I was hoping some of you guys could help me out. I’m going to be in Germany with 5 others and we need to get from Frankfurt to Cologne on June 20 and return to Frankfurt on June 22. I’ve checked a few websites and LH is asking for something like $511US roundtrip. I mean, you seriously have to be kidding me for what should be a half hour flight, asking that kind of price! I checked Eurorail, and they want $150 per person, round trip. Now, I’ve never traveled by train outside city limits, but this seems a bit pricey, or is it just me and that is a typical fare for rail travel? Should we just rent 2 vehicles and say “to hell with planes and trains” altogether? Also, what are some other, perhaps lower fare options, for air travel within germany? Any info would be greatly appreciated.
By: Bhoy - 4th May 2005 at 02:20
It says the Groupfare us 50% off if booked between 7 days prior to, and the date of start of Travel. (70% off when booked at least 14 days prior to Travel, and 60% off between 7 and 14 days prior).
I reckon your best bet is to contact DB (by email?), and get them to give you a quote, and explain how to get the particular fare.
By: Bhoy - 4th May 2005 at 02:20
It says the Groupfare us 50% off if booked between 7 days prior to, and the date of start of Travel. (70% off when booked at least 14 days prior to Travel, and 60% off between 7 and 14 days prior).
I reckon your best bet is to contact DB (by email?), and get them to give you a quote, and explain how to get the particular fare.
By: greekdude1 - 3rd May 2005 at 16:42
I make it €250 return for 5 adults Frankfurt Airport-Cologne by Train (although you’re right, that website is a nightmare trying to find anything out), however that’s a full fare, if you book a Group Ticket, you can get discounts (and the mimimum particiaption for a group fare is 6, so you’re in luck) of up to 70%.
I’m not messing with the website, as I know something is bound to get screwed up. Will I be able to get the same discounted fare for 6 adults if I purchase the tickets the day before we travel?
By: greekdude1 - 3rd May 2005 at 16:42
I make it €250 return for 5 adults Frankfurt Airport-Cologne by Train (although you’re right, that website is a nightmare trying to find anything out), however that’s a full fare, if you book a Group Ticket, you can get discounts (and the mimimum particiaption for a group fare is 6, so you’re in luck) of up to 70%.
I’m not messing with the website, as I know something is bound to get screwed up. Will I be able to get the same discounted fare for 6 adults if I purchase the tickets the day before we travel?
By: seahawk - 3rd May 2005 at 16:36
Well I drove the highway (or to be correct Autobahn) from FRA to cologne just this weekend. It is a easy 1.45 hours drive. You go on the A3 at the airport and head for Köln/Düsseldorf (Cologne / Dusseldorf).
By: seahawk - 3rd May 2005 at 16:36
Well I drove the highway (or to be correct Autobahn) from FRA to cologne just this weekend. It is a easy 1.45 hours drive. You go on the A3 at the airport and head for Köln/Düsseldorf (Cologne / Dusseldorf).
By: SHAMROCK321 - 3rd May 2005 at 10:07
No FRA isnt a LOCO airport so LH are your only choice.
By: SHAMROCK321 - 3rd May 2005 at 10:07
No FRA isnt a LOCO airport so LH are your only choice.
By: Bhoy - 3rd May 2005 at 09:54
I make it €250 return for 5 adults Frankfurt Airport-Cologne by Train (although you’re right, that website is a nightmare trying to find anything out), however that’s a full fare, if you book a Group Ticket, you can get discounts (and the mimimum particiaption for a group fare is 6, so you’re in luck) of up to 70%.
As for flying, I can’t think of any low cost airlines that fly out of FRA except Germania Express (www.gexx.com), but they don’t fly from there to either CGN or DUS, sorry.
By: Bhoy - 3rd May 2005 at 09:54
I make it €250 return for 5 adults Frankfurt Airport-Cologne by Train (although you’re right, that website is a nightmare trying to find anything out), however that’s a full fare, if you book a Group Ticket, you can get discounts (and the mimimum particiaption for a group fare is 6, so you’re in luck) of up to 70%.
As for flying, I can’t think of any low cost airlines that fly out of FRA except Germania Express (www.gexx.com), but they don’t fly from there to either CGN or DUS, sorry.
By: frankvw - 3rd May 2005 at 09:44
I would definitely advise either the train, or by car. Car is indeed more flexible (no hassle taking cabs between hotel and station).
With the train, you’ll arrive central in Cologne,next to the cathedral (Dom).
And the distance is way too short to take the plane.
By: frankvw - 3rd May 2005 at 09:44
I would definitely advise either the train, or by car. Car is indeed more flexible (no hassle taking cabs between hotel and station).
With the train, you’ll arrive central in Cologne,next to the cathedral (Dom).
And the distance is way too short to take the plane.
By: greekdude1 - 3rd May 2005 at 09:32
I’ve been doing some research, and I just wanted to confirm if Lufthansa is in fact, the only airline that flies between FRA and either DUS or CGN. Or is there some LoCo that I haven’t been able to locate?
By: greekdude1 - 3rd May 2005 at 09:32
I’ve been doing some research, and I just wanted to confirm if Lufthansa is in fact, the only airline that flies between FRA and either DUS or CGN. Or is there some LoCo that I haven’t been able to locate?
By: greekdude1 - 29th April 2005 at 19:59
I really suggest the rent a car solution. First of all Autobahns are an experience in their own right. And it offers you a maximum on flexibility during your stay.
Bte. Do you plan a spotting trip or just a regular trip ?
If there were 3 or less in my party, I’d rent the car. There will be 6 total, however, which means we’d need 2 cars. I don’t want to get a big van in order to experience the autobahn. Because of the people in my party, there will be no spotting, either.
By: greekdude1 - 29th April 2005 at 19:59
I really suggest the rent a car solution. First of all Autobahns are an experience in their own right. And it offers you a maximum on flexibility during your stay.
Bte. Do you plan a spotting trip or just a regular trip ?
If there were 3 or less in my party, I’d rent the car. There will be 6 total, however, which means we’d need 2 cars. I don’t want to get a big van in order to experience the autobahn. Because of the people in my party, there will be no spotting, either.
By: seahawk - 29th April 2005 at 19:56
Could www.bahn.de be any more confusing? I went there, entered dates and whatnot, and I’m completely lost. I’m using the english version, as well. Also, I went to www.lufthansa.com and entered my info and got a fare of $108Euro. Well, once I entered that I’m a resident of the US, the price shot up to the aforementioned $511US. What kind of garbage is this?
I really suggest the rent a car solution. First of all Autobahns are an experience in their own right. And it offers you a maximum on flexibility during your stay.
Bte. Do you plan a spotting trip or just a regular trip ?
By: seahawk - 29th April 2005 at 19:56
Could www.bahn.de be any more confusing? I went there, entered dates and whatnot, and I’m completely lost. I’m using the english version, as well. Also, I went to www.lufthansa.com and entered my info and got a fare of $108Euro. Well, once I entered that I’m a resident of the US, the price shot up to the aforementioned $511US. What kind of garbage is this?
I really suggest the rent a car solution. First of all Autobahns are an experience in their own right. And it offers you a maximum on flexibility during your stay.
Bte. Do you plan a spotting trip or just a regular trip ?
By: tenthije - 29th April 2005 at 19:39
The ICE3 is as fast as the TGV. A lot more comfortable then the TGV too. Well, more comfortable then the Eurostar which is a modified TGV. Never been in a “French” TGV.
Note that the first class is a lot better equiped than most planes. Definately better than planes on short haul. Even PTVs! Radio for you to plug your headphones in as well, in 2nd too. I hate to say it, but in Germany (and France) the train is a decent alternative and quite often the best option.
By: tenthije - 29th April 2005 at 19:39
The ICE3 is as fast as the TGV. A lot more comfortable then the TGV too. Well, more comfortable then the Eurostar which is a modified TGV. Never been in a “French” TGV.
Note that the first class is a lot better equiped than most planes. Definately better than planes on short haul. Even PTVs! Radio for you to plug your headphones in as well, in 2nd too. I hate to say it, but in Germany (and France) the train is a decent alternative and quite often the best option.
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April 27, 2005 at 2:24 am