I am spending some time in Hungary in May and would like to visit Vienna for a few days at the end of my trip, with 4 other family members. Trying to find the best, economical transportation. I have tried to see schedules and book a train through the Oebb website but can't get it translate to English. Also, not sure if there is a train station at the Budapest airport or how to get to the closest one from the airport. I was thinking I could buy them when i first arrive but not sure where to go to do that. Does anyone have any info/website on where i can purchase advance tickets to save money? I would rather not book the day of departure. thank you!
Posted by
Magyarország / Rep of Texas
20161 posts
Hello!!
If it were me, and i was going directly from the airport to Vienna, then i would take a taxi from the airport to Keleti Station and purchase the tickets there. BUT, the tickets cost a bit more that way. The taxi is easy and convenient and will cost you about $25.
You can purchase the tickets on line from the HUNGARIAN rail service. http://elvira.mav-start.hu/ but you have to print the tickets in the train station when you arrive. Still, its somewhat cheaper.
You CAN "book" the day of departure. I have never seen a full train. There are enough trains that if you can not get on one, get on the next. Or when you are sightseeing include a trip to the train station along with a visit to the NY Cafe.
Posted by
the Netherlands
2487 posts
The OEBB site has an English version. You get it by activating the Union Jack somewhere at the top of the page.
Be aware that the e-mail they send you, is not the actual ticket! To get that you have to activate the link in the e-mail, and select the option sending the tickets as pdf.
Posted by
Magyarország / Rep of Texas
20161 posts
Clicking on the Union Jack will only get you English, not English. For real English you need an American flag.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thank you for the info. So, the Keliti station is the closest to the airport? The options the mav website gave me is Ferihegy for the airport. I want to make sure I book the right station. I am actually arriving in Hungary the week before, and traveling into small towns. Do you have any idea if there are train stations I could purchase the tickets in advance from Rede, Tatabanya, Balaton or Dunaujavaros? Thanks for your time!
Posted by
Magyarország / Rep of Texas
20161 posts
Ferihegy is the name of the airport. You will be leaving Keleti for Vienna. There are a few other options but I suggest going to Keleti will be easiest. As for the other towns, check the MAV site. Keep in mind that Budapest is the rail hub, so if you want to go to 2 towns equal distance from Budapest you would have to return to Budapest, board another train back out. There are some exceptions, but not many. I bet you end up riding some busses.