I've checked bahn.de but can't find any reference to fares for secondary school students, only children under 15 years. Do you know if they are available and how to book them?

Also, it seems to be considerably cheaper to pre-book train tickets from Frankfurt airport to Heidelberg but it is possible for our flight to be delayed and I don't know how long it will take to clear customs and immigration. I'm not sure what time train to book. Any suggestions from people who have done this before? We are flying in from outside the EU and don't have EU passports.

Thanks!

Just in case I've confused you, the interest in student fares is for journeys other than the one from the airport.

Secondary school students get their tickets for the needed transport to and from school, a voucher for the ticket or an ID that says they're eligible from their school. However, there are severals discounted offers for young people from bahn.de which you can book with your ISIC card, but not a youth tariff.

Thanks for your reply, logos.

As we're just tourists in Germany, it sounds like this wouldn't apply for us. Sounds like I need to get adult tickets.

Do you happen to know how far in advance I'd need to book to get discounted adult fares for long distance travel in Germany? Travelling in September. Thanks.

The direct shuttle bus from FRA airport to Heidelberg is a bit cheaper (€22) than the unrestricted train ticket (€24.50). And saves one transfer/connection in Mannheim main station.

http://www.transcontinental-group.co...irport-shuttle

What could be the cheapest/best train fare for you also depends on
- how many people of what ages are in your party, and
- what time of day, and
- whether weekends or weekdays you need to travel.

For example, if you were 4 people travelling on a weekend, you could get the "Happy Weekend Ticket" (Schönes Wochenend Ticket) which is a day pass for all regional trains in the country for just €39 (for all of you).

On weekdays, you would pay for a different type of ticket much more, i.e. €60 (if all kids are older than 14).
Or had to combine two day passes for regional trains for 2 states (as FRA and Heidelberg are in different states).

The bus is probably the most convenient option.

The earlier you book, the better the price. If it's too early, the bahn site will inform you.

Hardly anybody knows, but there is also a special low price booking site for ICE bahn tickets 1 to 7 days before your trip. Prices are down to 24€ per person one way usually on early morning or late evening trains. During peak season there aren't any offers.

The site is http://bahn.ltur.com/
When you book, your booking will be on the common bahn.de site so you've got the same options as you have there.

Thank you!

It may take less time, but you should allow up to an hour to clear immigration/passport control. If you decide to book discount Sparpreis tickets in advance, I suggest that you allow a MINIMUM of two hours between the time your plane is scheduled to arrive and your train is scheduled to depart.