benmia

I am in the process of booking train tickets from Budapest to Vienna. Using the OBB site it charges me 19 euros+10 for first class and 15 for business=44. For two passengers it is 38+25+30=93. Why doesn't the 10 for first class just double? Why the extra 5? Of course the solution is to book two separate tickets, just curious as to why this is happening. I want to use this site rather than the Hungarian Railways since I can print at home.

MmePerdu

I suggest you price walk-up tickets as I've bought mine on the day or day before and found them inexpensive. Of course, I didn't compare as it was a last minute decision but you may find, since it's a short journey, that it isn't worth fiddling around with online purchase. Put in tomorrow's date and see how it compares.

Also, I definitely wouldn't bother with first or business unless you just like the idea of it. Again, a short trip and regular class is perfectly comfortable.

benmia

Thanks, MmePerdu, I like the idea of having my tickets in hand before I leave. I am questioning why one first class ticket has a 10 euro upcharge and 2 have 25 euro charge instead of 20.

PalenQ

5 euros is about the price of two cups of coffee in Europe - see if those prices include seat reservations - may not unless seat reservations are mandatory - if it's a RailJet RJ they are probably included -check www.seat61.com for possible insights.

benmia

PalenQ, just commenting on the first class charge of 10 for 1 ticket and 25 for 2. There is a charge for seat reservation too (included in Business if we decide we want that).

MmePerdu

Benmia, we know what you asked. Anytime you ask a question around here you may get more information than you requested. Is that a bad thing? I think not as you may find your original question is moot. Information is our friend even when we may not realize it at the time. But I hope someone here makes you happy.

PalenQ

I think it is an impossible question for anyone to answer - why the pricing is like that - unless perhaps those are discounted tickets and the price for the 2nd one is higher than the first, which exhausted the supply of 10 euro ones? Weird though.

Would like to know so please report back if you ever find out why.

benmia

PalenQ. You are correct. I wrote to Mark at seat61 and that is basically what he told me. Also, he said that if you cancel midbooking, you must allow time for the seat you were holding to go back into inventory before trying again.

PalenQ

I wrote to Mark at seat61>

It used to be Mark's solo site but now he has a team of several working - so even better able to research questions like yours - an invaluable resource!

thanks for reporting back!