Trains in Germany-Buy tix now or day of travel?

Posted by kadams84 (California) on 06/28/19 05:51 PM

Hello, I am looking for advice on whether I should buy train tickets before we leave for our trip or as needed when we are in Germany in August. We will need train tickets for 3 different cities/town:

Frankfurt Airport (arrive on a Monday @ 8:30 am) to Rothenburg ob der tauber. I'm thinking that I have no idea how long it will take to get through customs, so I should buy the ticket the morning we arrive.
Wednesday; Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber to Bacharach
Saturday morning; Bacharach to Trier.

Do I run the chance of not getting a ticket/seat if I just use my DB Navigator phone app to purchase the tickets the day of departure?

Any advice or tips are appreciated.

Posted by Laura

Rick Steves' Europe

06/28/19 06:05 PM

16893 posts

These trains don't require seat assignments and cannot sell out. As well, while regular ticket prices are cheaper in advance, some all-day-tickets valid on slower, regional trains do not change price.

Posted by Sam

Green Bay

06/28/19 06:55 PM

20081 posts

You don't save much time using fast trains for these relatively short routes.
To see schedules, go to www.bahn.com, then click the box "Local transport only".

The first 2 journeys use a Quer durchs Land ticket costing 52 EUR for 2 people. Bacharach to Trier use a Rheinland-Pfalz Ticket costing 30 EUR for 2 people. Just be sure to travel after 9 am on weekdays and only use regional trains.

Posted by Lee

Lakewood, Colorado

06/28/19 11:55 PM

19092 posts

I have no idea how long it will take to get through customs

Worse, you have no idea what time you will actually arrive. Considering the uncertainties, you would be foolish to buy a train specific, advance purchase ticket.

Buy regional tickets, take the next S-Bahn to the Frankfurt Hbf, then catch an RE to Würzburg (there's one every hour). From Würzburg, take the next regional train south to Steinach bei Rothenburg, then change for Rothenburg. For ticketing, a Quer durchs Land would be the most convenient, but you can save a few euro by buying two single RMV tickets from FRA to Kahl am Main (first stop in Bavaria) for 8,60€/adult and a two person Bayern-Ticket for 32€ (49,20€, total). The RMV ticket will get you from the airport to the Hauptbahnhof to Kahl, which takes about an hour. From Kahl, as long as it is after 9 AM, the rest of the way is covered by the Bayern-Ticket. In case your flght arrives really early, you can start your travel from the airport any time, you just can't leave Kahl before 9.