Hello all.
Is there anything important we should be aware of when moving between countries in Europe by train? We will fly into Prague, stay 4-5 days), then on to Budapest for a week. Train back to Vienna for a night or 2 and then take the OBB train to Venice for a few days before heading to Vicenza for awhile. Flying home from Milan at the end. We are familiar with Italy's train system, but wondering if anything special needed for the trains between countries, and how far in advance we need to book, if that's a concern at all. I know the OBB train to Venice will need to be booked ahead, but what about the others? Also, I know Vienna is between Prague and Budapest, but we have reasons for doing it in this order so it's intentional. Please advise if you have any tips or info that might be important to know as to booking or security, etc. - thanks!
Posted by
SE Pennsylvania
3385 posts
The answer to pretty much any train question can be found at this well regarded site:
https://www.seat61.com/
Posted by
Republic of Texas / U.S.A. / Magyarország / Budapest
27403 posts
I would fly Prague to Budapest if you are traveling on a day with a morning direct flight. It will save 3 hours. Train is fine too. Shop the Czech Rail and MAV (Hungarian) and buy the cheapest. Get a seat reservation. Buy maybe 3 weeks prior to help ensure the best price.
Budapest to Vienna, shop OBB but I bet MAV is cheaper, again a seat reservation and 3 weeks prior.
Posted by
Republic of Texas / U.S.A. / Magyarország / Budapest
27403 posts
I'll send you a PM with a little more.
Posted by
OP
79 posts
Thanks all.
Posted by
Republic of Texas / U.S.A. / Magyarország / Budapest
27403 posts
From Prague you will arrive at the Eiffel constructed Nyugati Train Station. In front of the station is the 4/6 Tram that goes, among other places, to the Oktogon on Andrassy ut. Under the station is the M3 Metro which will take you to Deák Ferenc tér. The M1 Metro connects the Oktogon with Deák Ferenc tér (or just as good to walk); and the best place to stay while visiting Budapest, in my mind, is between the Oktogon and Deák Ferenc tér.
Posted by
Arctophilia (x-27), Northamptonshire, England
37198 posts
just keep your passports handy
Posted by
Arctophilia (x-27), Northamptonshire, England
37198 posts
inter-Schengen is pretty much the same as inter-Italy. Sometimes booking early saves money, and seat reservations can help with crowding.
Posted by
Freedonia
19485 posts
Theorectically, all of those countries are in Schengen so there should be no border controls between countires.
However, as Nigel stated, it's a good idea to have your passport handy just in case one country decides to re-enact passport checks on the train. (Like Germany is doing.). They will come on board. You won't have to get off.
Posted by
Sioux Falls, SD, USA
3351 posts
We just trained between Oslo-Copenhagen and Copenhagen-Berlin (some bus). No passport, no hassles.
Posted by
Republic of Texas / U.S.A. / Magyarország / Budapest
27403 posts
On more than half of my trips between Budapest and Vienna I have seen Austrian border police checking passengers at "random" on the train. I don’t think Austria has to formally initiate anything to do that. I said "random" because those being checked all had the same characteristics.
I think the Prague train goes through Slovakia, but I wouldn't be surprised if they utilized the same behavior.
So don’t bury your passport too deep just for your own convenience just in case. And don't forget Hungary requires you to carry it always. But bury it deeply because in over 20 years of visits and 4 years of living here I've been asked twice.
Posted by
OP
79 posts
Nevermind, was gonna ask what characteristics, but (a) don't wanna put you in a position of having to elaborate and (b) likely same as here in US, so will assume it's the same racist BS and act accordingly.
Posted by
121 posts
The Man in Sest 61 is the train expert on just about every route in Europe. He has a website, but have also e mailed him privately with a question. His website is invaluable
Posted by
L'Occitanie, France
12042 posts
We just trained between Oslo-Copenhagen and Copenhagen-Berlin (some bus). No passport, no hassles.
One past experience by one person on one route is irrelevant since rules and situations can change on a dime.
Posted by
Republic of Texas / U.S.A. / Magyarország / Budapest
27403 posts
Elizabeth, the Spanish agree with you. I would imagine my kids would too. Not everyone on the forum confirms to the Rick Steves client stereotype.