Hello - This may seem a primary question, but I have never traveled on the rail system in Europe. We need to go from Copenhagen to Arhus - then back to Copenhagen a few days later. Do I need to buy the train tickets in advance? Or simply show up at the train station, buy a ticket and go. It looks like the train runs every 40 minutes or so. Thanks in advance for your help!
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
I went to the Danish Rail site and entered two dates, one within a couple of days from now and one in September. The fare was the same for both dates so apparently there are no advance purchase discount fares. Since there is frequent service on your route, I doubt that you'll be in danger of not getting a seat if you buy your ticket just before departure. However, I haven't been to Denmark so I'm purely guessing here.
Posted by
Copenhagen, Denmark
265 posts
Danish State railway operates with two types of tickets: Standard fare and so-called orange tickets. The orange tickets are discounted tickets only available on certain departures and only in limited supply. Orange tickets are available online only, are non-refundable and non-changeable. These tickets require you to use the specific train, that it is bought for. It always comes with a reservation. Standard tickets are available online and at the ticket counter, and can be changed and refunded (Refund for a fee). Standard tickets never sell out and are not linked to a specific departure, but can be used on any train of the day of validity. On long-distance trains in Denmark, if you travel with a standard ticket it is possible to make a seat reservation which will garantee you a seat on the departure you wish but you can also travel without reservation. If you travel without reservation, you will have to find a seat yourself, if all seats are taken, you will have to stand.
Posted by
Copenhagen, Denmark
265 posts
... continued There are two classes of service, Standard and first class (called DSB 1'). Seats are almost the same, however there are free newspapers (in Danish), free coffee and tea and fruit or a croissant for free in DSB 1'. IMO, first class is not worth the price difference. There are usually two departures to Aarhus per hour, one fast train (ICL) and a slower option (IC). The price is the same. Take the fast train, if you can. The trains themselves are the same. My advice would be to check now for orange tickets on your preferred travel dates, since these tickets have quite substantial savings. You can book 2 months in advance. If you can commit to a non-changeable ticket, book an orange ticket if available. Otherwise book tickets and reservation in advance if you travel on Friday or Sunday afternoon where demand is high. A guide to online booking is here: http://www.dsb.dk/global/pdf/kundeservice/how%20to%20order%20online%20tickets.pdf