Need advice on trains
 

Dear Fello Fodorites,

We are a family travelling from Amsterdam to Milan via Frankfurt.
We have about 16 minutes between connecting trains in Frankfurt main.
Do you think it is sufficient considering we are carrying 2 suitcases and a 5year
old that is half asleep?

How hard is to change trains in Franfurt main?
Thank you

<i>How hard is to change trains in Franfurt main?</i>

That depends on which platform you arrive on and which platform you depart from. Often, not always, international trains connect on opposite sides of the same platform. It takes about 15 seconds to walk from one side to the other. Platform information might be posted on the bahn.de web site.

If bahn.de shows the connection, it's feasible <I>if nothing goes wrong</i> (such as the incoming train being a few minutes late). Here's a map of the layout, so you can see if your trains are anywhere near each other: http://www.bahnhof.de/site/shared/de...furt__main.pdf

The platforms, numbered 1 through 22 from left to right, are at the top; the steps just above the boxes marked "B" go down to a tunnel that connects all the platforms together.

Just make sure that you're at the door, luggage in hand, when the train stops. Situating yourself as far forward in the train as you can is a good idea - even though it can be somewhat of a hassle to schlep your bags through eight or ten cars to get there.

When you get to your outbound train, just get on any car. You can move to your reserved seats (or some unassigned ones) after the train starts.

My guess is you're on the 18:34 departure from Amsterdam with a 16min transfer at 22:34. Did you know that the 17:01 from Amsterdam requires no change, and continues on to Milan with the same Frankfurt-Milan train. Seems to me that earlier departure would be easier for you as you'd stay in the same seat or bed for the entire journey.

Since it's a 12-14hr journey by train have you considered flying? It might actually be cheaper than a train, and certainly more comfortable. As a single 20yr old I took overnight trains all the time, but mom/dad/5yr old and overnight trains aren't a great mix especially if you want to be well rested & alert when you arrive in Milan.

I see flights on easyjet.com for €60.99 one way for mid July. Cheaper flights for Aug/Sept.

Train will probably cost you much more than that.

If you can afford it the better action would be to take the CNL (CityNightline) connection which is a through train...15 hours to Milan with no changes.

I agree with Robes about being next to the doors with suitcases at the ready and a child AWAKE for any changes

Thank you very much folks! I think 16 minute transfer is beyond us.

I like the idea of taking the 17:01 train from Amsterdam. Also the CNL idea. What is the station name from where this 17:01 direct train starts.

The CNL is the 17:01 train, departing from Amsterdam Centraal. Your original itinerary departing at 18:34 was an IC train to Frankfurt where it connected to the CNL on its way to Milan. You can book tickets on www.bahn.de, the German rail website. They are showing discounted fares available.

The CNL from Amsterdam is only on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. If you want to travel Monday through Wednesday you must change trains in Frankfurt.
On the bahn.de site you can give a minimum time between trains to be sure you catch your connection.