Hi All,
Have been learning a bit about travelling with a bike in a train in Germany. (Might help some others. And also others might have better solutions)
I found this quite challenging:
1) Tried the Eurail app - this does not seem possible.
2) Tried the db Bahn app - but this seemed difficult to do without also purchasing a normal ticket as well.
3) Tried ringing the db bahn.. And discovered a lot of the fast train (ICE) legs were already booked.
4) Decided to then use db bahn to filter a trip without fast trains.. which then allow bikes without reservations. It made the trip longer.. But possible!
(I don't think there is a way in the Eurail app to filter out the fast trains.. So had to cross reference from the db bahn app)
Now an travelling on the train.. But got in trouble because I was travelling before 9am on a regional train.. Around 60 Euro fine.. But thankfully my Australian accent + tourist ignorance saved the day!)
The train lady then explained you also need a bicycle pass for the day..
Some regions like Baden Wurttemberg need it 6-9 am.. Others like apparently Bavaria need it all day.
I explained my challenge with how to do this via the app with a Eurail pass.
She then showed me I could do this with app by selecting bike only and then booking a regional leg.. So that worked for regional trains. Works for the day in Germany apparently.
So the things I've learned:
1) If wanting to travel with fast trains you need to book ahead.. Especially in peak times or popular sections.
I think you also need to reserve this at a main train station.. As I'm not sure this is actually possible via the dbbahn app without a regular ticket as well?)
(All a bit of a challenge for those of us who like to wing it when travelling! But thankfully it seems there is a way!)
2) Regional trains can save the day. And you can filter this with dbbahn app . But take a lot longer to get places with more changes. Buy a day pass.. But if travelling after 9am in I think a lot of places is ok.
Things I'd love to see in the Eurail app if possible:
A. A way to easily book bikes
B. A way to filter out fast trains .. So only bike friendly trains that don't need reserving are possible.
Certainly interested in any other tips people can give.
Otherwise on a positive note have really enjoyed the convenience of the Eurail app and pass! Thanks.
