Hello there.
We have 3 people and would like to buy the Einfach-Raus-Ticket online for our day trip from Salzburg to Werfen (to see the ice caves) on Oct 3rd and another ticket for our day trip from Salzburg to Hallstatt on Oct 4th. My only concern is, since no reservation can be made to a specific train and a seat, are we going to run into a situation when the train is full and no more seat is available? Please kindly advise.
Posted by
Green Bay
20081 posts
The regional trains to Werfen originate at Salzburg Hbf, so get there early and be standing there when they spot the train and you will be the first on board. Same for the following day. You will change trains at Attnang-Puchheim and that train also originates there, so get on board immediately.
Returns are problematic. Thursday probably will not be too crowded. Friday, who knows?
OEBB does not sell seat reservations for regional trains, at least on line. Everybody will be in the same boat (or train in this case).
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19092 posts
Using an Einfach-Raus-Ticket will not affect your chance of finding a full train anymore than buying regional tickets. In my experience, in over 150 days of travel in Germany, mostly with trains, I have only a couple of times seen full trains. But never say never.
But some of the trains start in Salzburg. If one does, get there early so you can get a seat. Plus, there are a lot of trains on that line. If one is full, there will be another soon.
You are coming up on the last weekend of Oktoberfest, so trains going into Munich might tend to be fuller.
Posted by
Vienna, Austria
5381 posts
If there is no seat, you stand. No big deal.
Posted by
OP
16 posts
Thank you everyone. Just one silly question. How early should I arrive at the train station? Is 30mins before departure good enough?
Posted by
Medford, OR, USA
5835 posts
There is no advantage to buying your Einfach-Raus ticket ahead of time. Our group just showed up ahead of time, one went to the Salzburg station's staffed counter and bought the ticket. Mid day, mid week regional train was not crowded.
Posted by
Green Bay
20081 posts
They probably will not have the train spotted on the platform more than 15 minutes before departure, so 30 minutes with time to buy tickets, get your bearings, watch the board for the track listing, should work fine.
Posted by
Vienna, Austria
5381 posts
I’d be on the platform 5 minutes before arrival. 30 minutes standing on a platform is completely unnecessary.
Posted by
Medford, OR, USA
5835 posts
If you arrive at the Sazburg Hbf early, the station has a waiting area and shops near the tourist information and staffed ticket counter area. The waiting area will have electronic screens showing train arrival/departure information including platform. No need to go to the platform until the train is approaching.