Can anyone recommend the best way to secure train tickets on specific days from Zurich to Munich and then from Munich to Prague roughly 3 days later? Are their direct routes?
Thanks in advance for any insight.
Posted by
OP
Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A.
12 posts
Thanks Steve. I really appreciate the information. Any other advice as far as bookings go pertaining to 1st vs. 2nd class seats, group options (there will be 3 traveling together), and luggage restrictions?
Thanks again.
JD
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19151 posts
The fastest rail connections from Munich to Prague are three six-hour connections leaving Munich at 8:44, 12:44, and 16:43. These trains cross the border at Furth im Wald. The 12:44 connection has a change of trains at Schwandorf. These are regional train run under the Bahn's privatization policy by ALX. As far as I know, these are the only regional trains that can be ticketed and reserved online.
The least expensive way to do this is to get a Bayern-Böhmen-Ticket for €33 at a ticket automat in Munich. This is valid for up to five people all the way to Plzen. Once you cross the border into the Czech Republic, you should be able to purchase from the conductor tickets from Plzen to Prague for about €6 pP. If you can't, get off in Plzen and purchase your rail tickets (there are trains at least every hour) or bus tickets, which are faster and less expensive.
The validity of the Bayern-Böhmen-Ticket starts are 9 AM, workday, so if you want to leave earlier, you will have to purchase an MVV Partner Tageskarte to Freising.
As for Zurich to Munich, the Bahn sell Europa-Spezial Schweiz tickets for express trains (ICE/IC/EC) for €39 pP, advance purchase required. These tickets are date and train specific and non-refundable, but if you can commit, they are a great deal.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
For Zurich-Munich, follow Lee's suggestion and book at www.bahn.de to get the best discount fare. He has also given you great advice for Munich-Prague.
IMO, 2nd class seats are comfortable and there is plenty of leg room so I don't think 1st class is worth the extra expense.
You are responsible for your own luggage on trains so the only limitation is how easily you can haul your bags on board. Pack light!
Posted by
OP
Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A.
12 posts
Guys,
Thanks so much for the insight and suggestions. I truly appreciate it. Happy travels wherever they make take you in the future.
JD
Posted by
OP
Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A.
12 posts
Two final questions:
What is the benefit of lounge access with a 1st class ticket?
Is there a bar/food car for 2nd class passengers or would this option just be for 1st class? I remember there being one on a train from Cologne to Amsterdam back in 2006 where you could get a beer and smoke.