We intend to take the train from Vienna to Venice and would like to catch 15:30 train from Vienna on Saturday 6 May. Is there any way we can book that train trip before we get to Vienna. Or, do you think it would be necessary to book. It is the shortest trip to Venice. We do have Eurail passes. Thank you

Hi C,

Since you have a railpass, you will have to book your sleeper reservations when you get to Vienna.

Also see http://www.oebb.at

Prior poster is not correct.
train leaves in the afternoon- 7 hour trip - sleeper train? you are in Venice at 22:30

A Saturday night in early May should have many empty seats.

Hi Molker,

Thanks for catching my error.

I had the travel time and the arrival time mixed up.

Thank you for your responses - I now feel confident that we will be able to get seats on that train trip. Regards Robyn

Best way to insure a seat is to arrive early for the train.
It should be in the station at least 30 minutes or more before the departure time.
Bring along food and drinks too.

Wouldn't the best way to insure a seat be to buy a seat reservation? The cost is minimal, just a few euros, and worth it if you want to guarantee window seats.

Message BTilke:

I was referring to non reservation.
Most train travelers find it not necessary to reserve.
Someone mentioned recently less than 5% of seats are reserved on Austrian trains.

On the last two *international* trains I took leaving from Vienna (in mid-March), most of the window seats were in fact reserved for a portion of the journey, if not for the entire trip.
It seems penny wise and pound foolish to make all the arrangements for a transatlantic trip and a scenice train ride to Venice and then balk at spending just a few euros to *guarantee* a window seat.

I agree- book a seat. Its a wonderous trip through the mountains. I have been stuck standing in the hall.
And do make sure you are in the correct car-some split off and go onto Florence- sometimes only part of the train goes into Venice.