Should we purchase train tickets to Munich at the station when we arrive in Frankfurt?

Question

We are going to Germany this fall and will fly into Frankfurt. We plan to go immediately to Munich by train. I have heard it is better to purchase tickets ahead of time, but what if you don't know exactly which train you will take (in case our flight arrives late)? Can you purchase a ticket from Frankfurt to Munich and use it on any of the trains (like commuter trains in US) or are the tickets for specific trains (like planes and Amtrak)? Is there a big difference in price when you purchase the tickets ahead of time?

Thanks for your help!

Answer 1

You can do your research online.  The DB (German Railways) has a web site that is easy to use and has complete schedules.  You can select a train that leaves about 2 hours after your scheduled arrival and even purchase your ticket online.

Double check when purchasing the ticket that it can be used on another train at a later hour without penalty.

Then your problem should be solved.  And not to worry - the web site has an English language site - so you don't have to struggle with German.

Answer 2

Like tamarindwalk said you can book your train tickets through the Bundesbahn website:

http://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query.e...

However, my husband had to take the train a few times and he told me you can get the ticket right there at the airport. The ppl there all speak English. In case you purchase your ticket online through the website you'll have to use it for the specific train because they normally reserve a seat with it. I hope this helped a little. But don't worry, people at the airport can help you getting around.

Have a safe trip:)

Answer 3

You can get the train ticket at the train station Frankfurt for Munich. If you know your arriving time you can buy the ticket already on line too. Look at the web: www.bahn.de.

Frankfurt-Munich is most ICE trains and the prices is the same you buy it on line or at the train station.

During the day many trains traveling from Frankfurt to Munich. Don't worry the connections are very very good.

Have fun.....

Answer 4

Some of the stuff written above is not true, I am afraid: If you book online, that doesn't necessarily mean you'll have to book for a specific train. This is only true for special discount rates - these you only get if you book a specific train, and they will charge you extra if you have to take a different train e.g. because your plane is late.

What you can do, though, is set up an online login at bahn.de

https://fahrkarten.bahn.de/privatkunde/s...

then book a ticket that isn't limited to a specific connection. You'll still be picking a certain train, but if you miss that, you can just take the next one and the only loss you'll have will be the minimal charge for reserving a seat.

Definitely make a reservation, there's no guarantee you'll be able to sit otherwise. You can choose between smoking- and non-smoking areas, and if you can, you may awant to book a place in the quiet zone offered on some trains, where people have to talk quietly and switch their cell sound off.

And finally: I agree that flying to Munich may be the best option, even if you choose a different carrier and can't check your luggage straight through.

Answer 5

If you buy the ticket ahead of time, it will usually be cheaper, but then you have to take a specific train.

If you buy an open ticket for any train, it will be more expensive but there won't be a difference in price if you buy ahead of time or at the station.

But if I were you and flying in to Frankfurt, I would most definitely take a plane to Munich. It will be cheaper and more convenient for you. You can check through your luggage directly to Munich (if you use the same airline or at least the same allicance).

Maybe the transfer flight from Frankfurt to Munich is even for free, ask your travel agency. Otherwise you could go to the

Lufthansa website and find a return flight for as little as 99 Euro.

The good thing is, that if your flight is late, it is usually easy to re-book the connecting flight.

http://www.inside-munich.com/air-travel-...

Answer 6

You can buy your ticket online, there are different options:

1st - get a ticket for the normal fee and use any train you want

2nd - get a ticket with discount and use a specific train

If you want to get such a discount ticket, it can be up to 50% cheaper than normal fee tickets.

If you don't know well about the german railways system, I recommend to buy a ticket at the Frankfurt airport station. People there can speak English and will help you to choose the correct train and will give you an ticket for the normal fee.

If I were you, I wouldn't buy a discount ticket online, because nobody knows if your plane will have a delay or will be cancelled. With the normal fee, you can take any train you want, but don't be afraid of the price.. (81,00€)