Travelanni
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I took the train from Copenhagen to Berlin in September. We had to debark the train at the ferry and then carry our luggage onto the ferry and then board a different train on the other side of the crossing. I was told this was because Denmark was worried about people without paperwork boarding the train and entering their country. I know there were guards at the train car going to some places in Hamburg. They were making sure you had your tickets and passports before boarding the trains.
But as Anni stated, in normal circumstances, you can leave your luggage on the train. I had planned on doing that but was unable to do so. I did purchase a lock that connects two bags together in case I was able to leave my luggage on the train. That might be a good thing to purchase just in case - it was like $15 or so.
With respect to the tickets, I would purchase from the DBahn website. I think you can purchase 90 days out and I would purchase when the option becomes available to make sure you get the ticket you want.
https://www.bahn.com/i/view/GBR/en/
Carrie[/quote
The inconvenience of having papers checked before you boarded the train and transferring from train to ferry and back to another train happened at the height of the refugee crisis and was due to the number of refugees using this route to get to Sweden through Denmark and the need for control. While it lasted it was a ..... nuisance but as the flow of refugees diminished it became unnecessary and soon got back to normal.
BTW the DB web site given is OK but it, and the one for the USA, are aimed at advertising all the special offers for tourists and seem a bit cluttered.
http://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query.exe/en is a direct translation of the official German site and takes you straight to the enquiries page. It is in English, simpler to use (just my personal opinion) and is sometimes updated earlier than the overseas sites. You can still find the offers etc. there but on separate pages. For details of how to book all types of tickets on-line through this site please see the 'How to Book' page on my web site.
Good advice re. booking early as the special fares, which are available 90 days before the date of travel, are limited in number and go quickly on the popular routes.
Happy travelling :)
Anni
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... and it gets even worse: since 1st July 2015, the fine is 60€ nationwide (§265a Strafgesetzbuch) ...
Thanks for that info. Just shows how you take the familiar for granted. There are signs on all the buses and trams but I had not noticed the change in the amount of the fine
Anni
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I wouldn't be naive, but concerned; thievery in trains is an increasing business in Germany. I at least do not leave anything that is of value in the baggage, always take it with me. You can also try be the last to leave the train, and the first one to re-board it; (allegedly) the train will be locked during the crossing ...
I agree that one should never leave small items or anything of value but most travellers with any sense carry those things in a separate bag which they would not dream of letting out of their sight.
I assumed that the OP was referring to larger luggage, suitcases etc, and one would not want to carry a suitcase up and down the stairs between decks from the train. The stairways are narrow and crowded as all the passengers are trying to get off at once.
Large luggage is not 'easy pickings' for a thief. It is difficult to handle and usually contains only clothes etc. what they are looking for is smaller items of value eg camera, purse, phone, which can be easily hidden. I agree that this type of theft is on the increase but the only people who will suffer are careless travellers.
I use this particular train on a regular basis (at least once a month) and can assure you that the last person off is the conductor and THE TRAIN IS LOCKED. The doors to the car decks are also locked for the duration of the crossing and no-one is allowed back on the car decks until an announcement is made for passengers to return to the train. The doors are unlocked and train crew stand by each door as passengers board. I once asked why and was told to make sure people only boarded the train and no-one got off again carrying luggage!
So I think it is safe to leave large luggage but the idea of fastening your pieces together is a good one if you are at all nervous about it.
Happy travelling:)
Anni
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Hi Anni
I have been following your thread and thought I had everything sorted out for our visit but our port has been changed from Warnemunde to LP 31 in Rostock , which does not seem to be in Rostock at all :-(
Could you suggest the best way to get from here to the Molli train please?
Thank you
Alun
Hi, I have added a page on my web site for cruisers berthing in LP 31 and LP 41.
These berths are also in Rostock but in the Overseas Port on the other side of the river.
You can either take the bus to the nearest rail station, Lutten Klein, the s-Bahn to Rostock main station and the RB train to Bad Doberan or a taxi direct to the main station and then the train to Bad Doberan.
For full details, time tables etc, see the LP31/LP41 and Bad Doberan pages on the web site. The ticket which you need is the same, 3 zone VVW day ticket.
Happy cruising, :)
Anni
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We are going to do the Train/Ferry from Hamburg to Copenhagen. After the train boards the ferry, I assume everyone leaves the train and goes upstairs to the ferry. I assume we would leave our luggage on the train when we go upstairs to the ferry. Do we need to be concerned about the safety of our luggage?
Alan
Hi, no need for concern at all. Just before you reach the ferry there will be an announcement to say that everything can be left on the train as it is locked for the duration of the crossing. As well as luggage many people leave coats etc. on their seats. It is quite safe.
Happy cruising :)
Anni
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Travelanni ... the ticket that you are talking about is the one that can be bought from a machine at the stop where you catch the #119 bus, right?
Thanks again.
Yes, you have it ! The driver will not ask you for the ticket but please remember to validate it in the yellow box inside the bus when you get on. You need only do this once, it is then OK for the rest of the day.
The fine for failure to do so should it be inspected is 40€ per person and that could really ruin your day :(
Happy cruising :)
Anni
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There seems to be some confusion on another thread as to which tickets are valid where and the system of inspection so, as the fine ( to say nothing of the embarrassment:o) for having the wrong ticket could really spoil your day (40€ per person), I will try to clarify.
Warnemünde/Rostock only - Local single tickets each way valid for whole journey on both train and tram.
Warnemünde/Rostock and Bad Doberan - VVW 3-Zone Day ticket (per person 8€, Group up to 5 persons 24€) valid on bus, tram, s-bahn plus RB between Bad Doberan and Rostock.
Warnemünde/Rostock to Schwerin, Wismar, Stralsund etc. - Mecklenburg Lander Day ticket (23€ for 1 person plus 4€ for each additional person, max 5) valid on all s-bahn, RE and RB (red trains) throughout Mecklenburg, not valid on buses or trams. You will also need single local tickets if the journey begins before 9am or for the tram between the main station and the city centre if you want to spend time in Rostock City.
On the RE and RB trains the ticket will be checked by the inspector who is part of the train crew. The Lander ticket does not need to be validated but it must be signed if it was bought on the day or you must produce the nominated form of ID if you bought it on-line..
On the local bus, tram and s-bahn, where there is only a driver, the 'trust' system operates. Tickets are randomly checked by roving inspectors working in two's and three's, dressed like ordinary members of the public, who hop on and off anywhere and you are only aware of their presence when they hold up their ID and say 'Fahrschine, bitte'. The driver then does not release the doors until they have inspected every ticket.
Sneaky:rolleyes:! And they are tough too, I speak from bitter experience as they fined me 40€ for simply failing to validate my ticket.
So traveller beware - have the right ticket and validate local area tickets in the little yellow box either on the train platform or inside the bus/tram at the start of the day. You need only do this once.
Hope this is clear. you can find more info, in English, on
http://www.verkehrsverbund-warnow.de/tickets-fares/tickets.html
or on the tickets page of my web site.
Happy cruising :)
Anni
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Interesting. Maybe we just looked pitiful, as bus drivers and inspectors checked our tickets several times. Scanned my phone ticket, and verified my credit card, and they never said anything.
Surprised to hear that the ticket was checked several times as the only section on which tickets are routinely checked is the RB train between Bad Doberan and Rostock where the ticket seller/inspector is part of the train crew. Both types of ticket are valid on this train so the scanned Lander ticket in conjunction with a credit card would have been OK.
On the other sections (bus, tram and s-bahn) where there is only a driver, the 'trust' system operates. Tickets are randomly checked by roving inspectors working in two's and three's, dressed like ordinary members of the public, who hop on and off anywhere and you are only aware of their presence when they hold up their ID and say 'Fahrschine, bitte'. The driver then does not release the doors until they have inspected every ticket. Sneaky:rolleyes:! And they are tough too, I speak from bitter experience as they fined me 40€ for simply failing to validate my ticket.
Anni
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Took the Holland America 12
First port Warnemunde. Bought a 24 hour pass for the train prior to leaving the states. 32Euro for 4 people (Download the DB ap for your phone) During the week, this begins at 9am. Turn left when off the boat and walk to the next station. About 10 min. Take tunnel under the road, go to bus stop beside station. Buy ticket to Bad Doberan. About 2euro. Bus 119. (Normally, your 24 hr pass covers this, but not until 9am, and you will be there before that.) Get off in Bad Doberan at the train station. Take the Molli train, scenic narrow gauge railway. Separate ticket, from the DB train, about 15 euro. We got off a time or two, then back to Bad Doberan. The train is timed to arrive when the DB train to Rostock arrives. Went to Rostock for a few hours. Took the tram into the city center. (the 24hr pass covers this) Shopped, saw the sights. I went to the Stasi museum. Wife shopped. Took the tram back to the station, then the train back to Warnemunde to the ship. Whole day costs less than 30 euros per person
Hi, I am happy to hear you had such a great day but I am afraid you bought the wrong ticket and it could have cost you a 40€ fine each had an inspector got on to the tram.
The ticket which you bought in advance from the DB app is for the s-Bahn, RE and RB (red) trains in the whole of Mecklenburg, just like the one you used in Kiel is for the whole of Schleswig-Holstein. It does not cover buses or trams.
The correct ticket for the day you describe is the local transport or VVW Group Day Ticket-3 zones, costing 24€ for up to 5 people. This covers the s-Bahn trains, buses and trams in the Rostock area, including Bad Doberan, from 3am on the day you buy it to 3am the next day. You must validate it on the train platform, bus or tram when you start your first journey. This ticket cannot be bought in advance, it must be bought from a ticket machine or from an office. For all the details in English see
http://www.verkehrsverbund-warnow.de/tickets-fares
or the 'how to buy tickets' page on my website.
However, you got away with it and had a good day so that is what counts. This is just a heads up for anyone else taking the same day out.
Happy cruising :)
Anni
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We are U.S. Citizens so we'll need an in country SIM card. Our provider does have our phones unlocked to allow a different card to be installed.
Hi, as far as I am aware your citizenship does not matter. No one has ever asked me that question when I have bought a pre-paid SIM card or when I have topped it up. I have Vodophone cards for Germany, England and Australia and swap them about as I travel using the German card for the whole of Europe.
I am not very Tech savvy but it seems to work.
Happy travelling :)
Anni
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Lockable cable is a great suggestion- we have one we use for securing skis that should work.
Does the Berlin-Prague train make many stops along the way? The timeframe of the journey implies to me that it does in comparison to the Thalys train from Paris-Brussels which seems about the same distance but takes half the time.
Hi, between Berlin Hbf and Prague Hbf the train makes 6 stops.
Berlin Suedkreuz, Dresden Hbf, Bad Schandau (last stop on the German side of the border), Decin (first stop on the Czech side), Usti and Prague-Holesovice.
Some sections are quite slow as the tracks twist and turn alongside the river Elbe but the scenery is great. I have done that journey many times and never tire of it.
Happy travelling :)
Anni
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This is a landlubber inquiry! We have train tickets to Prague departing at 9am on a Tuesday. How do we find our train? How early should we get to the station?
The journey is 4.5 hours. I believe there is a dining car? Is it safe to leave our suitcases while we eat- we are in 1st class?
Danke!
There is a dining car. This is often a Czech train and the food is usually top class at a reasonable price.
It is safe to leave your luggage, you would not be very welcome in the dining car with suitcases, there are no facilities for them. The cable lock is an excellent idea if you are at all worried. I have been travelling on trains all over Europe for the past twenty years and have never had luggage stolen, seen luggage stolen or even heard of luggage being stolen. That said the advice to eat between stations and not leave small valuables is sound. However it pays to leave a magazine or something on your seat to indicate that it is taken.
Tip - go to the dining car immediately after Dresden and get a seat on the left in direction of travel. You will not be disappointed, the scenery is stunning.
Happy travelling :)
Anni
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Can we buy this ticket at the Schwerin Hbf station?
Hi, I am sorry but i am not sure which ticket you are referring to.
I thought you were asking a question about the Rostock Gruppenkarte which you will need when you board the bus at the port and which is valid in the Rostock/Warnemunde area.
A day ticket in Schwerin is not really necessary, everything is within walking distance. If you do take a tram between the station and the town centre (not the castle) it is only two stops and a day ticket is uneconomical. Tickets are available from the machine either at the stop or on the tram.
Happy cruising :(
Anni
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Hi,
My ship will be docking at Warnemunde 0700 and leaving at 2100..
Wonder if it is possible to visit Schwerin castle and then on the way back stop at Bad Doberan for a steam train ride?
Thinking of doing this on my own as I think the train system should be reliable in Germany but would like to hear any comments from fellow members who have been there before...
1) How long will I need to stay in Schwerin castle? I am thinking of giving it 3 hrs (say arriving in Schwerin at 9 and leaving at 12?
2) Anyone know the schedule of the molli steam train in Bad Doberan, and how long it will take (I'd suppose have to come back with the train too)
So I wonder if it is something doable in a day or I am pushing my luck?
Thanks
Hi, to be frank, although this is doable I think that you may find it very rushed.
Given your arrival time the earliest you could possibly arrive in Schwerin would be 10:00. (8:03 or 8:33 from Warnemunde and 9:07 from Rostock Hbf)
The walk from the station to the castle takes about 15 mins.
From Schwerin there is a train every hour at 4 or 6 mins past the hour, change in Wismar, arriving Bad Doberan at 29 mins past the hour. This connects across the platform with the Mollibahn which departs every hour at 35 mins past. The full return trip on the Molli takes about 2hrs. Trains depart Bad Doberan for Rostock Hbf every hour, once again connecting with the arrival of the Mollibahn. the journey back to Warnemunde from Bad Doberan will take just over an hour.
The alternative is to take the bus which departs from Bad Doberan station to Warnemunde (see Bad Doberan page of my web site for details) but your Mecklenburg Lander ticket is not valid on the bus.
Hope this helps.
Happy cruising :)
Anni
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In 2013, service increased on afternoons during summer (and cruise) season with departures every 7 to 8 minutes, meanwhile service increased also in the morning for 1 hour on weekdays with departures every 7 to 8 minutes; each in both directions of course;
I was quoting times for the date given by 'basil1', July 3rd 2016. In fact on Sundays the service is every 30 mins until 8:33. In the 2016 timetable the increased frequency is only up to 7:48 on weekdays, presumably for commuters, so would not affect cruise passengers.
Anni
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Anni,
Thanks for all your advice on this thread, it's been so valuable to someone like us who are planning a trip to the area. I was wondering if I could run my little plan past you to make sure I haven't inadvertently worked out something silly. The plan is to visit Schwerin, and then come back and spend some time in Warnemunde (it's our first visit to the area).
We're going to be in Warnemunde on the Norwegian Star from 7:30am to 10pm, so a nice long day. However we're the type of folks that like to get out early and then come back and laze around the ship (or at least wander around near to the port and then laze around the ship!).
So noting that the Mecklenburg lander card won't work before 9am (we're there on Wednesday 25th May) but there's a direct train from Rostock to Schwerin at 9:07. So my idea is to buy a separate one way ticket each for a couple of Euros to take us from Warnemunde to Rostock in time to catch the 9:07, and then use the lander card for the rest of the day?
Does that sound feasible? I figure that way we'll make up two hours by not having to wait till the 11:07, which seems worth it for less than 5 euros.
Also depending on the weather on the day, we might decide to visit Schwerin for a couple of hours and then head onto Wismar before going back to the ship since we're only going to be about half an hour away by train from there while at Schwerin. Are both towns easily walkable from the train stations, or will we need to hop on a bus/tram at the other end of each?
Thanks!
Brian
Hi Brian, thank you for your appreciation. Over the past six years I have put a lot of time and effort into the web site and researching the correct answers to questions but maybe it is time I retired and let someone else take over:rolleyes:
It is the perfect plan and of course the 9:07 is the one to take when your ship arrives early enough. I only mentioned the 11:07 to the OP as the earliest possible because they are with Celebrity who mostly do not dock before 9:30.
From either station it is an easy, interesting walk to the centre, Wismar a bit closer than Schwerin. My web page on each town gives detailed routes.
In Schwerin if you finish your visit in the town centre, Marienplatz, the #1 tram will take you back to the station, only two stops. There are ticket machines on the tram, the ticket you require is a Kurzstreke (short journey) and the fare is 1.50 euro.
I travel on DB all the time, I do not have a car, and find that the delays are mostly on the long distance trains although no worse than UK. I make the journey between Rostock and Schwerin regularly and have never had more than a few minutes delay except in very bad winter weather. In any case it is a good idea to get back to Warnemunde in time to have a walk around this lovely little town.
Happy cruising :)
Anni
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Then take the 'S-Bahn' to Rostock central station (every 10 mins or so), change to Schwerin (up to 2 departs per hour) .
I do not normally correct other peoples posts but on this occasion feel I must as the above directly contradicts the advice which I have given in several previous posts and so may confuse the cruisers to whom I have already replied.
As you will find on my web site (updated last month with information obtained directly from DB):-
The s-bahn trains from Warnemünde to Rostock depart every 15 minutes at 03, 18, 33 and 43 mins past the hour.
Trains direct from Rostock Hbf. to Schwerin on which the Lander ticket is valid depart every 2 hours at 7 mins past the hour (9:07, 11:07 etc), journey time 1hr 3mins. The trains in between are either IC trains on which the Lander ticket is not valid or trains which involve 2 changes and a journey time of 2hrs 1min.
BTW it would appear that the service between Warnemünde and Rostock is back to normal as from Monday 2nd May.
Happy cruising :)
Anni
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Travelanni, thank you so much for the details.
Looks like we could buy the Gruppentageskarte ticket from the machine on the bus (or maybe from the bus driver) for our group of 4 people when we catch Bus 45 (or 49) from the Rostock Cruise port. We also could use this ticket for trams and bus in Rostock.
Correct but you have to use the machine, the bus driver does not sell tickets
Anni :)
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Anni, thank you so very much for the info. It is so kind of you to offer assistance :-) Do you have a preference for the lander vs local train/ tram ticket? I am going to check out the link you supplied. I am at work now at can't click on it...it is blocked by IT so I'll try from home.
I think based on your info we are going to DIY.
I hope you had a great trip!
Thanks again!
Hi, thank you for your appreciation.
There seems to be a bit of confusion over the tickets, the two types are for entirely different journeys. The Lander ticket is used to travel beyond Rostock eg to Schwerin and the local transport ticket is for use in the Rostock/Warnemunde area.
For instance if you decide to travel to Schwerin first and to have a look around Rostock on your way back to Warnemunde you would buy a Lander ticket for the journey from Warnemunde to Schwerin and back to Rostock main station, a single local transport ticket for the journey on the tram from the main station to the city and a single local transport ticket for the return journey from the city by tram and train to Warnemunde. If however you decided to return straight from Schwerin to Warnemunde that would be covered by your Lander ticket.
Happy cruising :)
Anni
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I had posted this in another thread and it was suggested by another cc'er that I post it here, that I might have more answers here.
Thank you!
I'll be visiting Warnemende on July 3rd of this year from the Silhouette. I am trying to decide whether to take SPB's walking/ train tour or to do it DIY.
From what I have read SBP tours does a great job (we are booking them for our stop in St. Petersburg) but I haven't read many reviews for them specifically on the Warnemunde/ Rostock/ Schewrin tour. The thing I like about the tour is that I don't have to worry about the language barrier and that it's basically an easy way to sightsee.
What I don't like is that they only give 1 hour to see all of the castle and the grounds! ONE hour. My hubby loves castles and I love the gardens so one hour isn't much. They spend one hour having lunch. I could do with a snack and keep going.
So...about the DIY, I have read many post on CC. Some cruisers say they had a difficult time others say it's easy. I have read that the lander ticket includes the tram in Rostock and others say that it does not.
I've read that one should purchase their ticket online in advance to avoid confusion and backing up the ticket queue. I've also read that the lander ticket can only be purchased from the dispensing machine at the station and that you must have a chip and pin card to purchase from said machine. I have a chip but no pin. I have traveled via train in Europe before and usually it takes a moment to get oriented but I've never had any real issues.
Also we will be there on a Sunday and our ship is in port from 9:30 until 23:59. If we choose DIY I'd like to go to Schewrin as early as possible. Hang out see the sights and then head back for a stop in Rostock. Then Warnemunde last. Since we will be there so late I am thinking about dinner in Warnemunde. Any suggestions? I am also wondering since my visit will be on Sunday that everything will be closed by the time we return from Schewrin and Rostock.
Has anyone done the SPB tour? What about all the discrepancies I am reading about tickets? This is the ticket (link) that I am thinking I need.
https://fahrkarten.bahn.de/privatkun...untry=overseas
Thanks for any info or insights you might be able to offer :-)
__________________
Hi, sorry to have taken so long to reply but I have just returned from my cargo ship voyage which sort of extended from two weeks to four with the addition of three more ports as we went along. This happens with cargo ships.
With regard to tour v. DIY that is a personal choice but I would not let the language question worry you. Many people in the two towns speak English, they are used to having cruise ship passenger guests. The castle offers both guided tours and audio guides in English. As you say 1 hour is not enough for the castle and the park.
As your ship does not arrive until 9:30 the earliest train from Rostock to Schwerin would be the 11:07 arriving 12:03. For details please see the Schwerin page of my web site.
On Sundays generally shops are closed but museums etc, cafes and restaurants are open as usual. In Warnemünde some shops, especially those catering to tourists, are open but have shorter hours.
You will find all the details of validity, prices and how to purchase for the various tickets on my web site but here are the basics.
Lander tickets - can be purchased in advance on-line, from a ticket office or from a ticket machine. (I would advise using one of the first two methods as acceptance of type of card varies). These tickets are valid on s-bahn, RE and RB (red trains) after 9am on weekdays and anytime on weekends and public holidays. They are NOT valid on trams, buses or ferries.
Local transport tickets - are valid on all s-bahn trains, trams, buses and ferries in the Rostock/Warnemünde area. The ticket is valid for the WHOLE journey from Warnemünde to Rostock city even though you use both train and tram. Machines are located on the stations, at tram and bus stops, on trams and buses (but not on trains) and give change for 5€ and 10€ notes. Remember to validate your ticket in the little yellow box before boarding the train or on the tram for the return journey. This is only necessary once at the beginning of each journey.
The web site which I use for train travel and find the easiest is http://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query.exe/en
It is a direct translation of the German site and much simpler to use than the overseas sites.
Hope this answers all your queries
Happy cruising :)
Anni
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If we buy these tickets online before arriving Germany, can we show the print-out and our credit cards as proof of purchase when boarding Bus 45 (or 49) from Rostock cruise port to go into town? Or, we must purchase the bus tickets from the driver?
The lander ticket is NOT valid on the bus. You must purchase a ticket from the machine either at the bus stop or on the bus. The machines have instructions in English, just press the British flag on the display. The fare is 2€ and the machines give change for 5€ and 10€ notes.
Happy cruising :)
Anni
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I have at last finished updating the timetables and fares on the web site!
Have also changed a few things on the home page and added separate pages for those docking in Warnemunde -berths P1-4, P7 and P8; and those docking in the Overseas Port - berths LP31 and LP41.
I do intend to add more to the Hamburg and Lubeck pages and create one for Kiel but the research etc. takes time so please bear with me. Hopefully it will be finished in time for the start of the season.
If you can't find the answer to your questions on the web sit please ask here on the forum and I will do my best to answer and also add the info to the web site.
Many thanks to all of you who have expressed your appreciation. :D. It makes it all worthwhile.
Happy cruising :(
Anni
Hi All, apropos the above I am now on my annual cargo ship cruise and have very little internet access so must apologise for this bulk answer to your questions.
Jemery - Kruizefan has given you the exact same answer I would have given. Good choice to visit, enjoy your day.
Team flames- Sorry I do not have the updated train times here but, using the DB web page address quoted on my web site they will be easy to find. The trains run every hour between Kiel and Lubeck.
Lander tickets are your best bet for journeys from Kiel and Rostock, a Mecklenburg ticket for Rostock and a Schleswig-Holstein ticket for Kiel. For international tickets the best prices are on offer from 90 days before the date of your journey, on-line using the DB site as above.
Lander tickets are not valid on the bus but you can buy your bus ticket from the machine on board. Other tickets can be bought online, same DB web site.
Latebloomer56 - thank you for your appreciation. I'm afraid that I have never found anything particularly scenic or interesting about this particular route but maybe Princess knows something I don't ! Hopefully they will give you some indication of what to look out for. Sorry I can't be of more help. Enjoy anyway.
Hope I have answered everything. Chances are I will not be able to access internet until Genoa on 12/13th April. I am the only passenger, we sail tomorrow and then have 7 days at sea, my idea of heaven.
Happy cruising :)
Anni
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The german MSC web site says that MSC will provide a shuttle between Hamburg central railway station and Steinwerder.
Thank you. I thought they might.
For first time visitors:- the main shopping street (Monckebergstr.) starts at the Central railway station (Hamburg Hbf.) and leads directly into the city centre and the famous Town Hall (Rathaus) From the Hbf you can take the s-Bahn or u-Bahn to other destinations in the city. All the HoHo buses have stops there too.
Happy cruising :(
Anni
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Thank you Travelanni. I have had a look at the web site that you gave and I think it says for our date ...18th September... it will be Steinwerder. Had a look at the map but to be honest I am not very good with maps. Last time we visited...Sept 2014 on MSC Magnifica where it docked was very good. We just came off the ship...turned right...walked past the market and market hall and along the front so I am not sure if this is the same dock...from my description does it sound like it could be?
Hi, from your description I would say you were docked at Altona last time. I'm afraid Steinwerder is nothing like as convenient. It is on the other side of the river opposite Altona, behind the Blohm & Voss shipyard. I must admit to being a little surprised at that being chosen as the site for a cruise terminal. At present the only public transport is the cross river ferry a fair walk away and taxis or you can walk through the Old Elbe Tunnel under the river . There is nothing on the official web site about transport except, and I quote, 'connections to the HVV public transport network are in the planning'. Their boast that it is right in the heart of Hamburg is quite true but the river cuts that heart in two, city on one side and docks on the other and unlike the other two terminals Steinwerder is in the dock area.
It is very early days yet though and I suspect that the cruise lines will run shuttles and the HoHo buses will put it on their routes.
The terminal is not yet marked on most maps but the tunnel and the shipyard are so that should give you some idea.
Happy cruising :)
Anni
Procedure for bus & train in Germany
in Northern Europe & Baltic Sea
Posted
Hi, I think you will find all the information you need either on my web site, http://www.travelanni.webs.com or on the thread 'Welcome to NE Germany, happy to help you enjoy'
On the web site I have endeavoured to give directions, train/bus times and how to purchase tickets for all the places cruisers are likely to visit when docking at either the Warnemünde Cruise Centre or the Overseas Port of Rostock.
The two official sites for timetables and fares, from which I take the information, are -
for trains http://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query.exe/en
and for buses/trams http://www.verkehrsverbund-warnow.de/tickets-fares/tickets.html
but they can be a bit complicated so I have tried to simplify on the web site.
The above thread on this forum contains a wealth of information, both in Q & A form and tips from other cruisers.
Happy cruising :)
Anni
http://www.travelanni.webs.com