My family and I are traveling from Zurich to Munich June 5 -7. I've been trying to get train reservations on Deutche Bahn since the first part of Feb. They have a deposit for the round trip reservation. However, I just need clarification on the communication I've received from Deutche Bahn. They have said the train is "blocked" and they are trying every day for booking a reservation. Does this mean that the train is just not available for reservations for 7 folks at this time and it will open up soon? Or does this mean that the train is on strike during this time and I should look at another means of getting from Zurich to Munich and back? If I need to search for another mode of transportation can you please provide some suggestions? Thank you for your help and clarification.
Posted by
Green Bay
21145 posts
Can you clarify? By "reservation", are you using a rail pass, or do you mean to buy tickets? Are you saying you can travel on either the 5th, 6th, or 7th?
I just had no trouble getting to the payment page for the June 5 EC train at 7:09.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
I see that you're probably trying for a group discount for the 7 passengers and those are not online at this time. Strike is not a likely explanation. It may be that group tickets go on sale along a different timing (although it surprises me if that timing were later than for groups of 1-5 people). There has also been construction in this region for a while, but the trains clearly have not been cancelled or they would not show on the schedule. I would stick with the plan and trust that DB intends to help, as they recently confirmed. Or you could tell them that you would accept a different fare that's currently available.
Posted by
Basel, Switzerland
8889 posts
Reba, "Blocked" means they are not accepting reservations yet. This summer they are starting a re-build of that line. When finished it will be faster (3h30 instead of 4h30 for Zürich - Munich), but while the work is going on there will be temporary diversions and delays.
Probably, they aren't sure yet whether that train on that day will have to be re-timed/re-routed or not, depends on building progress. So they aren't accepting reservations until it gets nearer the time and they are sure.