Europe Trains Guide Forum

General discussion => Travel plans, routes and timetables => Topic started by: greencat on January 15, 2010, 05:02:06 pm

Title: Vacation train help
Post by: greencat on January 15, 2010, 05:02:06 pm
Hi Thanks for a great web site

I'm trying to determine our route for our 2 week vacation. This maybe too many cities to do in 2 weeks. We will arrive in Warsaw and leave from Warsaw. I was thinking about the following

Warsaw -> Krakow -> Prague -> Vienna or Salzburg -> Berlin ->Olsztyn (poland) -> Warsaw

I would like to use an overnight train where possible. What do you think?
Title: Re: Vacation train help
Post by: tUt on January 16, 2010, 12:11:14 am
Sequence of destinations seems pretty good, especially if you want to maximize overnight journeys:
Warsaw-Krakow starts from 35 PLN - can be purchased online at https://bilet.intercity.pl/irez/ , but overnight journey will be rather short since only takes app. 5 hours (TLK53202 - 00:32-5:57)
Krakow-Prague costs at the moment from app. 37 euro (seat) for direct overnight train (22:11-6:51), but you can travel cheaper - if you are interested we can advice you how ;)
No options for overnight Prague to Salzburg, but you can travel cheap during daytime with Czech railways eTicket (https://eshop.cd.cz/international/search_cd-obb.aspx?lang=E), Prague-Vienna overnight train (00:37-6:22), tickets start from 40 euro (seats). During daytime 19 euro eTickets available.
Vienna/Salzburg-Berlin should be purchase in advance from OEBB or DB websites (start from 39 euro, daytime from 29 euro)
In case of Berlin-Olsztyn it is easier and cheaper to go via Kostrzyn on Polish-German border or Szczecin. From Berlin you take regional train to Kostrzyn or Szczecin (10.5 or 16.7 euro). From there you can get overnight rides to Warsaw, then to Olsztyn. All the timetables and fares for Polish domestic parts here - http://rozklad-pkp.pl/
Berlin-Warsaw/Olsztyn daytime from 29 euro (purchased in advance)

Good luck
Title: Re: Vacation train help
Post by: greencat on January 19, 2010, 03:25:28 pm
Thank you for your help and I welcome all of your advice. We are now thinking that we may go to Budapest instead of Berlin. We need to start our trip in Warsaw and we need to end it by going to Oslztyn Poland and then Warsaw. If we wanted to see Krowku, Prauge, Salzburg (maybe Vienna) and Budapest. What route would you suggest? Thank You
Title: Re: Vacation train help
Post by: tUt on January 19, 2010, 03:51:56 pm
First thing which comes in mind to make a small trick:
Purchase Krakow-Budapest-Krakow return ticket for app.90 euro (can be bought any time), then board overnight train Krakow-Prague (part Krakow-Bohumin both connections Krakow-Prague and Krakow-Budapest are the same), so you'll show you Krakow-Budapest ticket till Bohumin and after simply buy Czech domestic ticket Bohumin on board from conductor or in advance here - https://eshop.cd.cz/search.aspx (costs 433 CZK), then do a side trip Prague-Salzburg-Prague using CD  eTickets, after get domestic Pragua-Breclav ticket (375 CZK) and board overnight Prague-Budapest train (from Breclav to Budapest you'll use rest of your Krakow-Budapest ticket). In case you don't plan to stop in Vienna, then just board Budapest-Krakow train and use your return ticket. If you want to see Vienna, then simply make a stop in Bratislava and get Bratislava-Vienna return ticket for 11 euro, after come back to Bratislava and board same Budapest-Krakow train there. In case you aren't alone CD group passes (SONE+) can be considered for Czech domestic part. 
Title: Re: Vacation train help
Post by: greencat on January 20, 2010, 02:12:50 pm
Thank you - I think I understand the trick. The train goes from Krakow to Budapest by passing in Czech. I get off in Bohumin and make my side trips to Salzburg or anywhere else using local trains then return to Pragua - Breclav to complete the trip to Budapest. Very good idea. Does the return train go through Czech to return to Krakow and if so does this add a lot of time to the trip? Also is there a train from Krakow to Olsztyn? Should I get a sleeper car from Krakow to Bohumin or is the trip too short? Thanks Again - you have been very helpful.
Title: Re: Vacation train help
Post by: tUt on January 20, 2010, 02:55:08 pm
Ok, so your ticket Krakow-Budapest-Krakow will be issued via Zebrzydowice, Bohumin, Prerov, Breclav, Bratislava hl.st. (check location of those on the map - http://www.bueker.net/trainspotting/map.php?file=maps/czechia/czechia.gif). And I would not advice you to get off the train in Bohumin. Simply purchase Bohumin-Praha ticket from CD eShop (link above) in advance and print it on your own, then purchase couchette or sleeper and when boarding overnight Krakow-Praha train simply show the conductor all three pieces (Krakow-Budapest ticket for the part Krakow-Bohumin and printed eTicket for Bohumin-Praha), in this case you don't even need to wake up at night ;) The train you need here is R 400 "Silesia" (departs Bohumin 2:10), it carries carriages from Krakow to Prague.
Same story with Prague-Budapest - you purchase eTicket Pragua-Breclav, sleeper or couchette Praha-Budapest and board overnight train to Budapest, for Breclav-Budapest part you have Krakow-Budapest ticket.
There are no direct overnight trains from Krakow to Olsztyn, but there are nice connections possible:
1) you board overnight train TLK35202 Zakopane-Gdynia in Krakow at 23:20 and get off the train in the morning at Iława Główna  7:52, at 8:05 there is regional train 30131 to Olsztyn (there at 9:10)
2) you board overnight train TLK35512 Krynica-Gdynia in Krakow at 00:09, then get off at Toruń Główny at 8:06. From Torun to Olsztyn there is InterRegio train IR 75133 at 8:39, in Olsztyn you are at 10:49

Title: Re: Vacation train help
Post by: greencat on January 20, 2010, 03:19:09 pm
Thank you very much - I could not plan this trip without your help. If you don't mind I may have a few more questions as we get closer to the trip. Again thank you.
Title: Re: Vacation train help
Post by: tUt on January 20, 2010, 03:35:38 pm
If you don't mind I may have a few more questions as we get closer to the trip.
Sure, we here to help other fellow travelers  ;)
Title: Re: Vacation train help
Post by: greencat on January 26, 2010, 05:30:35 pm
Hello

We may fly into Krakow instead of Warsaw. I tried to look for a train from Krakow to Olsztyn. It appeared that the travel time was 14 hours. Does that seem right? Thanks
Title: Re: Vacation train help
Post by: tUt on January 26, 2010, 05:40:48 pm
I tried to look for a train from Krakow to Olsztyn. It appeared that the travel time was 14 hours. Does that seem right?
It doesn't look like good connection. We already posted for you overnight variants above (9:50 and 11:40), daytime trips take from 6:16 to almost 8 hours -
(http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/4408/krakowolsztyn.jpg) (http://img513.imageshack.us/i/krakowolsztyn.jpg/)
As you can see, all of variants given by Polish Railway require at least one change.
Title: Re: Vacation train help
Post by: greencat on January 26, 2010, 08:12:44 pm
Thank You
Title: Re: Vacation train help
Post by: greencat on February 05, 2010, 08:53:32 pm
Thanks again for your help. I think we have finalized our trip.
Train trip - Kracow to Budapest with stops in Prague and Salzberg. We were then thinking about flying from Budapest to Warsaw then train to Olsztyn. We were thinking about flying that leg because we are running out of time. I think that way we can leave Budapest at 9:30 and arrive at Olsztyn 16:30.
Title: Re: Vacation train help
Post by: tUt on February 08, 2010, 10:05:02 am
Well, it's your choice whether to fly or not. We can just conclude that it is rather hard task to fly cheap from Hungary to Poland - no direct low-cost airlines, but you can manage it anyway with a change or direct regular airline - just make sure you've checked all the offers.
Krakow-Prague by train - already described, Prague-Salzburg - as well. Doing Salzburg-Budapest by train isn't that cheap - from 39 euro (online and in advance from OEBB website)
 
Title: Re: Vacation train help
Post by: greencat on February 08, 2010, 08:59:34 pm
Thank you for your help. If we had the time I would travel from Budapest to Olsztyn by train. How long do you think the train trip would be from Budapest to Olsztyn Poland?

Your comment about Salzburg to Budapest surprised me. I was planning on purchasing a train ticket from Krakow to Budapest. Then I would use local trains for the side trips to Prague and Salzburg.
Title: Re: Vacation train help
Post by: tUt on February 09, 2010, 02:48:29 pm
The problem with going Krakow-Prague-Salzburg-Prague-Breclav-Budapest with a ticket Krakow-Budapest and additional "side" trip tickets Bohumin-Prague, Prague-Salzburg-Prague, Prague-Breclav is the fact that Krakow-Budapest one way ticket costs 75 euro, while return only 90 euro (there are special return discount). So in case you plan to come back by train from Budapest to Krakow, then it worth buying return ticket for 90 euro, but in case you will use Krakow-Budapest one way, then the total sum will be: Krakow-Budapest (75 euro+sleeper); Bohumin-Prague (433 CZK); Prague-Salzburg-Prague (2*19 euro); Prague-Breclav (375 CZK)=app. 145euro for the whole trip.
On the contrary straight forward tickets for the route Krakow-Prague-Salzburg-Budapest will cost you app. 36 euro(Krakow-Prague)+19 euro (Prague-Salzburg)+39 euro(Salzburg-Budapest)=app.95 euro + by such route you'll save time by not coming back to Prague from Salzburg and going straight to Budapest.
To conclude: in case you plan to fly from Hungary to Poland, then go straight without any side trips, if you plan to go back by train - then it's worth to purchase 90 euro return ticket Krakow-Budapest and use side trips tickets.

Option by train from Budapest to Olsztyn will take app. 18 hours in case you use overnight train from Budapest to Poland. During daytime it is possible to manage in app.15 hours. In both case two changes are required. Both variants aren't via Krakow, but directly - via Katowice-Warszawa.
Title: Re: Vacation train help
Post by: greencat on February 09, 2010, 03:19:18 pm
Thank you for your help.
Title: Re: Vacation train help
Post by: greencat on February 10, 2010, 10:33:00 pm
I'm re-thinking the idea of flying to Warsaw. If I took a late night train I could say the cost of one nights accommodations.

What time would an overnight train with a sleeper leave Budapest to Olsztyn Poland? Also do you know the time we would change trains?

Thank you again for all of your help. You have saved me a lot of time and money!
Title: Re: Vacation train help
Post by: tUt on February 11, 2010, 08:00:46 pm
What time would an overnight train with a sleeper leave Budapest to Olsztyn Poland? Also do you know the time we would change trains?
For instance:
(http://img682.imageshack.us/img682/130/budapestolsztyn.jpg) (http://img682.imageshack.us/i/budapestolsztyn.jpg/)

But you can use other options from Warsawa as well - there are buses from Warsaw (Dworzec Zachodni) to Olsztyn at 7:45 (http://www.pksbilety.pl/Route/Info/239189/239203) and 9:00 etc.
Title: Re: Vacation train help
Post by: greencat on February 11, 2010, 09:11:53 pm
Thank You

This seems like a very good alternative. We would actually get there sooner then the plane since we are traveling overnight.
Title: Re: Vacation train help
Post by: greencat on March 19, 2010, 07:22:51 pm
Hello - We have our final schedule and I have a few questions

Warsaw to Krakow
Arrive at WAW at 14:30 I see there is a train at 15:30 & 16:15

Krakow to Prague - Overnight train – Is there more then one overnight and is one better (fewer stops and more chance to sleep)

Prague to Salzburg

Salzburg to Budapest - Overnight – Is there more then one overnight and is one better (fewer stops and more chance to sleep)

Warsaw to Olsztyn – Train or possibly bus

Should we purchase tickets ahead of time to save money? I was thinking on buying the next leg of the trip when we arrive at the new location. Any suggestions on saving money?

Thanks for all of your help.


Title: Re: Vacation train help
Post by: tUt on March 19, 2010, 10:36:45 pm
Warsaw to Krakow
Arrive at WAW at 14:30 I see there is a train at 15:30 & 16:15
15:34 train is much cheaper, since it is InterRegio.
40 PLN vs. 110 PLN (as of today)
Krakow to Prague - Overnight train – Is there more then one overnight and is one better (fewer stops and more chance to sleep)
There is only one overnight train, so no choice here. Already talked about ticket options on the route
Prague to Salzburg
  Purchase ticket in advance here - https://eshop.cd.cz/international/search_cd-obb.aspx
Salzburg to Budapest - Overnight – Is there more then one overnight and is one better (fewer stops and more chance to sleep)
  Same story - only one overnight train (next direct train to Budapest is only at 4:22 am). Purchase ticket in advance from DB website - http://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query.exe/en?newrequest=yes&protocol=http:&
Warsaw to Olsztyn – Train or possibly bus
Bus is possible - http://www.pksbilety.pl/
Title: Re: Vacation train help
Post by: greencat on March 22, 2010, 02:39:00 pm
Thanks for your help  :)
Title: Re: Vacation train help
Post by: greencat on March 22, 2010, 06:45:16 pm
Hello

I was looking at the connections from Salzburg to Budapest. I see that the direct train can get there in about 6 hours but some take up to 12 hours. Is this a slower train or a different route or do we change trains? Can you tell me which one would have a sleeping car?

Thank You
Title: Re: Vacation train help
Post by: tUt on March 22, 2010, 07:17:04 pm
Sleeping cars are available in trains EN 463 (http://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/traininfo.exe/en/55728/141074/28362/4395/80?ld=96136&seqnr=6&ident=59.05608136.1269281559&date=23.03.10&station_evaId=8100002&station_type=dep&currentReferrer=tp&rt=1&) and EN 467 (http://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/traininfo.exe/en/177378/199442/646322/264035/80?ld=96136&seqnr=8&ident=59.05608136.1269281559&date=23.03.10&station_evaId=8100002&station_type=dep&currentReferrer=tp&rt=1&)
Those connections which take 12-13 hours are indirect, require changes and much more expensive. So it is better to stick with previously mentioned EuroNight trains.
Title: Re: Vacation train help
Post by: greencat on March 22, 2010, 09:39:19 pm
I apologize. I don’t think I understand my options. We want to travel from Salzburg to Budapest. I like the idea of riding in a sleeping car on the train if there are no connections where we would need to wake up. It sounds like fun and we would save a night’s stay at a hotel.

What is the EuroNight train?
Title: Re: Vacation train help
Post by: tUt on March 22, 2010, 09:55:40 pm
What is the EuroNight train?
If to keep it simple - overnight train, which has not only seating, but some sleeping cars.
Both EuroNight trains #463 (Munich-Salzburg-Budapest) and #467 (Zurich-Salzburg-Budapest) are direct trains. You board them in Salzburg and get off in Budapest - no need to change trains. Exact timetable for both is given in the previous post.
The problem for your here is that Salzburg-Budapest journey is only 6+ hours long, so your best option here is Munich-Budapest train #463 (arrives to Salzburg 1:17 am, departs 2:17, arrives to Budapest at 8:49am).
All other overnight options are even worth - require multiple changes and the cost of the ticket for those is higher comparing to 29 euro tickets for train #463.
Title: Re: Vacation train help
Post by: greencat on March 23, 2010, 01:38:47 pm
Thanks for your help. I may need to re-think the timing. I thought the train time and distance were longer. I don't know what we would do in Salzburg until 2 in the morning. I need to see if we can change our plans in Budapest and arrive a day earlier.

I checked the web site and it shows 2 tickets Salzburg to Budapest are 152 Euros. Did I make a mistake on the web page or are there discounts to get cheaper tickets? Thanks

Salzburg Hbf
   Su, 16.05.10    dep    15:02    5:47    0    RJ    152,00 EUR
   Budapest-Keleti pu     Su, 16.05.10    arr    20:49

Salzburg Hbf
   Su, 16.05.10    dep    16:02    6:17    1    OEC, D    Fares not available
  Budapest-Keleti pu    Su, 16.05.10    arr    22:19  No OnlineTickets possible

Salzburg Hbf
   Su, 16.05.10    dep    17:00    5:49    0    RJ    152,00 EUR
  Budapest-Keleti pu    Su, 16.05.10    arr    22:49
                  
Title: Re: Vacation train help
Post by: tUt on March 23, 2010, 11:20:09 pm
Thanks for your help. I may need to re-think the timing. I thought the train time and distance were longer. I don't know what we would do in Salzburg until 2 in the morning.
You can actually board the train as soon as it arrives - at 1:17am, but it won't win you a only additional hour of sleep.
I checked the web site and it shows 2 tickets Salzburg to Budapest are 152 Euros. Did I make a mistake on the web page or are there discounts to get cheaper tickets?
76 euro per person = regular(standard) tariff for the route (such ticket can be purchased any time), but you need to search for discounted tickets. Those are shown below regular tariff :
(http://img256.imageshack.us/img256/1203/salzburgbudapest.jpg) (http://img256.imageshack.us/i/salzburgbudapest.jpg/)
Title: Re: Vacation train help
Post by: greencat on March 24, 2010, 01:19:45 pm
Thanks for your help. I think I am doing something wrong on the web site. I am looking at this site.
http://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/

and I don't see the discounted fares. I tried different dates including the date that you used 24.04.10
Title: Re: Vacation train help
Post by: tUt on March 24, 2010, 08:05:24 pm
Thanks for your help. I think I am doing something wrong on the web site. I am looking at this site.
http://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/
DB website sells only discounted tickets for the overnight trains. For daytime travel you need either to go to OEBB website (http://www.oebb.at/pv/en/Servicebox/Online-Ticket/index.jsp) or to purchase ticket not from Salzburg, but previous German station (like Traunstein, Prien a Chiemsee, Rosenheim or even Munich) - discounted fare is similar from all those destinations it's 39 euro.
Title: Re: Vacation train help
Post by: greencat on March 25, 2010, 01:03:55 pm
Thanks - I saved 74 Euros for 2 tickets. Are there discount tickets for the rest of my route or should I just buy them when I get to the city?

 I really appreciate your help. I couldn’t have done this trip without the help.
Title: Re: Vacation train help
Post by: tUt on March 25, 2010, 10:52:43 pm
Are there discount tickets for the rest of my route or should I just buy them when I get to the city?
As was already stated:
Prague to Salzburg
Purchase discounted ticket in advance here - https://eshop.cd.cz/international/search_cd-obb.aspx
While Warsaw to Krakow; Krakow to Prague; Warsaw to Olsztyn legs can be bought already at the station before departure.