mama_mia

We are staying in Boppard with an 11:20 am Tuesday flight out of Frankfurt to US. We will have a car with us, but I am wondering if we should return it the day before.

We would have to catch a 6:21 train out of Boppard and make a change--will this be a hassle at that hour with luggage?

Or, we would have to drive through rush hour traffic and figure out where to return car. So I am guessing we should leave at 6:30 or so anyway. (It is about 1 hr 18 min drive in optimal conditions.) If we drive, which would be a safer bet--down B9/A60 or the 61?

Thank you.

Russ

The 6:21 is a direct Regional Express train - no changes. It goes to the Regionalbahnhof - one of the two airport stations. Perhaps you have the Fernbahnhof, the 2nd airport station, selected as your destination at the DB site or perhaps you have selected Frankfurt Hbf, the main station in Frankfurt, by mistake, and this is resulting in a change of train?? If you need more help, post your travel date and I'll look it over.

mama_mia

Okay, I see where the changes are listed. Would your recommendation be for the train, then? Would the car be too much of a hassle, with rush hour?

This may be out of your area of expertise, but what is the recommended time to arrive at airport before flight? (US citizens and checking baggage.)

Thanks.

Russ

I don't drive the area but have heard it's often a troubled route on weekdays for sure. Whether it's a hassle or not to drop the car depends on where you're dropping it the day before, probably (and how you're getting back to Boppard?) but taking the train makes the morning of departure pretty simple. That's what I'd do if possible.

Barblab

We did not have a car but had to leave on a flight at a similar time. We left Boppard midday and spent the night in Frankfurt. We enjoyed the afternoon and evening in the city and had an easy short train ride in the morning.I know that is not what you asked but may be a simple solution for you.

mama_mia

Thanks, Barblab. I have considered that too but was hoping to avoid another hotel change. I will have to stew about this. I am pretty sure my husband and I could get out the door okay-but I am less certain about the 3 young men with us.
But I do think we might ditch the car even before Boppard.

Cowboy1968

The 7.21am direct train from Boppard will get you to Frankfurt airport station by 8.34am
That should be more than enough time for your 11.20 flight.
Unless your airline requires other minimum check-in times.

I would not bet on it that you could make it in 1hr15min by car during the morning rush hours, esp. between Mainz and Frankfurt.

lavandula

I agree with Cowboy - the main problem to factor in is not the distance (really not so far) but the traffic. If you hit a traffic jam (very frequent) they sometimes last for kilometres and hours, depending on what is causing the blockage (often a car accident). Train is more reliable for that stretch at that time.

Lavandula

mama_mia

We will do the train. Car seems kind of dicey. Thanks for your responses.