We're planning a trip to Venice and Vienna. Has anyone here taken the train between the two cities? Just wondering about the scenery, time, cost, or general impressions. Also, any opinions regarding Vienna would be really appreciated.

Hi Fritz,

We took the day train from Venice to Vienna a few years ago.

The ride over the Alps is beautiful, especially in the Spring when the snow melt fills the creeks.

You will arrive about 9:00PM.

Schedule are at http://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query.exe/en

We spent 4 days in Vienna and quite enjoyed the city.

Thanks, Ira, for your reply. The ride through the Alps sounds great. We'll be going in late November, early December, so I guess the snow will be waxing instead of waning along the creeks. As for Vienna, I've been to Prague and Budapest. Both great, but Budapest is my favorite. Looking forward to Vienna.

We took a night train from Venice to Vienna, so can't tell you much about the impressions except that we didn't sleep well. The other thing that stands out is that it was difficult to tell when we got to the right station in Vienna...there are several suburban stops that look like they might be the main station. Once we got there, it was obvious, but we kept reading the signs carefully to make sure we didn't miss our stop.

We loved Vienna, and I want to go back one day and spend more time there.

Anne

Good evening, Fritz 7
Have taken the train both ways and in
daytime and nighttime. It was a ruf ride at night and nothing to see.
However the scenery is much better in daylight, however nothing spectacular..
Richard of LaGrange Park. IL

Definitely recommend the day-time train. You will probably leave Venice around 12:45 and arrive around 9 pm. The most dramatic scenery of the trip is around the Italian-Austrian border. Check for reduced fares -- available no more than 60 days in advance. We paid only 29 euros each, one way. Easiest probably to buy yours at the Venice train station, when you arrive.

The reduced fare tickets have the added advantage of guaranteeing you a (reserved) seat, though the trains should not be crowded at that time of year.

In Vienna: try the Palmenhaus for dinner. It is the former royal palm conservatory and is right on the Ring, just a couple of blocks from the Opera (Staatsoper). Not unduly expensive, very urban, lots of people just out for drinks or a small meal but it also offers very professional and creative cuisine -- reminded me a bit of Guastavino's, the Terence Conran restaurant around 59th and 1st in NYC.......