Advice Train from Berlin to Prague
 

Hi, I need help booking the train from Berlin to Prague for our trip I July. I found tickets on Bahn site. However I am not sure if we should book the Second or First Class tickets. I have looked online to try to find pictures but I am unsure if the pictures showing the small compartments with 6 seats is first or second class? And if first class is worth it.




Please any advise would be great!!!




Thanks!!!!

First class simply gets you more legroom, and more business laptops fewer families with kids.

If money is no object, go 1st. But it's hardly necessary, 2nd class is fine, the way most people go. Here in Europe you'll find we have very few chickens and peasants in 2nd class these days! ;0)

Some cars are open-plan, some traditional side-corridor and compartments, it's a mixture on this route. I prefer open-plan, a family or group of 5-6 friends might prefer a compartment.

A reserved seat is optional, I suppose it's sensible but I wouldn't bother as Sod's Law says you'll be reserved on the right hand side going south, when you want to find seats on the LHS for the river views south of Dresden as you run along the Elbe river valley.

Although I always travel first class, second class is fine. First class has 25% more room, power outlets and is generally quieter. Sometimes first class is even cheaper than second class. Just play with bahn.de and decide whether it is worth it.

Check on bahn.de for what the prices for each are - sometimes a discounted first class ticket may not be that much more than a 2nd class ticket if discounts not available in that class.

I always have a first-class railpass and enjoy the difference between the classes as mentioned by those above and IMO on the trip of a lifetime go first class - there is also more room for luggage as there are far fewer people traveling in the same size rail car.

To see differences in first and second class check out these informative sites: www.seat61.com - Man in Seat 61 who posts above his commercial site; www.budgeteuropetravel.com and www.rickstevs.com. IMO there are usually many more empty seats in first class - I can usually put my luggage on an adjoining seat - 2nd class is often full and you have to fend for space in at times already too crowded overhead luggage racks.

Use the same criteria IMO for train travel as you would for a hotel room - cheapest is not always the best value.

Try to get a seat on the right side of the train when going towards Dresden/Berlin - as this rail line slices right along the Elbe River thru Saxon Switzerland and on the east bank there are awesome red sandstone cliffs topped by old fortresses and weird formations. West side is fairly ordinary.

Consider getting off at Dresden for a few hours - a fantastic city called the Florence on the Elbe - if not in a hurry stay overnight in one of Germany's most interesting and historic cities, lovingly pieced back together from war rubbled since the collapse of the DDR socialist regime - but some of the socialism-realism architecture, featuring sleek lines can still be seen along the main shopping plaza - a very typical one from the Est German days - a large cement open-space surrounded by sleek socialist-realism architecture.

Of course breaking your journey at Dresden would cost at least 29 euros more as on discounted tickets I believe you cannot stop off but would need two tickets so that is a factor - but Dresden is so so unique and famous it has to be seen if passing thru IMO - as nice as anything you'll see in Berlin.

I can't afford to fly first class from Canada to Europe, but I always go first class on the train... I find it quieter and as was mentioned, more space for luggage.

I'll be making the same trip in the opposite direction. Many suggested in my thread asking for help with my itinerary to stop off in Dresden too... I had kind of decided we wouldn't have time, but I think I'll make sure we have at least 24 hours there......... we don't unpack our suitcases usually, just our toileteries, so shouldn't be TOO big of a hassle for what is sure to be a great city, from all the reviews here.

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

these are some images of Saxon Switzerland you can see mainly on the east side of the Danube just an hour or less before Dresden.

Agree with PalenQ that it would be a pity to pass through Dresden without stopping. I suggest a day or two. For another rail site have a look at http://tinyurl.com/eym5b.

You all are making it so difficult for me now HAHA! I already decided against stopping over at Dresden for the day and now you have me rethinking myself lol.

Thanks alot everyone. Would you suggest its worth a stop even if just for lunch and a quick walk through the town? We dont want to get into Prague too late as it is a Friday Night and we are looking forward to enjoying the nightlife our first night in Prague.