We will be flying into Munich in Aug. then traveling to Maria Alm, Austria where we will stay for a week. First we will need to get to Maria Alm. At the end of the week we need to return to Munich where we will travel with my daughter and friend (students in Munich ) to eastern europe for 5 or 6 days. They want to rent a car for this trip.
Questions:
Re: getting to Maria Alm, I know we can go to Salzburg by train, then bus to Maria Alm, but can't find a website with clear information. If anyone has made this trip, we would appreciate any tips.
Re: traveling to eastern europe, is a car rental the best option when you figure in cost of gas? It would make luggage easier, and more options for cheap lodging, but maybe overall, the train is easier? We would like to see Slovenia, Croatia and maybe Budapest, but that may be too much for 6 days. Thanks for any tips for getting to Maria Alm and car vs. train for eastern europe.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
According to www.bahn.de, you can get as far as Saarfelden by train. Booked in advance, you can get an Europa-Spezial Österreich fare of 19€ on some routes. After you get summary timetables, click on "Details for all" to see the connecting points.
Posted by
Hendersonvlle, NC
486 posts
Want to see the cities? Car is bad idea. Will be a millstone. No parking. Tough traffic. You will hate it.
And save you money? Not likely. You will find staying in the center of things "saves" because it saves on hassle, saves big time in time wasted, saves enjoyment when you walk the streets in the evenings (which is perfectly safe in cities.
If you have never been to Europe, you will find things a lot different there when it comes to public transportation (excellent), staying out of town and driving in to see things (ugh).
For the countryside, a car can be very convenient.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
1 posts
Yes, check the DB website, you can get to Saalfelden by train, then take the bus. As for driving in eastern europe, it depends on what you want to do. If you want to see the countryside and small towns between the cities, a car is advisable, but don't drive in the cities themselves. Park and take public transportation or walk to get around.
If cities are your main goal in the tour, you will be happy without a car. Leave extra luggage at your daughters place if she is in Munich. You won't need much but toiletries and a couple changes of clothes for a 6 day tour of 2-3 countries, this can all fit in a rucksack that won't be a drag on the trains.
Cost-wise, its a toss-up. It really depends more on what your goals are. If seeing the country is more important than exploring cities in depth, a car will be invaluable. If you manage to get a diesel, you will save on gas. And you will certainly save on time getting around with a car. But they are no fun in cities.