I was searching train schedules from Innsbruck, Austria to Basel, Switzerland and found the only train is called Railjet. This requires reservations (not a problem) but I want to know if our Eurail pass (we have both Austria and Switzerland on our pass) is valid on this train. Anyone ridden one of these? Is this a new high-speed train? I have not looked yet, but would a better option be to go from Innsbruck to Zurich and then to Basel from Zurich? Thank you for your assistance.
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19274 posts
RailJet is a high speed train of the Austrian Rail system and travels in Austria, Germany, Switzerland, and Hungary. A rail pass for one of those countries is valid for travel on the RailJet in that country. See here for more information.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33845 posts
Railjets are good in my experience. Reservations are not mandatory but can be useful. I've seen people overflowing into the corridor.
Posted by
San Francisco
14980 posts
Hi, Yes, I've ridden Railjet but only from Munich to Vienna, 4+ hrs which used to take 6+ hrs., and within Austria, say Linz-Wien or vice versa. My Pass was accepted on the RJ. It's the best Austrian train and is faster than the Austrian InterCity or EC train. Laterally, the Railjet goes from Munich-Budapest. Reservations are not mandatory on the RJ, maybe suggested but not mandatory.
Posted by
OP
Leesburg, FL, USA
23 posts
Thank you all for your comments. Looking forward to the trip.
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19274 posts
I don't think that the RailJet runs between Zürich and Basel. It's an Austrian train. I'm even surprised that it carries passengers between Swiss towns (e.g., Zürich to Sargans). The RailJet from Salzburg to Munich does not make any other stops in Germany except the Munich Hbf.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33845 posts
Lee, if you are surprised that it carries passengers into Zurich, stopping as required, you may be even more surprised when it starts running into Venice.
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19274 posts
From Zürich to Venice? That would surprise me. If from Vienna or Salzburg to Venice, no. The EC from Munich goes to Venice. I'm not surprised that the RJ goes from the Tirol into Zürich, only that it stops in Sargens (CH), and you can buy tickets from Sargens to Zürich. The RJ to Munich does not make stops at stations in Germany on it'w way to Munich. It doesn't even stop in München Ost like most express trains do.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33845 posts
It isn't clear to me from which city the Railjet will head south but it was clear in a release that one of their goals is to reach Venice. Watch this spot...