Travel Austria-Switzerland By Train On A Shoestring Budget

Switzerland and Austria are two of Europe's most scenic countries, with picturesque landscapes, quaint towns, and cosmopolitan cities. The best way to discover these countries is by train, with the added bonus of it being a more environmentally friendly option. Travelling by train is also a great way to save money, especially when visiting these countries on a small budget. Booking early can save money, and there are often saver offers with no or limited refund options that can save you money. In Switzerland, you can get a daily pass for almost the entire public transport system for 52 francs if you book in advance. In Austria, a 2nd class Railjet Xpress ticket from Vienna to Zurich can cost about CHF 45 if booked well in advance.

Switzerland: Book tickets 3-6 months in advance for the best deals

Switzerland is known for its efficient and punctual train network, with Swiss Federal Railways (SBB in German, CFF in French, or FFS in Italian) operating most mainline trains. Smaller private operators also run local and regional routes.

While Swiss domestic journeys don't need to be pre-booked, booking in advance can help you save money. Tickets for Swiss Federal Railways trains are usually released three months before the date of travel. However, some sources mention that tickets can be booked up to six months in advance.

Supersaver tickets are a great option for long-distance journeys, offering discounts of up to 70% compared to regular flexible prices. These tickets can be purchased a minimum of one day in advance and are available for specific trains. The earlier you book, the more likely you are to find the cheapest tickets, as prices tend to increase as the travel date approaches.

If you plan to travel extensively within Switzerland, the Swiss Travel Pass is a good choice. It offers unlimited travel on trains, buses, boats, cable cars, and public transport in over 90 cities. The pass is available for 3, 4, 8, or 15 days of consecutive or flexible travel within one month.

Additionally, consider looking into guest cards, which some areas offer during the summer. These cards may include free local public transportation and can be a great way to save money.

By booking your train tickets to Switzerland 3-6 months in advance and taking advantage of passes and discounts, you can make the most of your small budget and enjoy a memorable train journey through this scenic country.

Switzerland: Compare SBB tickets with other operators

Switzerland is known for its scenic train journeys, but tickets can be expensive. Here is a comparison of SBB tickets with other operators to help you plan your trip on a small budget.

SBB Tickets

SBB, or Schweizerische Bundesbahnen, is the main railway operator in Switzerland, offering various ticket options for travellers. SBB provides comfortable and environmentally-friendly trains with different classes to choose from. You can book SBB tickets online or through their mobile app for journeys within Switzerland and to neighbouring countries like Austria.

Railjet Xpress

The Railjet Xpress, also known as the "Railjet," is a popular option for travelling between Switzerland and Austria. It offers direct connections to Zurich from Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck, and Graz, with trains departing every two hours. The Railjet Xpress usually does not require seat reservations, but booking in advance is recommended for comfort on long journeys.

Nightjet

The ÖBB Nightjet, operated by Austrian Federal Railways, provides an overnight service to Zurich from Vienna and Graz. This option allows you to save on accommodation costs and includes amenities like free mineral water and breakfast. Seat reservations are obligatory for the Nightjet trains.

Swiss Travel Pass

The Swiss Travel Pass is an option designed for non-residents and offers a simple way to explore Switzerland. It includes train, bus, boat, streetcar, and subway travel within the country, along with access to museums and cable cars. The pass is valid for a chosen number of days and can provide significant savings, especially when combined with a Half-Fare Card.

Half-Fare Card

The Half-Fare Card offers a 50% discount on train travel within Switzerland and is now available to foreign tourists. It costs 120 CHF for one month and can be a cost-effective option, especially when combined with the Swiss Travel Pass.

Interrail or Eurail Pass

If you're considering more extensive travel, an Interrail or Eurail pass might be worth looking into. These passes cover multiple countries and can be ideal if you plan to visit both Switzerland and Austria. The Adult pass for those 28 and above costs 318 per person for five days, while a seven-day pass is available for 381.

When planning your trip, remember that booking early can often save you money. Additionally, look out for promotions and saver offers, which can provide significant discounts compared to regular tickets with flexible exchange options.

Austria: Book Sparschiene tickets in advance for the best prices

When it comes to travelling by train to and within Austria, the ÖBB Sparschiene ticket is a great option for those on a budget. Sparschiene tickets are available for both day and night services, with day services accessible from any start station. Tickets can be booked up to six months in advance, and the earlier you book, the more likely you are to get a good deal.

Sparschiene tickets are specific to the departure you select, and they cannot be refunded or exchanged for an alternative departure if your plans change. However, you can now add an insurance policy to your booking for just €3, which will protect you in case you need to cancel due to illness, for example.

The price of Sparschiene tickets can vary significantly depending on the day and time of departure, so it's worth checking different options if you can be flexible. On some routes, slower services are cheaper than faster ones, and you may find better prices if you're willing to make connections between trains.

Upgrading to first class on Sparschiene tickets can sometimes be cheaper overall than a second-class ticket on a different departure, so it's worth checking the price of upgrades. Additionally, if you're travelling with children, you can book a separate sleeping area with a "Child" ticket, which includes a seat reservation. Groups of six or more can also receive a discount when travelling with ÖBB.

Austria: Compare ÖBB with private operators like WESTbahn

When it comes to travelling by train in Austria, there are a few options to consider. The country's primary rail operator is the Austrian Federal Railways, known as ÖBB. They offer a range of services, including the Railjet Xpress and the ÖBB Nightjet. The Railjet Xpress is a fast and convenient option, connecting major cities like Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck, and Graz with Zurich in Switzerland. It offers a comfortable journey with modern seats, air conditioning, and adjustable seats with more legroom in first class.

On the other hand, private operators like WESTbahn provide an alternative to ÖBB. While not much information is available on their specific offerings, private rail operators often focus on specific routes and can offer competitive pricing and unique benefits. They may provide additional amenities, different pricing models, or focus on specific customer segments, like business travellers or tourists.

Comparing ÖBB with private operators like WESTbahn, it's important to consider factors such as pricing, route coverage, frequency of trains, and onboard amenities. ÖBB, as the national rail operator, likely has a more extensive network and higher frequency of trains. They offer various ticket types, including the option to purchase tickets online or via their mobile app, making it convenient for travellers. Additionally, ÖBB provides different classes of travel, ensuring a comfortable journey for all types of passengers, from business travellers to those seeking a more economical option.

Private operators like WESTbahn may focus on specific routes and offer competitive pricing for those journeys. They might provide unique benefits, such as specialized onboard services or discounts for specific customer segments. It's always a good idea to check the websites of private operators to understand their specific offerings and how they compare to those of ÖBB in terms of price, convenience, and overall travel experience.

When planning a train journey in Austria, it's beneficial to research both ÖBB and private operators to find the best option for your specific itinerary and budget.

Austria: Save on attractions, food and accommodation

Attractions

City tourism cards include free or discounted rates for attractions and transport. The Vienna City Card, for example, includes a 20% discount on participating hotels and restaurants. The Innsbruck Welcome Card includes weekly guided hiking and e-biking tours. The Salzburg Card offers one night of accommodation and free admission to every city tourist attraction and museum.

Food

To save money on food, consider buying staples that can be used in a variety of meals. For example, potatoes are cheap and versatile. You could also adapt your eating habits to match the products you can find most cheaply in Austria. Avoid app-based shopping services, as they tend to add a markup to each product and charge a delivery fee. Instead, use loyalty schemes such as Billa's Jö Bonus Club or Lidl Plus. You can also use apps like Too Good To Go to buy food that would otherwise be thrown away by restaurants and cafes.

Accommodation

One-star hotels in Austria are clean and decent, and they offer the best value for money. You could also look for signs that say 'Zimmer Frei' attached to houses, which indicates that the proprietors rent rooms on a bed-and-breakfast basis. Farmhouse accommodations are another option, but they usually require a stay of at least a week and advance reservations. You can also contact the local tourist office to help you make the necessary reservations.

Frequently asked questions