TRAINING AUSTRIA WITH INTERRAIL

18 Jun TRAINING AUSTRIA WITH INTERRAIL

 

I simply love traveling by train.

In a World that seems to go fastest every day, the train is the only mean that stopped to listen – and look.

Train is the most scenic mean you could choose.

You sit, enjoy the landscape, and arrive.

Traveling with the train you don’t need to be bothered by squeezing your effects into a tiny hand luggage, having to deal with pesky liquid restrictions or show up at check in hours in advance.

You simply have to get to the station, find your track and bam! You’re on the road.

That’s why I decided to choose the train for my trip to Vienna earlier this Easter.

And I did it with an Interrail pass.

 

IS IT INTERRAIL OR EURAIL?

 

If you are confused about Interrail or Eurail don’t worry: you are not alone.

The company has indeed two names, and there’s a reason for that: you can only travel with Interrail if you are a EU citizen, while you can only travel with Eurail if you are non-EU.

Did you know it? Read more on their websites.

 

HOW DO I BUY AN INTERRAIL/EURAIL TICKET?

 

First, choose whether you are going to travel throughout more countries, or just one. Based on that, and on which nationality you have (EU or not EU) you can choose from “global pass” to “one country pass” with Interrail -hence if you are EU nationality- or 4 different passes with Eurail -if you are non-EU nationality-.

Second, decide for how long you will need the pass.

Note that the pass is not valid for free travel in your own country of residence. In certain countries, you can get a discount on the train fare to and from the border or airport in the country that you live in. No discount is available in the UK.

To buy an Interrail/Eurail ticket simply go to their site and follow the instructions.

You will have to carefully fill the details of your pass, inclusive your passport details.

You are going to receive the pass directly at the address you indicated when purchasing the pass.

Keep in mind that you have to start using your pass within 6 month from the issue date!

 

HOW DO I USE MY INTERRAIL/EURAIL TICKET?

 

Now you received your pass and are ready to start your journey!

Yay!

In most cases you are ready to board your train and start your journey, but in some cases you’ll need to reserve your seat.

You have to compulsory reserve your place when you are traveling in a sleeping carriage!

You can book your reservation online at the train company’s portal, at the train station, but the easiest way I think it’s contacting Interrail’s reservation service directly. Read more here.

Before boarding your first train be sure you validate your ticket! This can be done but inserting it in one of the validating machines at the train station. If you’re not sure seek for help.

There’s another thing you have to remember to do: fill in your travel calendar. You will find it on your pass, and you need to fill it before you board your first train of the day. Don’t forget to do it as you risk to be fined by the train inspector!

 

TRAVELING BY NIGHT WITH INTERRAIL/EURAIL

 

As said, traveling in a sleeping carriage requires a reservation and often a surcharge fee.

However I think it can be quite comfy, and fun!

Choose the desired carriage, whether if you want a single, double, premium or shared carriage.

I traveled with my boyfriend so I felt comfortable in sharing a mixed carriage, however you also have the choice of female and male carriages with OBB.

OBB trains are quite clean and new, and breakfast is included!

 

on board OBB the ticket inspector wakes up in the morning with this tray 

how lovely is it??

 

WHY CHOOSING INTERRAIL FOR TRAVELING IN AUSTRIA?

 

Austria is an amazingly beautiful country, full of nature and dramatic landscapes.

The perfect country to be discovered by train!

If you are already traveling in Europe, consider a train trip to Vienna, a major Europe capital full of life and style!

Read more here about what to do in Vienna, and I can advice to check out Venere.com for great deals on accommodation!

If you intend to discover Austria with Interrail, good for you! Austria is blooming like a painting in spring and summer, and offer some great snow adventures during winter. During fall it’s romantic and cosy with all the color of the leaves and all the coffee shops you can hide in.

Beside Vienna, there’s a handful of other destinations in Austria, some of these would be the main cities as Salzburg, Graz and Villach, but also castles and other attractions such as Hohensalzburg and Hohenwerfen castles, the Sound of the Music Tour, and dozens of crystal clear  lakes offering lots of activities.

In wintertime Austria becomes one of the top skiing destinations, with miles of slopes to be discovered!

 

Have you ever used Interrail or Eurail?

What are your impressions or advices?