I’m planning to spend 4 nights in Vienna after the Eastern Europe RS tour this summer. My question is would it be worth GoOpti from Lake Bled to Vienna vs. flying from LJU to Vienna. The only reason I’m even considering it is with GoOpti I could get door to door service. But when I consider a 5 hour plus travel time vs. a 1 hour flight I think I might be over reacting to how tired I might be. Price is 87 euros for van compared to 155 euros to fly. What do you think, fly or shuttle van?
Posted by
Vienna, Austria
5507 posts
I think you should take the train.
Posted by
Pittsburgh
57 posts
GoOpti was used by some of our tour members from Lake Bled to Venice. They seemed to be satisfied with the service. I took Daytrip which offers the same type of door-to-door service from Lake Bled to Vienna. It is more expensive than GoOpti. The drive wasn't bad and it was quite scenic. When you consider travel time to and from airports plus transportation to and from the airports and the wait time before the flight, it's probably more efficient time-wise to take the shuttle van. And it's less expensive.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
Trains from Lesce Bled station take 5.5 hours with one connection at Villach and a full fare ticket costs about the same as the van, or train is cheaper if booked ahead at https://www.oebb.at/en/ (but some US users have had issues with credit card approval).
Or, if you decided to take the direct bus to spend another half day in Ljubljana, the direct train from there to Vienna departs at 15:45 to arrive at 22:00.
Posted by
Portland, Oregon
5687 posts
I'd take the train too - about 5:30 with a connection in Villach. Take the train from Lesce-Bled station (a bus or taxi ride from Bled).
I'd much rather relax on a train where I can get up and stretch my legs instead of being in a cramped van for five hours. But, I also love train travel and find it relaxing. Plus, only 19 euros per person from Villach to Vienna if you buy in advance. (Maybe 8 Euros from Bled to Villach; buy on the train.) Add taxis on both ends and still cheaper than a van, perhaps, but more changes. If you don't mind being cramped in the van for several hours, that's probably simpler.
Posted by
Seattle area
50 posts
I'd take the train.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17427 posts
We did this last year and took the train. I bought Sparpreis tickets in advance on ÖBB for around €40 per person. (That may have been First Class but I am not sure). The ride was pleasant and very scenic.
No problems with an American Express card, although we have heard other North American cards may not work as well.
If you are thinking of the flight, remember it is not just the one-hour flying time. You have to get to the airport from Bled, arriving 2 hours ahead, and then get from the Vienna airport into the city, which adds time and expense.
Posted by
OP
Gilbert, Az
31 posts
Thanks for the replies, I think I’ll do the train.
Posted by
Morrison, CO, USA
893 posts
this may not help you, but after our Eastern Europe tour we took a train to Munich. The trip was about the same time frame as the one you are talking about to Vienna. It was a beautiful ride and comfortable. And yes, we were all tired after that tour. There were 4 of us and both of the husbands pulled out their books to read and promptly fell asleep!
We've taken 7 RS tours and the Eastern Europe is one of our favorites! (We haven't had a bad one, yet!)
Have a Great Trip!
Mimi