Exploring Austria: Rail Pass Availability And Benefits

Austria is a delightful mix of history and architecture, often referred to as the gateway to Eastern Europe. Travellers can explore the country with the Eurail or Interrail Austria Pass, which offers unlimited train travel within Austria. The pass includes access to all trains within Austria operated by the national railway (ÖBB), as well as some additional benefits. It is a cost-effective and convenient option for those wishing to explore the country by train.

Eurail or Interrail Austria Pass

The Eurail or Interrail Austria Pass is a rail pass that allows you to discover Austria by train. The pass offers unlimited travel, allowing you to take multiple train journeys per day without any distance limitations, all at a fixed price. This means you can explore Austrian cities like Salzburg, Vienna, and Linz, as well as smaller, traditional towns.

The pass provides flexibility, allowing you to hop on and off trains whenever and wherever you want, without the need for pre-booking. It is also packed with bonuses, such as hotel discounts, reduced museum fares, and a travel pack that includes a map and user guide. The pass is available as a mobile ticket, and you can choose between a 1st or 2nd class rail pass.

The Eurail Pass is for non-European residents, while the Interrail Pass is for European residents. Both passes are available at discounted rates for youths (under 28) and seniors (60+). Children under 12 can travel for free with an adult.

In terms of reservations, most high-speed and night trains require an additional reservation fee. However, you can easily travel on local and regional trains without reservations, as seat reservations are not required on these trains. It is important to research your journey and check for any specific seat reservation requirements.

To use the pass, you must activate it within 11 months of the issue date, either online or at a European train station. The pass needs to be activated before your first train journey or before using any bonuses.

Seat reservations

If you want to reserve a seat, you can make a normal seat reservation for around €3 at the Austrian Railways website. You can also reserve a seat for around €3 or pay for an upgrade to Comfort or First class with reservation included at www.westbahn.at.

If you are travelling on the EuroCity (EC), Intercity (IC), ICE, or railjet trains from Austria to Germany, seat reservation is usually optional. But reserving a seat is always a good idea for a long journey. To reserve a seat, use the DB (German Railways) website or the ÖBB (Austrian Railways) website. DB charges €5.20 for 2nd class or €6.50 for 1st class. ÖBB only charges €3 in either class.

If you are travelling on the Regiojet trains, a seat reservation is required and can be made online at www.regiojet.com.

Discounted passes for youths and seniors

Rail passes are a good value for Austria, and they are also more convenient than buying tickets as you go. If you are a youth or senior traveller, you can benefit from discounted rail passes.

For those aged 12 to 27, a Youth Pass can be purchased. This allows you to travel with a discount, and you can decide on the day where and when you want to go. Alternatively, you can plan out your whole trip in advance.

Seniors aged 60 or older can also travel with a discount. This Senior Pass is valid for one year and requires a photo.

Children under 4 travel for free and do not need a rail pass. They may be asked to sit on a parent or guardian's lap during busy times. Children aged 4 to 11 travel for free with a Child Pass, and they must be accompanied at all times by at least one person with an Adult Pass. This can be anyone over 18 and does not have to be a family member. Up to two children can travel with one adult. If more than two children are travelling with one adult, a separate Youth Pass must be purchased for each additional child.

Rail pass vs. train ticket

Austria offers rail passes and train tickets for travel within the country. When deciding between a rail pass and train tickets, there are several factors to consider, including cost, convenience, and flexibility.

Rail passes offer a range of benefits, including various discounts and the convenience of not having to buy multiple tickets. They are a good option if you plan to travel extensively within Austria or to multiple countries, as they provide unlimited train trips on each travel day. This allows for spontaneity and last-minute changes to your itinerary. Additionally, rail passes often include benefits such as free or discounted admission to museums and tourist attractions, access to public transport in select cities, and discounts on hotel bookings.

On the other hand, train tickets offer the advantage of being valid for a specific date and time, ensuring seat availability. They can be purchased in advance, either online or at train stations, and may come with the cost of seat reservations included. Train tickets are a good option if you have a well-defined itinerary and will only be taking a limited number of train journeys. They can also be a cost-effective option for shorter distances or travel within a single country.

When deciding between a rail pass and train tickets for Austria, consider your travel plans, budget, and preferences for flexibility. Sketch out your itinerary and compare the cost of a rail pass with the cost of individual train tickets for your desired routes. Remember to take into account any additional costs, such as seat reservation fees for high-speed or overnight trains.

In general, rail passes tend to be a better value for long-distance travel or trips covering multiple countries, while train tickets may be more suitable for shorter distances or travel within a single country if planned in advance. Ultimately, the decision depends on your specific needs and preferences for your trip to Austria.

Flexi pass vs. consecutive/continuous pass

When it comes to rail passes, there are generally three types: continuous global passes, flexi passes, and one-country passes. This answer will focus on the differences between flexi passes and consecutive/continuous passes.

Flexi Passes

Flexi passes allow travellers to choose a specific number of days within a set period (either 1 or 2 months) to travel. For example, a 10-day flexi pass in a 2-month period allows travellers to select 10 days within that period to use the pass. This type of pass is ideal for those who want flexibility in their travel plans and don't mind doing some planning beforehand. It is also a more affordable option for travellers on a budget.

Consecutive/Continuous Passes

Consecutive or continuous passes provide unlimited rail travel for a specified consecutive period, such as 15 days, 22 days, 1 month, 2 months, or 3 months. Once the pass is validated, travellers can use it any time during that period. This pass is perfect for those who want the freedom to roam without the constraint of predetermined travel days. However, it tends to be more expensive than the flexi pass.

In summary, the main difference between flexi passes and consecutive/continuous passes lies in the flexibility of travel days and the overall cost. Flexi passes offer more flexibility by allowing travellers to choose their travel days within a set period, while consecutive/continuous passes provide unlimited travel for a consecutive duration. Flexi passes are more budget-friendly, whereas consecutive/continuous passes offer the convenience of roaming without a fixed itinerary.

Frequently asked questions