when I pull up connections (on the DB Bahn site) between for example, Haarlem and Frankfurt I will be offered a multi train itinerary with connections having as little as 6 minutes between arrival of one and departure of the next link... do trains run this smoothly? Or can I expect to miss connectins if a train is late?
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9100 posts
For the most part trains do run on time. 6 minutes to make a connection is normal and doable. Very often the train you are connecting to is on the the opposite side of the platform.
Posted by
Copenhagen, Denmark
265 posts
The general rule is: slower (less important trains) wait for faster trains if the fast train is delayed, but often not the opposite. The different train operators have different criteria and rules for when and how long to wait, but if the delay is 5 or maybe 10 minutes, a connection will often be told to wait for connecting passengers.
Posted by
OP
Orlando
191 posts
Thanks Michael and Christophe, your responses damped my fears.
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
This is the fun part about train travel in Europe. It's called "The Connecting Train is on a Different Platform".
Mostly, the trains are on time and you can make your connections. In smaller stations, the connecting train will come in on the same track or track #2 on a 2-track platform. In larger stations, the connecting train can be several platforms away. The only way to change platforms is to go down 25-30 stairs with your luggage, walk through the underground connecting tunnel, and then go back up 25-30 stairs with your luggage. Some (few) stations have elevators or ramps but not many. As seniors, it got a bit interesting to have 6-8 minute train changes but in our travels, we haven't missed any.