KM1301
Traveller
0 comments
Posted 6 years ago
Hello,
I am planning the transport for the summer camp of my scouting group.
We are located in the Netherlands, but really close to the German border, and since train connections over the border are quite poor, we will probably fix a ride to Duisburg. We want to go to Croatia, most likely Karlovac and somewhere on the coast. We will be going with around 20 people.
I have found 2 feasible options by train:
The day route, where we leave Duisburg early in the morning, and switch in München to the EC to Zagreb, and vice versa.
The nocturnal route, where we leave Duisburg in the afternoon, and switch in München to the EN to Zagreb, and vice versa.
I am looking for the best way to buy tickets for one of these routes, and your advise on which route to take.
Thanks in advance,
Kalle
Quenzon
Traveller
97 comments
Hi KM1301,
there is a third option, which would be my choice: Take the ÖBB Nightjet 421, departing Düsseldorf at 20:54 to Munich or Innsbruck and continue from there by day train. It\'s a comfortable, state-of-the-art night train with excellent service. From Munich or Innsbuck, you can continue by day train. For example, there is EC 113 leaving Munich at 12:17 and getting to Zagreb at 20:53 (you could leave your luggage at the lockers and explore the city a bit, or just get a nice breakfast/early lunch - idk, maybe this isn\'t the scouting way :) ) . Getting from Duisburg to Düsseldorf by regional trains is easy. This connection, even though it is significantly longer than the alternatives, has the advantage that you can sleep through part of the journey, but still get the spectacular ride through Austria, Slovenia and Croatia during the day time. Similar connections are available on the return journey, or you can take the Zagreb-Munich night train. If cost is a large factor, chances are the daytime connection might be a bit cheaper, but I would ask for prices for all three options. For such a large group booking, I would recommend buying the tickets at your local NS station, unless one of the more experienced guys here has a better idea. Calling up ÖBB at +43 5 1717-3 or DB at + 49 180 6 99 66 33 might be a good idea if you want to find out about prices. They probably also sell you the tickets. In any event, on a long cross-continental journey like this, I would really advice you not to book any tight connections (allow 30 minutes for changing trains, at a minimum, especially when catching night train - there is only one a night :/ )
Hope that\'s helpful. Have a nice trip!
Best,
Quenzon
Quenzon
Traveller
97 comments
P.S. Also potentially interesting for you is the daily night train Munich - Rijeka (since you mentioned you wanted to go to somewhere on the coast as well)
Flo
Traveller
10724 comments
Hi and welcome to railcc!
As mentioned before, I would also recommend to contact either NS or DB directly and book with their group trips department. In the regular online shops you can\'t make bookings for such large groups.
Regarding your route/connections the best options already have been mentioned. The most comfortable option (also regarding time on the night train) would be Düsseldorf - Innsbruck; then you can have a quick look around Innsbruck and continue via Schwarzach St Veit to Zagreb (arr 2053).
Since you would book your trip in one go (at least Düsseldorf - Zagreb) from either DB or NS you wouldnt have to worry about losing a connection - if that happens you are entitled to a refund and, if needed, an overnight stay. Of course it would be better to arrive as planned so as Quenzon mentioned it makes sense to plan your trip with enough overlay at stations where you have to change trains.
Flo