Navigating Austrian And German Trains: A Comprehensive Guide

Travelling by train in Austria and Germany is an efficient, scenic, and relatively straightforward experience. Both countries offer high-speed trains, regional services, and commuter trains.

In Germany, the national rail operator is Deutsche Bahn (DB), which provides fast, frequent, and punctual train services across the country. Tickets can be easily booked online, at stations, or via third-party websites and apps. German trains offer various ticket types, seating options, and dining experiences.

Austria's national rail operator is Österreichische Bundesbahnen (ÖBB), which operates modern trains with comfortable seating and additional amenities. Tickets can be booked online, and the ÖBB App provides a seamless travel experience with real-time updates.

Both countries offer scenic routes, with Germany's Rhine Valley and Austria's Alpine regions providing particularly picturesque journeys. Overall, travelling by train in Austria and Germany is a convenient and enjoyable way to explore these countries.

How to book train tickets in Germany

Step-by-Step Guide to Booking German Train Tickets

The best way to travel through Germany is by train. The national railway company, Deutsche Bahn, offers an impressive train fleet that will bring you everywhere in the country. However, booking train tickets can be confusing for first-time visitors. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process:

Visit the Deutsche Bahn Website

Go to bahn.com, the official website of Deutsche Bahn. The website is available in multiple languages, including English, French, Spanish, and Italian.

Choose Your Language and Itinerary

Select your preferred language, then search for your itinerary by entering your departure and arrival destinations, dates, and travel class (1st or 2nd class). You can also choose the "No Bahncard" option if you don't have one.

Evaluate Your Options

You will see different fare options, such as Super Saver, Sparpreis, Flexpreis, and Flexpreis Plus. Consider your budget and flexibility when choosing the fare that suits you best.

Decide on Seat Reservation and Ticket Delivery

Seat reservations are not included in the ticket price, so if you want a reserved seat, select that option. You can also choose to have your tickets delivered or save them as a PDF file, which is the most common and free option.

Add Your Personal Information and Payment Details

Fill in your name, surname, and payment information. You can pay via bank transfer, credit card, or PayPal.

Review and Confirm Your Booking

Before finalizing your booking, review the details, including your itinerary, fare choice, seat reservation, and delivery option.

Receive Confirmation

After completing your payment, you will see a confirmation screen, and you will also receive an email confirming your booking.

Tips for Train Travel in Germany

• It is recommended to buy train tickets in advance, especially for high-speed trains like the InterCity Express (ICE). Tickets for these trains can be much cheaper when purchased early.
• For regional trains (RE), you don't need to buy tickets in advance as they have unlimited availability and a fixed price.
• If you plan to travel extensively by train in Germany, consider purchasing a Deutsche Bahn Bahncard, which offers discounts of 25%, 50%, or even 100% on every ticket.
• When booking, keep in mind that you are only buying access to the train. Seat reservations are separate and cost an additional fee.
• Major German stations have excellent facilities, including foreign exchange desks, restaurants, cafés, tourist information offices, elevators, and access for disabled passengers.
• Announcements at the stations and on the trains are usually in German, but most booklets and tickets are in both German and English.
• When boarding the train, you will need to show your ticket (PDF, printed, or on the Deutsche Bahn app) and your ID or passport.
• You can bring as much luggage as you want on German trains, but you will need to store heavier items in the dedicated racks.

By following these steps and tips, you should be well on your way to booking your train tickets in Germany and enjoying a comfortable journey across the country.

Tips for riding trains in Germany

Planning Your Journey

Before embarking on your train journey in Germany, it is important to plan your trip in advance. Utilize resources such as The Man in Seat 61, which offers valuable information on train travel in Europe, and the Deutsche Bahn website, where you can check prices and times for specific routes.

Tickets and Passes

When it comes to tickets, it is generally recommended to purchase them in advance, as early booking can often result in cheaper prices, especially for high-speed trains. Consider downloading the DB Navigator and OBB Tickets apps, which allow you to plan routes, check timetables, and book tickets on the go.

While Eurail passes are available for Germany, they may not be the most cost-effective option for your trip. For shorter stays or point-to-point travel, it is usually more economical to buy individual tickets. However, if you plan to travel extensively within Germany or to neighbouring countries, a rail pass may offer better value.

Train Types and Reservations

Germany boasts an extensive rail network, with various types of trains catering to different needs:

• Intercity-Express (ICE): High-speed trains connecting major German cities and offering the fastest long-distance travel.
• Intercity (IC) and Eurocity (EC): Express trains that are slightly slower than ICE but still provide comfortable travel between major cities.
• Regional Express (RE) and Regionalbahn (RB): Slower trains that stop at smaller stations and are useful for shorter journeys or travelling to rural areas.

Reservations are generally not required for domestic travel on ICE, IC, or EC trains, but they are mandatory for some international routes, particularly during peak season (June to September).

Onboard Experience and Facilities

German trains offer a range of onboard facilities to enhance your journey:

• Catering services: Many long-distance trains, such as ICE and IC, provide a variety of dining options, including restaurant cars or bistro cafes.
• Comfort and amenities: German trains typically offer comfortable seating, power outlets, and ample luggage storage. Onboard Wi-Fi and entertainment systems may also be available on certain routes.
• Accessibility: Most trains are designed with accessibility in mind, featuring disabled-friendly facilities, priority seating, and assistance for passengers with special needs.

Station Facilities

German train stations, particularly the larger Hauptbahnhöf stations, offer a range of facilities to assist travellers:

• Signage and announcements: Stations typically have bilingual signage in German and English, while announcements are made in German.
• Ticketing and information: Ticket counters and machines are available for purchasing or collecting tickets. Larger stations may also have information desks for assistance.
• Passenger amenities: Stations often feature foreign exchange desks, restaurants, cafes, and shops. Lifts and escalators ensure easy access to platforms.

Additional Tips

• Download the DB app: The Deutsche Bahn app can be a valuable tool for planning and booking your train journeys within Germany.
• Be mindful of travel times: Consider the duration of your trips, as some train journeys can be lengthy, especially when transferring between distant cities.
• Explore alternative routes: Germany has an extensive rail network, so consider exploring alternative routes or connections that may offer faster or more scenic journeys.

How to book train tickets in Austria

Where to Book

You can book your train tickets through the Austrian Railways website, also known as ÖBB (Österreichische Bundesbahnen). Tickets can be purchased on the ÖBB website, oebb.at, or through the ÖBB mobile app.

When to Book

Booking in advance can save you money, and tickets are available up to six months ahead of the travel date. However, the cheapest tickets are not always released this far in advance, so it is worth checking regularly.

How to Book

To book your ticket, you will need to enter your travel date, departure station, and arrival venue. You will then be able to select your preferred voyage, including whether you would like to travel on a high-speed train or a slower option with multiple stops.

Extras

You can add extras to your booking, such as a seat reservation for a small fee, or a first-class upgrade.

Other Options

If you are unable to book through ÖBB, you can try third-party retailers such as www.thetrainline.com or www.raileurope.com. You can also book through Rail Ninja, which allows you to find all available train tickets on one page.

International Travel

For international travel, you can book through ÖBB, but it is worth checking the price against those offered by the national rail operator in the country you are travelling to or from.

Night Trains

If you are travelling by night train, you can book through ÖBB, which operates Nightjet sleeper trains. Alternatively, you can travel on the D-train, EuroNight Kalman Imre, or EuroNight Metropol services.

Tips for riding trains in Austria

Before You Go

• Check if you need a rail pass or point-to-point tickets. Rail passes are usually good value and more convenient for Austria, as hardly any daytime trains require reservations. However, if you are only taking a few journeys, it may be cheaper to buy tickets as you go.
• If you are buying point-to-point tickets, you can save money with a Vorteilscard, which offers discounts of up to 50% for youths (under 26), seniors (62+) and families with children under 15.
• If you are travelling in a group, look out for group-ticket discounts.
• For high-speed connections between Vienna and Salzburg, tickets are usually cheaper on WestBahn trains than ÖBB's Railjet trains.
• If you are buying point-to-point tickets, you can save money by buying a Sparscheine discount ticket at least three days in advance.
• If you are travelling with a bike, you will need to purchase a special bicycle ticket for regional trains. For Railjet, IC and international EC trains, you will need to reserve a space for your bike in advance.
• If you are travelling with children, note that kids under 6 travel for free in Austria.
• If you are travelling with a dog, check the rules for dogs on trains.
• If you are travelling with luggage, check the rules for luggage on trains.
• If you are a senior, note that senior discounts are not automatically applied to Austrian rail tickets. You can buy a Vorteilscard Senior card for €29, which gives a 50% discount on most Austrian rail tickets.

At the Station

• All travellers will need a form of photo identification, such as an ID card or passport.
• Major stations in Austria are comparatively simple to use. They usually have lifts and escalators, foreign exchange desks, restaurants and cafes, and access for disabled passengers.
• The signage at ÖBB stations is bilingual, in English and German, as are the announcements on Railjet and Westbahn trains. However, station announcements will be in German only.
• Major stations do not have paper departure sheets, so you will need to depend on the electronic departure screens.
• If you are changing trains, there will be blue electronic departure summary screens on the platform. If your next train isn't showing on this screen, go to the main departure hall to wait for the details of your train to be confirmed.
• When looking at the main departure screens, 'Abfarht' means 'departures' and 'Ankunft' means 'arrivals'.
• Platforms at major stations are divided into zones (A to E). Most trains only occupy some of these zones, as they are usually shorter than the platforms.
• On the blue departure screens, the platform number will be listed to the right, with letters showing the zones on the platform where the train will depart from.
• There are also blue screens on the platform that show the 'Wagenreihung' – the formation of the next three trains to depart. These screens indicate which zone each coach will occupy, so you can work out where to wait.
• The departure indicators on the platforms can show the details of arriving trains, so don't be surprised if you don't initially see the details of your train.
• If you have a reservation or a Sparscheine ticket, it will have a four-digit train number on it. This number will also be shown in the 'Zug' column on the blue departure screens, which you can use to find your platform if your train is an international train.

On the Train

• Seat reservations are not required for most journeys within Austria, but they are recommended during peak season (May to September) and for public holidays.
• Reservations are required for all long-distance trains to/from Germany between 1st June and 1st September.
• Reservations are also required for some international routes, including all trains to/from Italy.
• Reservations are available but optional for Railjet routes to the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia and Switzerland.
• Railjet trains are comfortable and have a wide range of catering options, including a restaurant service.
• If you are travelling on an international route, note that some trains have different classes, with first class and business class offering more comfort.

How to travel between Germany and Austria by train

Germany and Austria are well-connected by train, with over 50 direct services running between the two countries every day. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to travel between Germany and Austria by train:

Planning Your Journey

Before embarking on your trip, it is important to plan your journey. You can use online resources such as The Man in Seat 61, Deutsche Bahn, or the ÖBB route planner to check train schedules and book tickets. Tickets are typically available up to six months in advance and tend to be cheaper the earlier you book. Additionally, consider downloading the DB Navigator and ÖBB Tickets apps for easy access to routes, timetables, and ticketing.

Train Types and Tickets

When travelling between Germany and Austria, you will likely encounter different types of trains, including the high-speed Railjet, EuroCity (EC), and Intercity (IC) trains. These trains offer various levels of comfort and services, with Railjet trains providing catering options and restaurant services.

When booking tickets, you may come across different types of tickets, such as the discounted Sparschiene tickets for the Railjet, RJ, and IC train services. These tickets are usually available online or through the ÖBB app and offer significant savings, especially for early bookings. However, they are specific to the departure selected and cannot be refunded or exchanged.

Seat Reservations

Seat reservations are generally optional for journeys within Austria on express trains like Railjet, IC, ICE, and EC. However, reservations are mandatory for journeys to and from Italy and are recommended during peak season (May to September) and public holidays. Reservations can be made through the ÖBB website or by calling their booking centre.

Border Crossings and Transfers

There is no direct train running the entire length between Germany and Austria. Therefore, you will need to make transfers along the way. Berlin Hbf, Prague hl.n., Wien Hbf, and Linz Hbf are common stations where you may need to change trains. Additionally, some routes may pass through the Czech Republic, providing connections between cities like Berlin and Vienna.

Sample Routes

• Munich to Vienna: This route offers a direct connection between the two countries, with tickets starting at €23.99.
• Berlin to Vienna via Prague: This route involves travelling through the Czech Republic, with tickets priced at €33.99.

Final Tips

When travelling by train, it is always a good idea to have a form of photo identification with you, such as an ID card or passport. Additionally, if you plan to bring a bicycle on board, make sure to reserve a space for it in advance, especially for popular routes like Innsbruck to Feldkirch via St Anton.

Frequently asked questions