I'm taking a bus to Nürnberg Hbf today which arrives at the main entrance and if it's on time, I have 12 minutes to catch a train from track 9. I'm really scared I'll miss the train connection - could someone tell me roughly where to go once we get to the station as to perhaps save some time?
Also, if we DO miss this train, could we take the next train to München Hbf even though we reserved seats on our original train? Or will we have to buy new tickets?
I haven't been to that station for a few years, but as I recall, it has the typical layout. The tracks are connected by an underground walkway. Just follow the signs as you walk through the shopping mall (attached to the station) to the tracks. 12 minutes is more than enough time.
If you do miss the train, simply get on the next one (which should not be too long of a wait). Your ticket is still valid, but you'll have to find an unreserved seat... which is rarely difficult.
It should be okay even if I bought a train-specific Europa Spezial ticket?
... we might have to wait until Lee in Colorado wakes up to answer that question. But once again, don't worry, 12 minutes is more than enough time... unless the bus is late...
<A HREF="http://www.bahnhof.de/site/shared/de/dateianhaenge/bahnhofsplaene/bahnhofsplan__nuernb.pdf">Here</A> is a pdf plan of the station.
Through the Haupteingang (main entrance), down the escalator into the tunnel. Go until you see a sgin saying "9" or "Gleis 9", up that escalator, done. Should be doable in 12 minutes.
Re: worst case scenario: No, train-specific "Europa Spezial" tickets are, well, train-specific. That risk/inflaxibility is part of the deal that makes them cheaper.
Do you have a train specific discounted (Europa-Spezial) ticket, with the express bus from Prague, or do you have a full fare ticket or a rail pass with a reservation? If you have a train specific ticket, there is a clause in the AGB that says that if you miss the connection because of the Bahn's fault, you can take the next available train. I tested that provision (not on purpose) in 2008 when my local train from a small town at the edge of the Harz was late and I missed my connecting IC (part of a Sparpreis ticket). I went up to the ticket counter, he confirmed on his computer that my train had indeed been late, and changed my ticket. The following express train was an ICE.
I would assume they would do the same thing for a reservation with a pass or full fare ticket, but a full fare ticket is usable on any train. The most you would have to buy (and I think the Bahn would take responsibility and give you a new one gratis) would be a new reservation. If your bus is late, mention your connecting train to the driver (I think there is actually a stewardess on board). If you are just taking a regional or local bus to the station, the Bahn probably won't take responsibility.
There are two entrances to the station from the street, the main or Mittel one and the east or Ost one to the left. Both have tunnels to the tracks straight back. If I remember Nürnberg Hbf correctly (it's been a few years), the ground floor of the station, the street in front, and the tunnels (3), are all on the same level.
Hey Anna, did you catch your train?
Well, I feel a bit silly about all my worrying now. Out bus got in 15 minutes early, and our train was 15 minutes late - we ended up waiting for a half hour in lovely Nurnberg Hbf. Thanks for the tips anyway, everyone! On that note, I highly recommend the DB express bus option, it was a super comfortable ride.
