We will be travelling in May via train from Munich to Vienna. Prices seem a bit high for first class travel. Does anyone know the cost of coach travel and if it is comfortable for a 4 hr. trip? Thank you.

67.80 euros Munich to Vienna seems to be universal price - for info check the German rail web site www.bahn.de (an easy way to reach the English schedule and pricing page is to go to: www.budgeteruopetravel.com and on the home page click on the link "All European Rail Schedules" near the bottom of the page and instantly pops up two boxes you put in Munich and Vienna and the date and you'll get all the trains and prices and can book online if want but price should be same at station in Munich. this is a 2nd class fare. The home page i directed you to also gives several tips on using the superb German rail site - good for schedules in all of Europe but only gives pricing on German trains including some that go to nearby countries.

to book this ticket in the U.S. thru Raileurope would cost $99 plus an $11 seat reservation fee plus $15 handling fee - so you're better off buying online or in Munich, where reservations are but a few euro - reservations are not required on these trains and usually aren't needed in my experience but i'd make them anyway when i buy the ticket.

And to make things even easier, there is a Euraide office in the Munich RR station which is open during the week.

PalQ is right about the full fare for 2nd class, which is perfectly OK for comfort.

However, if you book online from German Rail you can find a €29 "Europa-Spezial" fare on three EC trains (9:23, 15:26 and 17:23) to Vienna. That fare requires a 3 day advance purchase, is train specific, not refundable, and only available online. A reservation is available for €1,50.

EuroCity (EC) train are nice trains, even in 2nd class.

[email protected]