My wife is going to do the 70.3 race in Weisbaden. Our trip was built around my participation in the Masters World Cycling Championships in St. Johann in Tirol Austria which are a few days after the triathlon. We found ourselves in a situation where we were going to be in Frankfurt and the triathlon was a few days after we arrived, etc. so she figured why not do the triathlon and travel to Austria a few days later.
So now we need to get from Weisbaden/Frankfurt to St. Johann. Currently I have an Austrian Airlines flight booked to Innsbruck. The problem is that we are NOT traveling light. We’re going to have two double bike cases (two bikes each) a wheel case and a few suitcases to boot. The only way I know to get all that crap to St. Johann from Innsbruck is to drop an extra $500 to upgrade our rental car to a van. Not that the $500 will break us, but it seems crazy to drop $1000 on a rental vehicle that is mostly going to sit unused except to haul our stuff to and from Innsbruck.
So I guess my questions are:
Is it realistic to take a train with all that junk from Weisbaden/Frankfurt to St. Johann? Can you check baggage for a train like you do an airplane? We certainly won’t be able to carry all that on!
Is there some kind of service where we could arrive at the airport in Innsbruck and ship a portion of our luggage to our destination so we don’t have to carry it and therefore get the smaller rental car? I’ve seen this in Japan, but I haven’t been to Europe before.
Any suggestions that I haven’t thought of?
My main concerns are convenience and hassle. If we could just take a taxi from our hotel in Weisbaden to the train station, take the overnight train to St. Johann and then another taxi to our hotel that would be fabulous. But I’m sure it’s not that easy!
Anything in particular that we might want to do or see in the Frankfurt/Weisbaden area while we’re there?
Is it realistic to take a train with all that junk from Weisbaden/Frankfurt to St. Johann? Can you check baggage for a train like you do an airplane? We certainly won’t be able to carry all that on!
I would recommend to contact Deutsche Bahn’s Hotline available for passengers with bicycles.
Hotline number: +49 1805 151 415
Offering for long-distance routes
** On which trains is cycle carriage permitted? **
Carriage is possible in cycle cars or compartments on over 500 long-distance trains, bookable in advance. Applicable trains are indicated in the timetable by means of a bicycle symbol.
**Where are the storage facilities for bicycles located on the various train types? **
The train formation indicator on the platform will always show where the cycle car or car containing the cycle compartment stops on the platform. On IC and EC category trains, the cycle compartment is to be found on the driving trailer (vehicle at opposite end to locomotive). On all other long-distance trains (excluding ICE), cycle cars may be run at any point within the train.
**On which trains may cycles not be carried? **
No cycles may be carried on any ICE category trains. Whether bikes may be carried on any other long-distance train can be found out by calling either the cyclists’ hotline under 0180 5 151415 or the DB Travel Service under 11 8 61 or else by enquiring at any point of sale.
**How much does the domestic bicycle ticket cost? **
Long-distance EUR 8 (EUR 6 for Bahncard holders)
Two tickets each are required for tandems, prone position bicycles, tricycles and mopeds. Two tickets are likewise required for bicycles fitted with trailers.
**How much does the international bicycle ticket cost? **
The international bicycle ticket is not valid for travel on Lake Constance.
The international bicycle ticket costs EUR 10.
**Where can the ticket be bought - distribution channels? **
Both the bicycle ticket itself and the requisite storage position reservation can be obtained from all DB sales points and DB-accredited travel agencies.
**Exchange and refund policy for bicycle tickets **
A charge of EUR 3 is levied for rebookings.
Cancellation no charge prior to the first day of validity not possible as of the first day of validity
**Is reservation compulsory? **
Storage positions for bicycles should always be reserved in advance. Cyclists without such reservations are required to consult the on-board staff, who will allow them to travel with their bicycles if there are any positions not taken for the run.
**Is the cost of reservation covered by the bicycle ticket or is it charged for separately (if so, how much does it cost)? **
If the reservation is made when the bicycle ticket is purchased, then there is no charge. There is a charge of EUR 3 for later bookings or for rebookings.
**Which documents does anyone travelling with a bike require? **
bicycle ticket bicycle ticket counterfoil (attached to bike by means of an adhesive label) storage position reservation
**Which cycles are permitted? **
Two tickets each are required for tandems, prone position bicycles, tricycles and mopeds. Two tickets are likewise required for bicycles fitted with trailers.
**Policy on liability **
Liability for damage arising from cycle carriage on trains is governed by Section 1 German Liability Act and Sections 823 ff German Civil Code (BGB). Sample domestic and international bicycle tickets
Bicycle as registered luggage
Cycles are sent on by Hermes Versand Service, in cooperation with neighbouring railways or foreign forwarders in the case of destinations outside Germany. Within Germany, luggage can only be conveyed from and to postal addresses. Bicycles can be sent on to Luxembourg, France, Austria, Italy (only Alto Adige/Bolzano district) and Switzerland.
The first two bicycles sent on cost EUR 24.10 each for domestic carriage, bicycles 3 and 4 EUR 18.10 each. A surcharge of EUR 6.90 per item is levied for bicycles sent on to destinations abroad, from and to the North Sea islands and to some airports in Germany. Packing is always required for bicycles sent on. This can be ordered for EUR 5.10 at all sales points. The Hermes driver brings the packing when collecting the bicycle. Luggage is delivered within two working days in Germany and within 3 to 5 working days for destinations abroad depending on the international route involved.
I think the upgrade to the van will be well worth it. If you do not have the van, how are you going to go from one place to another? How many different taxis just to carry your gear? From my experience, your trip would be more enjoyable if you use tha van and not so enjoyable if you have to lug all that luggage on to and off trains.
Anything in particular that we might want to do or see in the Frankfurt/Weisbaden area while we’re there?
What exactly would you be interested in?
Wiesbaden, although being the capital of Hessen, is a relatively small and quiet city. Frankfurt is Germany’s banking capital and has somewhat of a skyline, but not too many vistas. Maybe you’d like to visit the Taunus or the Rheingau.
So, if you me a little more information about you interests for the stay, we should be able to help you.