Advance Train Ticket Purchase In Austria: Worthwhile?

When it comes to buying train tickets in Austria, there are a few things to consider. Generally, it is recommended to book tickets in advance, especially for long-distance and intercity services, as the cheapest Sparschiene fares are available up to six months beforehand. However, regional services often cost the same on the day as they do in advance, so there may be less incentive to book early for these journeys. It is also worth noting that hardly any daytime trains in Austria require reservations, so a rail pass can be a more convenient option than buying individual tickets.

Buying in advance is cheaper

If you're looking to save money on your train travel in Austria, buying your tickets in advance is a good idea. The earlier you book, the more likely you are to find cheaper tickets, especially for long-distance and intercity services such as the Railjet. Sparschiene tickets, which are the cheapest fare type, can be purchased up to six months in advance and often sell out well before the departure date for the most popular routes.

However, this doesn't apply to regional services, which will usually cost the same on the day of travel as they do in advance. So, if you're planning on taking a lot of long-distance journeys, booking early could save you a significant amount of money.

If you're looking to make savings, it's also worth considering a rail pass. These are generally good value, and since most daytime trains don't require reservations, a pass can be more convenient than buying tickets as you go. You can also make savings with group tickets, youth and senior discounts, and family tickets for those travelling with children.

For example, youths (under 26), seniors (62+), and families with kids under 15 can save up to 50% on point-to-point train tickets with a Vorteilscard, which costs €19-29 and is valid for one year. In Austria, kids under 6 ride free, and group-ticket discounts start at two travellers, getting better as you add more people.

So, if you're looking to keep costs down, buying your tickets in advance is definitely worth considering, especially for long-distance travel.

Tickets can be bought on the ÖBB website

Buying Austrian Train Tickets Online

Booking in advance is especially important if you are travelling during peak times, such as weekends or holidays, as trains can get very full. However, if you are looking for last-minute flexibility, you can buy tickets at the station, but the price may be higher.

When booking online, you can choose to print your ticket or show it on your mobile device. For some international journeys, you may be required to print out your ticket, so be sure to check the requirements when booking. It is also recommended to create an account on the ÖBB website, so you can easily access your tickets if a confirmation email doesn't arrive.

The ÖBB website offers a seat reservation service, which is recommended if you want to ensure you get a seat on your desired train. This service costs €4 per seat and can be booked in advance without purchasing a ticket. If you decide to take a different train, you will only lose the money for the seat reservation.

In addition to the ÖBB website, you can also check other websites such as Westbahn, Regiojet, and Rome2rio for alternative ticket options and prices. These websites may offer discounted tickets for specific times or routes.

Tickets can be bought on the day

If you're happy to pay a little extra, you can buy your Austrian train tickets on the day of travel. This is a good option if you're not set on a particular train time and want to retain some flexibility.

For example, if you're travelling on regional services, you can often buy your ticket on the day for the same price as in advance. Regional services are usually confined to specific regions in Austria, like Upper Austria or Styria, and operate at lower speeds than intercity services.

However, if you're travelling on long-distance or intercity services, such as the Railjet, it's worth noting that the cheapest Sparschiene fares are available to book up to six months in advance and can sell out well ahead of the departure date. So, if you're looking to save money, it's a good idea to book these types of tickets in advance.

Generally, train ticket prices in Austria are comparable to those in the UK, with the cheapest tickets being the least flexible and the more expensive tickets offering greater flexibility. For example, Standard-Tickets come at a slight premium, but they allow you to take any train within a two-day window of travel. You can also request a full refund up until the day before your window of travel opens.

It's also worth noting that seat reservations are not mandatory on Austrian trains and will cost you extra. However, they are recommended for busy long-distance routes, such as Vienna to Salzburg.

Seat reservations are optional

Seat reservations are a good idea if you want to guarantee that you will be able to sit together as a group, or if you have specific seating preferences. Reservations can usually be made online or at the ticket counter, and you can choose your desired seat from a seat map.

It is important to note that reservations are only valid for the chosen train on the chosen day of travel. If you have a flexible ticket, you can take any train within your travel window, but the seat reservation will only be valid for the specific train you chose when booking. Additionally, seat reservations typically expire 15 minutes after the train departs, so make sure you find your seat as soon as you board.

Some regional trains do not offer seat reservations, and passengers can simply board and find a seat. These trains tend to be quieter and less crowded, so finding a seat is usually not an issue.

If you are travelling during peak times, such as weekends or holidays, or on popular routes, it is advisable to consider making a seat reservation to ensure your comfort and convenience.

Rail passes are good value

Rail passes are a good option if you're travelling long distances on express trains in Austria.

The Austrian national rail operator, OBB, offers discounted 'Sparschiene' tickets for journeys on express Railjet and IC trains within Austria, as well as on international trains to and from the country. These tickets are only available online or on the OBB app, and they can't be refunded or exchanged.

If you're travelling with children, 'Sparschiene' tickets are a great option. Each adult travelling with a 'Sparschiene' ticket can take up to four children aged 14 and under for free.

If you're travelling with a group, the Einfach Raus Ticket is a good option for exploring areas of Austria that aren't served by express trains. This group ticket allows two people to travel together for the day, and up to three additional people can be added for a small fee.

If you're planning to take multiple long-distance train journeys, a rail pass is likely to be more cost-effective than buying individual tickets. However, if you're only taking a few trips, it might be cheaper to buy individual tickets or a Vorteilscard, which offers a 50% discount on point-to-point train tickets.

In general, rail passes are a good value option in Austria, especially since most daytime trains don't require reservations.

Frequently asked questions