When looking at train timetables (Swiss website) to get to Rothenburg odT in Germany, I have noticed that the train reaches a station called "Steinach (Rothenburg o Tauber)". From here there is a wait of between 5 and 30 minutes for a further train to "Rothenburg ob der Tauber" station, which is a 15 min journey (for me the wait will be 30 mins). How far is the Steinach station from the Old Town of Rothenburg odT? I am wondering whether it would be more convenient to catch a taxi to the Old Town from Steinach than take an extra 45 mins to get there by train. Any advice?

12 km or about 7.5 miles Steinach-Rothenburg.

We did the train arriving and departing from Rothenburg. It's an easy switch (very small station) and the station in Rothenburg is only a few minutes by taxi from the old part of town. I actually found the old station in Rothenburg quaint and have photos of our family waiting for the train.

You might want to look at a map to see how the highways/roads go - it might actually be longer by car.

Didn't pay close enough attention to PalQ's answer. If it's only 12 km by car....that might be an option...I thought it was longer

Steinach is a tiny village, it's only reason for existing is probably because there is a train interchange. I doubt you will be able to find a taxi at the station there. And these 12 km will cost you a lot, believe me.

The Steinach station is small..perhaps four platforms. Often when you arrive there the train going to Rothenburg is sitting waiting for you on the next platform.

Changes are very easy to make and in my opinion it is almost impossible to get lost and miss a connection.

If you are really, really anxious to get to R-burg and willing to wait for a taxi I am sure you could do it but quite honestly, why would you?

The station has, or used to have, a small cafe area where you could get a drink or a bite to eat while waiting and you might consider doing that while waiting for your connection.

The station in R-burg is within easy walking distance of at least one of the entrances over the moat.

Yes, the taxi is not cheap in Germany. I have done this Steinach change. I had to change the platform, however. Not only that, just before the train arrived, there was an announcement in German that the train to Rothenburg would be arriving in opposite track (I didn't understand the announcement except "Rothenburg" and "Gleis ...". Since everyone else moved to the opposite track, I did the same.

Thanks. Looks like the best (cheapest) option is to continue on the train from Steinach to Rothenburg proper.