elizamango

Hi

I have just joined this forum in the hope of obtaining some expert advice from experienced travellers in Europe. I am going to Europe for the first time in late May 2007 and want to know whether I need to pre-purchase or reserve train tickets before I leave for my holiday.

Specifically, I am wanting to travel in late May, from -

Salzburg to Hallstatt
Hallstatt to Vienna
Vienna to Prague

Any advice would be appreciated - should I buy tickets before I leave (and if so, how?), or should I buy them once I arrive in Austria (and if so, is this a fairly simple exercise - just turn up at any train station to make the purchase?) or can I buy them on the actual day of travel.

Also are train tickets able to be purchased by credit card or cash only at the train stations in Austria?

Thank you for your help!

Elizamango

ira

Hi E,

No need to purchase tickets in advance.

You can buy all of your tickets at the same time in Salzburg, if you wish, or at the various train stations.

You might have to wait in line, however.

Yes, you can use a credit card.

pavfec

Have a look on the Austrian Railway website (they have an English site):

http://www.oebb.at/vip8/pv/en/index.jsp

I did a search for Salzburg to Hallstatt and the first class ticket was 8,90 Euros - not expensive at all! The ticket for Hallstatt to Vienna is around 45 Euros. Couldn't get a price for Vienna to Prague. But based on this, I think it would be much cheaper than buying a 2-country rail pass.

If it were me, I'd purchase the tickets there.

elizamango

Hi Ira

Thanks so much for responding to my queries. From what you say buying tickets sounds 'easy', which I hope it will turn out to be!

Elizamango

elizamango

Thanks also Pavfec. I did see the Oebb website but wasn't sure whether i neeeded to buy on-line beforehand, or whether I could buy them once in Austria.

I think I'll buy them when I arrive in Salzburg.

ira

You are welcome, E