We're flying into Frankfurt Airport, arriving ca. 11:00am.
We'd like to take a train that afternoon (in Germany) and use our Germany twin passes. But upon reading the terms and conditions for use of the pass, I read that the pass must be validated "prior" to taking the first train. Does this mean at least the day before, or can we get them validated on the same day we take the first train? Anyone ever do this?
Paul,
You don't have to validate your Pass the day prior to travel. You just need to validate your Pass at the first rail station you use.
As I recall, there's a rail station at Frankfurt Airport, so all you'll need to do is present your Passport and the Rail Pass at the ticket window, they'll stamp it and you'll be on your way.
Happy travels!
that means same day validation even 10 mintes before departure. ive done it myself.
I never use rail passes anymore since I found that there are less expensive ways to travel in Germany, but I had one in 2000. I validated it at the Fernbahnhof at FRA and got on the next IC for Mannheim.
BTW, there are two stations at FRA. The Regionalbahnhof is located under the building across the street from Terminal 1. You get to it by going down the stairs just inside the outside wall of the hall of Terminal 1, then under the street to the Bahnhof. There is a ticket counter in there.
The Fernbahnhof is farther out. You get to it by going up an escalator to the second level mezzanine from which there is a bridge over the street, then out the walkway to the Bahnhof. There is also a ticket counter there where you can validate the railpass.
Most people with rail passes will take express trains from the Fernbahnhof, but for S-Bahns to Frankfurt or Mainz Hbf, you will want to use the Regionalbahnhof.