Train or car from Warnemunde to Berlin?

[Greenwhite]

We are trying to decide what would be the best way to get from Warnemunde to Berlin. The options would appear to be:
1. Purchase train transportation through the cruise line.
2. Purchase train transportation on our own through Eurorail.
3. Hire a car and driver.
As far as we can tell, the time to get to Berlin would be about the same either way. We do enjoy train travel, but have no experience with the trains in Germany. Could somebody comment upon what the seating and accommodations might be. How would the "standard" train the cruise lines use compare to "First class" accommodations available through Eurorail? Since it is going to be a long day, we would like to make the travel portion as painless as possible.

[kestrel]

Originally Posted by Greenwhite

We are trying to decide what would be the best way to get from Warnemunde to Berlin. The options would appear to be:
1. Purchase train transportation through the cruise line.
2. Purchase train transportation on our own through Eurorail.
3. Hire a car and driver.
As far as we can tell, the time to get to Berlin would be about the same either way. We do enjoy train travel, but have no experience with the trains in Germany. Could somebody comment upon what the seating and accommodations might be. How would the "standard" train the cruise lines use compare to "First class" accommodations available through Eurorail? Since it is going to be a long day, we would like to make the travel portion as painless as possible.

We rented a car from Hertz right at the port and drove to Berlin ourselves. It was very easy and very convenient. We had no problem driving on the freeway, and did not encounter any traffic jam. However, if you want to rent an automatic car, you will have to call them on the phone to pre-arrange.

If you want to take train, check this thread:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=533783

HeinBloed provided very detailed information and photos too.

[HeinBloed]

Originally Posted by Greenwhite

We are trying to decide what would be the best way to get from Warnemunde to Berlin. The options would appear to be:
1. Purchase train transportation through the cruise line.
2. Purchase train transportation on our own through Eurorail.

to 1. - no idea
to 2. - it's cheaper to buy domestic german discounted tickets than using Eurorail.

A standard non-discounted 1st class one-way ticket from Warnemünde to Berlin is

75 EUR (abt. 120 USD)

There are advanced purchase for discounted tickets available.
25% 3 day advance purchase subject to seat availability for return tickets.
50% possible when you travel on weekends.

Subject you let me know exactly ship and date in Warnemünde I can check availability of discounted tickets.

This price apply to the use of ICE-Highspeed train (like Amtrak-Acelar-Service between Boston and Washington DC). It goes once a day. Morning to Berlin. Evening back to Rostock. On Saturday this line is starting from Warnemünde. Travel time 2.40 hrs. // Local trains (cheaper - and more frequently than ICE: 3.15 hrs)

3. Hire a car and driver.

Check here:

http://www.m-vp.de/2465/english/preise2.htm

Travel time approx. 2.30 hrs

As far as we can tell, the time to get to Berlin would be about the same either way. We do enjoy train travel, but have no experience with the trains in Germany. Could somebody comment upon what the seating and accommodations might be.

Well I have an annual pass for the whole German Railways Network in first class. I love it:

ICE: http://www.bahn.de/international/vie...ains/ice.shtml

1st class (only in German): http://www.bahn.de/p/view/mobilitaet...freiheit.shtml

In Berlin a 1st-class-Lounge is available.

If you cannot use scheduled ICE-train but local trains, look here:

http://www.bahn.de/international/vie...l_trains.shtml

1st class = 1 seat on side + 2 seats on other side.

How would the "standard" train the cruise lines use compare to "First class" accommodations available through Eurorail? Since it is going to be a long day, we would like to make the travel portion as painless as possible.

Hauptbahnhof (Central Station) in Berlin is just in the Reichstag/Brandenburg Gate area (walking distance)

Station in Warnemünde is just 3 minutes walking away from Cruise Terminal.

Only from second hand from a friend who was working for a cruise shipping agent in Warnemünde. Celebrity used older chartered and sponsored car which has dancing and bar fascilities but no air-condition.

The ICE is fully air-conditioned.

Looks like this - but this is a 2nd class car. 1st class has more legroom + only 1 + 2 per row i/o 2 + 2.



Normally the local train are supplied with the newest double decker air-conditioned trains.

Looks like this:



Have a great day in Berlin.
Willkommen in Deutschland!
Welcome to Germany!
HeinBloed

[Greenwhite]

Thank you KESTREL and HEINBLOED that was just the information we were looking for. The links and the pictures were very helpful.

[Miss Jolly]

Please do as we did and follow HeinBloed's advice. He is THE man to take advice from for Berlin. (Hello HeinBloed if you are reading this). We took his advice and purchased the train tickets independently at a fraction of the price that the ship offers it for. It was all very easy and convenient but be warned, it is a very long train ride. Catch the train at about 7am to make the most of your day as there is so much to see. Try to locate HeinBloed's walking tour on these boards - a very detailed walking plan complete with photos to help with directions. There is also a photo detailed plan for how to purchase your tickets at the ticket machine. Enjoy Berlin - we certainly did.

[HeinBloed]

Originally Posted by Miss Jolly

(Hello HeinBloed if you are reading this).

Greetings to Australia,

I am reading this...

but you forgot to mention something...

although you had all print-outs... you did not need them...

It was a pleasure to guide you and your family in Berlin!!!

We'll do it this year again: to guide another cruiser from this forum.

So thanks for your compliments.

Regards
HeinBloed

[Coastaljen]

I was very worried about trying to take the train solo.

However, I was able to book a private tour, so I am now going with a group.

spb-tours now has a low cost alternative on their website. They will escort you from the ship to the train you need. Then you ride the train. At the other end someone picks you up and gives you the all day tour and takes you back to the train. I think it is about 89 euros. Had I not had a private tour, I would have done that.

[Candlelight]

I have gone onto the Germany Railways website (bahn.de), and have tried to get fares for the round-trip reservation from Warnemnde to Berlin and back to Warnemunde.

A couple of questions:

1. There is an ICE high speed train leaving Warnemunde at 0658; our ship supposedly docks at 0700 am, Since we all know that the ship probably really docks at 0500 or 0600, is it possible to take this departure, or must one wait untill the 0800 am departure (a regular train) which allows 1.5 hours less time in Berlin?

2. The website asks which one of several Warnemunde train stations one is departing and returning to. Which is the correct station for the cruise terminal station?

Many Thanks!

[jlr2482]

A few more questions: which ticket would be the best for one traveller on a Sunday? Will it cover the round trip, or do I need to purchase an additional return? Can I do it online, or should I purchase it at the station in Warnemunde? Also, this may sound dumb, but would I need to return to the same train station in Berlin that I arrived at, or are there multiple stations as options for the return trip to Warnemunde? I would really like to do this on my own. No tours I've seen visit the Pergammon museum and I really want to visit it. Thanks very much in advance!!

[HeinBloed]

Originally Posted by Candlelight

1. There is an ICE high speed train leaving Warnemunde at 0658; our ship supposedly docks at 0700 am, Since we all know that the ship probably really docks at 0500 or 0600, is it possible to take this departure, or must one wait untill the 0800 am departure (a regular train) which allows 1.5 hours less time in Berlin?

The ICE runs only once a week directly from Warnemünde to Berlin: just Saturday at a cruiser's convenient time: 09.02 hrs. On other days the train starts 06.57 hrs. You cannot make it.

Unfortunately you have to change the the train in Rostock Hbf (Central Station) and change to the RE (Regional Express). Every 2 hours you can get a direct train from Rostock to Berlin.

dep 08.02 hrs S1 train from Warnemünde
arr 08.23 hrs at Rostock Hbf
dep 08.33 hrs RE 33105 from Rostock Hbf (Platform 7)
arr 11.15 hrs at Berlin Hbf

Subject you go on a weekday (Monday to Friday) and the ICE directly back to Warnemünde (arr 20.44 hrs) is too late and you need to return with RE

Standard ticket NOT ON ICE: 33.80 EUR x 2 = 67.60 EUR pp

IF YOU ARE TRAVELLING alone:

Buy a ticket: Return ticket 16.10 EUR to Waren(Müritz) x 2 = 32.20 EUR
Länderticket Brandenburg = 26.00 EUR
= totally 58.20 EUR

IF YOU ARE TRAVELLING a party of 2:

Buy a ticket: Single ticket 16.10 EUR to Waren(Müritz) x 2 persons = 32.20 EUR
Länderticket Mecklenburg-Vorpommern = 25.00 EUR
Länderticket Brandenburg = 26.00 EUR
= totally 83.20 EUR for 2 = 41.60 EUR pp

IF YOU ARE TRAVELLING a party of 3:

Buy a ticket: Single ticket 16.10 EUR to Waren(Müritz) x 3 persons = 48.30 EUR
Länderticket Mecklenburg-Vorpommern = 25.00 EUR
Länderticket Brandenburg = 26.00 EUR
= totally 99.30 EUR for 3 = 33.10 EUR pp

IF YOU ARE TRAVELLING a party of 4:

Buy a ticket: Single ticket 16.10 EUR to Waren(Müritz) x 4 persons = 64.40 EUR
Länderticket Mecklenburg-Vorpommern = 25.00 EUR
Länderticket Brandenburg = 26.00 EUR
= totally 115.40 EUR for 4 = 28.85 EUR pp

IF YOU ARE TRAVELLING a party of 5:

Buy a ticket: Single ticket 16.10 EUR to Waren(Müritz) x 5 persons = 80.50 EUR
Länderticket Mecklenburg-Vorpommern = 25.00 EUR
Länderticket Brandenburg = 26.00 EUR
= totally 131.50 EUR for 5 = 26.30 EUR pp

Background: on weekdays you'll get state-wide day passes valid from 09.00 hrs. So you'll need a ticket for the first point arriving later than 09.00 hrs. There are two different day-pass-areas enroute from Warnemünde to Berlin necessary. Day passes are valid for upto 5 persons!

IF YOU ARE TRAVELLING ON A WEEKEND but NOT ON ICE:

Schönes-Wochende-Ticket: 35.00 EUR for a party of 1 upto 5 persons,
i.e. if you find other 4 cruise mates: 7.00 EUR pp to get to Berlin!!!

2. The website asks which one of several Warnemunde train stations one is departing and returning to. Which is the correct station for the cruise terminal station?

There is a second stop which is called "Warnemünde Werft". Therefore he gives the warning. Just skip and ignore it.

Have a great day in Berlin!
Willkommen in Deutschland!
Welcome to Germany!
HeinBloed

[HeinBloed]

Originally Posted by jlr2482

A few more questions: which ticket would be the best for one traveller on a Sunday?

Subject you are not returning from Berlin by one selected connection:

dep 18.12 hrs ICE 1000 from Berlin Hbf (Central Station)
arr 20.44 hrs at Warnemünde

and you are using RE-trains (Regional Express):

35.00 EUR for Schönes-Wochenende-Ticket (Happy Weekend Ticket)
and you'll can take 4 more cruise mates with you for free...

Will it cover the round trip, or do I need to purchase an additional return?

Subject you are going on a Sunday and you do not use the ICE-connection: NO!

Can I do it online, or should I purchase it at the station in Warnemunde?

You just buy it at this machine:

http://home.arcor.de/yao/DB-Long-Dis...Machine-SW.pdf

The machine accepts credit card. Just the price has changed.

Also, this may sound dumb, but would I need to return to the same train station in Berlin that I arrived at, or are there multiple stations as options for the return trip to Warnemunde?

1st: There are no dumb questions! Just idiots who do not ask or idiots who give dumb answers!

2nd: As train system are under-developped in Florida and therefore trains are not so popular and well known: in larger cities there are more stations in one city.

3rd: The RE-train stops additionally

Berlin-Lichterfelde Ost (not so interesting for tourists)
Berlin Südkreuz (only interesting if you made a ring-tour by train)
Berlin Potsdamer Platz (shopping district in the city)
Berlin Hbf (Central Station close to Brandenburg Gate and Reichstag)
Berlin Gesundbrunnen (only interesting if you made a ring-tour by train)

but in Berlin's subburb:

Oranienburg (if you want to see the Concentration Camp)

I would really like to do this on my own. No tours I've seen visit the Pergammon museum and I really want to visit it. Thanks very much in advance!!

Schönes-Wochenende-Ticket is in Berlin also valid on Subway, Bus, Trams in Berlin!

So once you arrive in Berlin you'll change to the upper platforms

Get to platform 15.

Get on any S-train leaving platform 15 (S5, S7, S9, S75)

Get off at Friedrichstraße (one stop).

From there it's walking distance to Pergammom-Museum.

Or if you want to make a mini-tour to get a first impression:

Use any S-train from platform 15 to Alexanderplatz.
Use Bus 100/200 to Museumsinsel (Museum's Island)

or

Use any S-train from platform 15 to Hackescher Markt
Use tram M1 to Am Kupfergraben (just in front of the entrance of the Pergammom-Museum)

Have a great day in Berlin!
Willkommen in Deutschland!
Welcome to Germany!
HeinBloed

[genovakid]

Planning on taking train with 4 people using the Happy weekend ticket. Arriving with Crown Princess on a Sunday.
#1 I have been on the DB site and it seems that that you can't use the Happy Weekend ticket on ICE trains-is this correct?
#2.If that is the case with a 10pm departure from the port what would you suggest for return trains from Berlin. I see there is a train leaving at 18:12, but it is an ICE train. If the ticket can't be used it looks like the 16:43 train is the one that needs to be taken. Please give your thoughts on this.
#3. Do you know how long it takes from the Warnemunde station to the ship?
Your info is invaluable and I commend you for taking the time to respond in such a professional way to help people. Regards, Chuck

[genovakid]

Sorry for the wrong name.

[HeinBloed]

Originally Posted by genovakid

Planning on taking train with 4 people using the Happy weekend ticket. Arriving with Crown Princess on a Sunday.
#1 I have been on the DB site and it seems that that you can't use the Happy Weekend ticket on ICE trains-is this correct?

a) That's right! Happy-Weekend-Tickets are only valid on Regional Trains (incl. RE, RB, S-trains) but also on subway (U-Bahn), buses and trams in Berlin - but not ICE...

b) but... there is no ICE running on Sunday from War/nemünde to Berlin.

So just use RE-trains to Berlin for 35.00 EUR at the ticket machine =

8.75 EUR pp.

#2.If that is the case with a 10pm departure from the port what would you suggest for return trains from Berlin. I see there is a train leaving at 18:12, but it is an ICE train. If the ticket can't be used it looks like the 16:43 train is the one that needs to be taken. Please give your thoughts on this.

No risk - no fun...

But you can limit your risks...

a) A full fare non-discounted ticket is fully flexible, i. e. you can also use for any other connection although you have paid for the high-speed-train.

Therefore this does not make too much chance as your Happy-Ticket will be also valid for the return ride.

b) to limit this risk you can you one thing:

Buy now in advance Super Special Discounted Ticket for 29.00 EUR pp subject availabilty. I was unable to check as I do not know which date you are coming to Germany.

But from 15.43 hrs you can check in a public internet-terminal (any hotel or internet-cafe) on

http://www.bahn.de

Instructions will follow if you think it's a good idea.

ICE 1000 is a long distance train from Munich to Warnemünde.

16.43 hrs is the departure of the train before.

15.43 hrs is the earliest time you can check for punctuality.

So if you check at 15.43 hrs if ICE 1000 is late you need to check all departures of ICE at Jena-Paradies in the internet:

ICE 1000 should leave 15.55 hrs at Jena-Paradies - all current known delays are displayed 60 minutes ahead of the scheduled departure.

If everything is green coulour there is no delay expected
If something is added with red brackets like (+20), i.e. that the train is late for min. 20 minutes. It should arrive 20.44 hrs in Warnemünde so you can afford a delay of 30 minutes.

Now at 15.43 hrs it's a chance for you to return to the station and catch 16.43 hrs.

After 15.51 hrs I would check again for Leipzig Hbf (scheduled departure: 16.51 hrs).

So if no or only a small delay is reported I would relax and take ICE back to Warnemünde.

If there is a larger delay than 30 minutes reported I would try to get 16.43 hrs train to Rostock and Warnemünde.

Sounds confusing: but it's a question of how possible is it to miss the ship and how can you limit the risk to miss it...

#3. Do you know how long it takes from the Warnemunde station to the ship?

Two pictures say more than 1000 words:





Subject you are not mobilty reduced and walk "normal" speed: 5 minutes from platform to cruise terminal!

Have fun in Berlin!
Willkommen in Deutschland!
Welcome to Germany!
HeinBloed

[HAL92]

Originally Posted by HeinBloed

a) That's right! Happy-Weekend-Tickets are only valid on Regional Trains (incl. RE, RB, S-trains) but also on subway (U-Bahn), buses and trams in Berlin - but not ICE...

b) but... there is no ICE running on Sunday from War/nemünde to Berlin.

So just use RE-trains to Berlin for 35.00 EUR at the ticket machine =

8.75 EUR pp.



No risk - no fun...

But you can limit your risks...

a) A full fare non-discounted ticket is fully flexible, i. e. you can also use for any other connection although you have paid for the high-speed-train.

Therefore this does not make too much chance as your Happy-Ticket will be also valid for the return ride.

b) to limit this risk you can you one thing:

Buy now in advance Super Special Discounted Ticket for 29.00 EUR pp subject availabilty. I was unable to check as I do not know which date you are coming to Germany.

But from 15.43 hrs you can check in a public internet-terminal (any hotel or internet-cafe) on

http://www.bahn.de

Instructions will follow if you think it's a good idea.

ICE 1000 is a long distance train from Munich to Warnemünde.

16.43 hrs is the departure of the train before.

15.43 hrs is the earliest time you can check for punctuality.

So if you check at 15.43 hrs if ICE 1000 is late you need to check all departures of ICE at Jena-Paradies in the internet:

ICE 1000 should leave 15.55 hrs at Jena-Paradies - all current known delays are displayed 60 minutes ahead of the scheduled departure.

If everything is green coulour there is no delay expected
If something is added with red brackets like (+20), i.e. that the train is late for min. 20 minutes. It should arrive 20.44 hrs in Warnemünde so you can afford a delay of 30 minutes.

Now at 15.43 hrs it's a chance for you to return to the station and catch 16.43 hrs.

After 15.51 hrs I would check again for Leipzig Hbf (scheduled departure: 16.51 hrs).

So if no or only a small delay is reported I would relax and take ICE back to Warnemünde.

If there is a larger delay than 30 minutes reported I would try to get 16.43 hrs train to Rostock and Warnemünde.

Sounds confusing: but it's a question of how possible is it to miss the ship and how can you limit the risk to miss it...



Two pictures say more than 1000 words:





Subject you are not mobilty reduced and walk "normal" speed: 5 minutes from platform to cruise terminal!

Have fun in Berlin!
Willkommen in Deutschland!
Welcome to Germany!
HeinBloed

Is that train station right next to the port in Warnemunde the one called "Warnemunde Werft" or is a different on? There are several stations in Warnemunde.

[HeinBloed]

Originally Posted by HAL92

Is that train station right next to the port in Warnemunde the one called "Warnemunde Werft" or is a different on? There are several stations in Warnemunde.

Warnemünde Werft is a different one: 15 minutes away by walking or next station from Warnemünde.

If you are visiting http://www.bahn.de just ignore the warning!

The station just called "Warnemünde" which is on the picture next to the cruise terminal.

Regards,
HeinBloed

[bailey450]

My ship arrives in Warnemunde at 8am on a Tuesday. What options would we have for taking the train on our own. Thank you, Bailey

[HeinBloed]

Originally Posted by bailey450

My ship arrives in Warnemunde at 8am on a Tuesday. What options would we have for taking the train on our own. Thank you, Bailey

Just to double check...

You can go every 10 minutes from Warnemünde by train... so to get away from Warnemünde is no problem but to go for Berlin it could be quite late subject your ship is leaving very late from Warnemünde to have at least a 5-hour stay in Berlin.

Tell me two things more:

1. Which ship and which date???
2. Are you travelling alone??? How many??? Children??? Age of children???

Regards,
HeinBloed

[bailey450]

We will be on NCL's Jewel arriving on Tuesday August 26th. There are just 2 of us. Our ship leaves at 9pm that night. Thanks for your help

[HeinBloed]

Originally Posted by bailey450

We will be on NCL's Jewel arriving on Tuesday August 26th. There are just 2 of us. Our ship leaves at 9pm that night. Thanks for your help

Your ship is leaving at 10.00 pm but I would recommend to drive yourself by car and doing Park + Ride in Berlin to have sufficient time to discover Berlin.

Subject you'll get very soon after berthing ashore:

dep 08.37 S1 train from Warnemünde (platform 2)
arr 08.58 at Rostock Hbf (Central Station - platform 1)
dep 09.04 RE 33006 from Rostock Hbf (platform 6)
arr 10.01 at Schwerin Hbf (platform 3)
dep 10.18 RE 38211 from Schwerin Hbf (platform 4a)
arr 12.36 at Berlin Hbf

dep 18.12 ICE 1000 from Berlin Hbf
arr 20.44 arr at Warnemünde

Subject you accept the short stay less than five hours in Berlin and the longer transit time incl. 2 transfers to Berlin and the more expensive high speed train from Berlin back to Warnemünde the standard cost will be 86.80 EUR pp = 173.60 EUR.

If you say that you can accept it I will give further information how to make it cheaper!

Regards,
HeinBloed