We are interested in going from Vienna to Melk and back as a day trip. I have been looking at the boat train combo, but the information is confusing. Do i take a train to Melk and return by boat? or vice versa. Ideally want to depart in the morning and comeback mid-afternoon. Does the boat dock in Melk? Is the train station in Melk? Appreciate your help!
Posted by
Longmont, CO, USA
527 posts
You take the train to Melk, boat down to Krems and catch train back from there. That is one option.
Posted by
white plains, ny, usa
4161 posts
Raj , this is really easy ; go to any of the rail stations in Vienna ( Westbahnhof , Meidling , Praterstern , or any location that sells OBB ( Austrian State Railways ) products . They will sell you a combination ticket that provides a rail trip ( Westbahnhof to Melk - Boat trip Melk - Krems ; Rail trip Krems - Vienna ) . There are a number of variations you can build into this , but the above outlined trip is practical , common , and a lot of fun . The price , as I recall is about 55 EU per person . Plan on a FULL day for this , not a half day , and it is a lot of fun . It might be considered " touristy " , but that should not be viewed as a negative thing . We had a great time !
Posted by
Vienna, Austria
5494 posts
A few comments from someone who has done this numerous times...(as stated above this is a full day trip and well worth it; go from Melk as you will travel downstream which is faster.).
Take the train to Melk; get on the boat (Brandner or DDSG) to Durnstein (not Krems as the boat dock in Krems is really far from the Krems train station); you'll pass some lovely scenery; when you reach Durnstein hike up to the fortress on top of the hill overlooking the town - great views up there and interesting history. Definitely be sure to have an apricot dumpling at terrace of the Richard Lionheart Hotel/Restaurant before you leave Durnstein. Take the WL1 bus from Durnstein to Krems train station and then take the train back to Vienna.
For train schedules, check here:
http://www.oebb.at/en/index.jsp
For boat information, check here:
https://www.brandner.at/en/liner-cruises/timetable-fares/
http://www.ddsg-blue-danube.at/eng/cruises_wachau_sightseeing_cruises_wachau.php
For WL1 bus schedule, look here: