Germany, Preorder Taxi to St. Goar from Frankfurt airport?
May 16th, 2010, 03:58 PM
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Germany, Preorder Taxi to St. Goar from Frankfurt airport?
Hello, hoping you guys can help? This is really fast planning for me, I am going to Germany this 19th (arrival. 20th at 8 AM Frankfurt), and leaving (23rd at 8 AM).
--First, do I need to find a taxi service online to take me to St. Goar or will I find one outside that will drive 3 passengers the 2 hrs(?) to St. Goar (or should I try another town)? (NO TRAINS please )
--When should I leave to get back to Frankfurt so early? Or maybe on the 22nd go to Frankfurt and get a hotel there?
--If these towns like St. Goar are so small then how do we get from small town to town to see the different castles in different areas? Are taxis available on the street or must I call for one?
--I liked these places, are they interesting? (I ordered them from most interested to less). Are they doable and any info on how to get to them etc would help. Time management? I am really flustered and reading about gigantic germany and its million options is making it worse.
Bromser Castle, Rudesheim (oldest castle)
Rheinfels Castle, St. Goar (most extensive castle ruins)
Marksburg Castle, Braubach (never destroyed great hall, armoury collection)
Sayn Palace, Bendorf-Sayn (neogoth palace, impressive cast iron art)
Reichenstein Castle, Trechtingshasen (1200 hunting trphies)
Lahneck Castle, Lahnstein (impressive chapel and hall)
Sooneck Castle, Niederheimbach (antique firnishings, weapons, robbers den)
--First, do I need to find a taxi service online to take me to St. Goar or will I find one outside that will drive 3 passengers the 2 hrs(?) to St. Goar (or should I try another town)? (NO TRAINS please )
--When should I leave to get back to Frankfurt so early? Or maybe on the 22nd go to Frankfurt and get a hotel there?
--If these towns like St. Goar are so small then how do we get from small town to town to see the different castles in different areas? Are taxis available on the street or must I call for one?
--I liked these places, are they interesting? (I ordered them from most interested to less). Are they doable and any info on how to get to them etc would help. Time management? I am really flustered and reading about gigantic germany and its million options is making it worse.
Bromser Castle, Rudesheim (oldest castle)
Rheinfels Castle, St. Goar (most extensive castle ruins)
Marksburg Castle, Braubach (never destroyed great hall, armoury collection)
Sayn Palace, Bendorf-Sayn (neogoth palace, impressive cast iron art)
Reichenstein Castle, Trechtingshasen (1200 hunting trphies)
Lahneck Castle, Lahnstein (impressive chapel and hall)
Sooneck Castle, Niederheimbach (antique firnishings, weapons, robbers den)
May 16th, 2010, 04:14 PM
#2
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Any taxi driver outside the airport will kiss your feet for driving you to St. Goar. As you can imagine, it won't be inexpensive.
What you could do is ask your hotel in St. Goar for help arranging an airport shuttle to pick you up. It is quite common for taxi companies in towns in the vicinity of airports to offer shuttle services - at usually considerably lower costs, but using the same cars as for their regular taxi services.
What you could do is ask your hotel in St. Goar for help arranging an airport shuttle to pick you up. It is quite common for taxi companies in towns in the vicinity of airports to offer shuttle services - at usually considerably lower costs, but using the same cars as for their regular taxi services.
May 16th, 2010, 05:05 PM
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Taxi rates are
2.75 euro - initial charge
1.65 euro per km (1st 10km)
1.38 euro per km (after 10km)
So, assuming there is no surcharge for traveling all the way to St. Goar, your cost would be about 143 euros for the ~100km trip. Since the driver would be returning empty, it's not unreasonable you'd be charged double, or ~285 euros.
Here are a list of taxi co's. You may be able to get a quote from one of them, and not have a metered trip.
http://www.frankfurt-tourismus.de/cm..._velotaxi.html
2.75 euro - initial charge
1.65 euro per km (1st 10km)
1.38 euro per km (after 10km)
So, assuming there is no surcharge for traveling all the way to St. Goar, your cost would be about 143 euros for the ~100km trip. Since the driver would be returning empty, it's not unreasonable you'd be charged double, or ~285 euros.
Here are a list of taxi co's. You may be able to get a quote from one of them, and not have a metered trip.
http://www.frankfurt-tourismus.de/cm..._velotaxi.html
May 16th, 2010, 05:27 PM
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You won;t find taxis cruising the streets - and if you plan on using one frequently you may find it simpler and no more expensive to organize a driver for the day. I would contcat your hotel for details.
May 16th, 2010, 05:35 PM
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Okay, great! So what about trains then? The reason I din't wan them initially was they are really confusing/scaring me.
Could I hop onto one by the airport and then go to St. Goar? But it seems like there are only 2 time for that day, and I would waste my day waiting in the airport? Is this correct, the info I have looked up? Thanks
Could I hop onto one by the airport and then go to St. Goar? But it seems like there are only 2 time for that day, and I would waste my day waiting in the airport? Is this correct, the info I have looked up? Thanks
May 16th, 2010, 06:09 PM
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That taxi idea was pretty funny.
There is a train leaving Frankfurt airport Regionalbahnhof (there's another station for really long-distance trains called the Fernbahnhof) at 9:23 which takes you to Oberwesel, where you get off at 10:22 and and catch a train at 10:32 to St. goar. The fare is 15.50. Buy your ticket at the station from a DB ticket machine with a credit card if you like. Another train leaves at 9:59 and arrives in St. Goar at 11:31 with a change of train in Mainz. Mainz is a fairly big station with many different tracks. It's almost impossible to get confused in Oberwesel, so catch the 9:23 if you can and change there if you're nervous about trains.
Here's the German railways itinerary page. Use Frankfurt(M)Flughafen and St. Goar for your station names to get itineraries. There are many connections every day of the week.
http://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query.exe/en
I would visit Marksburg Castle for sure. See Burg Eltz (train to Moselkern + 1-hour walk) if you have time. Rheinfels in St. Goar is worth visiting too.
There is a train leaving Frankfurt airport Regionalbahnhof (there's another station for really long-distance trains called the Fernbahnhof) at 9:23 which takes you to Oberwesel, where you get off at 10:22 and and catch a train at 10:32 to St. goar. The fare is 15.50. Buy your ticket at the station from a DB ticket machine with a credit card if you like. Another train leaves at 9:59 and arrives in St. Goar at 11:31 with a change of train in Mainz. Mainz is a fairly big station with many different tracks. It's almost impossible to get confused in Oberwesel, so catch the 9:23 if you can and change there if you're nervous about trains.
Here's the German railways itinerary page. Use Frankfurt(M)Flughafen and St. Goar for your station names to get itineraries. There are many connections every day of the week.
http://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query.exe/en
I would visit Marksburg Castle for sure. See Burg Eltz (train to Moselkern + 1-hour walk) if you have time. Rheinfels in St. Goar is worth visiting too.
May 16th, 2010, 06:15 PM
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There's nothing to be scared about when it comes to trains. The train departs directly from the airport station. It appears there are trains departing (at least) hourly in that direction, 4 options between 9AM and noon alone. The trip should last about 1.5 hrs with only 1 change. The one way will cost only 15 - 20 Euros per person. Check out bahn.de for timetables.
Other options would include car rental (also not scary) and ferry rides (to get to many of the castles you want to see). Unless money is no object, a hired driver/taxi seems like a somewhat extreme choice (but to each his own, I suppose).
Other options would include car rental (also not scary) and ferry rides (to get to many of the castles you want to see). Unless money is no object, a hired driver/taxi seems like a somewhat extreme choice (but to each his own, I suppose).
May 16th, 2010, 09:14 PM
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Hi travelzoom,
I think trains seem intimidating before you use them, but most folks find that using them is pretty easy and intuitive! Just take you time, don't rush around, and you should be fine.
I like to print out all my possible train connections on a little 3x5 card, including all the connection trains with arrival times and arrival tracks, and departure times and departure tracks. I usually get a range of possible connections just in case my plans change (flight arrives late, for instance). That way, you can just refer to the card when you arrive and head for the appropriate track.
Have fun! Lots of folks find that they enjoy using the trains!
s
I think trains seem intimidating before you use them, but most folks find that using them is pretty easy and intuitive! Just take you time, don't rush around, and you should be fine.
I like to print out all my possible train connections on a little 3x5 card, including all the connection trains with arrival times and arrival tracks, and departure times and departure tracks. I usually get a range of possible connections just in case my plans change (flight arrives late, for instance). That way, you can just refer to the card when you arrive and head for the appropriate track.
Have fun! Lots of folks find that they enjoy using the trains!
s
May 16th, 2010, 11:57 PM
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The information transport desk at airport can help you tremendously if you are still frightened once you arrive. Hearing the info" in -situ" in English may help you feel more comfortable.
I agree there is nothing to be afraid of about the public transport, especially in Germany, where most everyone seems to speak SOME English, and are so helpful. The youngsters are almost fluent, I have found.
You will have a wonderful time.
I agree there is nothing to be afraid of about the public transport, especially in Germany, where most everyone seems to speak SOME English, and are so helpful. The youngsters are almost fluent, I have found.
You will have a wonderful time.
May 17th, 2010, 05:33 AM
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There is a learning curve to using trains the first time but even a fool like me got the hang of it.
There is a DB Bahn ticket office at the Frankfurt Airport if it gets overwhelming at the ticket machines. The ticket sales personnel have always spoke English when I asked.
Regards, Gary
There is a DB Bahn ticket office at the Frankfurt Airport if it gets overwhelming at the ticket machines. The ticket sales personnel have always spoke English when I asked.
Regards, Gary
May 17th, 2010, 08:26 AM
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Hello, I just plugged in the train stations you guys gave and mine comes up to $46.50 Euros one way instead of 20. What am I doing wrong? And when the trains stop at the places they show, do I get off and take another train? Sorry still a bit confused.....
May 17th, 2010, 09:13 AM
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What website are you using? When I use the DB link above from Russ, I also see 15.50 euros, Frankfurt(M) Flughafen to St Goar.
If there is a connection, yes, you get off the 1st train when it arrives at the connecting station, you find out on which track the next train is arriving, wait trackside, then hop on when the train pulls into the station.
If you connect at Oberwessel, it looks like both trains use platform 2. So you hop off the 1st train, don't go anywhere, then hop on the train that pulls in 9min later.
The trains that stop at Oberwessel only stop for 1-2minutes, so you need to be ready to hop off, with your luggage, before the train pulls into the station. If you wait until the train stops to get up and retrieve your luggage the train will pull out of the station with you still on board.
I like to bring a printout of all the stops enroute so I can follow along where I am, and know where I am.
If there is a connection, yes, you get off the 1st train when it arrives at the connecting station, you find out on which track the next train is arriving, wait trackside, then hop on when the train pulls into the station.
If you connect at Oberwessel, it looks like both trains use platform 2. So you hop off the 1st train, don't go anywhere, then hop on the train that pulls in 9min later.
The trains that stop at Oberwessel only stop for 1-2minutes, so you need to be ready to hop off, with your luggage, before the train pulls into the station. If you wait until the train stops to get up and retrieve your luggage the train will pull out of the station with you still on board.
I like to bring a printout of all the stops enroute so I can follow along where I am, and know where I am.
May 17th, 2010, 09:24 AM
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I'm guessing the $46.50 is because you are buying tickets for 3 people ($15.50 X 3 = $46.50). So you are probably on the right track.
On the routes that have been suggested, there will be one stop where you get off the train and catch a new one at that station shortly thereafter. The second train will take you directly to St. Goar. The train station there is located just on the edge of the little village, very walkable if you are staying in town.
You're getting there travelzoom. You'll be fine!
On the routes that have been suggested, there will be one stop where you get off the train and catch a new one at that station shortly thereafter. The second train will take you directly to St. Goar. The train station there is located just on the edge of the little village, very walkable if you are staying in town.
You're getting there travelzoom. You'll be fine!
May 17th, 2010, 09:32 AM
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J62's suggestion is excellent. On the bahn.de website, you should be able to get a printout of all the stops and times. If you know you are changing trains in Oberwesel, for example, you can consult the schedule to know where and when you are. After the last stop before Oberwesel (Bingen), it makes sense to start gathering your belongings to be ready to hop off the train and find your new one.
Stay on your toes though - the train from Oberwesel to St. Goar is only 5 minutes.
Stay on your toes though - the train from Oberwesel to St. Goar is only 5 minutes.
May 17th, 2010, 09:36 AM
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You know what? St. Goar is only 7km from Oberwesel. Frankly, if you are a little overwhelmed with switching trains for a 5 minute train ride (or if you MISS your train), you can just take a quick cab ride (or bus probably) from Oberwesel to St. Goar.
That way you can simply take the train directly from the airport to that region of the Rhine. Perhaps Oberwesel would be a nice place to stop for a lunch before finding your way up to St. Goar (I've never been to Oberwesel). Trains go hourly between the two towns and buses I'm sure go that way too.
Does that help?
That way you can simply take the train directly from the airport to that region of the Rhine. Perhaps Oberwesel would be a nice place to stop for a lunch before finding your way up to St. Goar (I've never been to Oberwesel). Trains go hourly between the two towns and buses I'm sure go that way too.
Does that help?
May 17th, 2010, 09:54 AM
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Finding a taxi in a small town will be far more complicated than changing a train. Those small places usually don't have taxi stands with taxis waiting, they must be ordered by phone, which means figuring out the phone number of a local taxi company first... Stick with the train. After your first successful train ride you will laugh about your worries.
May 17th, 2010, 10:08 AM
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Only one person mentioned this (and it wasn't you), but having a car is a wonderful and so convenient way to see this area of the Rhine. Would you entertain the thought this,,,,and are you good with maps and navigating.? ANd if you drive at home then there is not much difference.
If you are a solo traveler then the train might be the best. ..though of course you have to walk from stations after arriving. The train really isn't all that confusing. Germany trains are lovely.
I just reread your post and if there are three of you it WOULD be fun and very nice to rent a car. You can drive right to the castles or park in the towns or at your hotel. We stayed in Boppard,,, had no trouble parking or driving from place to palce. Did take a day trip on the Rhine on a boat. Fun!
If you are a solo traveler then the train might be the best. ..though of course you have to walk from stations after arriving. The train really isn't all that confusing. Germany trains are lovely.
I just reread your post and if there are three of you it WOULD be fun and very nice to rent a car. You can drive right to the castles or park in the towns or at your hotel. We stayed in Boppard,,, had no trouble parking or driving from place to palce. Did take a day trip on the Rhine on a boat. Fun!
May 17th, 2010, 11:20 AM
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It was me who had gently mentioned car rental, but since the poster was looking for a private driver, I think most assumed that they weren't entertaining that option - perhaps because he arrives in 3 days (5/20/10)!
That said, it's an idea worth reiterating. Pick up your car straight from Frankfurt and head up to the Rhine region. Since you have a longish list of castles you'd like to see, a car would be a convenient way to pack it all in.
Sixt.de is currently offering a compact car (VW Golf) for $84.77 per day (total = $254.32)
That said, it's an idea worth reiterating. Pick up your car straight from Frankfurt and head up to the Rhine region. Since you have a longish list of castles you'd like to see, a car would be a convenient way to pack it all in.
Sixt.de is currently offering a compact car (VW Golf) for $84.77 per day (total = $254.32)
