Has anybody used the DB Rail system to go from Frankfurt to Nurnberg? How much generally, is it? How long does this trip usually take? We want to see both Christmas Markets in each city, but don't want to waste a lot of time and money doing so. Any advice would be appreciated!

you can find schedules and fares on the db website at www.bahn.de

I just took that trip in reverse last week. The trip takes anywhere from two to three hours depending on the type of train. Second class (which is adequate) is about 40 Euros.

Bahn.de is a wonderful resource for planning trips in Germany, but make sure you really know how to use it. Depending on how much time you are willing to spend, you can save a lot of money on train travel.

In the case of Frankfurt(Main) to Nürnberg, a "standard search" under Means of Transport will give you mostly the faster, more expensive connections. The fastest connection will be either Eurocity (EC) trains or Intercity (IC) trains, which make the trip in just over 2 hours for €39 per person, €78 for two. There will also be connection requiring changes of trains and taking 2-1/2 to 3 hours and costing as much as €54 per person.

Hidden amongst these connection options, and more obvious if you select "local transport only" as Means of Transport are direct (no change of trains) regional express (RE) connections that take only 3-1/2 hours and cost considerably less. If you use a Bahn ticket automat in Frankfurt to purchase a Bayern ticket for €25, that will carry two people on one of those REs from the first town in Bavaria, Kahl, to Nürnberg. You must also purchase in Frankfurt a RMV (Frankfurt transit district) ticket from Frankfurt to Kahl for €6,30 per person. So,if you are willing to spend a little more time, two people can travel from Frankfurt to Nürnberg for for €37,60, less than the price for one person on the express trains.

There is another option. If your trip to Nürnberg is going to be a round trip, and you buy your tickets 3 days in advance, either at a station in Germany or online, you can make the trip using the 2 hour direct EC/IC connections for only €87,70, round trip for two, with a SparPreis 25 fare. If you stay in Nürnberg over a saturday night, the round trip SparPreis 50 fare for 2 is only €58,50. These tickets are day and train specific and can only be refunded up to the day before travel. These fares are limited in quantity, so it would be advisable to purchase them online before you leave for Germany

Thanks for all the input! I really appreciate the advice from Larry!