Dyer

I have been told tickets from Berlin to Kaiserslautern next week would be cheaper if we purchase them one week in advance. Thus I have been visiting the BAHN website (first time traveling to Europe) and there are more options than I understand. I see to choose 1st or 2nd class but the section I was in is for frequent travelers. I am guessing I want to click regional travel (Kaiserslautern is a stop prior to Frankfurt) to get into the correct location. It was suggested by family in Berlin to take the ICE/RE route as there is only once change of trains (in Mannheim) (I haven't found that suggestion yet on the BAHN website.) I do know that it will take approx. 6 hrs. to travel to Kaiserslautern. Back to looking at the website to try to figure it out but IF anyone has suggestions - I would appreciate their input. Thanks

adrienne

I'm not clear about what you want but I'll take a stab at it. Perhaps clearer questions would be good.

I'm guessing that you're looking for tickets on the German train site although you have not specified what train site you're using. Anyway, that's the site I'm using.

bahn.de

There's an 8:31 ICE train that takes 5:50 with 1 transfer in Mannheim.

Don't know what day you're traveling so I looked at next Thursday and see a second class ticket for E135 and amazingly for E129 in first class.

<< (I haven't found that suggestion yet on the BAHN website.) >>

I don't know what that means. Perhaps you mean that you don't see where the change is in Mannheim? To see the details click on the white arrow on the red field.

Please state exactly what you're looking for as I'm not sure I've answered your questions.

Dyer

adrienne - thank you for responding. I apologize for my thought processing and questions! I have been given some direction but there are sooo many more options than the direction I have been given - I quess I don't know what to click on first on the BAHN website. I got to the seating class section and it had the numbers 25 or 50 written after them. My relative said that was for frequent travelers and to just click on regular 2nd class (regular class is not an option - so again, I must be in the wrong area of the BAHN website). ICE/RE that is what option or area I have not gotten to on the site either. I will go back and see if I can hit on ICE first and see if that is where I should have started my search. I am assuming I am taking a regional train (if my trip is 6 hrs.) Your guess was close. We will leave for Kaiserslautern from Berlin on 7/25. I will begin again, and maybe have better luck finding the advice I have been given. This explanation is as confusing as my first attempt!! Sorry. Thank you for attempting to understand my questions!!

Dyer

I think I am closer to understanding the website after looking at it again. Thank you Adrienne. Do I read your post right that a first class ticket showed up for less cost than a second class ticket on that Thurs. schedule you looked at?

Cowboy1968

I think I know what you mean by 25/50.. those are discounts for holders of either Bahncard 25 or Bahncard 50.

As you do not hold any of those discount pass you do nothing but leave that box as "no reduction" as it is set by default. Enter Berlin and Kaiserslautern as departure and arrival points, number of people traveling, and travel dates.
Don't click on "local trains". Leave the box next to it saying "prefer fast connections" checked as set by default.

When on the next screen the possible connections are shown, you may see differences in quoted prices. As you are close to your actual travel dates, you may see different minimum fares.

When you click on the connection of your choice, you will see the regular/ fully-flexible fares, and, if still available, discount fares.
The latter come with restrictions: You must take that specific train(s) on those specific dates.
Note: The discount fares shown at this stage are open for anyone and have nothing to do with the Bahncard 25/50 discounts I mentioned in first paragraph.

It happens quite often that discount 2nd class fares sell out faster than discount 1st class fares. That explains adrienne's experience that 1st class (discount/restricted fare) is cheaper than 2nd class (regular/ flexible fare).

TimS

I found a discount fare as low as €89 for several departure times for a couple of different days next week. FYI, if you book as far in advance as possible (up to 92 days allowed), you can get a discount fare as low as €29.

adrienne

I see what you're doing. Follow Cowboy's advice. If in doubt choose the default or the simplest option.

On the first screen I enter origin, destination, time and date and then click on search.

The next screen brings you to your train options. There are some good prices on 1st class, restricted tickets.

good luck!

Dyer

Thank you, I am working so have to come back and forth to my computer. I will look closely at the restricted 1st class fare, but I might just be safe and go 2nd class, this being my first train experience (and Europe experience!). My husband and I are in our late 50's and is the reason they ask me what I would like for train transfer time due to people who take longer to exit and find their next train (which I think we will be doing in Mannheim)? Is there snack or meal options on the train (sorry, I didn't get that far yet - if it is discussed on the bahn website). What would any of you suggest for a transfer time. I was thinking 15 minutes but maybe I would be way off.

Dyer

Thanks BAHN for a map. I NOW see Kaiserslautern is past Frankfurt and Mannheim is right before Kaiserslautern! 18 minute train transfer at Mannheim - to get to Kaiserslautern. That should be enuf time - don't need a food break at Mannheim now that I know how close Kaiserslautern is.

adrienne

You should bring food and drinks on the train. Even if there is a buffet car the food will be expensive. Train stations in Germany have great sandwiches and things to buy for a train trip.

18 minutes should be plenty of time. Before the train stops you'll see people with their luggage lining up at the door so they can get off as soon as the train stops.

Dyer

With your answers adrienne - I am set. Thank you so much for your help.