Our flight is due to arrive in Frankfurt at 9:25 on Continental, and we are immediately catching a train to Liege. One option is an 11:09 train that arrives at 14:15, that requires a Thalys reservation. Another option is an 11:57 train that is NOT a Thalys and arrives at 15:45. If I reserve the Thalys trip, what happens if the plane is late and we miss the train? Could I apply the fare to the 11:57 train? The Thalys fare is about 18E more, but we might be willing to risk it if possible. Or, am I cutting it way too close and should I just reserve on the 11:57 train? I guess there is also the concern that the 11:57 train would be full on a midday Thursday in August. Your advice is greatly appreciated, thank you!
Posted by
Boscombe, Dorset, UK
964 posts
To be clear, I have never travelled the route you're taking, but I have travelled a lot.
Based on experience, I would say to reserve the later train. I think trying to get off the plane, clear immigration, getting your luggage and clearing customs, then finding the train- well, that's a lot to do in a very short period of time. It's less than an hour later, so why sweat it? Best wishes, Maggie
Posted by
Puyallup, WA, USA
881 posts
Going by statistic, most airlines have a 10-20pct late record.
Do you really want a 1 in 5 or 1 in 10 chance that you'd miss the train? I'd recommend the later one.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
I agree with the others that you should book a later train. However, leaving at 11:57 will require a connection in Koeln to ICE 14. If you wait and leave at 13:43, you can take the same train, ICE 14, directly from the airport to Liege. If you book NOW at www.bahn.de, you can get a Europa-Spezial Belgien fare of €39. Be aware that this is a non-exchangeable and non-refundable ticket; but you'll have ample time to make the connection, even if your plane is extremely late.
Posted by
OP
San Diego, CA, USA
16 posts
Thanks to you all for your sensible responses - of course you're right Maggie, why sweat the rush for the sake of less than one hour (answer: I'm sooooo excited, can't bear to lose even one hour of fun on my trip ;P) But do any of you know, if I reserve a seat on a train and buy the ticket in advance, if I miss the train will that 'credit' apply towards a ticket for the next train? Is that possible at all, or only with full fare, or any fare? I'm kind of being anti-Steve with trying to plan so much in advance, but for this initial leg in particular I'm feeling like I should...we need to get to Liege by 17:00 to rent our car and drive 50k to our destination in the Ardennes. Thank you again for your insights and very happy travels!
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
Yes, if you buy a full fare ticket, you can exchange it for one for a later train if necessary. However, that only works if you will be using trains operated by the same companies. For example, you could exchange a ticket for a Thalys train for another Thalys train, but not for one operated by German Rail--and vice versa.