Hello fellow travelers. We are going to Copenhagen in May/June and would like to take an overnight train to there from Cologne, Germany. Has anyone done that and found it to be a good thing? Thanks
Posted by
Myrtle Beach, USA
12313 posts
I would do a budget air hop. The train is likely to cost significantly more plus give you a long-uncomfortable experience. Even the major carriers like SAS (owned by Lufthansa) offer good fares for flights in the area to stay competitive with the budget carriers.
Posted by
Luxembourg
69 posts
one of Germany's largest no-frills carrier www.germanwings.com/en have non-stop flights from CGN to CPH. Is perhaps worth considering to save time and money! An overnight train is about 11 hours journey - the flight is only 1H 20 mins.
Posted by
Copenhagen, Denmark
265 posts
There are special offers on Bahn.de if you buy tickets for the night train in advance. You can buy tickets up to 92 days in advance. But check with air tickets as well. By the way, SAS is not owned by Lufthansa (yet), but there are rumors about Lufthansa acquiring SAS in near future.
Posted by
Los Angeles, CA
32 posts
Hi Kitty, I attempted a night train from Berlin to Copenhagen last summer, as a 25 year old solo female traveler. For nine whole weeks, I experienced nearly pure bliss, including several smooth overnight train rides, but this train ride was awful because of poor planning on my part. My main mistake was not researching layovers - I had a four hour layover from 12:30 to 4:30 AM at a stop that wasn't even a station, with tile floors, locked bathrooms, occasional drunks, and concerned policemen. I wrote a blog if you want to read more about my little mishap - read entry 22 "Part I" here: http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog/melepua/1/tpod.html Now, I do believe a successful trip is possible - some night trains are especially comfortable and safe, especially in Scandinavia - but you just have to research every aspect well. Look at types of trains, layovers, availabilities, and so forth. Don't just assume that whatever itinerary the Deutshes Bahn website makes for you is the best, even if it's cheapest or fastest. And don't let my adventure scare you, either. I may have been uncomfortable and exposed, but I came out alive and with a good story. Carrie
Posted by
Oak Park, Illinois
4535 posts
I've taken the opposite overnight train. It's fine with no changes. Typical overnight train experience for me.