I am participating on Rick Steves tour to Eastern Europe. Our tour ends at Lake Bled in Slovenia. I have been trying for
2 days to try to make train reservations to Vienna. When I go to the train link from Rick Steves and input the info
Lesce-Bled to Villach, Villach to Vienna I keep getting a red notification unable to process request. I went to the link to German
railroads and they give me the schedule and there I again input the information but again are unable to process ticket requests for this train travel. Has anyone been able to make these online reservations? Has anyone made this trip? Did you need reservations?
I would very much appreciate all feedback and assistance. Thank you
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
These trains don't require reservations. The German site is the best for schedules everywhere, but only sells tickets that touch Germany. This Austrian ticket can be cheaper if purchased in advance on the Austrian web site, but that does not accept all US credit cards. So far, I understand www.trainline.eu is the only other agent that can access the discount rates. You can also buy tickets at another train station or travel agency that might be convenient during your trip.
Posted by
the Netherlands
2487 posts
Lesce-Bled to Villach doesn't need a reservation. Buy the ticket at the station. They'll speak English (as everybody in Slovenia seems to do).
Villach to Vienna is better done with an advance-bought ticket. Use the website of the OEBB (Austrian railways) or, when that's more convenient, Loco2 or Trainline, both of which offer the same discounts as the OEBB.
Posted by
OP
5 posts
Laura, thank you for your assistance. So what I understand then, is that I don't need reservations and can get tickets on the
day of or day before departure from Leste-Bled is that correct?
Posted by
OP
5 posts
Thank you for the information on the train travel.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17438 posts
You can get a great price on the journey if you buy it on ÖeBB 2-3 months in advance.
Do not split the two segments; put in Bled-Lesce to Vienna. We paid around €42 each for first class by booking ahead.
Posted by
OP
5 posts
Thank you Lola I will do that.
Posted by
Bavaria
2480 posts
You can book the entire trip at www.oebb.at. A 2nd class saver fare ticket is €24.90 if booked well in advance, the reservation from Villach to Vienna (no reservation for the short Lesce-Villach leg) is €3. 2nd class on the Austrian Railjet is fine, and on the Slovenian train the difference between 1th and 2nd class is almost inexistent.
Posted by
OP
5 posts
Thank you everyone for your assistance. What a knowledgeable and generous group you all are. Thank you again.