Reading my bahn train ticket

I'm not a mind reader. If you need words translated, tell us the words. I don't see any schedules on the Bahn website for Paris to Trier that show the platform in Paris, but they all identify the platforms in Saarbrücken. According to a station map I got on a schedule CD from the Bahn, Saarbrücken is a convertional through station, but the number are strange. A lot of the tracks dead end in the station, coming from either end, and some tracks are missing from the sequence. For instance, tracks 5 and 12 share a common platform, and track 11 dead ends against the same platform on the western end. Track 3 is the first through track, sharing the platform with the station. Tracks 1 and 2 dead end against that platform from the West and East, respectively. I just tried to include a link to the map, but the Graffiti Wall is not allowing links at this time. I'll try later, or you can PM me your email address, and I'll send it.

In general, tickets do not show platform numbers. If you display your itinerary on Bahn.de, planned platform numbers will show up for stations inside Germany, not outside Germany. The assigned platform numbers can also be checked at the stations' departure posters (always yellow posters). Even though platform numbers are assigned for most stations for all trains of the day, the actual platform number can change if there are irregularities, e.g. if a train is late and the assigned track is occupied. Therefore, always check the electronic boards at the station. These boards will have up to date information in case of irregular operations.

If you query Paris to Trier on the Bahn website, you see a listing of connections between the cities. It gives the departure times from Paris and the arrival times in Trier, plus the number of train changes, nothing else. To the left of each connection is a '>' symbol. If you click on it, it will expand to display the detailed connection, which shows all the train numbers , and (usually) the track numbers for German stations where there is a change of trains. In almost 25 years of travel, I have only once seen a train come into a different track than designated. I have my Dauer-Spezial (Sparpreis) ticket from a few years ago. It shows the track numbers, or Gleis, for each station.

Keep in mind that platforms are just like gates at airports. Some trains may routinely use the same platform every time and other times not. If it is a station where the trains are passing through (coming in at one end and leaving out the other end) and the station is small with only two or three platforms than the train may always use the same one. But if a big station with a dozen of platforms or a station when trains begin and end (no passing through in the same direction) then the platforms are assigned as the train arrives, just like gates at airport. There are train boards at the head of the platforms which ids the platforms for the trains about 15 mins prior to arrival. Electronic boards on the platform are becoming more common also. Always know your train number (from the ticket) and find it on the board. We always check with people standing on the platform by asking, "Train to ???

That might be true in some countries, but in Germany the tracks are assigned more than 6 months in advance. I've never seen a German train late enough to cause a change in tracks (although I'm sure it happens, but rarely). In all but the smallest German stations, there is a sign over the track showing the time and destination of the next train on that track.

Janet, If you're going from Paris Est to Saarbrücken, the DB website will only indicate which the track (Gleis) your train pulls in. The mandortory reservation won't show the departing platform at Paris Est either. I can probably guess which one it is at Paris Est since I am quite familiar with the station...use it on every single trip. All trains ICE, TGV going to Germany from Paris Est ...Mannheim, Hannover, Stuttgart, Saarbrücken, München, Frankfurt...depart from a general area of platforms 5-8. That would be my guess where the platform for Saarbrücken (I've taken this route, both directions) is. Platforms 5-8 are not far from the Waiting Room Next thing: Paris Est is very easy to navigate, big colored coded electronic signs, no need to worry about "losing your way."

I'm holding a DB online self-print ticket in front of me. The first box, on somewhat greyish background titled "ICE Fahrkarte" is your routing and fare information in DB internal code. The second box, titled "Zahlungspositionen und Preis" is your fare calculation and payment details. Then on the top-right hand side of course is the QR code and right underneath it the conductor will but his stamp once you're on the train. Below that, the first box that isn't a closed box but only consists of lines stretching from the left to the right of your sheet, titled "Ihre Reiseverbindung und Reservierung" contains your itinerary. "Halt" means stations. Datum = Date, Zeit = Times and Gleis is your platform information. If your first line says "Paris Est, 12.05. ab 10:15 8 ICE876..." This means from Paris Est on May 12th departing 10:15 from platform 8 on ICE 876. If there is more information to the right this is your actual seat reservation. "1 Sitzplatz, Wg.12, Pl. 64..." means 1 seat in carriage 12, seat number 64 is reserverd for you. The words next to the seat number describe the seat (compartment, table, windows, aisle, silent car or mobile phone car... there only is non-smokers). The fine print below that are your terms and conditions.

Thanks for the information

in my experience, in French train stations they rarely announce the platform ahead of time. sometimes not until 15 minutes before departure. just pay attention to the electronic signs and you'll be fine.

Thanks To All, I believe I will not get lost now and
read my train ticket. I so look forward to my travels.