We plan to take the rail from Ljubljana to Vienna in May 2012. We would prefer to begin our travels in the morning to allow us to see the country side. In Vienna, we will stay at Rick Steve's recommended accommodations in the Hofburg Quarter in the center of Vienna. We suspect that we will not need to purchase a rail pass. We have several questions. . . (1) What is the recommended connection to Vienna? (2) What is the best way to travel to the Hofburg Quarter? What should be our arrival station? (3) We are ages 74. and would like to obtain some type of senior discount. Any suggestions? (5) What is more suitable...1st or 2nd class? Costs? Frankly, we would prefer to meet and talk with folks on the train.
(6) Should we make reservations and/or purchase tickets on-line? Or, should we wait until we are in Slovenia?
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19092 posts
It looks like you best connection to Vienna is any of a number of 1 change (Villach, Austria) connections. If you book early online from Austrian Rail (www.oebb.at) you can get a reduced fare Sparschiene fare for as low as €29/P. Other than that, I would just buy my ticket in Slovenia, maybe the day before. I think with 2nd class you are more likely to meet people, but with today's aircraft style seating it's less likely than with the old compartments.