A question for the train experts: We are in Prague and heading for Rothenberg on Tuesday. We have German rail passes. It looks like there are 2 routes to Nurmberg, one from Prague to Cheb on a northern route and one from Prague on a southern route. Is that right? Is one better than another? It looks like local trains from Nurnberg and that part looks straighforward to me. Any advice would be appreciated.
We did the Cheb route from Rothenberg to Prague and there were A LOT (I think 4 or 5) of train transfers to handle with very little time between most of them to actually get to the next train.
Looking back I would try to find a route that minimized the transfers...
The fastest connections (5 hrs) from Prague to Nürnberg are regional trains through Schwandorf (what you call the So. route).
There are direct (no train change) connections leaving Prague at 5:16 (groan) and at 13:16. There is a connection with one simple change at Schwandorf leaving Prage at 9:16.
Going through Cheb will take longer and have more changes.
I'd take the "southern" route through Furth im Wald and Schwandorf.
Regardless of the number of changes on the Prague-Nürnberg route, the train into Nürnberg will undoubtedly end there, and you will have to change. You will also have to change in Steinach. You will probably have one other change in Ansbach or Neustadt. Change is going to be a way of life.
Via Cheb there is only one connection per day with less than 2 (1) changes.
Via Schwandorf there are two connections with no changes and 2 with 1 change.
You are the greatest! I can see on the map the route you recommend and we will take that. The 0916, not the crack of dawn one. We are really enjoying our trip and thanks again for all your help.