train help NL - Germany
 

Hi! Need some advice please. I am looking for a train from Sittard, NL to Aachen Germany on a Saturday in July. Rail Europe says its about a 47 min journey, 20 + trains a day starting around $11 one way. however when i try to buy a ticket it tells me sorry we haven't found any tickets. But the catch is it does not matter what day i enter, even ones later this week, and it tells me the same thing.

The trainline has some trains but its over 2 hours with 2 changes and around $35

Can someone advise what train or bus i can take that is quick and inexpensive? What am I doing wrong? Thanks!

I just checked the DB site out of curiosity and got this message:

We are sorry, but we can not sell your requested journey online.

Please visit one of our DB travel centers, authorised DB travel agency or via phone: +49 6172 913731 (standard fees for calls to the German landline network apply) daily from 00:00 to 24:00.

Alternatively, we are happy to offer you the Interrail Pass for the most flexible travel experience in Europe.

I was looking at this coming Wednesday, via IC and bus.

Not helpful, I know.

When I look at NL RR site, www.nsinternational.com I am able to book travel for this coming Wednesday, or even on any train tomorrow.

Everything I see is a short IC train to Heerlen, connecting to a bus on to Aachen.

I cannot book anything with that one connection IC to bus for June or July, so maybe bus schedules haven't been uploaded yet.

Since this route is served with frequent service, I think you'll be fine waiting a while for when schedules get updated, or even same day/walk up....
The Sittard to Heerlen route is served 3 or 4 times an hour, and it's open seating for the 15-20min ride.

So perhaps just plan the 2 legs separately - hop on any train to Heelen you wish, and give yourself any extra time you might want to connect to the next bus to Aachen.

I checked Rome2Rio, and it looks like the cheapest and fastest is a bus to Geilenkirchen in Germany, and then a train. I also checked the NL rail site for July, and it looks like everything requires two changes and costs 31 EUR, but it is possible that new schedules haven't been loaded yet - all European timetables update in June and December.

If I go to NSInternational.nl I can book a ticket for July. Two changes though and €31.
Bus is faster and cheaper.

Thank you everyone! J62 i think i will take your advice - do you happen to know how far the train and bus station are from each other in Heerlen? Is there a specific bus line I am looking for or just go to that www.nsinternational.com site?

Thank you again for you help :)

The bus station in Heerlen is across the road from the train station. Allow a few minutes walk. You take a bus 44.

https://www.arriva.nl/consumers/reis...ey-planner.htm

They don't yet have July available. I assume there is no need to book the bus but you will need an e-ticket as cash is no longer accepted. All the info is on that website.

Thank you so much!!!