crazyfamilyof4

I am catching a few trains while on my trip and I am finding it hard to read.

The first one I want to book is Prague to Berlin

http://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/que...fasScrollDir=2

WHat I am unsure about is how to make sure we don't have to get off the train and that it goes direct.

Also ...are we able to keep our luggage with us?

Many thanks as always!

Jean

Under the column "Chg." you'll see numbers. At your link, the first option listed has a 4 in that column. That means you'd be changing trains (getting off/on) 4 times. The second option listed has a 0 in that column. That train is direct, no changes.

If you want to see how long you have between trains, click on the red arrow that is pointing to the right. You'll see the first option at your link involves transfers as short as 3 minutes which I would not recommend for the Crazyfamily.

You not only keep your luggage, you're responsible for it all the way. You need to haul it on/off trains and keep your eye on it. Which is one of the reasons for the advice to "travel light."

Seamus

Jean nailed it!
The trains with duration 4:46 are direct EC trains without connection - easiest for your group.

crazyfamilyof4

Excellent thanks for that . . .so I look for a 0 in the column Chg and that means it'll go direct! Great!!!! Thanks for your help . . .I also thought we should go 1st class . . more space I assume??? Anyone know which seats I should aim for . . .ie closest to where our luggage will be.
Atthis stage I am thinking 3 carry on bags/small cases they can either be worn or wheeled . . just means when on the plane without hubby I won't have luggage to check on . . .when hubby comes he will bring another carry on bag and large case . . .sound reasonable?

michele_d

There are racks above your seats, and sometimes in between some seats for the luggage. When those are full there are spaces at each end of the train cars. If you have to put it there I would recommend getting a lightweight cable lock to run through your suitcase handles as a anti-theft measure.

TimS

IMO, 1st class isn't woth the extra money. All you get is 2+1 seating rther than 2+2. There is plenty of leg room in 2nd class.

crazyfamilyof4

Oh and we would want 2+2 with our situation . .thanks for that!

Jean

I dunno. Boarding a train with luggage AND little kids... I might pop for 1st class for a little more room and perhaps slightly fewer people trying to board the same carriage. Also, this is a nearly 5-hour train ride. Anyone who's traveled with little kids have an opinion on this?

michele_d

I don't know how you can find this out but on a couple of our train trips last summer we had a private little compartment that sat the four of us. It had a sliding glass door. I think it would be perfect for your situation. I did not request it when I made the reservations, and it was no more money, but it was wonderful and private. Maybe someone else here can recommend how you could book a compartment like that, or to even know if the train you are planning to take has them.

crazyfamilyof4

we can fly but my son LOVES trains and I figure if he could handle a 24hr flight then 5 hrs with a view will be fine but I would LOVE the compartment idea.

the trains we want are -
Prague to Berlin
Berlin to Frankfurt

thanks everyone!

socaltraveler

Just curious, is your mother able/capable of handling the train situation, meaning kids, stroller, multiple pieces of luggage, all having to get up the steep steps in a relatively short amount of time? Can you manage the train station, sometimes you have to go down, or up, stairs with kids, stroller, luggage, etc.. I have grandchildren the ages of your babes, and I am in decent shape for my age, but don't think I am the physical equal of my daughter or SIL.

crazyfamilyof4

No I imagine she won't . .when I am with my mum we are using planes and taxis . . this part of the trip I am with my husband