Learning to read the train schedule...
Apr 17th, 2006 | 04:21 PM
#1
Original Poster
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 570
Likes: 0
Learning to read the train schedule...
Will be going to France with hubby and two other couples. Will spend the first week in Paris, but will "ride the rails" for the remaining 2 weeks. I want to know how to READ the schedule long before I get there. Any suggestions for mastering such a task?
Practice, practice, practice might keep us from wasting precious time on the wrong train! Thanks.
Practice, practice, practice might keep us from wasting precious time on the wrong train! Thanks.
Apr 17th, 2006 | 05:09 PM
#4
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,357
Likes: 0
Apr 17th, 2006 | 05:35 PM
#5
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 10,694
Likes: 0
mkdiebold DID ask a specific question...how to read the train schedules. At least Maire had a fairly empathetic answer with some useful info. I didn't look at RonZ's link so don't know if that was helpful
If you haven't used the public transportation system in a new country or city, the train schedules can be difficult to figure out. So would be nice if someone used to the French train schedules could give the tips and tricks. Wish I could help you mkdiebold but I've only taken the Metro in Paris so unfamiliar with train schedules.
I grew up in a very small town south of Seattle and never was on public transportation until I moved to Seattle for university. So, I tend to get overanxious and study study study myself when encountering a new type of scheduling format.
I hope someone comes up with some helpful info for you mkdiebold!
If you haven't used the public transportation system in a new country or city, the train schedules can be difficult to figure out. So would be nice if someone used to the French train schedules could give the tips and tricks. Wish I could help you mkdiebold but I've only taken the Metro in Paris so unfamiliar with train schedules.
I grew up in a very small town south of Seattle and never was on public transportation until I moved to Seattle for university. So, I tend to get overanxious and study study study myself when encountering a new type of scheduling format.
I hope someone comes up with some helpful info for you mkdiebold!
Apr 17th, 2006 | 06:00 PM
#6
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,000
Likes: 0
I wouldn't say you can call it how to read the schedules but some of the information you need can be found at
http://www.enjoy-europe.com/hte/chap17/rail.htm and at
http://www.enjoy-europe.com/hte/chap17/rail2.htm
The best schedule you can use is the Thomas Cook European Timetable. It is complete with maps and numbered rail lines tied to individual schedules, a very intuitive book if you take the time to study it. Order it directly from the English publisher
http://www.thomascookpublishing.com/...ies=Timetables
Mine took about two weeks to reach Michigan and cost about $20 including postage.
Apr 17th, 2006 | 06:12 PM
#7
Original Poster
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 570
Likes: 0
Thanks so much for what I hope will prove to be helpful information. I haven't checked out all the links yet, but will "before I sleep tonight."
Glad most of you caught the true nature of my question. Evidently bob brown didn't. I've visited this site for many years now, and I too can become impatient with the vagueness of certain questions. However, dealing out shame to the questionner is never helpful.
I'll probably purchase the Thomas Cook Guide and spend time figuring it out. The 20 bucks will be money well spent if it keeps us from wasting lots of time going the wrong direction.
Glad most of you caught the true nature of my question. Evidently bob brown didn't. I've visited this site for many years now, and I too can become impatient with the vagueness of certain questions. However, dealing out shame to the questionner is never helpful.
I'll probably purchase the Thomas Cook Guide and spend time figuring it out. The 20 bucks will be money well spent if it keeps us from wasting lots of time going the wrong direction.
Trending Topics
Apr 17th, 2006 | 08:18 PM
#9
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,019
Likes: 0
No I did not grasp it. I still don't. What is it you need to know about reading a train schedule? If I knew, I would answer to the best of my ability.
I don't see where others told you how to read one either.
In using the SNCF site, I put in my city of origin, the destination, the date, the time, the class of service, smoking or non smoking, and then look at the times the trains depart and arrive. The SNCF shows also ticket prices if you continue beyond the first screen.
Departure and destination stations Times Train(s)Journey time: 03h53
PARIS GARE DE LYON 07h44 TGV 9261
Peak period choose this outward journey
LAUSANNE 11h37
Disabled Meal served at your seat (First Class) Buffet car Carriage of bicycle with charge
The above is a cut and paste from the SNCF web site in response to asking about Paris to Lausanne, Switzerland.
It says the train leaves Paris Gare de Lyon at 7:44 and arrives in Lausane at
11:37. The length of the journey is
almost 4 hours. The trip is at peak times, so you can expect to pay more.
If you confirm the presented information is what you want, you will get car number and seat number shown to you.
The next step is to buy the ticket.
I prefer the German or the Swiss web sites because they will provide detailed information about each station along the route.
If you put in the same information when using the Deutsche Bahn site, the same schedules will appear. However, on the German site, you can ask for details for all by clicking on the link at the bottom of the page.
Then, if you want to know all of the intermediate stops, click on the train number. You will see the times of arrivals and departures for all of the intermediate stops.
I fail also to see how my asking for more specific information about a question I did not understand dispenses shame. I was asking how to respond better.
Were I not asking for help in order to respond better, I would not have bothered.
So explain please. Had I asked a similar question, I would not have derived much help from the other responses.
I don't see where others told you how to read one either.
In using the SNCF site, I put in my city of origin, the destination, the date, the time, the class of service, smoking or non smoking, and then look at the times the trains depart and arrive. The SNCF shows also ticket prices if you continue beyond the first screen.
Departure and destination stations Times Train(s)Journey time: 03h53
PARIS GARE DE LYON 07h44 TGV 9261
Peak period choose this outward journey
LAUSANNE 11h37
Disabled Meal served at your seat (First Class) Buffet car Carriage of bicycle with charge
The above is a cut and paste from the SNCF web site in response to asking about Paris to Lausanne, Switzerland.
It says the train leaves Paris Gare de Lyon at 7:44 and arrives in Lausane at
11:37. The length of the journey is
almost 4 hours. The trip is at peak times, so you can expect to pay more.
If you confirm the presented information is what you want, you will get car number and seat number shown to you.
The next step is to buy the ticket.
I prefer the German or the Swiss web sites because they will provide detailed information about each station along the route.
If you put in the same information when using the Deutsche Bahn site, the same schedules will appear. However, on the German site, you can ask for details for all by clicking on the link at the bottom of the page.
Then, if you want to know all of the intermediate stops, click on the train number. You will see the times of arrivals and departures for all of the intermediate stops.
I fail also to see how my asking for more specific information about a question I did not understand dispenses shame. I was asking how to respond better.
Were I not asking for help in order to respond better, I would not have bothered.
So explain please. Had I asked a similar question, I would not have derived much help from the other responses.
Apr 17th, 2006 | 10:39 PM
#10
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,969
Likes: 0
I usually use
http://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query.exe/e
to plan and print the train schedules beforehand if I know where I would be heading since it only shows the correct trains for the day, provided my train itenerary is limited.
For few cases, where I did more extensive trip, used the Thomas Cook guide. As you discovered, while both cover the same subject, using the book requires more finesse.
With book, you must get throughly familiar with the keys: which days the trains run, holiday exceptions. Then at cities with multiple train stations, figure out how to connect train coming into one station to others.
The Deutschbahn web site covers most European trains, including French trains. The routing engine is pretty good and only shows the trains that connect reasonably well. If they do not list a given train, that is because the routing is considered undesirable -- e.g. if there is a earlier train, but due to the next leg's train schedule, there is a 1.5 hr layover at an intermediate station; but there is a later train with only 15min layover. In this case, the db routing shows only the latter combination.
ON the web,I don't have to worry about incorrectly looking up weekday only train column, when I want to travel on Sunday.
The Thomas Cook book came handy one time on SNCF; when the train had a major delay and I missed all planned connections. I found out that by taking a short taxi ride to a diffrent station, I could still get to the final destination.
http://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query.exe/e
to plan and print the train schedules beforehand if I know where I would be heading since it only shows the correct trains for the day, provided my train itenerary is limited.
For few cases, where I did more extensive trip, used the Thomas Cook guide. As you discovered, while both cover the same subject, using the book requires more finesse.
With book, you must get throughly familiar with the keys: which days the trains run, holiday exceptions. Then at cities with multiple train stations, figure out how to connect train coming into one station to others.
The Deutschbahn web site covers most European trains, including French trains. The routing engine is pretty good and only shows the trains that connect reasonably well. If they do not list a given train, that is because the routing is considered undesirable -- e.g. if there is a earlier train, but due to the next leg's train schedule, there is a 1.5 hr layover at an intermediate station; but there is a later train with only 15min layover. In this case, the db routing shows only the latter combination.
ON the web,I don't have to worry about incorrectly looking up weekday only train column, when I want to travel on Sunday.
The Thomas Cook book came handy one time on SNCF; when the train had a major delay and I missed all planned connections. I found out that by taking a short taxi ride to a diffrent station, I could still get to the final destination.
Apr 17th, 2006 | 11:31 PM
#11
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2,456
Likes: 0
I understand OP's question BUT bob-brown's first post is still valid and valuable. I'm sorry OP and Toucan had to make those snappy (a bit to me) comments to the first one who replied (that also pushed the thead to the top that also is a good thing for OP).
Apr 18th, 2006 | 12:20 AM
#12
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 6,260
Likes: 0
Unless you are asking how to read the <b>posted</b> train schedules in various railroad <b>stations</b> your notion of buying and taking with you the latest edition of the Cook European Timetable is a good one IMO.
The advantage of having one is you don't need to consult on-line timetables and you can look at it whenever you need to.
If you <b>do</b> buy one there is an excellent "how to read the timetable" section included in every addition along with maps keyed to the various numbered timetables.
The advantage of having one is you don't need to consult on-line timetables and you can look at it whenever you need to.
If you <b>do</b> buy one there is an excellent "how to read the timetable" section included in every addition along with maps keyed to the various numbered timetables.
Apr 18th, 2006 | 07:44 AM
#14
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 10,694
Likes: 0
Interesting that Kappa found my response and OP's response snappy, but apparently didn't find BB's response snappy? I guess it is in the eye of the beholder because I found his response snappy as well.
I primarily posted because indeed I have seen so many responses on this board that are really much more sharp than they need to be. People ask honest questions and yet they can still get slammed. Probably one of the primary reasons I lurk rather than post so I don't have to get chastised.
I primarily posted because indeed I have seen so many responses on this board that are really much more sharp than they need to be. People ask honest questions and yet they can still get slammed. Probably one of the primary reasons I lurk rather than post so I don't have to get chastised.
Apr 18th, 2006 | 08:15 AM
#15
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 3,916
Likes: 0
What follows is a quote from a "Travel Tips" article by Rick Steves.
Get used to the 24-hour clock used in European timetables. After 12:00 noon, the Europeans keep going — 13:00, 14:00, and so on. To convert to the 12-hour clock, subtract 12 and add p.m. (16:00 is 4 p.m.).
To get information on schedules, visit the German website Deutsche Bahn and pick up freebie timetables at train stations as you go. The big departure schedules posted at stations often befuddle travelers who don't realize that all over the world, the same four columns are listed: destination, type of train, track number, and departure time. Without much effort you can accurately guess which column is what.
Confirm your plans with a clerk at the train station information window. Write out your itinerary on a piece of paper (e.g., Torino [draw an arrow] Milano 8:50-10:40) and ask, "OK?" Simple written communication eliminates the language barrier.
Here is the URL for the entire article: www.ricksteves.com/plan/tips/traintip.htm.
Get used to the 24-hour clock used in European timetables. After 12:00 noon, the Europeans keep going — 13:00, 14:00, and so on. To convert to the 12-hour clock, subtract 12 and add p.m. (16:00 is 4 p.m.).
To get information on schedules, visit the German website Deutsche Bahn and pick up freebie timetables at train stations as you go. The big departure schedules posted at stations often befuddle travelers who don't realize that all over the world, the same four columns are listed: destination, type of train, track number, and departure time. Without much effort you can accurately guess which column is what.
Confirm your plans with a clerk at the train station information window. Write out your itinerary on a piece of paper (e.g., Torino [draw an arrow] Milano 8:50-10:40) and ask, "OK?" Simple written communication eliminates the language barrier.
Here is the URL for the entire article: www.ricksteves.com/plan/tips/traintip.htm.
Apr 18th, 2006 | 08:57 AM
#16
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,421
Likes: 0
Years ago, before the Internet, I planned a trip by rail through Europe. I went to the main branch of the Denver library, where they had a subscription to Cook's timetable and got them to give me the previous month's issue.
But I made copies of the relavent pages. I wouldn't carry that heavy volume with me. That would be like carrying your city's phone book with you to Europe so you would have the address of your friends.
Better yet, figure out where you might want to go, look up the schedules on the Bahn website, and print them. You can get up to 12 connections at a time by selecting "earlier" or "later". You can get details such as connecting stations, times, track numbers (in Germany) added to the bottom of the page by clicking on the station names on the left hand side of the row or you can get that information for all connectons by clicking "details for all". When you get all the information you want on the page, click on "print view" at the lower right of the page (you may have to scroll over to it), and you will get a view of a page with all the connections in simplified format. Then click "print page" and take along a lightweight page instead of a whole book. Note, if you have not added any details to the screen, you will get a page with two line displays for each connection, regardless of the number of trains. If you have added details for any connection(s), you will get a page showing the details for just the connections you have selected.
But I made copies of the relavent pages. I wouldn't carry that heavy volume with me. That would be like carrying your city's phone book with you to Europe so you would have the address of your friends.
Better yet, figure out where you might want to go, look up the schedules on the Bahn website, and print them. You can get up to 12 connections at a time by selecting "earlier" or "later". You can get details such as connecting stations, times, track numbers (in Germany) added to the bottom of the page by clicking on the station names on the left hand side of the row or you can get that information for all connectons by clicking "details for all". When you get all the information you want on the page, click on "print view" at the lower right of the page (you may have to scroll over to it), and you will get a view of a page with all the connections in simplified format. Then click "print page" and take along a lightweight page instead of a whole book. Note, if you have not added any details to the screen, you will get a page with two line displays for each connection, regardless of the number of trains. If you have added details for any connection(s), you will get a page showing the details for just the connections you have selected.
Apr 18th, 2006 | 09:09 AM
#17
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,421
Likes: 0
Based on your original posting, I really think you want to know in advance how to read the schedules that are posted in the train station.
I am familiar with the schedules in Germany. I think they are essentially the same throughout Europe. If so, there are paper schedule posted behind glass at every track. There will be one for arrivals and one for departures. Don't worry about the arrival schedule; you are already there. In Germany the departure schedules are kind of a mustard color.
The schedules themselves are arranged by times, with the hours in blocks. The trains are arranged by departure time, then train number, then destination stations. In Germany, the schedule also indicates the track number, but I think in some countries they don't always know when the train will arrive and what track will be available when it does, so they don't show track numbers. There will also be some notes to indicate, if that train does not run every day, on what days it does run.
I took digital pictures of a station schedule in German. If you would like to see them so you know what to expect, I can send them to you.
[email protected]
I am familiar with the schedules in Germany. I think they are essentially the same throughout Europe. If so, there are paper schedule posted behind glass at every track. There will be one for arrivals and one for departures. Don't worry about the arrival schedule; you are already there. In Germany the departure schedules are kind of a mustard color.
The schedules themselves are arranged by times, with the hours in blocks. The trains are arranged by departure time, then train number, then destination stations. In Germany, the schedule also indicates the track number, but I think in some countries they don't always know when the train will arrive and what track will be available when it does, so they don't show track numbers. There will also be some notes to indicate, if that train does not run every day, on what days it does run.
I took digital pictures of a station schedule in German. If you would like to see them so you know what to expect, I can send them to you.
[email protected]
Apr 18th, 2006 | 09:23 AM
#18
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
if you're still confused at the station, even after all this good advice, then your best bet is to have a phrase book with a good section on phrases/words for train travel and a piece of paper with your intended destination on written on it.
Apr 18th, 2006 | 09:39 AM
#19
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 3,916
Likes: 0
Buying a phrase book is a very good idea. I have a copy of Rick Steves' French Phrase Book & Dictionary. There is a section devoted to traveling with subsections for planes, trains, etc. I found it very helpful when I was in France last year. You can order it from the Travel Store at www.ricksteves.com.
Apr 18th, 2006 | 11:41 AM
#20
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,421
Likes: 0
Several other possibilities for schedules in Europe. If you are taking a laptop with you, DB sells in Germany a CD with all the schedules for Eurupe on it, just like their website. At Reisezentrum in Germany, they sell for €5. I don't know if they sell them elsewhere in Europe. The CD is also available online from German Rail, but by the time you get them over here, it is more like $20+. They load on a PC with a CD drive and they have a version on the CD that runs on Window CE 2.0 and up.
Several year ago, in Germany, I bought a rather thick book from a DB Reisezentrum that had schedules for all the trains in Germany. It was about 5 DM. I wonder if they have something similar in France.
Several year ago, in Germany, I bought a rather thick book from a DB Reisezentrum that had schedules for all the trains in Germany. It was about 5 DM. I wonder if they have something similar in France.
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Wekiva
Europe
5
Jun 2nd, 2016 04:08 AM
