Hi, we'll be traveling by overnight train this summer (from Budapest-Krakow, Krakow-Prague), and I'm still trying to get everything figured out (I've posted several questions about this leg of the journey so far). Right now, I'm concerned about making reservations/purchasing tickets. If I buy the tickets upon arrival in each city, is that far enough in advance to generally ensure that we'll have a seat? I don't know of a way to buy the tickets before we leave and we have accommodations reserved in each city on specific dates. We'll be staying a minimum of three nights in each place and do not have passes (just buying point-to-point tickets). Oh, and just in case it helps, we'll be traveling in late May. As always, thanks so much for all your expert advice!
Posted by
OP
baton rouge, la, US
269 posts
Thanks! I'm assuming there's an English language option ... my German's a bit rusty :)
Posted by
Ottawa, Ontario,, Canada
521 posts
Hi Ashley,
I do not know for sure about reservations in May, only about July/August for the night trains. I had received a recommendation on this site to reserve in advance as night trains can be very popular. I waited until I was in Europe and made one last night train reservation for three weeks in advance from Switzerland to Parma. Although I did get the reservation, we got two of the last bunks on the train, which were the bottom bunks. On a night train, the bottom bunks are often the narrowest ones.
So it worked out, just not ideal. As I said, I do not know about May. I just think that a night train is not something you want to take a risk on if it is part of your itinerary planning. If you are counting on a night train to get there, you probably want to pay the surcharge and reserve from here.
Posted by
OP
baton rouge, la, US
269 posts
Thanks! That's what I'm worried about, but I'm not sure how to go about making those reservations from the U.S.
Posted by
Ottawa, Ontario,, Canada
521 posts
I know that you can do it on the Rail Europe website, but people on here might know of a cheaper method as Rail Europe will give a markup on the cost.
Posted by
OP
baton rouge, la, US
269 posts
Yes, I did run the pricing through them and was not particularly happy with the numbers. I was also wondering about night buses, as I'm not overly particular about how we get there as long as we get there on time! I'll run that question by the folks who run the hotels I'm staying at; hopefully, they can advise, as well.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
You can book both trains by phoning German Rail. The number specifically for night trains is (0)1805 - 141514. The Call Center number is (0)1805 - 996633. Dial 011 (US international access code) + 49 (country code for Germany) + the number. Leave off the intial zero in parentheses. It is only for calls originating in Germany. The tickets will be mailed to your home.
Posted by
OP
baton rouge, la, US
269 posts
I checked with German rail, but the prices they're quoting me are quite a bit more expensive ($60-80 each leg)than what my hotel had originally told me. Is this a mark-up/premium for buying them stateside?
Posted by
Newton, MA, USA
289 posts
I also want to point out that you can pay a $50 fee to use Euraide (http://www.euraide.de/) to book your tickets for you.
I had handled one night train by calling the German Rail and it worked out great. I then realized I had quite a bit more tickets and reservations to book but I didn't have the time to dedicate to calling and trying to get an english speaker. I also had a complicated night train ticket to book. I found it very easy to use them and it was worth the $50 spent.