This fall we are planning to visit Germany, Austria and Switzerland. We have decided a 3 country rail pass will work well for us. It is my understanding that when we travel from Berlin to Vienna, we would need to buy a ticket for the portion of the trip that passes through Czechoslovakia. My question is where and when do we buy this ticket? Is it possible to buy it online before we leave?
Thank you for your help
Jon
Not a direct answer, but are you aware that routing via Fulda and Würzburg and staying completely within Germany and Austria is actually 4 minutes faster than the no-change and 14 minutes faster than the one change, both of which route via Prague?
Also, there was a "velvet revolution" in 1989 after which Czechoslovakia ceased to exist. You might be riding through the Czech Republic. There is no Czechoslovakia any more.
Are you sure the rail pass works out for you? Sounds like it is already causing problems. Are you also aware you can buy a ticket from DB for 39 Euro for this journey (Berlin to Vienna)?
Hi,
Yes, there is a route Berlin Hbf to Vienna (Wien Westbahnhof) that goes through the Czech Republic and since your 3 country Pass does not cover transit in the CR, just buy a ticket at any DB ticket counter for that portion of the ride.
BUT, I don't recommend that, that's extra cost on top of your Pass. No need to pay extra to go through the CR. With your Pass you can do the entire route Berlin-Vienna w/o paying extra.
What I do in your case going from Berlin to Vienna day or night is to transfer in Munich, ie, go Berlin-Munich Hbf direct on the ICE, then transfer to the Rail Jet train to Wien West.. This way all costs are covered by your Pass since you're going through Germany and Austria, both of which listed on your Pass, unless you want to get a reservation for either or both legs, neither of which is mandatory.
If your Select Pass is 1st class, you may sit in 1st or 2nd class in the ICE or the RJ. If not, just hop on the ICE, look for seats w/o any electronic writing above the seat eg. Berlin-Leipzig or if the electronic wording is "bahn.de," that's ok too...the seat is unoccupied. In 2nd class the reservation is ca. 4-5 Euro.
Thank you all for your replies. As a basically novice train traveler, you have given me a lot to think about and some great suggestions. Thanks again.
Jon
