I will be traveling on this December 4 from Venice northward to Villach Austria and ultimately to Velden am Worthsee. I have been researching travel options and expected to take a train, however, I see a bus from Venice to Villach HBF that has more reasonable departure times and shorter travel times than the train schedules I have identified. Does anyone know anymore about these buses, do their rates remain stable, and are they reliable for travel in the winter?
Any information is appreciated, I am taking my fiancée for a spa day at the Schloss Hotel Velden on the way to Vienna and very much want to make it memorable for her!
Thanks,
Peter
Posted by
Chicago
8233 posts
It looks like Flixbus is one of the bus options I would recommend.
https://www.flixbus.com/bus-routes/bus-venice-villach
However if you think of taking the bus make the decision when you get there so you have an idea of the weather conditions
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
The buses shown in rail timetables are operated by the Austrian railway (OBB) and perfectly reliable. They use comfortable, large touring buses, as do most long-distance coach operators in Europe. Tickets include a seat reservation. However, if you choose the train departing Venezia S. Lucia station at 15:55, it goes directly to your destination with no connection. These train and bus tickets, like most long-distance transport in western Europe, are currently for sale at advance-discount rates for a limited number of seats onboard. Tickets purchased closer to departure usually cost more. If www.trenitalia.it sells the ticket, then that's usually easier for US credit card approval.
Posted by
Vienna, Austria
5534 posts
What you are seeing is a very nice bus operated by OeBB, Austrian Rail Service. Double decker. Sit in the front row on the top level (reserve your seats) and you’ll be treated to fantastic views. Very nice ride, very nice bus. This is not cheapo buslines.
Posted by
OP
Rough and Ready, Ca, USA
69 posts
Thank you all for your replies, I am convinced that the bus is the way to go! I saw the late afternoon bus , but will prefer to take the mid-morning bus as it will give us more time in Velden am Worthsee and the afternoon bus will be traveling much of the time after dark when we won't be able to partake in the views.