This June, we will be taking the train from Amsterdam. Should we train to Berlin or Munich? Our plane leaves from Prague, so which would be the best (most fun) place to train to as a stop along the way?
Also, will it be possible to purchase tickets at Amsterdam Centraal that will take us direct? What are those prices like?
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19274 posts
You can purchase tickets at Amsterdam Centraal, but you will pay full fare ($234 pP via Berlin, $290 pP via Munich). If you purchase the tickets online from the German Rail website you will be able to get discounted fares with advance purchase (3 to 92 days). (The page linked above is in English with a full array of options. Bahn.de will eventually take you there anyway. Why not go directly there?)
The Europa-Spezial tickets from the Bahn are discounted (from €39 pP for Amsterdam to Berlin or Munich and from €29 pP for Berlin or Munich to Prague). These tickets have limited refundability and should be purchased well in advance, since the lowest price ticket sell out early.
It's also possible to go from Munich to Prague for about €22 pP in about an hour more on regional trains with a Bayern-Böhmen-Ticket and p-p tickets from Pilsen to Prague; advance purchase is not required.
Everyone has a different opinion, but I would prefer Munich. It's about 2 hrs longer from Amsterdam but about the same time to Prague. In all, I've spent all or part of 25 days (17 nights) in Munich in seven trips in the last 23 years. I love it. I've considered Berlin, but could never find anything there that interested me.
Posted by
OP
Coshocton
7 posts
Thank you for you help, and suggestions.
Posted by
Calgary
2297 posts
Munich or Berlin? That is a very popular question and the answer depends a lot on personal preference.
Berlin is one of the most fascinating cities in Europe right now. Very much up and coming. Lots of changes going on, it's a city you wouldn't recognize if the last time you went was 10 years ago. It's a city of contrasts, very modern and filled with history at the same time.
Munich is more traditional. If you went 5 years ago and today and 10 years from now it's pretty much the same. It fits well with some of the more romantic images of Germany.
I've been to both places a couple of times. I have absolutely no desire to go back to Munich but will take a ticket to Berlin in a heart beat.
http://www.ricksteves.com/graffiti/helpline/index.cfm?topic=41254
http://www.ricksteves.com/graffiti/helpline/index.cfm?topic=39987