I've tickets from Frankfurt to Berlin next week, which I bought at bahn.de. I can go to their website, and see my ticket in the "my bookings" section, have printed them, etc. So all is well. The only question I have is regarding seat reservations. Is that possible? Or is it first come, first served?
Posted by
Chicago
565 posts
You pay more for seat reservations, but they are not always necessary. Depending on the day and time your trip is, you might get a seat fairly easily, at least for some stretch.
Weekends and holidays are usually packed and a seat reservation might be worth it, especially if it is difficult for you to stand for any length of time.
Posted by
OP
Raleigh, NC, USA
44 posts
Thank you for the reply. I bought first class tickets, does that make a difference?
Posted by
OP
Raleigh, NC, USA
44 posts
Maybe I should've tried google translate earlier... Sitzplätze, Wagen 12, Plätze 105 106, Abteilwagen, Ruhebereich, Nichtraucher, 2 Fenster translates to Seats, Car 12, seats 105 106, compartment cars, rest area, Non smoking, 2 window So, I guess I am all set. I wasn't able to find a seat map, but it's not the end of the world.
Posted by
Houston, TX
2 posts
Finding your seats on DB trains is pretty easy. On the platform, there will be a diagram of your train - that'll show you which car in the train is your car, in relationship to where you're standing. (Each platform has a series of square signs with letters on them, and the diagram has the same letters - that shows you roughly where your train car will be.) Each train car will have a sign (on the ICE trains, it's a LED display) at each door showing the car number. Once you're on board, you'll see that each seat has a number (and on the ICE trains, a little display that confirms the reservation, like FRA HBF - BER HBF or something like that). That part is pretty much like finding your seat on the plane. (I loved the compartment cars, although we only rode in one once.)
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19274 posts
Ruhebereich means quiet area, ie, no cell phone use.
Posted by
San Francisco
14980 posts
Hi, My sentiments exactly on the compartment cars...those six seat compartments of yesteryear. They still can be found on IC trains, very conducive to engaging in conversation with strangers, your fellow travelers. The information recommended to you above is adequate, but you can also check the glass board "Wagenstandanzeiger" on the platform that points to the location of the car/coach. (In Austria they use instead the word "Wagenreihung" to indicate that.)