I'm under the impression her husband is meeting her in Frankfurt. I think they are arriving the day before he does.

My mistake for sure.

There is a direct IC from Frankfurt airport to Garmisch-Partenkirchen every day at 10:01 AM (leaves Frankfurt Hbf at 10:18). It takes a little longer because it stops in Munich Hbf, but that might give your kids a few minutes (half hour) for a change of scenery. If you know you know you can make the train, you can make an advance purchase of a "SparPreis" fare of €108 for your entire family, round trip.

The train that leaves FRA an hour later also goes through Munich Hbf. I would recommend this over Pasing, because the incoming train ends there, at the Munich Hbf - no need to hurry getting off - and the train to G-P starts in Munich, so you have plenty of time to board.

I just wanted to chime in about driving in Germany - last summer my husband and I rented a car in Germany and it was my first experience driving in another country (except for about 3 miles on a rural highway in Japan, which didn't go so well). Anyway, I found driving in Germany to be really easy. The roads are well marked and people actually follow the traffic laws. Once I got used to the signage it was smooth sailing.

Perhaps the issues others have had with FRA to Garmish particularly had to do with traffic since that is a popular route?

Yes, you guys are bright, and figured out most of my issues...
I think we will rent the car, I see a standard car, mercedes C class runs me $580 EU with the GPS option for the entire time. Plus gas of course.
Husband really does not want to drive, wants to relax and visit, yet I will be tired and still adjusting.
He will drive. Just cannot see commiting to a 5hr train ride I cannot get off of if my kids are tired, whiney etc.
So now, expert Fodors, how about suggestions of places to stop, rest, do things with kids to break up the 5hr drive between FRA and Garmisch?
Oct 18-Nov 4th 06 is our dates YEAH!
And hey, thanks to all for the well wishes. This is our families first tour and its been a long year already for us all.

According to one car rental website, a Mercedes C class has room in the trunk for 3 large bags and 2 small ones. Based on your earlier posting saying that you would have four large bags, plus backpacks, etc, you might want to take your luggage to a Mercedes dealer and try them in the trunk of the model you plan to rent. If your kids are in car seats in the back, like they should be, there probably won't be room for another big bag back there.

One the other hand, the Edelweiss has laundry facilities. Maybe you just have to plan on doing some laundry while you are there so you can downsize you luggage requirements a bit.

wolftactical,

There are trains that go from the Frankfurt airport to Garmisch-Partenkirchen in 5 hours with only 1 change (via Munich-Pasing). Your kids can move around on the train, unlike a car. Or they can sleep. I think this would be a whole lot simpler than getting from the airport to the rental car, finding your way, driving while tired, etc.

You say that you want to visit "whatever part of German we can".

So, why you go to Garmish if you arrive in Frankfurt?
I think that is better to go (by train, a short ride) to Rhine or Mosel valley.
There you can easily find pensions for 50 Euro / apartment, you can walk, make cruises , visit old, charming small towns and castles....

Valtor, check out Edelweiss on www.edelweisslodgeandresort.com. It is an Armed Service Recreation Center, heavily subsidized by taxpayers, luxurious, and far less expensive than comparable accommodations available to the general public.

While I am sure that I could find less expensive rooms for two people or Ferienwohnungen on the middle Rhein or in the Black Forest, those accommodations would be difficult to find and book and even more difficult to stay at for someone with no ability to speak German.

I am sure the Edelweiss caters to English speakers with American tastes. In my opinion is is too much like Epcot Germany, but I think her primary objective here is to see here husband.

Wolftactical - are you back? How was it? Tell us...

A taxi from Munich Airport to Garmisch should not cost more than €180,00,which is the taxameter price.Most taxi´s charge about €150,00 which is a fair price,on New Years Eve/really bad weather/snow and ice/ the price could double!

If the trip is over 50kms you can haggle over the price,you don´t have to take the first taxi in the line,you can choose the taxi you wish.

Journey´s under 50km,must be with the taxameter(strong anti-dumping price laws!).

If anybody needs help or wants to go on a tour around Garmisch,or a pick-up at Munich Airport just send me a e-mail or tel/sms 0049 01728306250

Hope you enjoy your holidays,

Chris Edwards,taxi N.70 Garmisch-Partenkirchen