The 9-euro ticket has opened up completely new target groups for public transport. But the flat rate for regional transport also mercilessly reveals the weaknesses of the rail system. But how can frustration in public transport be avoided? With 5 tips you can travel stress-free by train.
Overcrowding, delays, cancellations, there is undoubtedly a lot of room for improvement on the railways. This is becoming particularly clear now, because many more people are currently using public transport with the 9-euro ticket than usual. But how can frustration be avoided when traveling by train?
Of course, the railway has to improve, there is little you can do as a customer. But for your own journey there are a few tricks that you should take to heart in order to reach your destination stress-free.
Tip 1: Avoid crowded trains
Nobody needs overcrowded trains, but when a train is canceled and twice as many people are standing on the platform, things get difficult. But you can do a lot right with the right planning in advance. If you want to go to popular holiday regions, you should be there early.
The first trains are usually not completely full, but as the morning progresses, more and more day-trippers are pushing onto the trains. On the way back, the last connection in particular is a risk, it is usually very crowded there and you can no longer avoid it.
The DB Navigator app displays a notification when the utilization of certain connections is high. Your connection may also offer the option of boarding at a different station. Especially in big cities, it doesn’t always have to be the main station. Smaller train stations, which are approached beforehand, offer alternative options here.
Tip 2: Find the best price
Unfortunately, the 9-euro ticket is not always available and it is only valid in regional transport. An exciting question is always how expensive or cheap it is to travel by train. Look for the connection in advance in the DB Navigator and activate the option “Show our best prices”.
The best price search offers an overview of the cheapest prices for long-distance and regional transport as well as for trips abroad.
Tip 3: Secure a seat
You are in top form and you don’t mind standing for long periods of time. Because save yourself the seat reservation. One tip is to board as far away from the on-board restaurant as possible. The reason: The seats are probably assigned starting from the restaurant.
The chances of getting a free seat are therefore higher if you look for a free seat from the other direction. But if the train is already jam-packed, that doesn’t help either. So if you definitely want a seat, you should make a reservation. This can also be done later if you didn’t do it when booking the trip.
Without a reservation, it’s worth taking a look at the reserved seats. They are happy to leave them completely free, although you can use them until the reservation actually takes effect.
Tip 4: Always stay informed
Just because you now have a seat and are sitting on the train you have booked does not mean that there can be no more surprises. Stay up to date, which is easy to do with the “Trip Notifications” that you can activate in DB Navigator.
Tip 5: Use special service
If you are only traveling alone with a small bag, then you are the standard case for the train. But there are also other cases, such as traveling with children or vacation trips with a lot of luggage. In such cases, you shouldn’t just squeeze into the compartment with bag and baggage, it’s not fun for you or the passengers.
Instead, use the special train service, such as compartments for small children or family areas. There is also a luggage service where you can check in bulky luggage in advance. If you want to travel by bike, you can use special connections with bicycle parking spaces.