Amazing. Now what comes next?

Late getting back to all of you. Thanks for the input. It does help.

We have such a short stop in the Munich area before heading on to Africa so we anticipate our only train travel will be the day trip to Salzburg via train and then back to the airport via S Bahn. I'll definetly take a look at all the links referenced.

The S-Bahn will be included in your Bavarian lander Ticket if you opt for that - if you do it the same day of course as you go to Salzburg and back.

Follow up question if anyone happens to see this in the next 36 hours. I traveled from Munich airport to Freilassing on an EC last week in first class - one of the private seating cars. Normally I wouldn't spring for that but (a) it's vacation and (b) I am traveling with just a massive suitcase as I'm bringing presents to various people on this trip. So it was really great to not have to worry at all about whether my suitcase was inconveniencing anyone or having to keep an eye on it at every stop. Anyway, on the return trip the most convenient train by far for me is one of the Meridian trains especially as all of the EC/IC/RJ's are showing some sort of disruption that requires taking a shuttle. What is first class like on a Meridian train? Will I get extra peace of mind for the massive luggage? Thanks!

What is first class like on a Meridian train? Will I get extra peace of mind for the massive luggage?>

Not familiar with Meridian but after decades of travelon German trains of all kinds, from locals toICEs there is always such a difference - always or nearly so lots more empty seats in first class - invaluable to folks carrying around bulky/heavy luggage.

Hi rincewind42,

If you look at my comment above, you'll see that you cannot tell the difference between Meridian trains and the regular DB stock. It will look and feel identical to the DB regional trains.

So, yes, first class will give you more room -- there will be fewer folks there.

I looked at the schedule from Freilassing to Munich, and the only disruption is a connection with an S-Bahn. Not really a shuttle. And I saw one connection on an EC that is direct (10.08 departure).

s

Yes, after posting I realized that the disruption was on the S-bahn connection from the East station to the hotel I'm staying at so it would affect me regardless of which train I took. Then I looked up the S3 line and the disruption is north of the station and I'm heading south, so either way I won't be affected. Thank you both for the help! Sounds like I'll just drop the rental car off and take whatever the first train is, Meridian, IC, RJ, etc. in first class and should be good.

I am absolutely loving the Bavarian Alps (just replaced Tokyo as my favorite spot on earth) but am kicking myself for only leaving 36 hours in Munich - and two of those will be taken up watching the FA Cup final if I can find a place that will show it so close in time to Bayern Munich playing on Saturday.

http://www.trainorders.com/discussio...php?17,3276121

Meridian trains were new as of mid December 2013 - detailed here - they look like rather modern trains as opposed to the older DB regional trains.

The trains do look quite short so occasional overcrowding may occur - first class could at times be worth the extra money - perhaps.

They may be new, Pal, but they *look* exactly the same as the regular DB regional train.

A bit different configuration inside the coaches. For instance, bicycles have just a small space in a carriage instead of a full carriage to themselves. However, that may change in the summer, when there are many more bikes on the trains. At least, I hope it does.

My point is that there is no big difference; passengers won't be able to tell they are on a Meridian train since everything is branded DB.

s

So these Meridian trains are indeed the former regional trains with a new name - thus I assume same problems with periodic over crowding and hard seats - the Bavarian Lander Pass comes in first class I believe for not that much more than 2nd class - strongly consider paying the little extra for a muchmore reliably comfy ride.