn site, correct?"

No! Trainline sells tickets at the same price as the rail networks. I haven't found the Trainline site to be "fraught with errors* when purchasing tickets for trains in Italy, but I haven't used it yet for trips in Germany. I also have both the DB and SBB app's, so can also use those for purchasing tickets.