Customized route

Flo
Traveller
10724 comments

Hi Kasa!

What cities do you want to visit? How long do you want to stay in Germany? Do you want to visit other countries too?
Assuming you are from the US; you should have a look at the Eurail pass: https://rail.cc/eurail
This pass would allow you quasi unlimited travel within a certain period/on a certain number of days within a period; however its value usually pays off more (only) when you make a number of longer distance trips within a country.
Depending on your itinerary you might be better off combining regular tickets bought in advance ("saver" fare tickets) plus special offer tickets for regional travel bought locally at the stations.

Flo

kasa
Traveller
3 comments

Hello Flo,
Thank you for your reply!
In response to your questions, we will be in London for 4-5 days, and Germany for 4-5 days. When in London, we also want to visit Liverpool. When in Germany, we want to visit the towns/cities of Fritzlar, Wiesbaden, Bacharach, Koblenz, Braubach and Trier. We are flying in to Frankfurt from London.
Thank you very much for your expertise! We are normally a "road trip" family, so navigating in this new territory by train is a whole new learning experience for us!
Kasa

Flo
Traveller
10724 comments

OK. Have you thought about taking Eurostar for going from London to Brussels (and then onwards to Germany)?

Considering the hassle of going to a London Airport and also the style factor I would recommend having a look into this option :)+
https://rail.cc/blog/tag/eurostar

Within Germany you are probably best off simply buying tickets locally; there are different options available, for instance "Hessen Ticket" covering your trips within Hessen (Fritzlar to Wiesbaden): 36€ for one day and up to five adults, valid on all regional trains (basically train types RE, RB and S).
https://www.bahn.de/angebot/regio/laender_tickets/hessen
For onward travel which will take you to Rheinland-Pfalz you can take Rheinland-Pfalz ticket: https://www.bahn.de/angebot/regio/laender_tickets/rheinland-pfalz-ticket
Considering your route it doesnt make sense to use long distance trains (apart from, maybe, London - Frankfurt obviously); so these tickets are a very good option.

kasa
Traveller
3 comments

Thank you Flo for your insights!
I'm confused about the London to Brussels to Germany via Eurostar. I realize that I am a complete novice with navigating the train system, but I'm seeing ticket prices that are more costly from London to Brussels than the British Airways flight tickets from London to Frankfurt, and the flight is quicker. (Both fares were converted to US dollars) I love the idea of train travel, but it looks like it's more expedient to go by way of plane. (and of course, I very well could be doing something wrong!) I absolutely will be looking in to the local train options. Thank you for pointing this out to me!
Do you have recommendations for London to Liverpool? We are Beatle fans and being in Liverpool for the day will be a highlight of our trip!
Thanks again for all of your help!
Kasa

Flo
Traveller
10724 comments

I dont know about British Airways (I dont fly within Europe); however a search for a random date (January 13) shows me London - Frankfurt (with a change in Brussels) with Eurostar and ICE from 84€ on rail.shop/beurope (ticket shop of Belgian Railways).
Schedule would be:
London St Pancras 1104 - 1405 Brussels Midi
Brussels Midi 1425 - 1740 Frankfurt Hbf

London to Liverpool is pretty straighforward; there are very frequent services from London Euston to Liverpool Lime Street.
Check https://rail.cc/train/london-to-liverpool

kasa
Traveller
3 comments

Thanks so much Flo! I so appreciate help navigating the rail system. I will be checking into the links you've provided.
My family is interested in doing our travel via train. I'm looking at budget, expediency first and foremost. : )