ENGLAND and Scotland fans planning on getting round Euro 2024 by train face a series of nightmare journeys.
The once-famously efficient German transport network has become little more than a running joke in the country.
It means fans have been warned to factor in at least an hour and maybe double that time for delays caused by a lack of trains, staffing issues and other reasons.
UEFA have trumped the green credentials of the tournament, urging teams to use coach travel and supporters to get on the train between the 10 venue cities.
Yet significant delays are now recorded on more than a THIRD of journeys across the Government-run Deutsche Bahn network.
And that was BEFORE thousands of supporters from across Europe flood the trains seeking to criss-cross the country following their teams.
When a simple three hour journey can take almost twice as long on a bad day, the chaos is likely to cause hot tempers and bad blood.
Germany-based UEFA representatives had been privately warning colleagues in Nyon about the looming problems for months leading up to the tournament.
And the German media are also laughing publicly about the dreadful service
TV journalist Chaled Nagar wrote on X: “The idea that Germany is so efficient and great at organizing is now officially considered a myth.
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“Almost everyone coming here is surprised that their train service at home is far so much better.
“In a group with colleagues from abroad, there has been anger and sarcasm towards the train from day one.
“Many arrived today and yesterday. Now they have found out that there is a refund for delays and are demanding the same principle for the VAR.
“Here’s to four wonderful weeks!”
England begin their campaign against Serbia in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday.
Their next game is in Frankfurt as they take on Denmark four days later.
Martin Lipton’s nightmare journey
It should have been an easy day, a simple journey from Frankfurt to Munich and back to hear UEFA referees’ chief Roberto Rosetti explain how VAR and his team of officials were going to work in Euro 2024.
But it turned into a 17-and-a-half hour nightmare as all the scare stories about the German railway network came frustratingly true.
Cancellations, delays, work on the line and a shortage of staff meant I spent as long waiting and going nowhere as being on the move on the 480-mile round trip.
“Vorsprung durch Technik”, as they USED to say in Germany? Don’t make me laugh… As for the sandwiches and salad at Munich Hauptbahnhof – don’t bother.
Here’s how my day went….
08:30 – Leave Frankfurt hotel and walk to main station for 0905 train. Already informed that connecting train in Stuttgart has been cancelled
09:20 – Train departs – just 15 minutes late. By the time it arrives in Stuttgart I would have missed the original 1051 train.
11:25 – Delayed 1115 leaves Stuttgart, arriving at Munich-Pasing 25 minutes late.
15:00 – Finally arrive at Allianz Arena, almost two hours later than scheduled after more issues with local S-Bahn and U-Bahn commuter services.
18:20 – Leave Allianz Arena in time for 1923 train to Frankfurt. Initially booked and faster direct service already cancelled.
19:53 – Board train, already half an hour late. Discover it is no longer stopping at Frankfurt main station. The everybody told to get off as Deutsche Bahn have run out of train crew.
21:03 – Replacement option of 2029 service finally leaves Munich, due to arrive in Frankfurt at 1204.
01:25 -Train finally pulls in at Frankfurt, 85 minutes late. Catch last 37 bus to hotel, sparing me a 20 minute walk.
And the Three Lions close out their Group C campaign in a clash with Slovenia on June 25.
If Gareth Southgate’s men reach the last 16 by winning their group, they will be back in Gelsenkirchen on June 30.
Finishing second would set up a trip to Dortmund on June 29, while England could also end up in Frankfurt on July 1 if they are one of the four best third-place teams.
And it is not just the travel situation set to leave a bad taste in fans’ mouths.
Policing Minister Chris Philp says thje decision to give Three Lions followers “watered-down” pints at England’s opening game against Serbia is “discriminatory.”
He told The Sun’s Never Mind The Ballots election countdown show: “If England fans have somehow been picked out or singled out and served watered-down beer based on their nationality, that sounds to me completely unfair.
“And probably discriminatory – we should not be getting picked on in that way.”
Risk ratings have been set to “very high” for Sunday’s clash with Serbia amid fears 500 hardcore yobs will travel to spark clashes with England fans.