InterRail - InterRail

Interrail (InterRail was earlier spelling) offers travelers the possibility of Europe easily and cheaply with train to discover. 33 countries are currently participating in the program - including the small states included, the Interrail project extends to a total of 35 countries. The ticket is as One Country Pass for a single country or as a Global Pass available for all countries.

introduction

Interrail envelope with Pass Guide

Who can use Interrail passes?

The Interrail Pass can only be used by those who are either citizens of a European country or who have their main residence in a European country. Other travelers have to go to the Eurail pass dodge.

The countries are:

Åland Islands, Albania, Andorra, Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Faroe Islands, Finland, France, Gibraltar, Greece, Guernsey, Ireland, Iceland, Isle of Man, Italy, Jersey, Kosovo, Croatia, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, North Macedonia, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Sweden, Switzerland, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Svalbard and Jan Mayen, Czech Republic, Turkey, Hungary, Ukraine, Vatican, United Kingdom, Belarus and Cyprus.

Anyone who neither lives in one of the countries mentioned nor has a corresponding nationality cannot travel with an Interrail ticket, but has the option of buying a Eurail pass. The modalities are very similar to Interrail and can be used on eurail.com can be viewed.

Where are Interrail passes valid?

Countries where the passport is valid
2019: improvements

Advantages of Interrail passes purchased from 1.1.2019:

Longer periods of validity

The period of validity within 15 days has been canceled and extended to 1 month; for passes with 10 or 15 travel days within 1 month, the period of validity has been extended to 2 months.

Inexpensive global pass for 2 full months

New to the range are global passes that can be used daily within 2 or 3 months, whereby the 2-month global pass is very inexpensive with a surcharge of almost 10% compared to the 1-month global pass.

Less stress when traveling with Interrail
Due to the extension of the time periods in which the travel days can be used, the attractiveness of traveling with Interrail has increased significantly. This means that more time is available for the stay in the travel stations and you are not forced to check out everything worth seeing in the shortest possible time.
2019: deterioration
No co-traveler discount

The price category Saver has been eliminated and with it the 15% discount for joint travelers.

The 7pm rule has been deleted

The practical rule that if a night train departed after 7 p.m. the next day could be entered and one day could be saved has been deleted.
According to the new regulation, the day of departure must always be entered, but you can use the train to your destination the next day without entering the next day. However, if you change to another train, the next day must be entered as the travel day.

The 7 p.m. rule still applies to Interrail passes purchased before January 1st, 2019.
  • The following countries take part in Interrail:
  • It is valid in the following countries Not:
Albania, Kosovo, Moldova, Ukraine, Belarus and Russia

Pass types

"Month" always means the period of a month (flow date), for example the period from May 26th to June 25th.

Global Pass

This pass is valid in all countries participating in Interrail for any number of journeys on the selected days - except in their own country (Country of residence). But it can Global Passfor two trips in your own country can be used, from any train station to a border station or to the border or to an airport and back.

The Interrail Global Pass is available

  • as a flexible pass ("Flexipass") for
    • 4, 5 or 7 travel days of your choice within 1 month
    • 10 or 15 travel days of your choice within 2 months
  • as a "continuous pass" for
    • 15 or 22 consecutive days
    • 1, 2 or 3 months (for all days within the period of 1–3 months)

One Country Pass

This pass is only valid for one country, with the exception of the Benelux countries, for which there is a common passport. Available are 29 One Country Passes, for Bosnia-Herzegovina and Montenegro is no One Country Pass available.

A Interrail One Country Pass is available for

  • 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 travel days of your choice within 1 month ("Flexipass")

"Month" always means the period of a month (flow date), for example the period from July 11th to August 10th.

For the own country (Country of residence) may noOne Country Pass purchased or used. Some countries grant a One Country Pass (for the destination country) for the journey in your own country to the border or for transit 25% to 50% discount (depending on the country) on the regular single journey prices. But this is now the exception, and in most cases it is recommended Global Pass.

Age groups

The prices are staggered according to age groups:

  • Youth: Young people from 12 to under 28 years get the Interrail passes at a particularly low price (so-called. Youth Pass).
  • Adult:Full price people between 28 and 60 years of age have to pay (so-called Adult Pass).
  • Senior:Seniors from 60 years get the cheaper one Senior Pass.
  • Children under 4 years are generally transported free of charge and do not need their own passport, provided they do not use their own seat or berth. Children from 4 to under 12 years can travel free of charge when accompanied, provided this is specified when purchasing the card. You will receive a free child pass (Child Pass). A maximum of two children 4 <12 can have one per owner Adult Pass travel for free (rule only applies to Adult Pass-Owner, not for youth and senior tariff!). Children 4 <12 traveling alone pay the youth rate.

Prices

Interrail passes can be purchased a maximum of eleven months before departure, but the first day of validity must be specified when purchasing or ordering.

Global Pass

The list of all current prices can be found on oebb.at respectively can the prices on interrail.eu locate.

The "4 days within 1 month" option is not available in Germany at ticket counters, but only on the Interrail website.

For short trips, 5 or 7 travel days are sufficient, as you usually stay in a city for at least one day before continuing. Due to the extended validity period of 1 month, 5 or 7 days are sufficient even for trips with longer stays in the individual locations. For longer trips you already have 2 months with 10 and 15 travel days.
Frequent travelers should not overlook the fact that the global pass for 2 months costs only 10% more than the global pass for 1 month. The global pass for 3 months, on the other hand, is a lot more expensive.

One Country Pass

The prices vary from country to country, whereby the prices depend on the size of the rail network and the price level in the country as well as on the number of days of travel.

A list of all current prices for all countries can be found on oebb.at; Country-by-country access to prices and ordering of passes is possible on interrail.eu here.

There are 7 price levels (listed here in ascending order of price):

  • Price level 1: Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Croatia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Czech Republic, Turkey
  • Price level 2: Estonia, Greece, Portugal, Romania, Hungary
  • Price level 3: Benelux (Belgium Netherlands Luxembourg), Denmark, Finland, Republic of Ireland (including Northern Ireland)
  • Price level 4: Italy
  • Price level 5: France (incl. Monaco), Austria (incl. Liechtenstein), Switzerland
  • Price level 6: Norway, Sweden, Spain
  • Price level 7: Germany, Great Britain (excluding Northern Ireland)

The fact that France, with a rail network that is around six times the size of Austria and Switzerland, is on the same price level and Italy is even slightly lower, is an indication that an Interrail pass in France and Italy is not very profitable due to the widespread reservation requirement.

To note

Reservations

For certain trains such as TGV, Intercité, Thalys or Eurostar, surcharges have to be paid or there is a reservation obligation for a fee. Countries with many long-distance trains that require reservation, such as France, Italy and Spain, therefore spoil the enjoyment of the inexpensive Interrail pass.
For France in particular, an Interrail pass is hardly worthwhile due to the limited availability of seats in trains that require a reservation.

The Interrail website has some information on trains that require a reservation and that are subject to a surcharge:

Is it worth an Interrail pass?

An ÖBB Interrail ticket with the logbook in the background.

An Interrail pass offers the convenience of not having to buy individual tickets for different sections of the journey. If you want to pay more attention to the price, it is worth researching on the Internet how much the planned individual train journeys cost with a conventional ticket. In Eastern Europe, the tariffs are often so cheap that an Interrail pass may not be economically viable. In other countries such as Austria and Germany, if you are satisfied with regional trains, you can fall back on special offers: like that Across the country ticket and the country tickets (e.g. Bayern ticket) in Germany or that Simply get out ticket in Austria. It is also possible to get significantly cheaper train tickets if you book in advance for a longer period of time (e.g. from DB Saver price, at ÖBB Sparschiene, at SBB Supersaver tickets, at ČD First minute Europe), for example Budapest – Vienna for 13 euros instead of the regular 40 euros.

Important: Interrail passes are usually only valid with the state railway company. In many cases, private railways do not accept the Interrail Pass and the full fare has to be paid or at least a discounted ticket has to be bought. However, alternative rail providers are increasingly accepting Interrail passes on their trains (e.g. WESTbahn, RegioJet, Leo Express), and in some cases also on their buses. The passes are also valid in the S-Bahn operated by the participating railway companies, also in inner-city traffic, but not in subways, buses, etc. You should not count on being safe when checking, and in these cases you usually have to pay the fare dodger surcharge . In cases of doubt, you should therefore always clarify beforehand whether the ticket is valid for the planned route.

For some countries there are alternatives to Interrail passes: →Other European rail passes

Other means of transport

buses

Interrail passes are also increasingly valid for bus journeys. You should pay attention to reservation obligations. The bus routes include, for example, the international IC long-distance buses of Deutsche Bahn, for which only the small reservation fee is charged; The routes are served, among others Berlin–Krakow, Berlin–Copenhagen, Dusseldorf–Lille and Munich–Milan.

Ferries

Some ferry companies on the North Sea, Baltic Sea, Adriatic or in the Mediterranean give discounts on presentation of Interrail passes that are valid in the respective destination countries. The use of ferries is often not at the expense of the daily quota. A number of ferries between Italy and Greece can even be used free of charge by travelers who have a Global Pass or Single Country Passes for both Italy and Greece.

It will also be its own Greek Islands Pass offered, which is only valid on ferries; it is available for 5 or 6 journeys within 1 month. More information can be found on interrail.eu here.

countries

Countries where the passport is valid
(Note: Unfortunately, this website is not always up-to-date.)

Belgium

If you have an Interrail pass for Belgium acquires, automatically receives the joint pass for the three Benelux-States (see also the → Netherlands and → Luxembourg). An Interrail pass is valid on all trains running in the country.

Special features: There is a surcharge for the Brussels Airport Express. Reservations are required on TGV, Eurostar and Thalys trains, which incur additional costs.

Bosnia Herzegovina

There is none for this country One Country Pass. Whether the Global Pass is profitable, depends on how many other countries are also visited, since the train is in Bosnia and Herzegovina is extremely cheap. In addition, the country only has a very thin rail network.

The Balkan Flexipass does not apply in Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Bulgaria

Since train travel in Bulgaria Is extremely cheap, so consider getting one One Country Pass pays off.

For trips through several Balkan countries, the Balkan Flexipass be interesting (→Other European rail passes).

Denmark

All trains of the Danish state railways DSB can be used in Denmark can be used at no extra charge, as can the trains operated by the private railway companies Arriva, DSB S-tog and DSB First. The pass entitles you to a 50% discount on trains operated by the private Nordjyske Jernbaner. Reservations are possible but not mandatory.

International night trains require a reservation and can be used if the pass includes the countries crossed through (there is an additional charge for the couchette car). The ferries are also free of charge Rodby-Puttgarden and Helsingborg-Elsinore.

Germany

In Germany Unfortunately, there is a confusing bunch of federal and non-federal railway companies.

The Deutsche Bahn basically recognizes InterRail passes on all long-distance and local trains. The usual surcharge must be paid for night trains and the ICE Sprinter. Train lines in Baden-Württemberg that run through Swiss territory (this applies to all route connections via Basel Bad Bf and the Waldshut-Schaffhausen-Singen line) can be traveled with a One Country Pass for Germany.

As far as the SBB Operates railway lines in Germany, these are also included in the One Country Pass for Germany (exception: Jestetter Zipfel with Jestetten and Lottstetten), but Care: You can take the Schaffhausen S-Bahn from Erzingen to Schaffhausen, but continuing in the direction of Singen is only permitted on DB trains, not SBB trains!

The following non-federally owned railway companies also recognize InterRail passes:

Not acknowledged InterRail-Passe will be used in local transport lines of the following operators:

InterRail passes are available from the following operators only on certain lines accepted:

Source: https://www.diebefoerderer.de/uploads/media/Internationale_Passangebote.pdf

The Interrail Pass is not valid on long-distance trains operated by private providers and therefore not in Flixtrain and in Harz-Berlin-Express.

Finland

Alone Finland moving trains are included in the Interrail pass. Night trains and high-speed trains (Pendolino) require a reservation, which is associated with additional costs. Some Baltic Sea ferries to and from Finland offer up to 50% discount on the fare on presentation of an Interrail pass valid in Finland.

France

In France you can get around excellently by train, but long-distance traffic in particular is almost exclusively tailored to Paris. This means, for example, that you have to drive from Munich to Barcelona via Paris.

Interrail passes are generally valid in all trains of the SCNF. However, are Reservations are compulsory for the TGV and Intercités long-distance trains, whereby there are only a very limited number of seats available for travelers with Interrail passes, which severely limits the usability of Interrail passes. If there is no space for Interrailer, a very expensive normal ticket must officially be bought. A reservation fee of € 9 to € 18 must be paid for the high-speed train, and sometimes more on international routes. Risk-tolerant travelers drive without a reservation and risk a fine of around € 20 for a non-existent reservation.

Greece

Train travel in Greece is unfortunately not advisable at the moment, as the trains run only very limited and unpredictably in the wake of the Greek debt crisis.

For trips through several Balkan countries, the Balkan Flexipass be interesting (→Other European rail passes).

Great Britain

In Great Britain is the one with an Interrail pass Use of all trains allowed with the exception of the Heathrow Express. The Eurostar can only work with one Interrail global pass can be used, and a reservation is mandatory. Some ferry companies give discounts. Northern Ireland is not included.

As an alternative to the Interrail One Country Pass can he BritRail Pass which is available as a national passport and as individual regional passports. Northern Ireland is not covered by any of the BritRail passes (→ National rail passes).

Ireland

Ireland is united in the Interrail Pass - the Irish pass is valid for the Republic of Ireland as well as Northern Ireland. All trains are open. Seat reservations are possible, but not compulsory. Some ferry companies give discounts.

Italy

Regional trains and intercity trains in Italy can be used indefinitely and without reservation. The high-speed trains Frecciarossa, Frecciargento, Frecciabianca reservations are required, although only a limited number of Interrail passes are available. Night trains can be used for a surcharge.

Kosovo

Of Kosovo Railways Interrail passes are not accepted.

Croatia

Only a few intercity trains require a reservation.

Liechtenstein

For the small state Liechtenstein there is no own passport. Interrail passes that are in Austria also apply to local and long-distance trains operated by ÖBB on the Liechtenstein railway.

The Railway line in Liechtenstein covers almost eight kilometers and is part of the railway line Feldkirch (Austria) – Buchs SG (Switzerland) by the international long-distance trains on the route Vienna – Linz – Salzburg – innsbruck – Feldkirch – Buchs SG – Zurich happens without stopping. The railway line in Liechtenstein is wholly owned by ÖBB and is operated exclusively by ÖBB.

Luxembourg

Luxembourg has a common country passport with Belgium and the Netherlands. All trains can be used. TGV and InterCité de Nuit trains require reservations, although the number of seats available is limited for Interrail pass holders.

North Macedonia

Since train travel in North Macedonia is extremely cheap, an Interrail pass is only worthwhile here if you are also traveling to other countries. All trains can be used. Reservations are required for international trains.

For trips through several Balkan countries, the Balkan Flexipass be interesting (→Other European rail passes).

Netherlands

The Netherlands have a common country passport with → Belgium and → Luxembourg. Almost all trains can be used at no extra charge. Reservations are only required on Thalys trains and international night trains; night trains require a surcharge.

Norway

In Norway All trains with the exception of the Flåmbanan tourist train (here 30% discount) and the Flytoget airport train are free. Reservations can be made on long-distance (Regiontog) and night trains (Nattog), but they are not mandatory. In Norway there is no first class, but on some trains NSB Komfort (holders of a first class pass get it free of charge) at a price of 90 kroner per trip (to be bought directly on the train or at the counter). NSB Komfort means more power sockets, free drinks and internet (the seating and footwell are completely identical).

Austria

In Austria can generally all trains and train types of the following railway companies Can be used free of charge:

  • ÖBB: Interrail passes are also valid on ÖBB local trains in inner-city traffic, especially on the Vienna S-Bahn.
The following border stations located abroad are considered domestic stations and are therefore also included in a passport valid in Austria: Germany:Lindau, Passau, Simbach (Inn), the stations of the Ausserfernbahn; Italy: Brennero / burner, Tarvisio Boscoverde; Liechtenstein: all train stations; Switzerland:Buchs SG, St. Margrethen; Hungary:Sopron, Szentgotthárd.
  • WESTbahn: wrong on the route Vienna–Salzburg in competition with the ÖBB. The use of the normal carriage class is possible with a pass for the 2nd class free of charge. With a pass for 1st class, however, the “WESTbahn Plus” class can only be used for a surcharge of € 9.90. The amount of the surcharge is independent of the distance covered and can only be purchased from the train crew on the train.
  • RegioJet (RGJ): Since this alternative provider does not serve domestic Austrian, but only international routes, that is sufficient One Country Pass for Austria not or must be combined with RegioJet tickets. Interrail passes are valid for both in the trains as well as in the buses by RegioJet.

Reservations are not compulsory, but are generally recommended for RegioJet and during the main travel time on long-distance trains.

Not included The alternative rail operator is in the pass CityAirportTrain (CAT). Also not included are the traditional regional private railways, which operate local rail passenger transport (SPNV) on branch lines, as well as tourist railways. It is therefore advisable to obtain detailed information, because the local trains of the regional private railways also run under the same train type abbreviations as the ÖBB: S, R, REX. For example, in the surrounding area north of the city Salzburg the S-Bahn lines S1 and S11 operated by the Salzburg local railway, which is not included in the pass.

Poland

Interrail passes are valid in Polandin all trains of thePKP (the state railway company), but not in private railways. Reservations are required for Intercity and Express Intercity trains.

Portugal

In Portugal are all trains included in the Interrail pass. Reservations are required for intercity trains (Intercitades), including the high-speed trains “Celta” and “Alfa Pendular”, as well as for international night trains to Spain and France (Trenhotel).

Romania

Since train travel in Romania is extremely cheap, an Interrail pass is only worthwhile here if you are also traveling to other countries.

For trips through several Balkan countries, the Balkan Flexipass be interesting (→Other European rail passes).

Sweden

Interrail passes are valid in Swedenin all trains of the SJ (the state railway company) and on most private railways.

Reservations must be made for the SJ high-speed train (Snabbtåg) and night trains (Natttåg), from around 30 kroner for a seat (seat, couchette and sleeping cars are available). For trains of the categories Regional (R) and Intercity (IC), reservations are strongly recommended for long distances; for international connections they are compulsory. The continuous IC to Oslo costs about 4 € extra.

Switzerland

In the Switzerland an Interrail pass is valid in all trains of theSBB and in numerous private railways (but not all). Reservations are required for some EuroCity trains and for TGV trains in general.

Attention: the pass is with many Tourist railways not valid (however, some offer discounts).
With a number of Private and well-known tourist railways on the other hand he is valid, as with Bernina Express and Glacier ExpressHowever, a reservation is required for the panorama wagons. However, on many of these routes there are also regional trains (mostly not continuous), on which the pass is valid without a reservation.

As an alternative to the Interrail One Country Pass can he Swiss Travel Pass, which applies not only to trains, but also to most regional and inner-city public transport systems, should be of interest (→National rail passes).

Serbia

Since train travel in Serbia Extremely cheap and the rail network is rather thin, an Interrail pass is only worthwhile if you are also traveling to other countries.

For trips through several Balkan countries, the Balkan Flexipass be interesting (→Other European rail passes).

Slovakia

In the Slovakia Interrail passes are valid on all trains of ZSSK, the state railway company.
Reservations and surcharges: Eurocity (EC): international long-distance train, subject to a surcharge; SuperCity (SC): surcharge and reservation required; InterCity (IC): subject to surcharge and reservation; Night trains: reservation required.

Interrail passes are from the alternative provider RegioJet (RGJ) on the most lines accepted. Passes are valid on both RegioJet trains and buses. Reservations are recommended for most lines, but mandatory for some.
The provider also recognizes Leo Express Interrail passes; It is unclear whether a reservation is required or not.

Slovenia

The Interrail pass is valid in Slovenia on all trains of the national railway company SŽ. Reservations are required on the ICS intercity trains.

Spain

Spain is one of the main destinations for interrailers, although it - on the rail company RENFE related - is not particularly attractive. On the one hand, the popular local transport network, because surcharge-free, is very thin. In the areas where there is a railway line, it often only runs a few times a day. On the other hand, there is a real jungle of different types of trains, each of which requires a different and often considerable surcharge.

In addition to the Interrail passes, there is also a separate national pass, the Renfe Spain Pass, which is hardly recommended (→ National rail passes).

Czech Republic

In Czech Republic Interrail passes are valid on all trains of CD, the state railway company. Reservations are only required for SuperCity trains.

Since it is the One Country Pass does not exist for 1 and 2 days, can that instead ČD day ticket used (→ National rail passes). The Interrail pass is cheaper for 3 days or more.

Interrail passes are from the alternative provider RegioJet (RGJ) on the domestic and most international connections accepted. The pass is valid on both RegioJet trains and buses. Reservations are recommended for most lines, but mandatory for some.
The provider also recognizes Leo Express Interrail passes; It is unclear whether a reservation is required or not.

Turkey

Since train travel in the Turkey is extremely cheap, an Interrail pass is only worthwhile if you are also traveling to other countries.

For trips through several Balkan countries, the Balkan Flexipass be interesting (→Other European rail passes).

Hungary

The Interrail pass is valid in Hungary on all trains of the Hungarian State Railways MÁV and the private railway GySEV. Many types of train require reservations.

Other European rail passes

For some European countries, separate national rail passes are issued in addition to the Interrail pass. And for some countries there are also multi-national rail passes - passes that are valid in several countries.

The passes are not sold to residents of the countries concerned. Especially the multi-national passports are aimed at non-European travelers, most of them can also be used by Europeans from other countries, besides that Balkan Flexipass however, they are not very attractive. On the other hand, national passports can also be of interest to Europeans.

(Hinweis: Es gibt einen neuen, eigenen Artikel Bahnpässe in Europa, der jedoch noch in Arbeit ist.)

Nationale Bahnpässe

Großbritannien

BritRail bietet einen nationalen und eine Reihe von regionalen Pässen. Nordirland wird von keinem der BritRail-Pässe abgedeckt.

Schweiz

The Swiss Travel Pass ist wahlweise für 3, 4, 8 oder 15 aufeinanderfolgende bzw. frei wählbare Tage erhältlich und gilt nicht nur auf der Bahn, sondern auch in den meisten regionalen und innerstädtischen Öffentlichen Verkehrsmitteln. Er kann daher ggf. als Alternative zum Interrail One Country Pass interessant sein. An Bewohner der Schweiz und Liechtensteins wird er nicht verkauft.

Spanien

The Renfe Spain Pass ist kaum empfehlenswert, da er an den gewählten Tagen nicht für beliebige Fahrten genutzt werden, sondern nur für eine einzige Direktfahrt mit einem Hochgeschwindigkeitszug, Umstiege auf Regionalzüge sind stark eingeschränkt.

Tschechien

Das ČD-Tagesticket ist ein Tagespass wahlweise für das gesamte Netz oder ein gewähltes regionales Netz, der in allen Zügen der staatlichen Bahngesellschaft ČD gilt. Das Tagesticket für das ganze Land kostet CZK 579 (ca. 23 €; Preisstand Dez. 2018). Für 1 bis 2 Tage rentiert es sich, ab 3 Tagen ist der Interrail One Country Pass günstiger.

Das besonders günstige Wochenend-Gruppenticket bietet sich für Familien und Kleingruppen an: es ist an Wochenenden 1 Tag lang in allen ČD-Zügen im Gesamtnetz oder in einem gewählten regionalen Netz gültig.

Näheres zu diesen Tickets →Reisen mit dem Zug in Tschechien/Tarife.

Multi-nationale Bahnpässe

Balkan Flexipass

Dieser Pass ist für 3, 5, 7, 10 oder 15 Tage innerhalb von 2 Monaten verfügbar und gilt in Bulgarien, Griechenland, Nordmazedonien, Montenegro, Rumänien, Serbien (inkl. Republika Srpska in Bosnien-Herzegowina) und die Türkei (inkl. asiatischem Teil). Infos auf englisch gibt es hier

Central European Triangle Pass

Dabei handelt es nicht um einen typischen Pass, sondern um ein spezielles Kombiticket für Fahrten entweder zwischen Wien–Prag–Budapest oder zwischen Prag–Wien–Salzburg. Der Pass wird nicht an Personen mit Wohnsitz in Österreich, Ungarn und Tschechien ausgegeben und ist generell für Europäer wenig interessant. Infos auf englisch gibt es hier

European East Pass

Dieser Pass berechtigt zu beliebigen Fahrten an 5 bis zu 10 Tagen in Zügen der staatlichen Bahngesellschaften in Österreich, Ungarn, Slowakei und Tschechien. Er wird nur an Personen verkauft, die keinen Wohnsitz in einem der vier Länder haben. Infos auf englisch gibt es hier.

Practical advice

Railplanner App

Wer viel reist, kann mit den Zügen und Verbindungen auch mal durcheinander kommen. Oder er ändert seine Reisepläne spontan. Hilfreich ist dann die Railplanner App für Android und iOS. Sie funktioniert ohne Internetverbindung und sucht länderübergreifend nach der schnellsten Verbindung. Das tut sie allerdings gnadenlos und schickt einen etwa gelegentlich früh am Morgen aus einem Nachtzug, damit man in einen anderen Zug umsteigt, der zum gleichen Ziel fährt, aber etwas früher ankommt. Langschläfer sollten sich die Zugläufe der Verbindungen also besser genauer ansehen. Darüber hinaus gibt die App nützliche Hinweise, beispielsweise ob es Liegewagen gibt oder Reservierungen notwendig sind. Auch Abfahrpläne für einzelne Stationen lassen sich abrufen.

Fahrradtransport im Liegewagen

Normalerweise haben Züge mit Liege- oder Schlafwagen keine oder nur kleine Fahrradabteile. Hier macht es sich gut, wenn man ein Klapprad besitzt, das als ganz normales Gepäckstück gilt. Noch vor wenigen Jahren musste man das gefaltete Fahrrad irgendwie abdecken, damit es als Gepäck „durchgeht“. Diesen Unfug machen Schaffner heute nur noch höchst selten. Selbst in den engen Liegewagenabteilen findet ein gefaltetes Fahrrad Platz.

  • In einem normalen Liegewagenabteil passt das Faltrad Birdy zwischen die unteren Betten und stört nicht mehr als ein Koffer

  • Im oberen Bereich kann es gut über der Tür untergebracht werden.

  • Wie auch andere Gepäckstücke stört das Birdy selbst zusammengeklappt im Gang eher

  • Im Eingangsbereich von Liegewagen ist genug Platz, um ein Fahrrad auch aufgebaut stehen zu lassen.

Web links

Article draftThe main parts of this article are still very short and many parts are still in the drafting phase. If you know anything on the subject be brave and edit and expand it so that it becomes a good article. If the article is currently being written to a large extent by other authors, don't be put off and just help.