Hello! I will be visiting Amsterdam in a few weeks and I am very excited! However, my question is sadly about leaving. I have a Eurail pass and my first day will be Amsterdam to Cologne to Frankfurt. The fastest option looks like ICE, but I am now not sure if reservations are required on ICE internationally into Germany from Amsterdam. I was told by Eurail that reservations are optional, but the DB website indicates that reservations are mandatory. I would like to take the quickest option, obviously, I just don't want to get on the wrong train.
Posted by
Chicago
8163 posts
You should reserve a seat.
Posted by
Green Bay
21139 posts
The fastest option is the ICE to Frankfurt airport, then the S-Bahn to Frankfurt Hbf (or where ever else in Frankfurt you are going). A reservation is only 4.50 EUR per seat. I've been on that train, and had to kick people out of our reserved seats on a very crowded train. Spend the money.
Posted by
OP
Portland, OR
5 posts
We are going to stop in Cologne for a few hours as well. Is a reservation needed from Amsterdam to Cologne? And Cologne to Frankfurt? It looks like I may want one from Amsterdam to Cologne but Cologne to Frankfurt should be fine.
Posted by
Green Bay
21139 posts
Amsterdam to Cologne is the one that was crowded. Cologne to Frankfurt depends. The high-speed line is likely to also be crowded, but I really have no idea. Just depends. I'd do it though if you want to pick your own preferred seat(s). Now if you want to take the slower scenic route on the IC train that goes along the Rhine river to Mainz, then the S-Bahn to Frankfurt, you might be able to get by without them. My last trip in Germany, I bought seat reservations for our 2nd class tickets. We did a couple of legs 1st class where we got a price that was just a little more than the cost of 2nd class plus seat reservations. 1st class tickets come with seat reservations automatically (when you actually buy them).