Best way to plan rail travel in Eastern Europe
Dec 10, 2010, 12:38 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 357
Best way to plan rail travel in Eastern Europe
Hello all,
I will be in Budapest April 4, 2011 until April 15, 2011. I am planning to take the train from Budapest - Bratislava on April 4, Bratislava - Brno on April 5, Brno - Prague on April 6, Prague - Vienna on April 9, and finally Vienna - Budapest April 12.
The easiest way to do this is book a 5 day European East 2nd class pass for $214 through RailEurope. I have also skimmed through a few threads where they mentioned Eastern European rail travel is quite affordable, from 19-29 Euro and they do not sell out. 1st time in Europe, would everyone suggest I book through RailEurope instead of going to the station the day of to purchase tickets. Thanks.
I will be in Budapest April 4, 2011 until April 15, 2011. I am planning to take the train from Budapest - Bratislava on April 4, Bratislava - Brno on April 5, Brno - Prague on April 6, Prague - Vienna on April 9, and finally Vienna - Budapest April 12.
The easiest way to do this is book a 5 day European East 2nd class pass for $214 through RailEurope. I have also skimmed through a few threads where they mentioned Eastern European rail travel is quite affordable, from 19-29 Euro and they do not sell out. 1st time in Europe, would everyone suggest I book through RailEurope instead of going to the station the day of to purchase tickets. Thanks.
Dec 10, 2010, 4:06 am
#3
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Amsterdam
Programs: KLM, Thalys
Posts: 308
The easiest way to do this is book a 5 day European East 2nd class pass for $214 through RailEurope. I have also skimmed through a few threads where they mentioned Eastern European rail travel is quite affordable, from 19-29 Euro and they do not sell out. 1st time in Europe, would everyone suggest I book through RailEurope instead of going to the station the day of to purchase tickets. Thanks.
If you would like to be a little more adventurous (and save money), you might start at the European Railway Server. Click on "Links" at the top and you will have a page with every European rail company links. You can try several countries to get an idea of costs and how to buy a ticket.
Another option is to use the German railway site because they offer both trains service and ticket sales to other countries. Germany is also located very close to most of the countries you want to visit, so it might even be cheaper to fly to Germany, then take the train to the closest city you plan to visit.
Good luck.
Dec 10, 2010, 4:46 pm
#4
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 3
we're taking the rail in Dec. 2010 from Vienna to Prague to Budapest, using Euro Railways Passes. RailEurope charges more, but you do get a nice time schedule booklet (which it doesn't appear you need). If you buy the pass, you still need reservations (about $12 extra)
Dec 10, 2010, 5:44 pm
#5
Moderator: UK and Ireland & Europe
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Biggleswade
Programs: SK*G, Lots of Blue Elsewhere
Posts: 13,611
we're taking the rail in Dec. 2010 from Vienna to Prague to Budapest, using Euro Railways Passes. RailEurope charges more, but you do get a nice time schedule booklet (which it doesn't appear you need). If you buy the pass, you still need reservations (about $12 extra)
That's a little over $50 all-in.
Dec 11, 2010, 4:31 am
#6
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 948
I doubt walking to the counter an hour before the train leaves and buying these 5 tickets individually would be $214. Maybe though.
As said above, you could save significantly if you plan ahead, buy your tickets at least 3 days in advance, stick to specific trains, etc.
As said above, you could save significantly if you plan ahead, buy your tickets at least 3 days in advance, stick to specific trains, etc.
Dec 11, 2010, 9:37 am
#7
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: PDX
Programs: Don't think it matters...
Posts: 5,240
I doubt walking to the counter an hour before the train leaves and buying these 5 tickets individually would be $214. Maybe though.
As said above, you could save significantly if you plan ahead, buy your tickets at least 3 days in advance, stick to specific trains, etc.
As said above, you could save significantly if you plan ahead, buy your tickets at least 3 days in advance, stick to specific trains, etc.
I would never buy from rail europe.. they r quite expensive and if u hv specific dates in mind, its much cheaper ( more than 50% IMO) to buy it through one of the railway booking sites of the country u r travelling to.. so for budapest - bratislava - prague, try to buy in hungarian or czech railway site.. for prague -- vienna buy in czech railway site as its cheaper in that site compared to obb..
Basic point is for the route u mentioned, USD214 is a lot from my experience.. I believe its possible within USD 100 easily with only a lil planning..
Dec 14, 2010, 2:03 am
#9
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: PDX
Programs: Don't think it matters...
Posts: 5,240
Hope u continue to be a part of this community and are able to contribute whatever u can here in the future
Dec 16, 2010, 4:33 am
#10
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 571
we're taking the rail in Dec. 2010 from Vienna to Prague to Budapest, using Euro Railways Passes. RailEurope charges more, but you do get a nice time schedule booklet (which it doesn't appear you need). If you buy the pass, you still need reservations (about $12 extra)