A seat automatically reserved even in an ICE
The regulars know it and the others quickly discover it when they board the train. When booking an ICE ticket, the German equivalent of the TGV, no seat is automatically assigned. It is necessary to pay at least a supplement of €5.20 to have a seat. And without this additional option, you have to hope that places are free to avoid spending the trip on the suitcase in the corridor. Fortunately this is not necessary for Paris-Berlin. And including if you buy your ticket on the DB website or app.
No undisassembled bicycles in Paris-Berlin by day
French TGVs and German ICEs do not always allow the transport of undisassembled bicycles. This is particularly the case for the Paris-Berlin operated during the day. The only solution, currently, is to disassemble or fold your bike and put it in a cover. Pay attention to the dimensions to be respected: 130 x 90 cm in a TGV Inoui and 120 x 90 cm in an ICE.
Your rights guaranteed in the event of delay
In the Paris-Berlin, as in all cross-border trains, you benefit from rights in the event of cancellation, delay or missed connection. These rights are standardized throughout the European Union regardless of the company operating the route.
For a delay in arrival of one hour, you are entitled to compensation representing 25% of the ticket price. It reaches 50% for a delay of more than two hours. The railway company must also provide you with assistance (food, drink, means of communication, accommodation, etc.). However, please be aware that no compensation for delay is due in exceptional circumstances such as a natural disaster or extraneous cause (e.g. sabotage or people on the tracks).
Rerouting or refund for cancellation
In principle, when your train is canceled, the company offers you an alternative route to reach your destination. If you accept it but arrive late, you are entitled to compensation. On the other hand, if you have no choice but to cancel your trip, you can request a refund. Please note, remember to inform the company that you have a return train and that you also wish to cancel it.
Finally, in the event of a missed connection, it is possible to request rerouting, without delay and without cost, or reimbursement of the entire trip. But if, and only if both journeys were purchased from the same carrier. If this is not the case, you will be able to receive compensation or a refund for the first train only.
European Consumer Center Bahnhofsplatz 3 77694 Kehl (Germany). More information about your rights in Germany at www.cec-zev.eu
