usernameistaken

Need to take the 11 AM train from Vienna to Prague Oct 9. How far in advance should I book the ticket? Any tips?

Andrew

Personally, I wouldn't book it until I arrived in Vienna, unless that day is a special holiday or something when you'd expect the train to be very busy. I usually like to find the train station in a new city before the day that I depart from it, anyway (and Vienna has several main train stations), so often I'll find the station the day before and buy my tickets for a reserved train then.

treplow

I agree with Andrew. No need to give up flexibility by buying ticket far in advance, unless there is a definite cost advantage.

JeremyinFrance

I am in Vienna right now and there is a HUGE building site at Wien Sudbahnhof. As a result the trains don't stop there but continue to Wien Meidling. The train was by no means full yesterday and as you're starting where the train starts you are almost certain to get a seat.
http://www.jeremytaylor.eu/prague_photos.html

usernameistaken

Thanks! We have hockey tickets for 6 PM on Saturday in Prague so it is essential we get there on that day.

unclegus

your thread about the Hotel General was closed down for some reason so I will make comments here.
I stayed close by this hotel a few years ago and was in the area again in May.It is truely only a few minutes walk to the Andel Metro/tram interchange area and from there it is a few minutes by metro or tram to the main parts of the city centre.I have walked from this area to the Charles Bridge in about 20 minutes going by the river rather than the main roads.there are lots of bars and resturants round the Andel area as well where you can eat and drink fairly cheaply.You are also a hop skip and a jump from the Staropramen brewery

usernameistaken

Thanks unclegus for the extra effort in tracking me down. I am debating between the General and the Mamaison Riverside - both in the same area, and your comments are helpful.

usernameistaken

Hi all,

I wish I hadn't listened to these posters and booked earlier. Because I waited til I got to Prague, the ticket was 60 euro and not 40! Well, you live, you learn. Should have booked ahead.

GeoffHamer

Treplow said "No need to give up flexibility by buying ticket far in advance, unless there is a definite cost advantage."

There are two possible motives for booking in advance: to ensure a seat on a train that might be fully booked, or to get a discounted fare.

If your motive is saving money, then you can compare the full fare with the discounted fare to decide if you want the cheaper fare. The original question did not mention the fare.

usernameistaken

Well, in asking the question, I thought someone might explain to me that it is cheaper to book earlier. I see that they didn't.