With the US dollar so low re the Euro I'd like to cut my costs on train fare. Two issues: 1) do I get a Deutsche Bahn card in advance in the US; 2) is the difference in cost between 2nd class and 1st class worth what I hear about crowding and discomfort (I'm over 65, in good health, but I'd like to avoid standing or having an uncomfortable seat. Has anyone got advice? Thanks, Bill B.

Hi W,

Buy your ticket at www.bahn.de

You might be able to get the 29E discount fare, otherwise it's 57E in 2cl, 89E in 1cl.

You can get reserved seats in 2cl.

3rd class wooden seats disappeared a long time ago.

Only you can decide IMO whether the difference between First and Second on that route is worth it.

First will probably be less crowded than Second because it is less expensive.

You could reserve a seat ahead if necessary. The seating in first is a bit more commodious than in Second.

Whatever you do, amlke sure to sit on the LEFT HAND SIDE (facing forward) of the train, especially after Dresden for the best river views.

>You could reserve a seat ahead if necessary. The seating in first is a bit more commodious than in Second.

Yes - but usually not much. Not as much difference as in a plane.
On a busy day, your best strategy to save money AND your back is to invest 4 Euro into a seat reservation (can be done online at www.bahn.de or at a counter).
The "return on investment" is far higher than with the 1st class price difference.