Travel Information

Travel Documents

All booking matters, such as reservation, rebooking, and cancellation, can be handled independently by the customer via the Optima Tours booking system on the Optima Tours website. Alternatively, these matters can be submitted in writing via email to info@optimatours.de or by post to Optima. Telephone booking, rebooking, and cancellation are not accepted.

Travel documents are only released or sent after full payment of the invoice amount. In the case of online bookings, access to travel documents is possible immediately if payment is made by credit card. For bank transfers, tickets are only released or sent via email once the money has been received in Optima Tours' account.

Passport and Visa

All travelers, regardless of nationality, require a valid travel document. Visa-related matters must be clarified by the traveler before departure. Relevant information can be obtained, for example, from the responsible consulate.

Each customer is responsible for fulfilling governmental regulations, customs, and health regulations, as well as obtaining the necessary travel documents. Customers without the required documents for all the countries the Optima Express train travels through may be excluded from transportation.

Loading

Unless otherwise directed by national railway authorities, the loading, unloading, and, if necessary, repositioning of the vehicle on the transport wagon is the responsibility of the passenger. The customer must exercise the necessary care

Loading Times

Vehicles must be ready for customs clearance and loading at the loading terminal no later than three hours before the train's departure. The loading deadline is two hours before train departure.

Upon arrival at the loading terminal, the customer must immediately drive their vehicle to the vehicle inspection area. There, the vehicle's dimensions and condition (e.g., for possible damage) will be checked and documented.

Before loading, registration and processing must be completed at the Optima office at the loading site.

The loading deadline is determined by the prescribed times for customs and police control.

After the loading deadline, neither travelers nor vehicles can be accepted for transport.

Dimensions and Regulations for the Transport of Vehicles

Vehicles that do not comply with the following dimensions and regulations are excluded from transport as a matter of principle. In the case of minor dimensional deviations, Optima's loading personnel will check whether transport is possible. If this is the case and the customer agrees, transport will proceed. Reference is made to section XIII, point 5 (Limitation of Liability) in the General Terms and Conditions.

Vehicles must be officially registered and roadworthy. They may have no more than eight passenger seats in addition to the driver's seat.

Each vehicle must be accompanied by an adult with a valid driver's license. This person, along with any additional accompanying person, must be listed on the motorail train travel document (ticket) and possess the necessary passports and visas.

Vehicles in the category up to 198 cm in height may have a top width (see diagram) of up to 180 cm and a ground clearance of at least 15 cm. The maximum width is 205 cm, and the maximum track width is 190 cm. Vehicles exceeding these dimensions risk damage during loading, unloading, and transport. The customer is liable for any damages caused by exceeding the specified dimensions, whether to their own vehicle, the transport wagon, or other customers' vehicles.

Safety Measures: The passenger is required to take all possible precautions to prevent damage. This includes fully locking the vehicle, securing the sunroof, closing ventilation flaps, retracting the antenna, etc. If the antenna is a non-retractable roof antenna (e.g., fiberglass antenna), it must be secured or tied down to ensure the vehicle's permitted height is not exceeded. Fuel lines must be leak-proof, and the fuel tank must be securely closed. While vehicles are on railway premises, fuel may neither be extracted nor refilled; during this time, smoking and working with open flames or light sources in or near the vehicles is strictly prohibited. The entire vehicle electrical system must be in good condition. Items carried on the roof (e.g., a roof box) must be securely fastened to prevent damage to other vehicles. The use of vehicle covers for protection is prohibited.

Important: It is recommended not to leave valuables in the vehicle but to take them into the lockable compartments.

• The vehicle must not be left in neutral; a gear must be engaged, or in the case of automatic transmissions, the "P" position must be selected.
• The handbrake must be engaged, and the steering wheel must be locked.
• The car must be locked, and valuables should not be left in the car.
• If the car is equipped with a lift-suspension system, the customer must inform the Optima Express staff before loading. After loading, the car's lift-suspension system must be set to its lowest position.

Transporting Animals

Live animals may only be transported if the owner has booked a private compartment for themselves and their accompanying person(s).

The traveler is responsible for complying with any regulatory requirements (particularly veterinary requirements for cross-border animal transport).

When entering the EU with pets, rabies antibody testing and a valid pet passport must be presented. The passport must document a valid rabies vaccination and an additional serological rabies test.

Important: The animal must be at least three (3) months old. Only dogs and cats are permitted. Birds and ferrets are not allowed.

No smoking

Smoking and vaping is not allowed in the sleeping and couchette wagons.

Use of Electronic Devices

The operation of the following electrical devices is not permitted anywhere on the train: Kettles, hotplates, refrigerators, hairdryers, electric heaters, and air conditioning units, as well as other high-powered devices over 500 W.