We are disembarking a river cruise and wish to travel to Berlin from Amsterdam that morning. I checked for flights but there is nothing that appears convenient and reasonably priced (tickets on KLM for the departure we wanted were over $1000 for a 1 hour flight). We are thinking that the train might be a good alternative. Can anyone recommend a reliable line? It is confusing as there appear to be so many choices, or may they are all just different booking agencies. Also, what do you do with your luggage when traveling on the train? What is the difference between economy and first class other than a little extra room? Also, we would have to change trains and they are showing a connecting time of 13 minutes - is that enough? Thank you for your help - I know a lot of questions but we are train neophytes,
Posted by
Paris
7312 posts
Hi,
Check out the "Seat61" website for all train travel info in Europe (and beyond!). It is a great resource for "beginners" and experts alike.
In the case of Amsterdam to Berlin, there are direct trains, or at least there were before COVID. These are the ones you should take, and they are German trains operated by the German railways: you can look at times and buy tickets at www.bahn.com/en.
Pictures on Seat61 will show you the difference between 1st and 2nd class. For that 6hr+ journey, 1st class is worth it if you can afford it.
Luggage just goes with you: smaller luggage on racks above you, bigger luggage on racks at the end of the car (and sometimes in the middle, I do not remember how it is on German long-distance trains). Valuables should be on or next to your person.
Posted by
OP
4 posts
Thank you so much for th e prompt reply. I checked out the link and learned everything I needed to know. Now, I feel much more confident taking the train. Might be fun too!
Posted by
Wyckoff, NJ, USA
7936 posts
Another resource:
https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/transportation/trains
Posted by
OP
4 posts
Thank you, this is great.
Posted by
Uppsala, Sweden
7051 posts
Avoid this site's pages on train travel. Use The Man in Seat 61, it is a great place for information on how to travel by train. He actually has a page on Amsterdam to Berlin https://www.seat61.com/trains-and-routes/amsterdam-to-berlin-by-train.htm
Can anyone recommend a reliable line?
I'm not sure what you mean with this question, a rail line is the physical infrastructure. So you'll probably start on the Rhijnspoorweg.
It is confusing as there appear to be so many choices, or may they are
all just different booking agencies.
There are a number of (more or less reliable) booking agencies, but always buy the ticket from the company that actually operate the train, in this case DB, www.bahn.de
Also, what do you do with your luggage when traveling on the train?
Put in on a luggage rack. There are usually ones above the seats for smaller luggage and larger ones spread out for larger luggage.
What is the difference between economy and first class other than a
little extra room?
First class will give you slightly larger seats than in second class, it also includes a seat reservation (€4.50 extra in second class) and you can order food to you seat (instead of walking to the restaurant car). Depending on the price it might be worth, but second class is very nice in German trains, nothing like an economy seat on a plane. So personally I rarely bother with first class in Germany.
Also, we would have to change trains and they are showing a connecting
time of 13 minutes - is that enough
Plenty of time. The direct trains have been suspended due to the pandemic, but hopefully they will return soon. However, a 13 minute change in Hannover is plenty of time. I did a dummy booking and both your trains use track 9, so it is just a matter of alighting and once your first train leaves, the next one will arrive a couple of minutes later.