German train transfer times
 

I will be travelling to Europe early next year, and along multiple cities that we will visit we have Strasbourg and Munich, we plan on leaving from Strasbourg to Munich in the morning and taking the TGV with a connection to an ICE on Stuttgart. And checking on the DB website the TGV arrives 8 minutes before the ICE departs.
I am wondering if there will be enough time to transfer from one train to the other in Stuttgart.

Also considering the TGV arrives on platform 7 and the ICE departs from platform 16.

Usually you have to walk just across the platform which takes 30 seconds. Even if you have to change the platform 8 minutes will be plenty. However, if the train is late you have to take the next one (the ICEs run every hour).

If you go to advanced options you can lengthen the transfer time - - you can specify the amount up to 45 minutes. I like to max it out, not only because of delays, but it's nice to walk around the station a bit and get some refreshments. If you do get delayed and miss the connection you can get on another train, but technically you're required to have an official verify on your ticket that it is a legitimate delay, which sometimes means waiting at a booth to get a stamp.

German trains are late often IME and yes you should be able to take next ICE train but I agree with dfourth - build in more time and have a coffee or walk around - German stations are very lively and veritable shopping malls these days - if not coffee how about a beer and wurst from the ubiquitous wurst stands?

Keep tuned to possible rail strikes in Germany and France - have been more than a few the past year in Germany - longish ones and some in France.

8 minutes is a very usual transfer time but obviously not good if your train is late.

The key is to be at the door of the train with your luggage in hand when the train pulls in, depart quickly, walk briskly to the next platform and board quickly. This will work if you have easily manageable luggage. If you have substantial luggage - that you can't roll fast or pick up and walk with - definitely get tickets for the next train out.

We have never had problems with 8 or 10 minute transfers - but we each take one medium wheelie and a shoulder carry-on - and can walk quickly with them/hoist up onto the train from one on the platform to one on the train instead of climbing with the large bags.

Hi Danzmann,

The DB schedules are designed to be efficient and workable for the majority of normal travellers -- so if you are in that category, then you should be able to make the train fine. You'll probably be sitting in your seat at the new train with a few minutes to spare.

If you have some problems that put you outside the norm -- difficulty walking, a lot of luggage, small children -- then, yes, you may want to lengthen the connection time.

While in the past (like 5 years ago) German trains had a habit of being 3-7 minutes late, I haven't found that to be the case lately. I live in Germany and ride the rails often (I don't have a car), and trains are very punctual these days.

Yes, there were rail strikes in Germany earlier this year, but the union and management reached a good agreement, and there should be no more danger of strikes for a few years.

A final note. As you gather your baggage and belongings and move to the door of the train to depart, be aware than every other passenger will be doing the same thing. Everyone continues to be courteous despite the stress -- ;;)

Have fun as you plan!

s