I will be in Vienna for 4 days in late May . I want to do a day trip to Melk. There seem to be plenty of trains. Do I need to book and reserve in advance. I hope to wait until I am there in hopes of getting a good weather day.
Thanks
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19092 posts
The fastest connection from Vienna to Melk is by RailJet and regional train in 49 min. IC and regional train takes 1h1m. Both have a change to a regional train in St. Pölten. Direct regional trains take 1h21m. There are no seat reservations for regional trains. You just buy your ticket and get on. If there are seats available, you find one. If not, you stand. ICs and RailJets have seat reservations available for a nominal price. Except for a few busy days, like national holidays, there will be seats available. Even when all seats are occupied, many will not be reserved. You should be able to get a seat reservation on the day of travel, or, for sure, the day before. That said, there are a few holidays in May (Ascension day and Pentacost), so make sure you prepare for that. If you are traveling with someone, you can buy an Einfach Raus Ticket, an all-day pass for regional trains, for 32€ for 2-5 people. Looking at the Austrian Rail website, it appears that a ticket for a reservable express train (RJ or IC) along with a regional train would be 32,60€ per person each way.
Posted by
OP
Dartmouth, NS, Canada
213 posts
Thanks
That day ticket should be great. I am already planning to use the similar one available on the German rail network.
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19092 posts
Note, I did say "If you are traveling with someone". The Einfach-Raus ticket cannot be used by a solo traveler.
Posted by
white plains, ny, usa
4140 posts
Please allow me to add an additional point or two . As Lee explained , the Einfach Raus ticket is a good deal but it is for 2 -5 travelers , no solo . As well ,if you travel during the weekdays , it is not valid until after 9am . If your plans include the two hour cruise downriver to Krems and some time there as well before returning to Vienna , you might want to consider getting an earlier start from Vienna , You also might want to look at a package or Kombi - ticket available from ddsg .at that includes rail trip to Melk - Cruise Melk - Krems and Rail trip Krems - Vienna . The Kombi ticket also includes admission to Melk Abbey . The price appears to be 57 EU per person . ( additional 20% discount for seniors ( like me ) . Take a look to see what works best for you . It appears that you shouldn't have any problem buying it in Vienna to allow for good weather . P.S. The Einfach Raus ticket is good any time on Saturday or Sunday , so keep this all in mind as you plan .
Posted by
Magyarország / Rep of Texas
17908 posts
Joni If Melk interests you, you might look into the Archabbey at Pannonhalma. Its just outside of Gyor which is a 1.4 hour train ride. http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pannonhalma_Archabbey I have seen them both and enjoyed Pannonhalma slightly more because it was more true to the original purpose. Both are worth the time. Dp Pannonhalma on Sunday and hear the monks reciting.