Portdane

I'm interested if any Fodorites have taken this train. The web site states "Trains from Copenhagen to Berlin operate in collaboration between the German company Deutsche Bahn, and DSB, the Danish State Railway. " The description goes on to state, the train boards a 45 min ferry to Germany and connects back on land tracks to complete the journey. Sounds wild but also maybe a fun adventure, I would appreciate some first hand knowledge if available. Thank you - Karen

PalenQ

Yes I have taken those trains that goes on a ferry to get to Germany from Denmark - on my latest train only the first-class cars went on the boat but I do not know if that is always the case.

You can get out of the train car if yours does go on the boat and go up top for a snack, drink, observing the sea, etc.

On my latest train 2nd class passengers all got off on the Danish side and there were 2nd class Germany cars waiting to be boarded on the other. Again in 1st class since the cars went right on the boat you could stay in your train car.

Again this was a few years ago so do not know the current status if the whole train clambers on board or just some of it. Lots easier of course if you do not have to take baggage out - but of course leave nothing of value in the train car down below.

For lots of good info on German and Danish trains check: www.seat61.com; www.budgeteuropetravel.com and www.ricksteves.com.

There is a night service from nearby Trellborg, Sweden where the train goes on the ferry - a much longer crossing to the Straslund area and then to Berlin.

I believe there is also a direct overnight train between Copenhagen and Berlin but at some point in the near future it is slated for removal I understand.

dfourh

Nice description by PalenQ. Be sure to get reservations on this run, because the number of cars that fit on the boat are limited, so the trains can be packed to the brim.

adrienne

I did this once, although not originating in Berlin. It was at night so we were all sleeping when the train pulled onto the boat. All the Danes went to the duty free and once I got to Denmark and saw the prices of the alcohol and chocolate I knew why they stocked up. Pricing is probably all different now.

I do remember some cars were removed before the boat but if you have a ticket to Copenhagen with a reserved seat (probably mandatory) then you'll be in the correct car.

You will want to leave the train and explore the boat and look at the shops rather than sitting in the hold.

The train on the boat wasn't anything unusual but at the time most things I encountered daily were unusual (for me) so perhaps this was the least unusual thing that happened that day.

Man_in_seat_61

You can book this journey at www.bahn.de/en from €39

There's one direct ICE train a day (look for the train marked 0 changes) and others with a change in Hamburg.

You print your own ticket.

Yes, it involves a train ferry, a unique experience.

Dukey1

The ENTIRE train which often consists of only a few carriages goes onto the ferry at Rodby in Denmark. The train is in the same part of the ferry as are the cars, trucks, and coaches with travelers.

You can get off and go above for the food and shopping and in my experience there could be a LOT of people shopping in the "duty free" section of the ferry...think MOBS.

The crossing takes about 45 minutes. The train rolls off the ferry along with the other vehicles at Puttgarden and continues on to Hamburg.

PalenQ

The ENTIRE train which often consists of only a few carriages goes onto the ferry at Rodby in Denmark.>

Not always IME as said above - on my train only the first-class cars went on - so you cannot say the ENTIRE train always goes on. You cannot say always based on one experience.