In February, I purchased tickets from Berlin Gesundbrunnen to Heidelberg (via Frankfurt) for travel on May 30. Today I was reviewing my travel plans to update the stops/transfers and my Berlin-Frankfurt train has disappeared! I used the train search link here and the result is...a blank map. I also did a regular schedule search and the train no longer appears as a choice. The PDF train ticket lists the train (ICE 1632) and I haven't had any notice from DB that the train is canceled. Perhaps I am worrying for no reason (very likely), but do any of the German train experts have thoughts on how to confirm my train is still a go? And one other question - at the time I purchased the tickets, it would not allow me to select a seat (I splurged on first class). Is there a way to do this online after the fact? Or is it just easier to go to a DB office when I get to Berlin to ask? Thoughts appreciated, thanks.
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19240 posts
I see what you are saying. I looked at a lot of the connections from Berlin Gesundsbrunnen to Heidelberg and did not see an ICE 1632 on any of the legs, but it would help if we could see a little more information - the start and end points of that trains and the departure time.
More importantly, what are your times for the entire connection - leaves Gesundbrunnen when? I see some connections leaving Gesundbrunnen on an S-Bahn or RE, others leaving on an ICE or IC. Give us the entire connection.
It is very possible that they have cancelled that train. If so, if this is a SparPreis (Savings Fare) ticket, the Bahn should put you on a substitute connection at no charge. If it is a full fare ticket, you can use it on any train anyway. What kind of a ticket is it?
There is a possibility on the Bahn website to make a reservation on a train where you already have a ticket. Go to this page and click in the box (bottom of page) for "Seat only". Then go through the process of putting in the start and end and time. Instead of getting a Purchase box on the connections, you'll get a box for Reservations. But, of course, if that train has been cancelled, you can't get a reservation on it.
Posted by
Green Bay
20986 posts
When I look at the ICE 1632 train detail, it shows not running on May 30. It is an ICE Sprinter. The last day of operation is May 27, and it starts up again on June 13. Suggest you contact DB by email.
https://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/traininfo.exe/en/308037/297184/857444/326043/80?ld=15073&protocol=https:&seqnr=2&ident=ab.0387373.1458937484&date=09.05.16&station_evaId=8011102&station_type=dep¤tReferrer=tp&rt=1&
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19240 posts
OK, now I see. You ticket is for the ICE 1632 leaving Gesundbrunnen at 10:37, changing to an IC at Frankfurt Hbf and getting to Heidelberg at 16:12.
There is also an ICE leaving Gesundbrunnen at 10:41, changing at Hannover and getting to Frankfurt 4 minutes later than the originally scheduled ICE, changing to the same IC to Heidelberg. That connection runs on May 30, so I'm sure that is what they will put you on.
I have never been on an ICE where all seats were reserved, even when all seats were occupied and it was SRO. You can probably wait until you get to Berlin, go up to the counter, show them your ticket, and they will put you on the connection I mentioned above, and you can reserve seats then for 4,50€. Or, if you feel like gambling, you can go online and reserve seats for the two ICEs changing in Hannover, also 4,50€, now, and expect that they will change your ticket to those trains.
Posted by
OP
Salem, Oregon, USA
2624 posts
Wow thank you all for your prompt and thorough replies! And my sincere apologies for leaving out key details in my rush to leave the house this morning. Lee figured it out correctly, I have a Sparpreis ticket and was scheduled on:
ICE 1632 Berlin Gesundbrunnen 5/30 dep 10:37 to Frankfurt(Main)Hbf arr 14:56
IC 2371 Frankfurt(Main)Hbf 5/30 dep 15:20 to Heidelberg Hbf arr 16:12
I'll see what luck I have with DB customer service (thanks for the email link!) and am thankful my spidey instinct told me to check today...at least I have time to figure it out! I'm only a little bummed because I was hoping to ride on the Sprinter train...but I think I'll settle for a train that gets me where I'm going :)
Thanks again to all.
Posted by
OP
Salem, Oregon, USA
2624 posts
A quick update: I emailed DB customer service. It took them almost a week to respond (I'm guessing the Easter holiday had something to do with that). They said "Your original connection cannot be guaranteed any more" and gave me two options - visit a Travel Center upon arrival to Berlin and rebook without penalty or get a refund without penalty. I chose the latter and rebooked on my own, finding a route that was actually a bit cheaper (leaving from Berlin Hbf via Hannover) and taking about the same amount of time. I feel better now that is squared away (again). Thanks again to all who gave advice, you were spot on.