We need help finding the best way to purchase train tickets from Prague to Vienna. I've tried the official website, and found it confusing. We live in the U.S. and would like to buy our tix ahead of time. Any recommendations as to English websites or services would be greatly appreciated. Also, do you recommend first or second class? Thanks.

although i always say it should not be too difficult to buy these tickets in Prague and save some money there could be potential waits in line and communication problems so if someone wants the ticket and seat reservation in their hand, well that could be priceless

In the U.S. you have www.raileurope.com and their agents. I always tell folks to call BETS (800-441-2387) if they want any RailEurope product - same prices and not RE's $18 mailing fee - but the service IME is tops. And you can actually talk to someone who knows something - RailEurope says any phone orders cost an extra 10% and then the staff is not always knowledgeable IME. But in terms of availability there should be no problem getting on trains once there, though always buy as early as possible once in Prague

Thanks for the tips. I'll give BETS a call.

You should be able to book your tickets by phoning the Austrian Rail Call Center. Dial 011 (US international access code) + 43 (country code for Austria) + (0)5-1717. Omit the initial zero which is only used for calls originating in Austria.

Relax. Buy your tickets in Praha. There are about 5 trains a day.

1st class costs about 50% more than 2nd class. Both get there at the same time.

>We live in the U.S. and would like to buy our tix ahead of time.

Think what´s the worst that could happen if you arrive in Prague without tickets in hand.
In this case, you would have to invest 1/2 h of your vacation time in purchasing the tickets (at the station or from a travel agent). A small nuisance IMO

A friend just returned from Prague and said it was a daunting task for her to buy tickets there - she stood an hour in line and then had trouble communicating. What's a snap for savvy travelers often is unnerving for novices.

but i agree with alta - you should be able to get the train you want if you wait until Prague and then save some money

But if you print your train info out from www.bahn.de site and hand it to the ticket window staff and write the number of passengers, ages (possible discount 60 and over or under 26) and the class there should be no language problem

In my previous post suggesting calling Austrian Rail directly, I forgot to mention that buying tickets in advance may get you a Sparschiene fare of €19.

PalenqueBob,

<i>But if you print your train info out from www.bahn.de site and hand it to the ticket window staff and write the number of passengers, ages (possible discount 60 and over or under 26) and the class there should be no language problem</i>

EXCELLENT advice.

If I hadn't had the French SNCF in Lyon print out a schedule for me for trains from Milan I never would have made my train. Interestingly, the SNCF print-out came from bahn.de.

It's very easy to buy tickets in Prgue if you simply go to Cedok, the national travel agency (used to be national anyway, not sure about now). They have English speakers, are very helpful and pleasant and efficient, and the lines are short.

There is one big Cedok office right near Powder Gate and that's where I've bought rail tickets (Na Prikope 18) and it's very easy. They charge a slight fee, but it's really minimal, and the rates are the low Czech rail ticket rates. There is one on Wencelas square also.

see www.cedok.com or www.cedok.cz

Christina - that is the great advice that a novice clueless traveler may not realize and it does sound simple that way.

Good advice for OP