Taltul

We are going to Prague and Berlin next month. We're taking the train and are stopping in Dresden for an overnight stay(instead of doing a day trip. I already bought tickets to the Green Vault. ). On Rick Steves' site, I read that it's possible to buy a Prague-Berlin train ticket that includes a stop in Dresden for up to 48 hours. I looked on both the Czech and German train sites but I didn't find that written anywhere. Does anybody have any information about that? Are there tickets for seniors (over 65)?
I'd rather buy the tickets when we get to Prague instead of online. That way I can be sure that we get exactly what we want. We'll be in Prague for 4 days so there will be time to do this. Will there be any problem getting tickets if we buy them 2 or 3 days in advance?
We're travelling with two suitcases, a 24 inch and a 20 inch. Will there be a problem storing them if we travel second class? Each leg of the trip is short (2 hours) and I don't see any reason to go first class.
Thanks.

Man_in_seat_61

If you book in advance you can buy a cheap fare from 29 euros ($31)

On the day you will pay the full price, 67.60 euros ($72)

The cheap advance fares are specific-train-only, limited refunds, no changes to travel plans. But you can pre-programme a stopover of up to 48h at no extra cost by buying at www.bahn.de/en German Railways.

You simply book Prague to Berlin, clicking 'Enter stopovers' entering 'Dresden' entering stopover time of 48:00 in the hh;mm (adjust to suit you) and running the enquiry.

The full-flex price is flexible - you can hop on any train and it allows stopovers as you want, no pre-planning required. But it's twice the price.

Your call!

Taltul

Thanks. If I buy the ticket in Prague 2 or 3 days in advance, is that considered booking in advance?

Aramis

The Czech railway site is difficult to navigate and I don't know if you can purchase the stopover ticket in person from an agent. If you can you risk the price being higher.

Your best bet is to do it now through the http://www.bahn.de/en site mentioned; safe, easy and you get a PDF ticket instantly that you can print or just have scanned from your phone.

The price is currently 39 Euros and you can pick from several trains. If you already have your green Vault ticket, you know when you need to be in Dresden so why not buy the ticket now and be done with it for the best price,. without having to find your way through the process one after noon in Prague, if it is even possible there?

PalenQ

Thanks. If I buy the ticket in Prague 2 or 3 days in advance, is that considered booking in advance?>

I think those offers may be available only online - not at the ticket window but not sure. Book both legs on www.bahn.de/en as above posters say. For lots of great info on European trains check www.seat61.com - Man in Seat 61 who posts above his commercial site; www.ricksteves.com - which you obvious know and www.budgeteuropetravel.com.

There is a lot of difference between first and second class - 2nd class is often chock full IME but 1st may be sparsely occupied - lot easier with luggage, etc and discounted tickets also come in first class - check to see what the price differential is - if not much go first class - 2nd class is fine but crowded typically - make an optional seat reservation if going 2nd class for a few more euros - can do onced in Berlin, Dresden or Prague I believe by showing your online ticket.

Taltul

Thanks everybody for the information. I understand the whole process much better.

PalenQ

Between Dresden and the Czech Border is Saxon Switzerland along the Elbe River Valley - one of the most scenic river valleys in Europe - so as the best scenes are on the east side of the train tracks (trains track down the west side of the river as I recall) - when going towards Prague get a seat on the left side of the train so you will have unhampered views of the red sandstone cliffs and thinks like old forts like the Basteii, etc.

https://www.google.com/search?q=saxo...=1600&bih=1075

PalenQ

Thanks. If I buy the ticket in Prague 2 or 3 days in advance, is that considered booking in advance?>

If you pay full fare it's about 70 euros - discounted tickets would be around 30 euros - 40 euros is not that much if just taking one train trip (and you may be able to stop off in Dresden on that I'm not sure though).