Lexi Webster
Train travel between Germany and Austria is a popular option for tourists and locals alike. With the rise of budget airlines, some may assume that taking the train is a less convenient option. However, German-Austrian trains are very easy to navigate, and there are several benefits to choosing this mode of transport. Travellers can opt for high-speed trains or night trains, and there are several apps available to help with planning and booking. In this article, we will explore the requirements for taking a train from Germany to Austria, including necessary documentation, the booking process, and the various routes available.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Train ticket price | From EUR 23.99 |
| Ticket booking | Up to six months in advance |
| Ticket booking app | DB Navigator and OBB Tickets |
| Train types | Day and night trains |
| Train companies | ÖBB, Westbahn, Deutsche Bahn |
| Train classes | First and second class |
| Travel pass | Eurail pass |
| Travel card | BahnCard 25/50/100 |
| Travel with children | Children under 5 travel free, children 6-14 pay half fare |
| Border checks | No systematic checks, but ID may be demanded |
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What You'll Learn
Passport requirements for non-EEA citizens
When travelling by train between Germany and Austria, non-EEA citizens are required to carry a passport. This is the case even if the train does not stop in Germany, as one is technically crossing an intra-EU border.
According to Austrian law, non-EEA citizens in Austria must be able to show their passport to authorities without unreasonable delay, which is defined as 'within one hour'. Therefore, if you are more than one hour away from where you keep your passport, you are legally required to carry it with you. However, aliens legally residing in Austria can produce a residence permit instead of a passport.
It is important to note that there is conflicting information about the enforcement of these passport requirements. Some sources state that there is no evidence that carrying a passport is enforced in practice, and many non-EU citizens residing in Austria do not carry their passports daily. Additionally, residence cards are often accepted instead of passports for residents.
When travelling between Germany and Austria, it is recommended to carry the necessary travel documents, including a passport and visa, if required. It is also important to be familiar with the requirements of the Schengen Agreement, which applies to both Germany and Austria. Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond your period of stay.
In addition to passport requirements, there are other considerations when travelling by train between Germany and Austria. Cheap train tickets are available for this route, starting from EUR 23.99 with the Saver Fare Europe option. Children up to the age of 5 travel for free, while children aged 6-14 pay half the adult fare. Tickets can be booked up to six months in advance, and it is important to observe the timetable changeovers in June and December.
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The cost of tickets and discounts
When it comes to the cost of tickets for trains between Germany and Austria, there are a variety of options and discounts available. Generally, it is recommended to book tickets in advance to secure the best prices. Tickets for German trains usually open for booking 180 days in advance, and this is when you are likely to find the cheapest tickets.
Standard Tickets
Standard tickets for trains between Germany and Austria can be purchased for as little as €23.99 with the Saver Fare Europe option. Standard one-way tickets in Standard Class start at €19 if purchased in advance.
Rail Passes
Rail passes can be a great option for those planning to take multiple train journeys. In Germany, rail passes often offer good value, allowing travellers to save money and conveniently hop on trains. The Deutschland-Ticket is an example of a rail pass option for Germany.
Discounted Tickets
Discounted tickets for journeys within Austria and on international trains from Austria are known as 'Sparschiene' tickets. These tickets can offer significant savings, but they are subject to limited availability and refund restrictions. They can be purchased online or on the OBB app, and it is advisable to book them as early as possible to secure the best prices.
Group Tickets
Group tickets can provide economical options for travellers. For example, the "day ticket for Germany" allows groups of up to five people unlimited second-class travel on non-express trains for a calendar day, costing €49 for one traveller and €10 for each additional person. Regional day tickets, or "Länder-Tickets," offer similar deals for local trains within a single region, such as Bavaria, typically ranging from €22 to €32 for the first person and €3 to €10 for up to four additional travellers.
Child Discounts
Children up to the age of 5 can travel for free when accompanied by an adult. Children aged 6 to 14 may be eligible for discounted fares, such as half the adult fare.
Senior Discounts
Senior citizens aged 60 and above can benefit from the Vorteilscard Senior card, which costs €29 and offers a 50% discount on most Austrian rail tickets.
BahnCard Discounts
The BahnCard is another option for discounts on German train tickets. The BahnCard 25/50/100 provides a 25% discount on the German section of the route between Germany and Austria.
Booking Direct
It is generally recommended to book tickets directly from the train operating company, as third-party sites may not show all trains/tickets and may charge extra fees.
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Apps for planning and booking
When it comes to apps for planning and booking a train journey from Germany to Austria, there are several options available. Here are some of the most popular and useful ones:
DB Navigator
The DB Navigator app is one of the most recommended apps for train travel in Germany. It allows you to look up routes, times, and book your tickets directly in the app. You can also use it to check yourself into your seat with the Komfort Check-in feature, saving you time and avoiding the queue at the ticket counter. The app also includes underground trains, suburban trains, trams, and buses in its connection search, and it will show you the nearest stop to your destination if you enter an address. Tickets booked anonymously must first be loaded into the app before they can be used.
OBB Tickets
The OBB Tickets app is recommended for travel in Austria. It allows you to book tickets, make seat reservations, and access real-time travel updates. OBB also offers smart mobility services, including e-scooters, rental cars, and bikes, which can be booked and accessed through the Wegfinder app.
Omio
Omio is a popular app for planning and booking train journeys in Europe. It allows you to compare different modes of transportation, find schedules, and book tickets. It is useful for finding the cheapest transportation options and can be used without purchasing a rail pass.
Interrail
Interrail is another app that helps you plan and book train journeys in Europe. It offers real-time train schedules and information about whether a reservation is required for a particular train. Interrail is the platform for European travellers, while its counterpart, Eurail, is for non-European travellers.
Trainline
The Trainline app is another popular option for planning and booking train journeys within Europe. It allows you to find train and bus schedules and book tickets directly from your mobile device.
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Types of trains and routes
Germany and Austria share a well-connected railway network. The main train route between Tyrol and the rest of Austria passes through Germany via the so-called Deutsches Eck (German Corner). The route between Salzburg and Innsbruck passes through Germany, although the train does not stop there.
The types of trains and routes you can take depend on your starting point and destination. Here are some popular routes and train types:
- High-speed trains – The high-speed train (ICE) connects Nuremberg and Regensburg, with Regensburg being a well-preserved medieval city.
- Munich-Salzburg route – This route is a simple day pass away, with the Bayern Ticket being a good option.
- Vienna-Salzburg route – This route is often travelled by people flying in and out of Munich.
- Frankfurt-Salzburg – This route is part of a well-designed 9-day Germany and Austria Rail Circle tour, which also includes Vienna, Munich, Nuremberg, Heidelberg, and Regensburg.
- Night trains – These are available from Austria to Germany and other European countries such as France, Italy, Poland, and Switzerland.
- ÖBB rail – This rail connection travels from Feldkirch in Austria to Buchs in Switzerland, passing through Liechtenstein.
- Eurail – A Eurail pass allows you to travel for free on the S-Bahn in Vienna and Salzburg (excluding lines S1 and S11) and in Innsbruck.
- Westbahn – This private company offers cheaper last-minute tickets compared to DB and OBB.
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Border checks and customs
Germany and Austria are both part of the Schengen zone and the European Union. This means that there are no systematic border checks, and the entire EU is a single customs union. As such, there are no routine ID checks or customs checks when travelling by train between the two countries. However, it is still recommended that you carry a recognised travel document or ID with you when travelling, as there have been reports of occasional border checks in recent years due to increased migration into the EU.
According to German law, travellers are supposed to carry identity documents, such as a passport or national ID, and present them to the competent authority on demand. Although Schengen regulations state that this demand should not be routinely made, authorities may request to see your documents in a non-systematic manner. As a non-EEA citizen, you are required by law to be able to show your passport to the authorities without unreasonable delay, typically defined as "within one hour". Therefore, it is generally advisable to keep your passport with you or within close reach at all times during your journey.
In addition to passports, non-EU citizens may also need a visa to enter Germany or Austria, depending on their nationality. It is important to check the specific entry requirements for your country of origin before travelling. For EU citizens, a valid passport or national ID card is usually sufficient for entry into both countries.
When travelling by train between Germany and Austria, it is important to be aware of the different types of trains and ticketing systems in each country. Germany's main train operator is Deutsche Bahn, while Austria's is Österreichische Bundesbahnen (ÖBB). Both countries offer various types of train passes and discounts, such as the BahnCard in Germany and the Eurail Pass in Austria. It is recommended to download the DB Navigator and ÖBB Tickets apps to look up routes, timetables, and book your tickets.
Finally, it is worth noting that some consumer goods, such as tobacco and coffee, may be cheaper in Austria and can only be brought into Germany in limited quantities. Therefore, it is essential to familiarise yourself with the customs regulations and allowances for each country to avoid any issues when crossing the border.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that you carry your passport with you when travelling between Germany and Austria, as there may be random ID checks. However, systematic border checks have been abolished, so you will not always need to show your passport.
You can download the DB Navigator and OBB Tickets apps to look up routes and times and book your tickets.
You can get a 25% discount on the German section of the route with the BahnCard 25/50/100. You can also book saver fare tickets from €23.99.
Some popular routes for trains from Germany to Austria include Munich to Innsbruck, Munich to Salzburg, and Vienna to Salzburg.
