Train Travel Budapest-Vienna-Prague
 

Hi. I've only been on one (short) train ride in Europe and don't know what to expect. I know there are some train experts and experienced train travelers on this board, so I would appreciate a little advice. Two of us are traveling from Budapest to Vienna on May 2, then from Vienna to Prague on May 7. We haven't decided on the times yet, but we'd like to go direct. So, here are my questions. 1) First class or second class? What is the primary difference? Any non-smoking cars in either class? 2) Price. The Rail Europe site indicates: Budapest-Vienna is (US) $51 in 1st, and $36 in 2nd; Vienna-Prague is $72 in 1st, and $49 in 2nd. Would it be less expensive to buy these tickets there or would it cost the same? If we buy them there: day of travel or when we arrive? 3) Both routes also offer a seat reservation for an additional $11. Is a reservation required? Recommended? 4) Lastly, Rail Europe shows 5 direct choices of times to Vienna and 3 to Prague. Is this complete information? Are their schedules generally accurate? I don't think buying a timetable would be worth the cost for just two trips, but they might have a copy at the library I could photocopy. Thank you so much for reading this and for any help you can provide.<BR>-Mel

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Mel, my husband I & trained from Budapest to Vienna late last June. We traveled 2nd class, which was fine. It's a fairly short journey (3 hours?), if I remember correctly. The train was basically empty & my husband & I had an entire 6-seat compartment to ourselves. I think there are non-smoking cars available. I think the $36 price you quoted is a bit high--esp. because the exchange rate in Hungary is great. We bought our tickets a couple of hours before departure with no problems--and we did not make reservations. I have found in my train travels in Europe, that unless you're in a very high season, or on a high-speed train that requires them, reservations are not necessary. The timetable of trains you found on Rail Europe's site sounds about right; in fact, I think that's where we got our information before going. Good luck and enjoy the journey! The train ride is very enjoyable, as are the cities at either end.

The main difference between 1st and 2nd class is the size of the seats and the w.c. I always travel 2nd class and ride in the compartment cars. You get to meet some nice people and it is more private. There are smoking, non-smoking and some cars that are one for half the car and the other in the other half. I would buy the tickets after you get there as they are cheaper and I have never had a reservation nor needed one. Check the German rail site at bahn.de for a listing of trains (Use Wien for Vienna and Praha for Prague). You picked 3 great cities! They were part of the same empire so similar, but recent history had Vienna in the west always, Prague embracing capitalism quicker and Budapest as the most eastern of the 3--so they have differences as well.

Jen and Linda - thanks for the responses! Looks like we will be fine buying 2nd class when we get there. I am one of those people who thinks planning is half the fun, mostly because I don't want to deal with (too many) unpleasant suprises when I am finally on vacation. Thanks again for the helpful advice.<BR>-Mel

The day before I left for Vienna from Budapest I bought my round trip ticket from the MAV office at Andrassy ut 35. It was 7500 forints - about $25 - for second class, round trip. No problem getting a seat.