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This page explains how to travel by train from Bratislava to other European cities and how to buy tickets the cheapest way. Information current for 2023.
Pictured right: The civilised way to go... Lunch and a beer in the restaurant car of a Bratislava to Berlin express...
Before you buy your tickets
Take a moment to read these tips for buying European train tickets. It answers all the usual questions, "Do I need to book in advance or can I just buy at the station?", "Can I stop off?", "Are there Senior fares?" and that old favourite, "Should I buy an $800 railpass or just buy a 35 point-to-point ticket online?". Click here to understand how far ahead you can buy train tickets.
European train travel FAQ
How to buy tickets for journeys within Slovakia...
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www.zssk.sk is the Slovakian Railways website, click EN for English top right, though it tends to slip back into Slovak.
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Free travel for seniors & children within Slovakia...
At the time of writing, all EU citizens over 62 years old and children of any nationality under 15 get free travel on R, Ex, EN, EC, SC trains wholly within Slovakia, but you need to register for a rail customer card at a Slovakian station first and then get a 'zero fare ticket' for each journey, for more details see www.zssk.sk and look under Prices & Discounts for Zero - fare Public Rail Transport.
Bratislava to Kosice...
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Trains link Bratislava Hlavna with Kosice every 2 hours, journey time 5h40. Most have a restaurant car. The full-flex fare is only about 19 in 2nd class or 24 in 1st class. Buy at the station or try the Slovakian Railways site www.zssk.sk.
Bratislava to Poprad-Tatry...
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Trains link Bratislava Hlavna with Poprad-Tatry every 2 hours, journey time 4h25. Most have a restaurant car. The full-flex fare is only about 15 in 2nd class or 20 in 1st class. Buy at the station or try the Slovakian Railways site www.zssk.sk.
Slovakian InterCity & fast trains...
On the Bratislava - Poprad Tatry - Kosice main line, ZSSK's best trains are classified IC (InterCity) or R (Rychlik, meaning fast). They both use similar high-quality air-conditioned cars like the ones shown below. All IC trains and most R trains have a restaurant car which also has a bar area. Treat yourself to a meal in the restaurant car, it's not expensive and ZSSK's restaurants are very good. There's usually one 1st class car, but various 2nd class cars, in 2nd class you can usually choose between a seat in an open-plan car or seats in a car with classic side corridor and 6-seat compartments.
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Bratislava-Poprad Tatry-Kosice R train... |
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Bar area at the other end of the restaurant car. |
2nd class open-plan on a Bratislava-Kosice train. |
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1st class on a Bratislava-Poprad Tatry-Kosice train. |
2nd class compartment on a Bratislava-Kosice train. |
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IC (Intercity) or R (Rychlik, fast) train... |
Restaurant car... |
Bratislava to London...
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See the London to Bratislava page for information on routes, times, fares & how to buy tickets, in either direction.
Bratislava to Paris...
Option 1, Bratislava to Paris in a single day - a scenic option via the Arlberg Railway...
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Step 1, travel from Bratislava to Zurich by direct railjet train, leaving Bratislava Hlavna at 06:08 and arriving Zurich HB at 15:20.
This is an swish modern air-conditioned railjet train with bistro-restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. It'll take you in daylight through the wonderfully scenic Arlberg Pass, a real treat, see the photos & video on the Arlberg Pass page.
Fares start at 49.90 in 2nd class or 74.90 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (both easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in , a little more fiddly, same fares). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead and you print your own ticket.
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Step 2, travel from Zurich to Paris by TGV-Lyria, leaving Zurich HB at 17:34 daily except Saturdays, arriving Paris Gare de Lyon 21:38.
The double-deck TGV-Lyria high-speed train travels at up to 320 km/h (199 mph), with cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, see the TGV-Lyria page. Book an upper deck seat for the best views.
Fares start at 29 in 2nd class or 79 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (both easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in , more fiddly). You print your own ticket or can show a mobile ticket on your phone.
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Step 1, Bratislava to Zurich by railjet train, seen here at Bratislava Hlavna. Courtesy of Helmut Uttenthaler. |
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Business class. About business class. |
Restaurant. In 1st & business you're served at your seat. |
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First class. |
Economy (2nd) class. |
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The mountains of Austria... |
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In the Arlberg pass itself, the railway hugs the valley side, past fir forests and meadows... |
In railjet first & business class, a steward takes your order & serves lunch at your seat. |
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The railjet clips a corner of Liechtenstein, passing non-stop through the little station of Schaan-Vaduz. Once in Switzerland, the railjet runs alongside the Walensee, then the Zόrichsee... |
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2. Zurich to Paris by TGV-Lyria... Above, a 320 km/h double-deck TGV-Lyria at Zurich HB. |
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The cafe-bar on the upper deck in car 4, serving tea, coffee, soft drinks, wine, beer, snacks & microwave-style hot dishes... |
2nd class seats, this is upper deck seating. There's a mix or tables for 4 and unidirectional seating. 360Ί photo. |
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1st class seats on the upper deck, a club duo on the left, a club quatre on the right. Larger photo. |
TGV-Lyria. You enter on the lower deck, with 9 stairs up to top deck. |
Option 2, Bratislava to Paris using the Vienna-Paris Nightjet sleeper train 3 times a week - the time-effective option...
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Step 1, travel from Bratislava to Vienna by regional train, leaving Bratislava Hlavna at 17:38 and arriving Vienna Hbf at 18:44.
The fare is 10.20, you can buy at the station on the day or buy at www.oebb.at and print your own ticket. See the Bratislava to Vienna page for photos & more information.
Tip: Don't risk any tight connections when you have a sleeper train to catch. By all means travel earlier and have dinner in Vienna, these trains run every hour. See suggested restaurants.
Tip: If you have a sleeper ticket, you can use the ΦBB lounge at Vienna Hbf between trains, with complimentary refreshments & free WiFi.
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Step 2, travel from Vienna to Paris by Nightjet sleeper train, leaving Vienna Hbf at 19:46 on Mondays, Thursdays & Saturdays, arriving Paris Gare de l'Est at 09:43 next morning.
This comfortable Austrian Nightjet train has two air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-cars each with nine 1, 2 & 3-berth standard compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet. There are toilets & a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers. The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu. The train has a couchette car with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and an ordinary seats car. A light breakfast is included in sleepers & couchettes, served in your compartment. See the Nightjet page for a guide to on-board accommodation, travel tips, photos & video.
Fares are expected to start at 49.90 in 6-berth couchettes, 59.90 in 4-berth couchettes, 89.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, 109.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or 159.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Buy tickets at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in plain English, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or Austrian Railways www.oebb.at (more fiddly, in , same fares). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket.
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Step 1, Bratislava to Vienna by regional express train seen here at Vienna Hbf. More about Vienna-Bratislava trains. |
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Step 2, Vienna to Paris by Nightjet sleeper train. More information about Nightjets. |
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Deluxe sleeper. Each compartment can be used as a 1, 2 or 3-bed room. Larger photo. Video of deluxe room |
The same deluxe sleeper in evening/morning mode with beds folded away, seats folded out. Larger photo. |
Deluxe rooms have a compact shower & toilet, towels & hair/body wash provided. Larger photo. |
Standard sleeper set up as 2-berth, washstand open. It can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth. Larger photo. |
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6-berth couchettes... |
4-berth couchettes... |
Couchette car... |
Option 3, Bratislava to Paris using the Vienna-Zurich sleeper - another time-effective option...
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Step 1, travel from Bratislava to Vienna by regional train, leaving Bratislava Hlavna at 18:38 and arriving Vienna Hbf at 19:44.
The fare is 10.20, you can buy at the station on the day or buy at www.oebb.at and print your own ticket. See the Bratislava to Vienna page for photos & more information.
Tip: Don't risk any tight connections when you have a sleeper train to catch. By all means travel earlier and have dinner in Vienna, these trains run every hour. See suggested restaurants.
Tip: If you have a sleeper ticket, you can use the ΦBB lounge at Vienna Hbf between trains, with complimentary refreshments & free WiFi.
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Step 2, travel from Vienna to Zurich by Nightjet sleeper train leaving Vienna Hbf at 21:27 and arriving Zurich HB at 08:20.
This comfortable Austrian Nightjet train has two double-deck sleeping-cars with compact 1 or 2-bed compartments with washbasin and larger 1 or 2-bed deluxe compartments with en suite shower & toilet plus a few 3-berth compartments with washbasin. The sleeper attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu. The train has couchette cars with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats. A light breakfast is included in sleepers & couchettes, served in your compartment. See the Nightjet page for a guide to accommodation, travel tips & photos.
Fares start at 49.90 in 6-berth couchettes, 59.90 in 4-berth couchettes, 69.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, 89.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or 139.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or Austrian Railways own site www.oebb.at (in , a bit more fiddly, same prices). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead and you print your own ticket.
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Step 3, travel from Zurich to Paris by TGV-Lyria, leaving Zurich HB at 11:34 and arriving Paris Gare de Lyon at 15:38.
The double-deck TGV-Lyria high-speed train travels at up to 320 km/h (199 mph) with cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, see the TGV-Lyria page. Book an upper deck seat for the best views, any seat number >60 is upper deck. On a few dates, you'll find an 09:34 departure from Zurich to Paris, arriving 13:38.
Fares start at 29 in 2nd class or 79 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in , more fiddly). You print your own ticket or can show a mobile ticket on your phone.
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Step 1, Bratislava to Vienna by regional express train seen here at Vienna Hbf. More about Vienna-Bratislava trains. |
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Step 2, Vienna to Zurich by Nightjet sleeper... This is a double-deck sleeping-car arrived at Zurich HB. Courtesy of DiscoverbyRail.com. |
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2-berth sleeper on the lower deck... |
Stairs down to pair of lower compartments... |
1 or 2-bed sleeper on lower deck with washbasin, viewed through window. Set up as 1-bed. Note how compact the compartment is... |
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Step 3, Zurich to Paris by TGV-Lyria. These 320 km/h double-deck trains now operate all TGV-Lyria services. |
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The cafe-bar on the upper deck in car 4, serving tea, coffee, soft drinks, wine, beer, snacks & microwave-style hot dishes... |
2nd class seats, this is upper deck seating. There's a mix or tables for 4 and unidirectional seating. 360Ί photo. |
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1st class seats on the upper deck, club duo on the left, club quatre on the right. 360Ί photo. |
TGV-Lyria. You enter on the lower deck, with 9 stairs up to top deck. |
Bratislava to Nice & the South of France...
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Step 1, travel from Bratislava to Vienna by regional train, leaving Bratislava Hlavna at 16:38 and arriving Vienna Hbf at 17:44.
By all means travel earlier and see more of Vienna, these trains run every hour. The fare is 10.20, you can buy at the station on the day or buy at www.oebb.at and print your own ticket. See the Bratislava to Vienna page for photos & more information.
Tip: Don't risk any tight connections when you have a sleeper train to catch. Why not have dinner in Vienna? See suggested restaurants.
Tip: If you have a sleeper ticket, you can use the ΦBB lounge at Vienna Hbf between trains, with complimentary refreshments & free WiFi.
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Step 2, travel from Vienna to Genoa by Nightjet sleeper train, leaving Vienna Hbf at 19:18 every day, arriving Genoa Piazza Principe 09:38.
This comfortable Austrian Nightjet train has an air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-car with nine 1, 2 & 3-berth standard compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet. There are toilets & a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers. The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu. The train has couchette cars with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats. A light breakfast is included in sleepers & couchettes, served in your compartment. See the Nightjet page for a guide to on-board accommodation, travel tips, photos & video.
Fares start at 59.90 in 6-berth couchettes, 69.90 in 4-berth couchettes, 89.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, 109.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or 159.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or Austrian Railways own site www.oebb.at (same prices, a bit more fiddly, no booking fee). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket.
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Step 3, travel from Genoa to Ventimiglia by Intercity train, leaving Genoa Piazza Principe at 12:58 arriving Ventimiglia at 14:54.
This is a lovely scenic ride along the Italian Riviera between Genoa & Ventimiglia. There's a refreshment trolley.
Fares start at 19.90 in 2nd class or 26.90 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Buy a ticket at www.thetrainline.com or www.raileurope.com. Booking opens up to 4 months ahead. It's ticketless, you simply print out your booking reference or show it on your phone.
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Step 4, travel from Ventimiglia to Monaco, Nice or Cannes by TER local train, leaving Ventimiglia at 15:25, arriving Monte Carlo 15:55, Nice Ville 16:26, Cannes 17:08.
The fare is 8, though promotional fares of 5 or 7.50 are sometimes available. 2nd class only.
Buy a ticket at www.thetrainline.com or www.raileurope.com. Booking opens up to 4 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show a mobile ticket on your phone.
You'll find full details of the journey from Milan to Nice with photos & tips on the Nice to Italy by train page.
Bratislava to Lyon...
Option 1, Bratislava to Lyon using the Vienna-Zurich sleeper - most time-effective...
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Step 1, travel from Bratislava to Vienna by regional train, Vienna to Zurich by nightjet sleeper and Zurich to Geneva by Swiss intercity train as shown in the Bratislava to Switzerland section below. Book from Bratislava to Geneva at www.raileurope.com and print your own tickets.
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Step 2, take a TER regional train from Geneva to Lyon Part Dieu, these leave every 2 hours taking 2h10, fixed-price fare 29.40. You should reach Lyon just after lunch. Buy this ticket as a second transaction on www.raileurope.com and print your own ticket.
Option 2, Bratislava to Lyon using the Bratislava-Zurich railjet - in a day...
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Step 1, travel from Bratislava to Zurich by direct railjet leaving Bratislava Hlavna at 06:08 arriving Zurich at 15:20, then take the next Swiss intercity train to Geneva, as shown in the Bratislava to Switzerland section below.
Book from Bratislava to Geneva at www.raileurope.com and print your own ticket.
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Step 2, take a TER regional train from Geneva to Lyon Part Dieu, these leave every 2 hours taking 2h10, fixed-price fare 29.40. You reach Lyon around 21:22. Buy this ticket as a second transaction on www.raileurope.com and print your own ticket.
Bratislava to Strasbourg...
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The best departure is at 07:38 every day by regional train to Vienna Hbf, then by ICE-T train to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf then TGV Duplex to Strasbourg arriving 18:47. The ICE-T has a restaurant car, the TGV has a cafe-bar. Both have power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.
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Book this at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee). This cleverly splits the booking to get a cheap fare for both the Bratislava-Frankfurt leg and the Frankfurt-Strasbourg leg.
Bratislava to Brussels or Bruges...
Option 1, Bratislava to Brussels in a single day from 46.90...
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You can travel from Bratislava to Brussels in a single day:
Leave Bratislava Hlavna at 05:38, change at Vienna Hbf & Frankfurt (Main) Flughafen, arriving Brussels Midi 17:35.
Leave Bratislava Hlavna at 07:38, change at Vienna Hbf & Frankfurt (Main) Flughafen, arriving Brussels Midi 19:35.
Leave Bratislava Hlavna at 09:38, change at Vienna Hbf & Frankfurt (Main) Flughafen, arriving Brussels Midi 21:35.
Bratislava to Vienna is by regional express. Vienna to Frankfurt & Frankfurt to Brussels is by ICE train with restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. A chill-out day across Europe...
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Fares start at 46.90 in 2nd class, 99.90 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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Buy tickets at the German Railways website www.bahn.de.
Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. In this case, tickets are sent by post to any address worldwide for a small fee.
Tip: In the search results, look for journeys with just 2 changes.
Tip: To get a digital ticket that can be downloaded and printed out or shown on your phone, simply split the booking: First book from Vienna to Brussels at www.bahn.de, then buy a ticket for the Bratislava-Vienna regional train separately either at the station on the day or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at. This method costs a little more, but avoids the postage fee & any risk of tickets lost in the post.
Option 2, Bratislava to Brussels using the Vienna-Brussels Nightjet sleeper on Tuesdays, Thursdays & Sundays - the most comfortable & time-effective option...
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Step 1, travel from Bratislava to Vienna by regional train, leaving Bratislava Hlavna at 17:38 and arriving Vienna Hbf at 18:44.
The fare is 10.20, you can buy at the station on the day or buy at www.thetrainline.com or ../websites/oebb.htm">www.oebb.at and print your own ticket. See the Bratislava to Vienna page for photos & more information.
Tip: Don't risk tight connections when you have a sleeper train to catch. These regional trains run every hour, your ticket is good for any departure that day, why not leave earlier and have dinner in Vienna? See suggested restaurants.
Tip: If you have a sleeper ticket, you can use the ΦBB lounge at Vienna Hbf between trains, with complimentary refreshments & free WiFi.
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Step 2, travel from Vienna to Brussels by Nightjet sleeper train, leaving Vienna Hbf at 20:11 on Tuesdays, Thursdays & Sundays, arriving Brussels Midi at 09:55 next morning.
This comfortable Austrian Nightjet train has an air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-car with nine 1, 2 & 3-berth standard compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet. There's a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers. The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu. The train has a couchette car with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats. A light breakfast is included in sleepers & couchettes, served in your compartment. See the Nightjet page for a guide to on-board accommodation, travel tips, photos & video.
Fares start at 49.90 in 6-berth couchettes, 59.90 in 4-berth couchettes, 89.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, 109.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or 159.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or Austrian Railways www.oebb.at (a little more fiddly, in , has been known to reject some international cards, no fee). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead, but less than this when the mid-June or mid-December timetable changes intervene. You print your own tickets.
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Step 1, Bratislava to Vienna by regional express train seen here at Vienna Hbf. More about Vienna-Bratislava trains. |
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Step 2, Vienna to Brussels by Nightjet sleeper train... The inaugural Nightjet left Vienna for Brussels on 19 January 2020. Above, the inaugural southbound train is ready to leave Brussels the following night, the first scheduled sleeper train to leave Brussels in 16 years - naturally, the Man in Seat 61 was on board! More information about Nightjet trains. |
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Deluxe sleeper. Each compartment can be used as a 1, 2 or 3-bed room. Larger photo. Video of deluxe room |
The same deluxe sleeper in evening/morning mode with beds folded away, seats folded out. Larger photo. |
Deluxe rooms have a compact shower & toilet, towels & hair/body wash provided. Larger photo. |
Standard sleeper set up as 2-berth, washstand open. It can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth. Larger photo. |
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6-berth couchettes... |
4-berth couchettes... |
Couchette car on the Brussels-Vienna Nightjet... |
Option 3, Bratislava to Brussels using the Vienna-Cologne Nightjet sleeper - on days when the direct Vienna-Brussels Nightjet isn't running...
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Step 1, travel from Bratislava to Vienna by regional train, leaving Bratislava Hlavna at 17:38 and arriving Vienna Hbf at 18:44.
The fare is 10.20, you can buy at the station on the day or buy at www.oebb.at and print your own ticket. See the Bratislava to Vienna page for more information.
Tip: Don't risk tight connections when you have a sleeper train to catch. These trains run every hour, why not leave earlier and have dinner in Vienna? See suggested restaurants.
Tip: If you have a sleeper ticket, you can use the ΦBB 1st class lounge at Vienna Hbf between trains, with free WiFi and complimentary tea, coffee, snacks & wine.
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Step 2, travel from Vienna to Cologne by Nightjet sleeper train leaving Vienna Hbf at 20:11 and arriving at Cologne Hbf at 06:51 next morning.
This comfortable Austrian Nightjet train has an air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-car with nine 1, 2 & 3-berth standard compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet. There's a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers. The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu. The train has several couchette cars with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats. A light breakfast is included in sleepers & couchettes, served in your compartment. See the Nightjet page for a guide to on-board accommodation, travel tips, photos & video.
Fares start at 49.90 in 6-berth couchettes, 59.90 in 4-berth couchettes, 89.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, 109.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or 159.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or Austrian Railways www.oebb.at (a little more fiddly, in , has been known to reject some international cards). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead, but less than this when the mid-June or mid-December timetable changes intervene. You print your own tickets.
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Step 3, travel from Cologne to Brussels by high-speed ICE3 train leaving Cologne Hbf at 07:42 and arriving Brussels Midi at 09:35.
The ICE3 has a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.
Fares start from 18.90 in 2nd class or 27.90 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at the German Railways website www.bahn.de. You can book through to Bruges or anywhere in Belgium as one transaction for one inclusive price. You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
Option 4, Bratislava to Brussels with an overnight stop in Prague - potentially the cheapest option from 44...
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OK, so this isn't the fastest option. But with an amazing 29 fare between Prague & Brussels from Czech Railways and a 15 fare from Bratislava to Prague, it's the cheapest way to go, especially at short notice as the Czech Railways Prague-Brussels fare is often available even a week or two ahead. The trains are just as good quality as other routes, too, see the photos here.
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Day 1, travel from Bratislava to Prague on any EuroCity train you like, see the timetable here.
Book this train from 15 at Czech Railways www.cd.cz and print your own ticket.
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Stay overnight in Prague. In fact, if you took the 04:57 from Bratislava Hlavna arriving Prague Hlavni at 09:42, it's possible to make a same-day connection with the 10:43 to Brussels, so you can do this whole trip in a day. Hotels in Prague with good reviews next to the station include the Esplanade Hotel (good choice, I've stayed there myself), Falkensteiner Hotel Maria, Chopin Hotel.
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Step 2, travel from Prague to Brussels on one of the following departures, all on one ticket:
Prague Hlavni depart 06:43, change Cheb, Nuremberg & Frankfurt arriving Brussels Midi at 17:35.
Prague Hlavni depart 10:38, change Cheb, Nuremberg & Frankfurt arriving Brussels Midi at 21:35.
You travel on a swish air-conditioned regional train from Prague to Cheb and from Cheb to Nuremberg, then by top-quality high-speed ICE train from Nuremberg to Frankfurt and Frankfurt to Brussels, complete with restaurant car and beer on tap, see the photos & travel tips here.
Fares start at 46.90 each way 2nd class or 61.90 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Buy tickets at the German Railways website www.bahn.de. Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.
You'll see journeys via various routes, to specify this route click Stopover and enter Cheb as a via station, leaving duration zero.
You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone. I recommend registering when prompted, so you can log on at any time and check or reprint tickets.
You can also book at the Czech Railways website www.cd.cz, in this case booking only opens up to 90 days ahead. If you are booking well in advance, I find www.bahn.de is often cheaper. Booked close to departure date, www.cd.cz is often cheaper.
Bratislava to Amsterdam from 46.90...
Option 1, Bratislava to Amsterdam using the Vienna-Amsterdam Nightjet sleeper train - the most comfortable & time-effective option...
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Step 1, travel from Bratislava to Vienna by regional train, leaving Bratislava Hlavna at 17:38 and arriving Vienna Hbf at 18:44.
The fare is 10.20, you can buy at the station on the day or buy at www.oebb.at and print your own ticket. See the Bratislava to Vienna page for more information.
Tip: Don't risk tight connections when you have a sleeper train to catch. These trains run every hour, your ticket is good for any train, why not leave earlier and have dinner in Vienna? See suggested restaurants.
Tip: If you have a sleeper ticket, you can use the ΦBB lounge at Vienna Hbf between trains, with complimentary refreshments & free WiFi.
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Step 2, travel from Vienna to Amsterdam by Nightjet sleeper train, leaving Vienna Hbf at 20:11 & arriving Amsterdam Centraal at 09:59.
This comfortable Austrian Nightjet train has an air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-car with nine 1, 2 & 3-berth standard compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet. There's a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers. The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu. The train has several couchette cars with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats. A light breakfast is included in sleepers & couchettes, served in your compartment. See the Nightjet page for a guide to on-board accommodation, travel tips, photos & video.
Fares start at 49.90 in 6-berth couchettes, 59.90 in 4-berth couchettes, 89.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, 109.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or 159.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or Austrian Railways www.oebb.at (a little more fiddly, in ) or at the Dutch Railways international site www.nsinternational.nl (in , no fee).
Booking opens up to 6 months ahead, less than this when the mid-June or mid-December timetable changes intervene. You print your own ticket.
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Step 1, Bratislava to Vienna by regional express train seen here at Vienna Hbf. More about Vienna-Bratislava trains. |
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Step 2, Vienna to Amsterdam by Nightjet sleeper train, seen here at Vienna Hbf. More information about Nightjets. |
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Deluxe sleeper. Each compartment can be used as a 1, 2 or 3-bed room. Larger photo. Video of deluxe room |
The same deluxe sleeper in evening/morning mode with beds folded away, seats folded out. Larger photo. |
Deluxe rooms have a compact shower & toilet, towels & hair/body wash provided. Larger photo. |
Standard sleeper set up as 2-berth, washstand open. It can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth. Larger photo. |
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6-berth couchettes... |
4-berth couchettes... |
Couchette car on the Nightjet train... |
Option 2, Bratislava to Amsterdam in a single day from 46.90...
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You can travel from Bratislava to Amsterdam in a single day, leaving Bratislava Hlavna at 07:38 by regional train to Vienna Hbf, superb ICE-T with restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi to Frankfurt (Main), then an ICE3 to Amsterdam Centraal arriving around 20:28. A chill-out day across Europe.
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Fares start at 46.90 in 2nd class, 99.90 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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Buy tickets at the German Railways website www.bahn.de. Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. In this case, tickets are sent by post to any address worldwide for a small fee.
Tip: In the search results, look for journeys with just 2 changes.
Tip: To get a digital ticket that can be downloaded & printed out or shown on your phone, simply split the booking: First book from Vienna to Amsterdam at www.bahn.de, then buy a ticket for the Bratislava-Vienna regional train either at the station on the day or at www.oebb.at. This method costs a few euros more, but you avoid the postage fee and there's no delay in getting your ticket or risk of it going missing.
Bratislava to Luxembourg from 37.90...
Option 1, Bratislava to Luxembourg in a single day...
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You can travel from Bratislava to Luxembourg in a single day:
Leave Bratislava Hlavna at 05:38, change at Vienna Hbf & Koblenz, arriving Luxembourg at 17:51.
Leave Bratislava Hlavna at 07:38, change at Vienna Hbf & Koblenz, arriving Luxembourg at 20:24.
Leave Bratislava Hlavna at 09:38, change at Vienna Hbf & Koblenz, arriving Luxembourg at 21:31.
Bratislava to Vienna is by regional express. Vienna to Koblenz is by ICE-T train with restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. Koblenz-Luxembourg is by regional train. A chill-out day across Europe...
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Fares start at 37.90 in 2nd class, 66.90 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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Buy tickets at the German Railways website www.bahn.de. Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. Tickets are sent by post to any address worldwide for a small fee.
Tip: To stop journeys involving rail replacement buses cluttering up the search results, click Stopover and enter Igel as a via station, leaving stopover duration zero.
Tip: In the search results, look for a journey with just 2 changes.
Tip: To get a digital ticket that can be downloaded & printed out or shown on your phone, simply split the booking: Book from Vienna to Luxembourg at www.bahn.de, then buy a ticket for the Bratislava-Vienna regional train separately either at the station on the day or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at. This method costs a little more, but you avoid the postage fee or any risk of tickets going missing.
Option 2, Bratislava to Luxembourg overnight using the Vienna-Koblenz Nightjet sleeper train - the time-effective option...
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Step 1, travel from Bratislava to Vienna by regional express train, leaving Bratislava Hlavna at 17:38 and arriving Vienna Hbf at 18:44.
The fare is 10.20, you can buy at the station on the day or buy at www.oebb.at and print your own ticket. See the Bratislava to Vienna page for more information.
Tip: Don't risk tight connections with a sleeper to catch. These trains run every hour, why not leave earlier and have dinner in Vienna? See suggested restaurants.
Tip: If you have a sleeper ticket, you can use the ΦBB lounge at Vienna Hbf between trains, with complimentary refreshments & free WiFi.
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Step 2, travel from Vienna to Koblenz by Nightjet sleeper train leaving Vienna Hbf at 20:11 and arriving at Koblenz Hbf at 05:11 next morning.
This comfortable Austrian Nightjet train has an air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-car with nine 1, 2 & 3-berth standard compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet. There's a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers. The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu. The train has several couchette cars with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats. A light breakfast is included in sleepers & couchettes, served in your compartment. See the Nightjet page for a guide to on-board accommodation, travel tips, photos & video.
Fares start at 49.90 in 6-berth couchettes, 59.90 in 4-berth couchettes, 89.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, 109.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or 159.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or Austrian Railways www.oebb.at (a little more fiddly, in , has been known to reject some international cards). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead, but less than this when the mid-June or mid-December timetable changes intervene. You print your own tickets.
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Step 3, travel from Koblenz to Luxembourg by regional train leaving Koblenz Hbf at 06:03 Mondays-Saturdays arriving Luxembourg at 08:24.
On Sundays, leave Koblenz 07:06, change at Trier, arrive Luxembourg 09:24.
The fare is 28 in 2nd class or 47.80 in 1st class, fixed-price.
Book this at the German Railways website www.bahn.de and print your own ticket or show it on your laptop or phone.
Bratislava to Zurich & Switzerland...
Option 1, Bratislava to Zurich by direct railjet train - the best option if the timing suits you...
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A direct ΦBB railjet train leaves Bratislava Hlavna at 06:08 every day, arriving Zurich HB at 15:20.
Change at Sargans for Chur & St Moritz. Change at Zurich HB for Basel, Bern, Geneva or anywhere else in Switzerland.
This is a scenic ride on a smart modern railjet train with restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi through the wonderful Arlberg Pass, see the Arlberg Pass scenery video & railjet information page.
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Fares start at 39.90 in 2nd class, 54.90 in 1st class or 69.90 in business class (= premium 1st). Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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Book this train at either www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (both easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in , more fiddly, same prices). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket.
Tip: You can book from Bratislava to any Swiss station not just Zurich, this is usually a lot cheaper than buying a separate onward ticket from Zurich at Swiss domestic prices.
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The Bratislava-Zurich railjet train at Bratislava Hlavna. More information about railjets. Courtesy of Helmut Uttenthaler. |
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Business class. About. |
Restaurant car. |
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First class. |
Economy class. |
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The mountains of Austria... |
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In the Arlberg pass itself, the railway hugs the valley side, past fir forests and meadows... |
In railjet first & business class, a steward takes your order & serves lunch at your seat. |
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The railjet clips a corner of Liechtenstein, passing non-stop through the little station of Schaan-Vaduz. Once in Switzerland, the railjet runs alongside the Walensee, then the Zόrichsee... |
Option 2, Bratislava to Switzerland by daytime trains with one easy change in Vienna - if the timing of the direct train doesn't suit you...
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Step 1, travel from Bratislava Hlavna to Vienna Hbf by regional train leaving every hour at xx:38 minutes past each hour, taking 1h06.
The fare is 10.20, just buy tickets at the station on the day or at www.thetrainline.com or www.oebb.at to save time and hop on the next train. No reservation necessary or possible, it cannot sell out! See the Bratislava to Vienna page for more information.
I'd allow at least 40 minutes between trains in Vienna.
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Step 2, travel from Vienna Hbf to Zurich HB by railjet train in 7h50, departures at 07:30, 09:30, 13:30, 15:30.
This is a lovely scenic ride on a smart modern train with restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi through the wonderful Arlberg Pass, see the Arlberg Pass scenery video.
Fares start at 29.90 in 2nd class, 44.90 in 1st class or 59.90 in business class (= premium 1st). Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in , a little more fiddly, same fares). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket.
Option 3, Bratislava to Switzerland using the Vienna-Zurich Nightjet sleeper - the time-effective option...
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Step 1, travel from Bratislava to Vienna by regional train, leaving Bratislava Hlavna at 18:38 and arriving Vienna Hbf at 19:44.
The fare is 10.20, you can buy at the station on the day or buy at www.oebb.at and print your own ticket. See the Bratislava to Vienna page for more information.
Tip: Don't risk tight connections when you have a sleeper train to catch. These trains run every hour, why not leave earlier and have dinner in Vienna? See suggested restaurants.
Tip: If you have a sleeper ticket, you can use the ΦBB lounge at Vienna Hbf between trains, with complimentary refreshments & free WiFi.
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Step 2, take the excellent Nightjet sleeper train leaving Vienna Hbf at 21:27 and arriving Zurich HB at 08:20.
This comfortable Austrian Nightjet train has two double-deck sleeping-cars with compact 1 or 2-bed compartments with washbasin and larger 1 or 2-bed deluxe compartments with en suite shower & toilet plus a few 3-berth compartments with washbasin. The sleeper attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu. The train has couchette cars with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats. A light breakfast is included in sleepers & couchettes, served in your compartment. See the Nightjet page for a guide to accommodation, travel tips & photos.
Fares start at 49.90 in 6-berth couchettes, 59.90 in 4-berth couchettes, 69.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, 89.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or 139.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or Austrian Railways own site www.oebb.at (same prices, a bit more fiddly, in ). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead and you print your own ticket.
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Step 1, Bratislava to Vienna by regional express train seen here at Vienna Hbf. More about Vienna-Bratislava trains. |
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Step 2, Vienna to Zurich by Nightjet sleeper train... This is a double-deck sleeping-car arrived at Zurich HB. Courtesy of DiscoverbyRail.com. |
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2-berth sleeper on the lower deck... |
Stairs down to pair of lower compartments... |
1 or 2-bed sleeper on lower deck with washbasin, viewed through window. Set up as 1-bed. Note how compact the compartment is... |
Bratislava to Venice, Milan, Florence, Rome & Italy from 44...
Option 1, Bratislava to Venice in a day...
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Step 1, travel from Bratislava to Vienna by regional train, leaving Bratislava Hlavna at 09:38 and arriving Vienna Hbf at 10:44.
You can also take the later 10:38 arriving 11:44, but I'd play safe. The fare is 10.20, you can buy at the station on the day or buy at www.oebb.at and print your own ticket. See the Bratislava to Vienna page for more information.
Tip: If you have a 1st class or business class ticket for the railjet to Venice, you can use the ΦBB lounge at Vienna Hbf between trains, with complimentary refreshments & free WiFi.
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Step 2, travel from Vienna to Venice by railjet train, leaving Vienna Hbf at 12:18 and arriving Venice Santa Lucia at 20:05.
The railjet train is air-conditioned with power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, there's a restaurant car (1st & business class passengers are served at their seat). It takes the scenic UNESCO-listed Semmering Railway between Vienna and Graz, see the photos, travel tips & video on the Vienna to Venice by railjet page.
Fares start at 29.90 in 2nd class, 59.90 in 1st or 74.90 in business class (= premium 1st). Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in , a bit more fiddly, same prices). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead and you print your own ticket.
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Change in Venice for high-speed trains to Verona, Milan, Florence or Rome - I'd allow at least 45 minutes between trains at Venice, but as you arrive in Venice at 8pm an overnight stop may be necessary. Book onward trains at www.thetrainline.com. Venice-Florence from 19.90 in 2h05, Venice-Rome from 29.90 in 3h45.
Tip: You can change trains at Venice Mestre to save going over the causeway into Venice Santa Lucia and back out again, although if staying overnight I'd be too keen to see a bit of Venice, for however short a time! Venice Santa Lucia is only 15 minutes walk from the Rialto bridge.
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Step 1, Bratislava to Vienna by regional express train seen here at Vienna Hbf. More about Vienna-Bratislava trains. |
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Step 2, Vienna to Venice by railjet, seen here about to leave Vienna Hbf. More information about Vienna-Venice railjets. |
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Restaurant car. |
Business class. About. |
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First class. |
Economy class. |
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The railjet travels over the famous Semmering Railway, opened in 1854 and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See the Vienna to Venice by train page for more information, photos & video. |
Option 2, Bratislava to Italy by sleeper train - the most comfortable & time-effective option...
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Step 1, travel from Bratislava to Vienna by regional train:
Leave Bratislava Hlavna at 16:38 if going to Milan, Bologna, Florence or Rome arriving Vienna Hbf at 17:44.
Leave Bratislava Hlavna at 18:38 if going to Venice, arriving Vienna Hbf at 19:44.
The fare is 10.20, you can buy at the station on the day or buy at www.oebb.at and print your own ticket. See the Bratislava to Vienna page for more information.
Tip: Don't risk any tight connections when you have a sleeper train to catch. These trains run every hour, your ticket is good for any train, why not leave earlier and have dinner in Vienna? See suggested restaurants.
Tip: If you have a sleeper ticket, you can use the ΦBB lounge at Vienna Hbf between trains, with complimentary refreshments & free WiFi.
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Step 2, travel from Vienna to Italy by Nightjet sleeper train...
A Nightjet leaves Vienna Hbf at 19:18 every evening, with a portion arriving Verona Porta Nuova 05:51, Milan Rogoredo 07:42, Genoa Piazza Principe 09:38 & La Spezia 11:10, another portion arriving Bologna Centrale 05:15, Florence SMN 06:18 & Rome Termini 09:10.
Another Nightjet leaves Vienna Hbf at 21:27 arriving Venice Santa Lucia on the banks of the Grand Canal in central Venice at 08:34.
These comfortable Austrian Nightjet trains each have one or two air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-cars each with nine 1, 2 & 3-berth standard compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet. There are toilets & a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers. The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu. The train has couchette cars with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats. A light breakfast is included in sleepers & couchettes, served in your compartment. See the Nightjet page for a guide to on-board accommodation, travel tips, photos & video.
Fares start at 49.90 in 6-berth couchettes, 59.90 in 4-berth couchettes, 69.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, 89.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or 139.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or Austrian Railways own site www.oebb.at (same prices, a bit more fiddly, in ). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead and you print your own ticket.
Tip: If you like, you can check the train formation, check car numbers & see in what order cars for different destinations are marshalled using the excellent www.vagonweb.cz. Change cs to English upper left, then click Train formations, scroll down to Austria & click nj.
Update: Due to trackwork, from 10 June to 9 September 2023 & on certain weekends the Nightjet sleeper to Florence & Rome will terminate at Bologna Centrale. During this time you will need to buy a separate onward ticket by Italian high-speed train from Bologna to Florence or Rome.
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Step 3, onward trains from Rome to Naples, Rome to Sicily or Milan to Genoa (for example) can be booked separately at either www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, recognisees English place-names) or www.italiarail.com (easy to use, recognises English place names, the small booking fee will be refunded if you email them at seat61@italiarail.com with your PNR) or Italian Railways own website www.trenitalia.com (more fiddly to use, requires Italian language place names, read this advice on using it first). I'd allow at least an hour between the nightjet arrival and any onward train.
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Step 1, Bratislava to Vienna by regional express train seen here at Vienna Hbf. More about Vienna-Bratislava trains. |
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Step 2, Vienna to Venice, Florence or Rome by Nightjet sleeper train. More information about Nightjets. |
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Deluxe sleeper. Each compartment can be used as a 1, 2 or 3-bed room. Larger photo. Video of deluxe room |
Same deluxe sleeper in evening/morning mode, beds folded away, seats folded out. Larger photo. |
Deluxe rooms have a compact shower & toilet, towels & hair/body wash provided. Larger photo. |
Standard sleeper set up as 2-berth, washstand open. It can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth. Larger photo. |
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6-berth couchettes... |
4-berth couchettes... |
Couchette car on the Nightjet train... |
Bratislava to Barcelona, Madrid & Spain...
Bratislava to Barcelona & Spain with overnight stop in Zurich or Geneva...
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Day 1, travel from Bratislava to Vienna by regional train, leaving Bratislava Hlavna at 06:38 and arriving Vienna Hbf at 07:44.
You can take the later 07:38 if you like, but I'd play safe. The fare is 10.20, you can buy at the station on the day or buy at www.thetrainline.com or www.oebb.at and print your own ticket. See the Bratislava to Vienna page for photos & information.
Tip: If you have a 1st class or business class ticket for the railjet to Zurich, you can use the ΦBB lounge at Vienna Hbf between trains, with complimentary refreshments & free WiFi.
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Day 1, travel from Vienna to Zurich by smart Austrian railjet train, leaving Vienna Hbf at 09:28 arriving Zurich HB at 17:20.
You'll travel through the wonderfully scenic Arlberg Pass. Put your feet up and enjoy the ride, have lunch or dinner in the restaurant car - watch this video to see how good the scenery is. The train has power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.
Fares from Vienna to Geneva start at 49.90 in 2nd class, 64.90 in 1st class or 79.90 in business class (= premium 1st class).
Book from Vienna to Geneva at www.thetrainline.com or www.raileurope.com (both easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in , a bit more fiddly, same prices). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead and you print your own ticket. This ticket will then include the onward train to Geneva, much cheaper than buying a separate Swiss domestic ticket.
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Day 1, take a Swiss domestic train from Zurich HB to Geneva, these run twice an hour, no reservation needed, you reach Geneva around 20:18.
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Stay overnight in Geneva. Hotels with good reviews near the station include Hotel Cornavin Genθve, Hotel Les Arcades, ibis Styles Geneva Gare. Hotels in Switzerland can be expensive, if you're on a budget you can book budget private rooms in a one-star hotel or backpacker hostel near the station using www.hostelworld.com.
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Day 2, travel from Geneva to Barcelona, leaving Geneva at 07:14, change Lyon Part Dieu & Montpelier St-Roch, arriving Barcelona Sants 16:34.
Geneva to Lyon is by TER regional train along the river Rhτne, Lyon to Montpelier is by TGV with cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, Montpelier to Barcelona is by TGV Duplex also with cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.
The TGV Duplex passes Beziers cathedral, flamingos on the lakes between Montpelier & Narbonne, the historic Fort de Salses right by the tracks before Perpignan, with great views of the imposing 2,784m Mt Canigou as the train rounds the southern end of the Pyrenees, see more photos & information about the journey.
Geneva-Lyon costs a fixed-price 29.40. Lyon-Barcelona starts at 39 in 2nd class or 59 in 1st class, book ahead for the cheapest prices.
Book from Geneva to Barcelona at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, small booking fee) or the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in , more fiddly). Booking opens up to 4 months ahead. You print your own tickets or can show a mobile ticket on your phone.
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Day 2, travel from Barcelona to Madrid, Malaga, Cordoba, Seville, Valencia or Alicante and so on by high-speed train...
A high-speed AVE leaves Barcelona Sants at 18:25, arriving Madrid Atocha 20:55, with cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.
A fast EuroMed train leaves Barcelona Sants at 18:15 arriving Valencia Joaquin Sorolla 21:02 & Alicante 23:14.
For Granada, Seville, Cordoba & Malaga, stay in Barcelona overnight, I recommend the Hotel Barcelo Sants inside the station. Next morning a direct high-speed AVE train leaves Barcelona Sants at 08:35 for Granada, Cordoba & Seville Santa Justa, change Cordoba for Malaga Maria Zambrano.
Check times & buy tickets using either www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (both easy to use, in , £ or $, small booking fee) or Spanish railways own site www.renfe.com (in , much more fiddly, may reject some overseas credit cards, see advice on using it) or www.petrabax.com (in $, small mark-up). You print your own ticket.
Booking for Spanish trains normally opens only 60 days ahead, but this varies. Allow at least 60 minutes between trains in Barcelona.
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Mt Canigou & the Pyrenees... Seen from the train and one of the highest peaks in the mighty Pyrenees, the 2,784m (9,137 feet) high Mt Canigou dominates the skyline all the way from Girona to Perpignan... |
Bratislava to Lisbon & Portugal...
Bratislava to Lisbon via Paris, Barcelona & Madrid...
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Day 1, travel from Bratislava to Paris in a single day by railjet & TGV-Lyria as shown in the Bratislava to Paris section above.
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Stay overnight in Paris, see suggested hotels. How to transfer from Paris Nord to Paris Montparnasse by taxi or metro.
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Day 2, travel from Paris to Barcelona by 320 km/h TGV Duplex leaving Paris Gare de Lyon at 09:42 and arriving Barcelona Sants at 16:34.
This double-deck TGV has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. It's a comfortable & scenic journey, see an account of the sights to see from the train on the way.
Fares start at 39 in 2nd class or 59 in 1st class. Fares work like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com. Booking for the TGV opens up to 4 months ahead.
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Day 2, travel from Barcelona to Madrid by AVE high-speed train, leaving Barcelona Sants at 18:25 and arriving Madrid Atocha at 20:55.
The AVE has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. More information about trains from Barcelona to Madrid.
Fares start at 38 in Standard class or 45 in Comfort class. Fares work like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com. Booking for Spanish trains normally opens 60 days ahead, but this varies.
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Stay overnight in Madrid. The classic Hotel Mediodia is across the road from Atocha with good reviews, or try the NH Hotel Madrid Atocha or Only YOU Hotel Atocha, also across the road from the station.
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Day 3, travel from Madrid to Lisbon by daytime trains as shown on the Madrid to Lisbon page.
Bratislava to Andorra...
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Day 1, travel from Bratislava to Paris Gare de l'Est in a single day by railjet & TGV-Lyria as shown in the Bratislava to Paris section above.
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Stay overnight in Paris, see suggested hotels. How to transfer from Paris Nord to Paris Montparnasse by taxi or metro.
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Day 2, travel from Paris Montparnasse to Toulouse by TGV then bus to Andorra, as shown on the Trains from Paris page.
Bratislava to Berlin & Hamburg from 46.90
Option 1, Bratislava to Berlin & Hamburg by EuroCity train Hungaria - the direct daytime option...
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A direct EuroCity train called the Hungaria links Bratislava with Dresden, Berlin & Hamburg every day, leaving Bratislava Hlavna at 10:06, arriving Dresden Hbf 16:52, Berlin Hbf 19:02 and Hamburg Hbf at 21:17.
Earlier and later departures are also available, with one easy change at Prague Hlavni
Put your feet up, chill out and enjoy the great scenery along the Elbe river between Prague & Dresden, see the photos, travel tips & video here.
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Fares from Bratislava to Berlin & Hamburg start at 39.90 in 2nd class or 69.90 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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How to buy tickets, method 1...
Buy tickets at the German Railways site www.bahn.de. In this case tickets cannot be printed, they must be sent by post to any address worldwide for a small fee.
www.bahn.de can sell both the direct train and journeys with a change in Prague. Tip: For a stopover in Prague, click Stopover and enter Prague, with the desired stopover duration.
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How to buy tickets, method 2. Save money and get a digital ticket...
Tickets can take two weeks to arrive in the post, and it's not unknown for them to go missing. If you want a digital ticket that can be printed out or shown on your phone here's how:
(1) Use www.bahn.de to book from Breclav (the first stop in the Czech Republic) to Germany instead, on the same train, EC172 leaving Breclav at 11:07. You'll get a digital ticket which can be printed or shown on your phone. Fares start at just 29.90.
(2) Now go to Czech Railways www.cd.cz and add a ticket from Bratislava Hlavna to Breclav on the same train, EC172 leaving 10:06. Even a full-price ticket bought at short notice costs only 7, about 188 Czech Koruna. You print your own ticket.
(3) A seat reservation is optional but a good idea. If you want one, go to www.cd.cz again, book from Bratislava to your German destination, but this time do not click the green price button, look for the link underneath which says I want a reservation only. This gets you a stand-alone seat reservation.
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The EuroCity train Hungaria calls at Berlin Hbf... |
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1st class. You can choose to sit in a 1st class open plan (saloon) car like this... Larger photo. |
...or in a 1st class car with side corridor & classic 6-seat compartments like this. Larger photo. |
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2nd class. You can choose to sit in a 2nd class open plan (saloon) car like this... Larger photo. |
...or in a 2nd class car with side corridor & classic 6-seat compartments like this. Larger photo. |
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Lunch on the Hungaria. There are no table reservations, just go along & sit down. Courtesy of @_DiningCar... |
Restaurant car on the Hungaria. Larger photo. Photo courtesy of Siddhartha Verma. |
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Between Prague & Dresden the train runs along the pretty river Elbe, or Labe in Czech. One of Europe's major rivers, the Elbe eventually flows into the North Sea at Cuxhaven near Hamburg. Watch for river boats, even the occasional paddle steamer. See the photos & video of this part of the journey here. |
Option 1, Bratislava to Berlin & Hamburg by day trains - alternative daytime options...
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Step 1, travel from Bratislava to Vienna by regional train, leaving Bratislava Hlavna at 08:38 and arriving Vienna Hbf at 09:44.
Tip: If you have a 1st ticket you can use the ΦBB Lounge at Vienna Hbf between trains with complimentary tea, coffee & WiFi.
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Step 2, travel from Vienna to Berlin by ICE-T, leaving Vienna Hbf at 10:13 and arriving Berlin Hbf at 17:53 & Hamburg Hbf 19:51.
The air-conditioned German ICE-T train has a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.
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Fares from Bratislava to Berlin start at 46.90 in 2nd class or 59.90 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares so book ahead.
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Buy tickets at the German Railways website www.bahn.de. You may find other departure available, too.
Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. In this case tickets cannot be printed, they are sent by post to any address worldwide for a small fee.
Tip: If you'd prefer a digital ticket than can be downloaded & printed out or shown on your phone, here's how: Instead of booking from Bratislava to Germany, book from Vienna to Germany, setting departure time to 10:00. This gets you an e-ticket that you can print out or show on your phone. Then buy a Bratislava-Vienna ticket separately either at the station on the day or online at www.oebb.at or www.thetrainline.com.
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Step 1, Bratislava to Vienna by regional express train. More about Vienna-Bratislava trains. |
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Step 2, Vienna to Berlin & Hamburg by ICE Berolina. This is the Berolina at Vienna Hbf. More information about ICE-T trains. Courtesy of Helmut Uttenthaler . |
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Table for two in 1st class, my favourite configuration. There are also tables for four in both classes. |
Lunch in the restaurant car. I highly recommend the Erdinger Weissbier! |
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You can see into the cab at each end of the train. |
Comfortable 2nd class seats on the ICE-T to Vienna... |
Option 2, Bratislava to Berlin by sleeper train - the time-effective option, saves a hotel bill too...
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A comfortable EuroNight sleeper train called the Metropol leaves Bratislava Hlavna at 22:06 and arrives Berlin Hbf at 09:55 next morning.
The train has an air-conditioned sleeping-car with 1, 2 & 3 bed compartments with washbasin, an air-conditioned couchette car with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and 2nd class seats. The sleeper fare includes a light breakfast, served in your compartment.
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Fares start at 39 with a couchette in a 6-berth, 59 with a couchette in a 4-berth, 129 with a bed in a 3-bed sleeper, 139 with a bed in a 2-bed sleeper or 179 in a single-bed sleeper.
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Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in , a bit more fiddly, same prices). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead and you print your own ticket.
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Bratislava to Berlin by sleeper. This is the southbound sleeper at Berlin Hbf. More information about this train. |
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1, 2 or 3 bed sleeper, set up as a 2 bed. Larger photo. |
4 or 6-berth couchettes. Larger photo. |
Option 3, Bratislava to Hamburg using the Vienna-Hamburg sleeper train - the time-effective option...
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Step 1, travel from Bratislava to Vienna by regional express train, leaving Bratislava Hlavna at 17:38 and arriving Vienna Hbf at 18:44.
The fare is 10.20, you can buy at the station on the day or buy at www.oebb.at and print your own ticket. See the Bratislava to Vienna page for more information.
Tip: Don't risk tight connections with a sleeper to catch. These trains run every hour. why not travel earlier and have dinner in Vienna? See suggested restaurants.
Tip: If you have a sleeper ticket, you can use the ΦBB lounge at Vienna Hbf between trains, with complimentary refreshments & free WiFi.
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Step 2, travel from Vienna to Hamburg by Nightjet sleeper train leaving Vienna Hbf at 20:11 and arriving Hamburg Hbf at 08:47.
This comfortable Austrian Nightjet train has an air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-car with nine 1, 2 & 3-berth standard compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet. There's a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers. The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu. The train has several couchette cars with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats. A light breakfast is included in sleepers & couchettes, served in your compartment. See the Nightjet page for a guide to on-board accommodation, travel tips, photos & video.
Fares start at 49.90 in 6-berth couchettes, 59.90 in 4-berth couchettes, 89.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, 109.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or 159.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or Austrian Railways www.oebb.at (a little more fiddly, in ). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead, but less than this when the mid-June or mid-December timetable changes intervene. You print your own ticket.
Bratislava to Munich from 34.90...
Option 1, Bratislava to Munich by daytime trains...
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Step 1, hop on the hourly regional train from Bratislava Hlavna to Vienna Hbf leaving at xx:38 minutes past each hour, taking 1h06. See the Bratislava to Vienna page for more information.
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Step 2, travel from Vienna Hbf to Munich Hbf by smart modern railjet train with restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi, departures every two hours from 06:30 until 18:30, journey time 4h00. I'd allow at least 30 minutes between trains in Vienna.
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Fares from Bratislava to Munich start at 34.90 in 2nd class or 49.90 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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If you are happy having tickets sent to you by post for a small fee, buy a ticket from Bratislava to Munich at the German Railways website www.bahn.de, looking for journeys with just 1 change.
Tip: I have set up this special link for you with the specific stations you need, designed to find the best routing with a sensible connectional time between trains in Vienna. In the search results, look for journeys with 1 change, ignore those with 2 changes.
Tip: To get an e-ticket that can be downloaded & printed out or shown on your phone, first book from Vienna to Munich from 29.90 using www.bahn.de. Then buy a separate ticket from Bratislava to Vienna for 10.20 at the station or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at and print it out.
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Step 1, Bratislava to Vienna by regional express train. More about Vienna-Bratislava trains. |
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Step 2, Vienna to Munich by railjet. Above, a railjet about to leave Vienna Hbf... |
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Business class. About. |
Restaurant car. |
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First class. |
Economy class. |
Option 2, Bratislava to Munich by sleeper train...
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Step 1, travel from Bratislava to Vienna by regional train, leaving Bratislava Hlavna at 20:38 and arriving Vienna Hbf at 21:44.
The fare is 10.20, you can buy at the station on the day or buy at www.thetrainline.com or www.oebb.at and print your own ticket. See the Bratislava to Vienna page for more information.
Tip: Don't risk tight connections when you have a sleeper train to catch. These trains run every hour, why not leave earlier and have dinner in Vienna? See suggested restaurants.
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Step 2, travel from Vienna to Munich by EuroNight sleeper train Kalman Imre, leaving Vienna Hbf at 23:27 arriving Munich Ost at 05:50.
Fares start at 49.90 with couchette in 6-berth, 59.90 with couchette in 4-berth, 89.90 with a bed in a 2-bed sleeper or 129.90 with a bed in a single-bed sleeper. Morning tea or coffee is included in sleepers. This sleeper train comes through from Budapest, see photos of the couchettes and sleepers here & see the Hungarian sleeping-car video.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in , a bit more fiddly, same prices). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket.
Bratislava to Frankfurt, Cologne, Dόsseldorf & other cities in Germany from 39.90
Option 1, Bratislava to Germany by daytime trains...
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Check times & buy tickets from Bratislava Hlavna to anywhere in Germany at the German Railways website, www.bahn.de.
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Advance-purchase fares start at 37.90 in 2nd class or 69.90 in 1st class. Tickets are sent by post to any address worldwide for a small fee.
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Tip: Look for journeys with the fewest changes. You might get more convenient journeys if you click Stopover and enter Dresden or Vienna in the via box.
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Tip: To get a digital ticket which can be printed out on journeys routed via Vienna, first book from Vienna to your German destination at www.bahn.de. You can print this out or show it on your phone. Then buy a separate ticket from Bratislava to Vienna for 10.20 at the station or at www.oebb.at and print it out.
Option 2, Bratislava to Cologne or Dusseldorf by Nightjet sleeper train - the time-effective option...
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Step 1, travel from Bratislava to Vienna by regional express train, leaving Bratislava Hlavna at 17:38 and arriving Vienna Hbf at 18:44.
The fare is 10.20, you can buy at the station on the day or buy at www.oebb.at and print your own ticket. See the Bratislava to Vienna page for more information.
Tip: Don't risk tight connections with a sleeper to catch. These trains run every hour, why not leave earlier and have dinner in Vienna? See suggested restaurants.
Tip: If you have a sleeper ticket, you can use the ΦBB lounge at Vienna Hbf between trains, with complimentary refreshments & free WiFi.
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Step 2, travel from Vienna to Koblenz, Cologne or Dόsseldorf by Nightjet sleeper train, leaving Vienna Hbf at 20:11 and arriving Koblenz Hbf 05:11, Cologne Hbf 06:51 & Dόsseldorf 07:23.
This comfortable Austrian Nightjet train has an air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-car with nine 1, 2 & 3-berth standard compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet. There's a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers. The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu. The train has several couchette cars with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats. A light breakfast is included in sleepers & couchettes, served in your compartment. See the Nightjet page for a guide to on-board accommodation, travel tips, photos & video.
Fares start at 49.90 in 6-berth couchettes, 59.90 in 4-berth couchettes, 89.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, 109.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or 159.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or Austrian Railways www.oebb.at (a little more fiddly, in ). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own tickets.
Bratislava to Vienna for 10.20...
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Bratislava to Vienna by regional express train. More about Vienna-Bratislava trains. |
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Bratislava to Linz, Salzburg or Innsbruck
Option 1, Bratislava to Linz, Salzburg & Innsbruck by direct railjet train...
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A direct Austrian railjet train leaves Bratislava Hlavna at 06:08 every day direct to Linz, Salzburg, Innsbruck & St Anton, arriving Salzburg Hbf 09:53 & Innsbruck Hbf at 11:44. This excellent railjet train has a restaurant car for breakfast, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. 1st & business class passengers can order food & drink from their seats.
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Fares start at 29.90 in 2nd class, 39.90 in 1st class, 54.90 in business class (= premium 1st class). Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in , a bit more fiddly, same prices). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead and you print your own ticket.
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The railjet train at Bratislava Hlavna... Courtesy of Helmut Uttentahler. |
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Business class. About. |
Restaurant car. |
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First class. |
Economy class. |
Option 2, other departures with a change of train in Vienna - if the direct early morning train doesn't suit you...
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Step 1, travel from Bratislava Hlavna to Vienna Hbf by regional train, these leave every hour at xx:38 minutes past each hour, journey time 1h07. See the Bratislava to Vienna page for more information.
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Step 2, travel from Vienna Hbf to Linz, Salzburg Hbf or Innsbruck Hbf by railjet train with restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.
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Bratislava to Salzburg starts at 24.90. Bratislava to Innsbruck starts at 39.90. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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Check times & buy tickets from Bratislava to Salzburg, Innsbruck or anywhere in Austria at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in , more fiddly, same prices).
Look for journeys with 1 change, ignore journeys with 2. Sparschiene fares are cheap advance-purchase fares, limited availability at each price level, specified train only. Booking opens up to 6 months ahead and you print your own ticket.
Tip: You'll only find 2nd class fares this way, as the regional train is 2nd class only and the system can't cope with a hybrid part-1st-class ticket. To travel in 1st or business class on the railjet, first book from Vienna to your Austrian destination and select 1st class, then buy a 2nd class local ticket for the Bratislava-Vienna train for a fixed-price 10.20 either at the station on the day or as a second transaction at www.thetrainline.com.
Bratislava to Copenhagen, Malmφ, Gothenburg & Stockholm...
Option 1, Bratislava to Stockholm using the Hamburg-Stockholm sleeper train - the time-effective option...
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Step 1, travel from Bratislava to Hamburg, leaving Bratislava Hlavna at 08:38, change at Vienna Hbf and arriving Hamburg Altona at 20:13.
You travel from Bratislava to Vienna by regional train, then Vienna to Hamburg by ICE train with restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. Always allow at least an hour when connecting with a sleeper train you don't want to miss. Have dinner in Hamburg.
Fares start at 46.90 in 2nd class or 59.90 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at the German Railways website www.bahn.de.
Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. Tickets are sent to any address worldwide for a small fee. I recommend registering when prompted, so you can log on at any time and check or reprint tickets.
Tip: To get a digital ticket which can be printed out, first book from Vienna to Hamburg at www.bahn.de. You can print this out or show it on your phone. Then buy a separate ticket from Bratislava to Vienna at www.oebb.at and print it out.
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Step 2, travel from Hamburg to Stockholm by sleeper train, leaving Hamburg Altona at 21:19 & arriving Stockholm Central 09:55 next morning.
From 1 April to 1 October 2023 this train will instead leave from Hamburg Hbf at 22:01, arriving Stockholm Central 09:55 next morning.
Procured by the Swedish government and run by Swedish Railways SJ, the train has sleeping-cars with compact 1 & 2 berth compartments with washbasin, several 1, 2 or 3 bed deluxe compartments with en suite toilet & shower, couchette cars with 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats. The sleeping-cars are former Austrian Railways AB32s, refurbished. More information about the Hamburg-Stockholm sleeper train.
Fares start at 44.90 with a couchette in 6-berth, 69.90 with a couchette in 4-berth, 79.90 with a bed in a 2-bed sleeper or 164.90 with a single-bed sleeper all to yourself. All prices per person per bed, fares vary like air fares so book ahead.
Book tickets at www.sj.se.
Booking opens several months ahead, You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.
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The inaugural Hamburg to Stockholm SJ EuroNight train at Hamburg Altona, 1 September 2022. The author rode this first departure... |
6-berth couchettes. |
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Couchettes in day mode, en route to Stockholm. Larger photo. |
The inaugural train from Hamburg to Stockholm calls at Padborg, just after entering Denmark. |
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Typical Swedish scenery on the morning run into Stockholm... |
Option 2, Bratislava to Copenhagen & Scandinavia using the Vienna-Hamburg Nightjet sleeper...
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Step 1, travel from Bratislava to Vienna by regional train, leaving Bratislava Hlavna at 17:38 and arriving Vienna Hbf at 18:44.
The fare is 10.20, you can buy at the station on the day or buy at www.oebb.at and print your own ticket. See the Bratislava to Vienna page for more information.
Tip: If you have a sleeper ticket, you can use the ΦBB lounge at Vienna Hbf between trains, with complimentary refreshments & free WiFi.
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Step 2, travel from Vienna to Hamburg by Nightjet sleeper train, leaving Vienna Hbf at 20:11 every evening & arriving Hamburg Hbf at 08:47.
This comfortable Austrian Nightjet train has an air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-car with nine 1, 2 & 3-berth standard compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet. There's a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers. The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu. The train has several couchette cars with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats. A light breakfast is included in sleepers & couchettes, served in your compartment. See the Nightjet page for a guide to on-board accommodation, travel tips, photos & video.
Fares start at 49.90 in 6-berth couchettes, 59.90 in 4-berth couchettes, 89.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, 109.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or 159.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or Austrian Railways www.oebb.at (a little more fiddly, in , has been known to reject some international cards). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead, but less than this when the mid-June or mid-December timetable changes intervene. You print your own tickets.
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Step 3, travel from Hamburg to Copenhagen by Danish IC3 intercity train, leaving Hamburg Hbf at 12:53, arriving Copenhagen at 17:34.
From 17 June to 20 August 2023 an altered timetable operates, you can leave Hamburg Hbf at 10:53, arriving Copenhagen at 15:34.
Fares start at 27.90 in 2nd class or 59.90 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this at the German Railways website www.bahn.de. You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone.
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Step 4, travel from Copenhagen to Stockholm by X2000, leaving Copenhagen at 18:19 daily except Saturdays arriving Stockholm Central 23:41.
On Saturdays when the 10:53 Hamburg-Copenhagen operates you'll make a 16:19 Copenhagen-Stockholm train. At other times of year an overnight stay in Copenhagen is needed on Saturdays.
If you're going to Stockholm, you can book from Hamburg to Stockholm as one transaction at the www.bahn.de, Hamburg to Stockholm starts at 56.90.
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Step 1, Bratislava to Vienna by regional express train. More about Vienna-Bratislava trains. |
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2-berth regular sleeper with washstand. Larger photo. |
The toilet & shower in a deluxe sleeper... |
Step 2, Vienna to Hamburg by Nightjet... This is a Comfortline sleeping-car as used on the Vienna-Hamburg Nightjet. More pictures & information about nightjets. |
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Austrian couchette car or liegewagen. Couchettes are the economical option, flat bunks with rug & pillow. |
6-berth couchettes, the cheapest option... |
4-berth couchettes, ideal for families. Larger photo. |
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Step 3, Hamburg to Copenhagen by Intercity train seen here at Copenhagen. More about Hamburg to Copenhagen trains. |
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2nd class seats on an IC3 train. Larger photo. |
1st class seats on an IC3 train. Larger photo. |
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Step 4, Copenhagen to Stockholm by tilting 200km/h X2000, seen at Stockholm Central. More about X2000 trains. |
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1st class on an X2000. Larger photo. |
2nd class on an X2000. Larger photo. |
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Bistro seating on an X2000 train. Larger photo. |
Bistro on an X2000 train. Larger photo. |
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Crossing the impressive Φresund bridge from Denmark to Sweden... |
Option 3, Bratislava to Copenhagen & Scandinavia by day trains with an overnight stop in Hamburg...
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Day 1, travel from Bratislava to Hamburg by EuroCity train Hungaria, leaving Bratislava Hlavna at 10:06, arriving Hamburg Hbf at 21:17.
Put your feet up, chill out and enjoy the scenery along the Elbe river between Prague & Dresden, see the scenery photos & video here.
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Stay overnight in Hamburg. The Hotel Reichshof Hamburg is the top choice here, just across the road 100m from the station's Kirchenallee exit, with art deco-based design and great reviews. Other hotels near Hamburg Hbf with good or great reviews include (starting with the cheapest) the Hotel Continental Novum, Hotel Furst Bismarck, Hotel Europaischer Hof, Hotel Atlantic Kempinski. If you're on a budget, cheap private rooms in the A&O Hotel near Hamburg Hbf can be booked at www.hostelworld.com.
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Day 2, travel from Hamburg to Copenhagen by Danish IC3 intercity train, leaving Hamburg Hbf at 08:56, arriving Copenhagen at 13:34.
An altered timetable applies from 17 June to 20 August 2023, see the timetable here.
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Day 2, change in Copenhagen for Malmφ, Gothenburg & Stockholm. Most of the year, an X2000 train from Copenhagen will get you to Stockholm Central at 19:36, or at around 21:38 from 17 June to 20 August 2023, but times may vary.
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How much does it cost?
Bratislava to Copenhagen starts at 66.90 in 2nd class or 81.90 in 1st class.
Bratislava to Stockholm starts at 59.90 in 2nd class or 99.90 in 1st class.
These are German Railways Sparpreis through fares. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
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To buy tickets...
You can buy a through ticket from Bratislava to Copenhagen, Stockholm, Malmo or Gothenburg at the German Railways website www.bahn.de - to get the overnight stop in Hamburg, click Stopover and enter Hamburg Hbf in the via box and 11:00 in the 'hh:mm' box.
Click here to open bahn.de all set up with the necessary parameters - just enter your date of travel and passenger details and if necessary change Copenhagen to Malmo, Gφteborg Central or Stockholm. In the search results, look for journeys with the fewest changes. Adjust departure time & stopover time if necessary to get the trains you want either side of Hamburg.
Tickets are posted to any address worldwide, in this case they cannot be printed out. You have to allow 1-2 weeks for tickets to arrive.
Tip: If you'd prefer a digital ticket than can be printed out or shown on your phone, here's how: Instead of booking from Bratislava to Copenhagen or Sweden, book from Vienna to Copenhagen or Sweden, setting departure time to 10:00. This gets you an e-ticket that you can print out or show on your phone. Then buy a Bratislava-Vienna ticket separately either at the station on the day or online at www.oebb.at or www.thetrainline.com.
Tip: If you have any problems you can split the booking into stages: Book from Bratislava (or Vienna) to Hamburg then Hamburg to Copenhagen using www.bahn.de. Then book Copenhagen to Gothenburg or Stockholm at either www.sj.se (in Krona, can struggle with some overseas credit cards, no booking fee) or Omio.com (formerly GoEuro.com, in Krona, , £ or $, small booking fee, quick & easy to use and readily accepts overseas credit cards).
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Step 1, Bratislava to Hamburg on the EuroCity train Hungaria. Photos courtesy of Siddhartha Verma. |
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2nd class seats on the Hungaria. Larger photo. |
Restaurant car on the Hungaria. Larger photo. |
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Between Prague & Dresden the train runs along the pretty river Elbe, or Labe in Czech. One of Europe's major rivers, the Elbe eventually flows into the North Sea at Cuxhaven near Hamburg. Watch for river boats, even the occasional paddle steamer. See the photos & video of this part of the journey here. |
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Step 2, Hamburg to Copenhagen by Danish IC3... This is the late afternoon Hamburg-Copenhagen IC3 leaving platform 5 at Hamburg Hbf on a busy summer day. The yellow stripe above the windows indicates first class, located at one end of both 3-car units. More information about the Hamburg-Copenhagen journey. |
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Boarding a Danish IC3 train at Hamburg Hbf... |
1st class seats on an IC3 train. Larger photo. |
Bratislava to Oslo & Norway...
Option 1, Bratislava to Oslo via Hamburg & Copenhagen - by train all the way...
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Day 1 travel from Bratislava to Hamburg by EuroCity train Hungaria, leaving Bratislava Hlavna at 10:06, arriving Hamburg Hbf at 21:17.
Put your feet up, chill out and enjoy the scenery along the Elbe river between Prague & Dresden, see the scenery photos & video here.
Fares start at 39.90 in 2nd class or 69.90 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this at www.bahn.de. In this case tickets cannot be printed, they must be sent by post to any address worldwide for a small fee. If you want a digital ticket, see the booking instructions in the Bratislava to Berlin & Hamburg section above.
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Stay overnight in Hamburg. The Hotel Reichshof Hamburg is the top choice here, just across the road 100m from the station's Kirchenallee exit, with art deco-based design and great reviews. Other hotels near Hamburg Hbf with good or great reviews include (starting with the cheapest) the Hotel Continental Novum, Hotel Furst Bismarck, Hotel Europaischer Hof, Hotel Atlantic Kempinski. If you're on a budget, cheap private rooms in the A&O Hotel near Hamburg Hbf can be booked at www.hostelworld.com.
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Day 2, travel from Hamburg to Frederikshavn then take the overnight DFDS ferry from Frederikshavn to Oslo as explained here. A private cabin on the ferry with en suite toilet & shower is remarkably affordable, and saves a hotel bill.
Option 2, Bratislava to Oslo via the Kiel-Oslo cruise ferry - the most comfortable way to Oslo...
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Day 1, travel from Bratislava to Vienna by regional train, leaving Bratislava Hlavna at 17:38 and arriving Vienna Hbf at 18:44.
The fare is 10.20, you can buy at the station on the day or buy at www.oebb.at and print your own ticket. See the Bratislava to Vienna page for more information. By all means travel earlier and see something of Vienna, these trains run every hour.
Tip: If you have a sleeper ticket, you can use the ΦBB lounge at Vienna Hbf between trains, with complimentary refreshments & free WiFi.
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Day 1, travel from Vienna to Hamburg by Nightjet sleeper train, leaving Vienna Hbf at 20:11 and arriving Hamburg Hbf at 08:47.
This comfortable Austrian Nightjet train has an air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-car with nine 1, 2 & 3-berth standard compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet. There are toilets & a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers. The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu. The train has couchette cars with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and ordinary seats. A light breakfast is included in sleepers & couchettes, served in your compartment. See the Nightjet page for a guide to on-board accommodation, travel tips, photos & video.
Fares start at 49.90 in 6-berth couchettes, 59.90 in 4-berth couchettes, 89.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, 109.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or 159.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in , a little more fiddly, same prices). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead and you print your own ticket.
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Day 2, travel from Hamburg Hbf to Kiel Hbf by regional train, these leave several times each hour taking 1h10, fixed-price fare around 23.
In Kiel, the Color Line ferry terminal is only 5-6 minutes walk from Kiel Hbf, but allow several hours between train & ferry for the ferry check-in and in case of delay.
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Day 2, sail from Kiel to Oslo by luxurious overnight Color Line ferry, with a full range of en suite cabins, suites, bars, restaurants and lounges. The m/v Magic or m/v Fantasy normally sails at 14:00 arriving Oslo at 10:00 next morning (Day 3 from Bratislava).
Check times & buy tickets using the Direct Ferries website or www.colorline.com.
Make sure you're on deck next morning as the ship sails through spectacular scenery up Oslo Fjord. The ship docks at the modern Color Line terminal about 2 km from the city centre. Color Line provide transfer buses to Oslo Sentral station costing 55 krone, or there are plenty of taxis. If you have little luggage it's possible to walk. See map of Oslo showing ferry terminal.
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This photo is taken from the exit of Kiel station, so you can see how close the ferry is. It's a 5-6 minute walk across the harbour, with a street lift up to a connecting walkway which takes you to the ferry terminal. If you have reserved one of what Color Line call their "5 star suites", check in at the desk rather than the machines and you'll be directed to a special lounge to wait with free tea, coffee, juice, snacks & WiFi. You'll also have priority boarding of the ship. Photos courtesy of Andrew Leo. |
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Boarding the Color Line ferry to Oslo in Kiel... |
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A 5 Star Suite on the ferry... |
More cruise liner than ferry! The restaurant. |
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Wake up to this.... |
Bratislava to Helsinki & Finland...
Option 1, Bratislava to Helsinki using a Finnlines ferry from Travemόnde in Germany - the easiest option...
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Day 1, travel from Bratislava to Berlin by sleeper train, as shown in the Bratislava to Berlin section above. Book this as shown.
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Day 2, travel from Berlin to Hamburg by ICE train, leaving Berlin Hbf at 12:05 & arriving Hamburg Hbf 13:51.
You can in fact take any train you like as trains run at least every hour, just make sure you allow at least an hour between trains in Berlin in case of delay. Which departure you choose depends on whether you want more time in Berlin or more time in Hamburg. The ICE has a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.
Book this train at the German Railways website www.bahn.de. Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket or show it on your laptop or phone. I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.
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Day 2, travel from Hamburg Hbf to Lόbeck by regional train then take a bus to the Skandinavienkai ferry terminal in Travemόnde.
Sail from Travemόnde to Helsinki by Finnlines ferry. Finnlines sail from Travemόnde to Helsinki every day, boarding at 23:30, sailing at 02:45 (the exact time varies) and arriving at Helsinki's Hansa Terminal in Vuosaari at 09:15 2 nights later (Day 4 from Bratislava).
For full details of the transfer, check-in arrangements & ferry crossing, see the Hamburg page.
Book the ferry using the Direct Ferries website or at www.finnlines.com.
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Book onward trains within Finland at the Finnish Railways website www.vr.fi.
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Finnlines operate the Finnstar, Finnmaid & Finnlady on the Travemόnde-Helsinki route. Photo courtesy of Hubert Bartkowiak. Photos below courtesy of Chris Russell. |
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Standard cabin. Larger photo. |
Gym with a view... |
Sauna... |
Option 2, Bratislava to Helsinki by train to Stockholm then ferry...
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Step 2, travel from Stockholm to Helsinki either by direct overnight cruise ferry, or by daytime or overnight ferry to Turku and connecting train to Helsinki as shown on the Trains & ferries from Stockholm page.
Bratislava to Prague for 17...
Option 1, Bratislava to Prague by EuroCity train every 2h - the most frequent option...
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Comfortable air-conditioned EuroCity trains with restaurant car & free WiFi link Bratislava Hlavna with Prague Hlavni every 2 hours through the day, journey time around 4h03. These trains are jointly run by the Slovakian & Czech national railways. Reservation is optional, so the trains can never sell out and train tickets can easily be bought at the station on the day.
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Check times & buy tickets at the Czech Railways website www.cd.cz and print your own ticket or show it on your phone.
Booking usually opens 60 days ahead. First Minute fares are advance-purchase fares with limited availability, specified train only, no refunds, no changes to travel plans.
You can also book at the Slovakian Railways website www.zssk.sk but the Czech site is much easier to use. See suggested hotels in Prague.
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A EuroCity train from Prague to Budapest about to leave Prague Hlavni. More photos & information. |
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1st class... |
2nd class compartment seating... |
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Restaurant car... |
Lunch & a beer... |
Option 2, Bratislava to Prague by private operator Regiojet - 4 departures a day, can be cheaper, with great on-board service...
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Private operator Regiojet runs 4 express trains per day between Bratislava and Prague with good service in several classes, see the description & photos of RegioJet trains and their 4 classes here.
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Departures at 05:45, 08:47, 12:47, 15:44. journey time 3h55.
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Low prices from 11.90. Regiojet's prices remain low even at short notice, in fact even booked on the day.
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Check times & buy tickets online at www.regiojet.com.
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A RegioJet train in its distinctive yellow & grey colours. More information about Regiojet trains & their 4 classes |
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Standard class Astra car. Larger photo. 360° photo. |
Regiojet Astra car at Vienna... |
Option 3, Bratislava to Prague by sleeper train - the time-effective option...
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The sleeper train Metropol leaves Bratislava Hlavna 22:06 and arrives Prague Hlavni at 08:37.
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It has an air-conditioned Czech sleeping-car with 1, 2 & 3 bed compartments with washbasin. Morning tea or coffee is included in the fare. There is also a couchette car with 4 & 6 bunk compartments. The train originates in Budapest.
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Book at Czech Railways www.cd.cz. Booking normally opens 90 days ahead. You print your own ticket
Bratislava to Brno from 6...
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Comfortable air-conditioned EuroCity trains link Bratislava Hlavna with Brno Hlavni roughly every 2 hours through the day, journey time around 1h25, check times online at www.cd.cz.
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Advance-purchase First Minute fares start at 7. The full-flex fare bought on the day is around 13.
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Reservation is optional, so the trains can never sell out and train tickets can easily be bought at the station on the day if you're happy paying the full-flex fare.
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Or book online at the Czech Railways website www.cd.cz and print your own ticket or show it on your phone.
Booking usually opens 60 days ahead. First Minute fares have limited availability, specified train only, no refunds, no changes to travel plans.
You can also book at the Slovakian Railways website www.zssk.sk but the Czech site is much easier to use.
Bratislava to Ostrava from 11...
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A direct air-conditioned EuroCity train links Bratislava Hlavna with Ostrava Hlavni leaving at around 10:57, journey time 3h09. Other journeys are possible through the day every couple of hours with 1 easy change at either Zilna, Breclav or Brno, check online at www.cd.cz.
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Advance-purchase First Minute fares start at 11. The full-flex fare bought on the day is around 23.
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Reservation is optional, so the trains can never sell out and train tickets can easily be bought at the station on the day if you're happy paying the full-flex fare.
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Book at the Czech Railways website www.cd.cz and print your own ticket or show it on your phone.
Booking usually opens 60 days ahead. First Minute fares have limited availability, specified train only, no refunds, no changes to travel plans.
You can also book at the Slovakian Railways website www.zssk.sk but the Czech site is much easier to use.
Bratislava to Budapest for 17.50...
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Comfortable air-conditioned EuroCity trains link Bratislava Hlavna with Budapest Nyugati every couple of hours, journey time just 2h26.
Fares from 210 in 2nd class or 16 in 1st class if you book online in advance.
Book at the Hungarian Railways website www.mavcsoport.hu - see my advice on using it. Booking opens 60 days ahead. You print your own ticket or you can load it into the MAV app to show on your phone.
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Note that since 2017 these trains use Budapest Nyugati station, not Keleti.
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A Prague-Bratislava-Budapest EuroCity train at Prague Hlavni. More photos & information. |
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1st class... |
2nd class compartment seating... |
Bratislava to Brasov, Sighisoara & Bucharest from 57...
Option 1, Bratislava to Romania using the sleeper train Ister from Budapest to Brasov & Bucharest...
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Step 1, travel from Bratislava to Budapest by EuroCity train, leaving Bratislava Hlavna at 13:57 & arriving Budapest Nyugati 16:28.
Fares start at 10 in 2nd class or 16 in 1st class if booked online in advance.
Book this at the Hungarian Railways website www.mavcsoport.hu - see my advice on using it. Booking opens 60 days ahead. You print your own ticket or you can load it into the MAV app to show on your phone.
To check train times use www.zssk.sk or www.bahn.de. Walk, metro or tram from Nyugati to Keleti station.
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Step 2, take the EuroNight sleeper train Ister leaving Budapest Keleti at 19:10 & arriving Brasov 08:40 & Bucharest Gara de Nord 11:19 next day.
This comfortable train has 4 & 6 berth couchettes and an air-conditioned sleeping-car with 1, 2 & 3 bed compartments with washbasin. There's great Alpine-style scenery in the morning over breakfast through the Carpathian mountains between Brasov and Bucharest.
Fares start at 39 with a couchette in 6-berth, 46 with a couchette in 4-berth, 69 with a bed in a 3-bed sleeper, 84 with a bed in a 2-bed sleeper or 162 with a single-bed sleeper all to yourself. All prices per person per berth. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at the Romanian Railways website bileteinternationale.cfrcalatori.ro. Click EN top right for English. Booking opens up to 90 days ahead. For Bucharest type Bucuresti. You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone.
You can also try booking this at the Hungarian Railways website www.mav-start.hu, see my advice on using it. For Bucharest type Bucuresti. You show your ticket in the MAV app on your phone.
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A 1, 2 or 3-bed sleeper with washbasin. Larger photo. |
The sleeping-car (vagon de dormit) on the westbound Ister at Bucharest. Sleepers convert from beds to private sitting rooms for day use. Courtesy of DiscoverByRail. |
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The vagon cuseta (couchette car) on the westbound Ister, boarding at Bucharest. Couchettes convert from bunks at night to seats by day. Courtesy of @AndyBTravels, DiscoverByRail.com . |
4 or 6-berth couchettes. Larger photo. |
Option 2, Bratislava to Romania using the Dacia Express sleeper train from Vienna to Sighisoara, Brasov & Bucharest...
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Step 1, travel from Bratislava to Vienna by regional train, leaving Bratislava Hlavna at 16:38 and arriving Vienna Hbf at 17:44.
The fare is 10.20, you can buy at the station on the day or buy at www.oebb.at and print your own ticket. See the Bratislava to Vienna page for photos & more information.
Tip: Don't risk any tight connections when you have a sleeper train to catch. Dinner in Vienna? See suggested restaurants.
Tip: If you have a sleeper ticket, you can use the ΦBB lounge at Vienna Hbf between trains, with complimentary refreshments & free WiFi.
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Step 2, travel from Vienna to Romania by Dacia Express, leaving Vienna Hbf at 19:42 every evening and arriving next day in Simeria 07:13, Sighisoara 09:21, Braşov 12:35, Ploeşti 14:27 & Bucharest Nord at 15:05.
The Dacia Express has a modern air-conditioned Romanian sleeping-car with 1, 2 & 3 berth compartments with washbasin, plus several deluxe compartments with en suite shower & toilet. It has a couchette car with 4 & 6 berth compartments. A Hungarian restaurant car operates between Vienna and Budapest, treat yourself to dinner. A bar car is attached in the morning between Arad & Bucharest, serving drinks & snacks. There's wonderful almost Alpine scenery through the Carpathian mountains between Brasov and Bucharest, a real treat...
Fares start at 59 with a couchette in a 6-berth compartment, 69 with a couchette in a 4-berth compartment, 79 with a bed in a 3-berth sleeper, 99 with a bed in a 3-berth sleeper or 159 with a bed in a single-berth sleeper all to yourself. All per person per berth. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at. Booking opens up to 90 days ahead. In the search results, look for the direct train marked D with no changes. You collect tickets from an ΦBB ticket machine in Vienna.
You can also (as of 2022) book this train at the Romanian Railways website bileteinternationale.cfrcalatori.ro. Click EN top right for English. Booking opens up to 90 days ahead. For Vienna type Wien, for Bucharest type Bucuresti. It can book seats, couchettes or sleepers. For Austria to Romania journeys you now print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone.
Tip: Prices might be cheaper than on oebb.at, so check both sites!
Tip: If you like, you can check the consist for this train, check car numbers & see in what order cars for different destinations are marshalled using www.vagonweb.cz. Change cs to English upper left, then click Train formations, scroll down to Austria, click D and look for Dacia.
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The Dacia Express sleeping-car at Vienna Hbf. Sleeper photo courtesy of @PaliparanDotCom. Larger photo. |
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The Dacia Express couchette car, boarding at Vienna Hbf. Larger photo. |
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Transylvania: The Dacia Express passes villages in rural Transylvania. Courtesy of @PaliparanDotCom. |
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Carpathians: Alpine scenery as the Dacia Express passes through the Carpathian mountains. Courtesy @PaliparanDotCom. |
Option 3, Bratislava to Romania with overnight stop in Budapest - if you prefer day trains & hotel to sleepers...
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Step 1, travel from Bratislava to Budapest by EuroCity train, leaving Bratislava Hlavna at 19:57 and arriving Budapest Nyugati at 22:28.
By all means take an earlier train, see the timetable here and check train times at www.bahn.de.
Fares start at 10 in 2nd class or 16 in 1st class if booked online in advance.
Book this at the Hungarian Railways website www.mavcsoport.hu - see my advice on using it. Booking opens 60 days ahead. You print your own ticket or you can load it into the MAV app to show on your phone.
Walk, metro or tram from Budapest Nyugati to Keleti station.
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Stay overnight in Budapest. Top choice for an inexpensive stay next to Budapest Keleti is the Intercity Hotel just across the square in front of the station. Also try the Royal Park Boutique Hotel, the inexpensive Baross City Hotel across the road or the Elit Hotel two minutes walk away. Of course, if you want to push the boat out, the luxurious Corinthia Hotel opened in 1896 was almost certainly the inspiration for the 2014 film The Grand Budapest Hotel, 20 minutes walk or 9 minutes by taxi from Keleti station. More hotels in Budapest.
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Day 2, travel from Budapest to Bucharest by InterCity train Traianus, leaving Budapest Keleti at 07:10 and arriving Bucharest Nord at 23:49, or from Budapest to Brasov by InterCity train Fogaras leaving Budapest Keleti at 09:10 via Timisoara & Craiova and arriving Brasov at 22:46.
Both trains are comfortable & air-conditioned, the Traianus has 1st & 2nd class, the Fogaras is 2nd class only. A bar car operates on the Traianus between Timisoara and Bucharest, but bring food & drink along for the first part of the journey.
Fares start at 26.30 booked with Hungarian Railways at www.mavcsoport.hu, see my advice for using it.
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The daytime train from Budapest to Bucharest has modern air-conditioned Romanian carriages. Three cars travel all the way, additional cars are attached whilst in Hungary, and additional cars and a bar car are attached between Drobeta Turnu Severin & Bucharest. |
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On the left, the daytime train to Bucharest is about to leave Budapest Keleti... |
Comfortable 2nd class seats on the Budapest to Bucharest train. There are power outlets under the tables. Larger photo. |
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A bar car is attached between Drobeta Turnu Severin & Bucharest. Photos courtesy of @AndyBTravels, DiscoverByRail.com. |
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Bratislava to Ljubljana & Rijeka...
Option 1, Bratislava to Ljubljana via Vienna...
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Step 1, travel from Bratislava to Vienna by regional train, leaving Bratislava Hlavna at 05:38 and arriving Vienna Hbf at 06:44.
The fare is 10.20, you can buy at the station on the day or buy at www.oebb.at and print your own ticket.
See the Bratislava to Vienna by train page for photos, tips & more information.
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Step 2, travel from Vienna to Ljubljana on the EuroCity train Emona leaving Vienna Hbf at 07:58 and arriving Ljubljana at 14:00.
The Emona uses comfortable air-conditioned Austrian & Slovenian carriages, with power sockets at all seats with a choice of sitting in an open-plan saloon car (my own preference) or in classic 6-seater compartments with side corridor. There's a classic Slovenian restaurant car, treat yourself to a late breakfast and/or lunch and enjoy the fabulous scenery along the beautiful UNESCO-listed Semmering route through the mountains between Vienna & Graz.
Fares start at 24.90 in 2nd class or 34.90 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in , a bit more fiddly, same prices). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket.
If you like you can check the train formation & see what the carriages are like at www.vagonweb.cz. Change cs to English upper left, then click Train formations, scroll down to Austria, click EC then look for the Emona.
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Change in Ljubljana for Rijeka. Buy the Ljubljana-Rijeka ticket at the station.
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Alternatively, you can travel via Budapest. This is slightly longer, but allows you to stop off and see Budapest on the way, and the times may suit you. See the Bratislava to Budapest information above then the Budapest to Ljubljana train information here or the Budapest to Zagreb train information here.
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Step 1, Bratislava to Vienna by regional express train. More about Vienna-Bratislava trains. |
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Step 2, Vienna to Ljubljana by EuroCity train Emona, seen about to leave Vienna Hbf, with its Slovenian restaurant car in the foreground and two Slovenian cars in rear. The Austrian cars are ahead of the restaurant car. |
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The Emona has a Slovenian restaurant car with inexpensive freshly-cooked scrambled eggs or omelette. How about a glass of fizz to go with that? |
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2nd class open-plan seating as used on the Emona. Seats in classic 6-seat compartments are also available... |
1st class seating in an Austrian car as used on the Emona. There are also seats in classic 6-seat compartments. |
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Between Vienna & Graz the Emona travels over the famous Semmering Railway, opened in 1854 and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See the Vienna to Venice by train page for more information, photos & video. |
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Scenery in Slovenia, between Maribor & Zidani Most.... |
Option 2, Bratislava to Ljubljana via Budapest...
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This is slightly longer route, but allows you to stop off and see Budapest on the way, and the times may suit you. See the Bratislava to Budapest information above then the Budapest to Ljubljana train information here.
Option 3, Bratislava to Rijeka by Regiojet sleeper train, summer-only, 3 times a week...
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Open-access operator Regiojet introduced this overnight train in 2020 and it was the surprise runaway success of that year, with every 500-seat train averaging 90% occupancy and carrying tens of thousands of passengers on holiday. It came back for summers 2021 & 2022, expanded to serve Zagreb, Rijeka and Split, with bus connections to other resorts along the Croatian and Montenegrin coast. It's back again in 2023, but without a portion for Split.
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It runs 3 times a week from 16 June to 30 September 2023.
It leaves Bratislava Nove Mesto (4km from Bratislava Hlavna) at 21:26 on Tuesday, Friday & Sunday, arriving Rijeka at 10:40 next morning.
This excellent Regiojet train has 4-berth couchettes and seats. The couchette fare includes all necessary bedding and a light breakfast. There's excellent on-board at-seat service from an extensive menu, with complimentary bottled water and excellent Illy coffee. There's free WiFi.
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The fare is 22.90 in a seat or 29.90 with a couchette in a shared 4-berth compartment, or 89.60 for sole occupancy of a private couchette compartment for 1 to 4 people.
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Buy an e-ticket online at www.regiojet.com. Booking is a breeze, it even allows you to choose your exact place from a carriage plan.
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The holiday train... Above left, Regiojet overnight train at Prague Hlavni. Above right, a 4-berth couchette compartment on this train, in daytime mode. The seat back hinges up to form the upper berths. See video of this overnight journey, taken during the 2020 season. |
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Arrived in Croatia... |
Couchette... |
Bratislava to Zagreb, Split & Dubrovnik...
Option 1, Bratislava to Zagreb via Vienna...
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Step 1, travel from Bratislava to Vienna by regional train, leaving Bratislava Hlavna at 13:38 and arriving Vienna Hbf at 14:44.
The fare is 10.20, you can buy at the station on the day or buy at www.thetrainline.com or www.oebb.at and print your own ticket. See the Bratislava to Vienna page for more information. By all means take an earlier train and have lunch in Vienna, they run every hour.
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Step 2, travel from Vienna to Zagreb on the EuroCity train Croatia leaving Vienna Hbf at 15:58 and arriving Zagreb at 22:27.
The Croatia uses comfortable and spacious air-conditioned Austrian carriages, with power sockets at all seats with a choice of sitting in an open-plan saloon car (my own preference) or in classic 6-seater compartments with side corridor. There's an elegant Austrian restaurant car, treat yourself to dinner, and at least in summer enjoy the fabulous scenery along the beautiful UNESCO-listed Semmering route through the mountains between Vienna & Graz.
Fares start at 29.90 in 2nd class or 39.90 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in , a bit more fiddly, same prices). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket.
If you like you can check the train formation & see what the carriages are like at www.vagonweb.cz - Change cs to English upper left, then click Train formations, scroll down to Austria, click EC then look for the Croatia.
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Step 3, stay overnight in Zagreb and take a train to Split next day, then take a bus to Dubrovnik as shown on the Trains from Zagreb page.
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Step 1, Bratislava to Vienna by regional express train seen here at Vienna Hbf. More about Vienna-Bratislava trains. |
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Step 2, Vienna to Zagreb on the Croatia: This is the EuroCity train Croatia about to leave Vienna Hbf. |
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1st class open-plan seating as used on the Croatia. 1st class seats in classic 6-seat compartments are also available... |
2nd class compartment seating as used on the Croatia. Seats in open plan saloon cars also available |
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Between Vienna & Villach the Croatia travels over the famous Semmering Railway, opened in 1854 and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See the Vienna to Venice by train page for more information, photos & video. |
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Scenery in Slovenia, between Maribor & Zidani Most.... |
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Sevnica Castle, seen from the train between Zidani Most & Zagreb.... |
Option 2, Bratislava to Zagreb by daytime trains via Budapest...
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This is slightly longer route, but allows you to stop off and see Budapest on the way, and the times may suit you. See the Bratislava to Budapest information above then the Budapest to Zagreb train information here.
Option 3, Bratislava to Split by direct sleeper train (for bus to Dubrovnik), runs Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays in summer - recommended.
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A EuroNight sleeper train leaves Bratislava Hlavna at 15:53 and arrives Split at 08:10 next morning.
This runs on Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays from 3 May to 6 October 2023.
The train has a comfortable air-conditioned Slovakian sleeping-car with 1, 2 & 3 bed compartments with washbasin, and ordinary seats.
Fares from 29.90 in a seat, 79.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, 99.90 in a 2-bed sleeper, 149.90 in a single-bed sleeper.
Book at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at. Booking opens up to 6 months ahead, you print your own ticket.
For Dubrovnik, take a bus from Split. There are buses every hour or even every half hour, run by several companies. Journey time between 3h45 and 4h35, fare around 13-17. Buy a ticket at the bus station in Split.
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What a journey! Scenery between Zagreb & Split seen from the sleeper train. Photos courtesy of Rob Romans. |
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The comfortable air-conditioned Slovakian sleeping-cars on the train from Bratislava & Vienna to Split, arrived at Split station. Each compartment can be sold as a single, double or triple, and comes with soap, towel, fully-made up beds and a washbasin. A light breakfast is included. Larger photo. Photo of 2-berth, courtesy of Michael Allsop. |
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A couchette car on the train from Bratislava & Vienna, arrived at Split. Larger photo. |
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Bratislava to Belgrade, Sofia, Montenegro...
Option 1, Bratislava to Belgrade & beyond via Zagreb...
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Step 1, travel from Bratislava to Vienna by regional train, leaving Bratislava Hlavna at 13:38 and arriving Vienna Hbf at 14:44.
The fare is 10.20, you can buy at the station on the day or buy at www.oebb.at and print your own ticket. By all means travel earlier and see something of Vienna, these trains run every hour. See the Bratislava to Vienna page for photos, tips & more information.
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Step 2, travel from Vienna to Zagreb on the EuroCity train Croatia leaving Vienna Hbf at 15:58 and arriving Zagreb at 22:27.
The Croatia uses comfortable and spacious air-conditioned Austrian carriages, with power sockets at all seats with a choice of sitting in an open-plan saloon car (my own preference) or in classic 6-seater compartments with side corridor. There's an elegant Austrian restaurant car, treat yourself to dinner, and at least in summer enjoy the fabulous scenery along the beautiful UNESCO-listed Semmering route through the mountains between Vienna & Graz.
Fares start at 29.90 in 2nd class or 39.90 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Book this train at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in , £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at (in , a bit more fiddly, same prices). Booking opens up to 6 months ahead. You print your own ticket.
If you like you can check the train formation & see what the carriages are like at www.vagonweb.cz. Change cs to English upper left, then click Train formations, scroll down to Austria, click EC then look for the Croatia.
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Stay overnight in Zagreb. I suggest the Esplanade Hotel, Palace Hotel or Central Hotel, all near the station with good reviews.
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Step 3, travel from Zagreb to Belgrade by train, leaving Zagreb at 11:04 and arriving Novi Beograd 18:04 & Belgrade Centar at 18:12.
This train was suspended due to Covid-19 and it remains suspended.
This train has air-conditioned Serbian carriages with comfortable 2nd class seats, but no 1st class. There's no catering car, so bring a picnic and some beer or wine.
The fare is around 30 bought at the station in Zagreb or paid on board the train, but tickets cannot be bought online.
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Step 4 for Sofia, stay overnight in Belgrade and travel from Belgrade to Sofia next day (day 3), see the Belgrade to Sofia page for schedule, fares & how to buy tickets.
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Step 4 for Montenegro, stay overnight in Belgrade and take the daytime train Tara to from Belgrade Topcider station to Montenegro next morning, see the Belgrade to Montenegro page for schedule, fares & how to buy tickets.
Option 2, Bratislava to Sofia via Bucharest - currently the easiest option between Prague & Sofia...
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Day 1, travel from Bratislava to Budapest by EuroCity train, leaving Bratislava Hlavna at 09:57 and arriving Budapest Nyugati at 12:28.
The swish Czech EuroCity train has a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. Transfer from Nyugati to Keleti station and have lunch in Budapest.
Fares start at 20 in 2nd class or 37 in 1st class. Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.
Buy tickets at the Czech Railways website www.cd.cz. Booking opens up to 3 months ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it in the CD app on your phone.
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Day 1, travel from Budapest to Bucharest on the sleeper train Muntenia, leaving Budapest Keleti at 15:10 and arriving Bucharest Nord at 08:06.
The Muntenia has 4 & 6-berth couchettes and ordinary seats. A Romanian sleeping-car is attached from Timişoara Nord (depart 21:50) to Bucharest. There's no catering car, so bring your own food & drink.
Fares start at 40 with a couchette in 6-berth or 47 with a couchette in 4-berth. These are limited-availability advance-purchase fares.
Book this at the Romanian Railways international website bileteinternationale.cfrcalatori.ro/en. You print your own ticket.
If you want the comfort & privacy of a proper sleeper from Timisoara to Bucharest, (1) book a 2nd class seat from Budapest to Timisoara from 17 using bileteinternationale.cfrcalatori.ro/en. You print your own ticket. (2) Now book berths in a 1, 2 or 3-bed sleeper from Timisoara Nord to Bucharest Nord at the Romanian domestic website bilete.cfrcalatori.ro and print your own ticket.
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Day 2, travel from Bucharest to Sofia by daytime train as shown on the train from Bucharest page. You leave Bucharest Nord at 10:55 and arrive Sofia Central at 20:10 after a pleasant day meandering across the Danube and through the river valleys of Bulgaria. In summer it's direct, in winter you have to switch trains at Ruse. There's no catering car, so bring your own food & drink.
The fare is around 34.
Book this at the Romanian Railways website bileteinternationale.cfrcalatori.ro/en. You print your own ticket.
Bratislava to Warsaw from 27...
Option 1, Bratislava to Warsaw by sleeper train - the safe, comfortable, time-effective option...
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A safe & comfortable EuroNight sleeper train leaves Bratislava Hlavna at 22:06 and arrives Warsaw Gdanska at 08:56.
It has a modern, safe & cosy Polish sleeping-car with 1, 2 & 3 berth compartments, plus two 1 or 2 berth deluxe compartments with en suite toilet & shower, see the photos below. It also has a couchette car with 4 & 6 berth compartments. The train comes from Budapest.
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This international train cannot be booked online, although it's reported that Slovakian Railways (www.zssk.sk) may start online booking of international tickets at some point. So buy at the station or book by phone.
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You can check train times (but not fares) at www.bahn.de.
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Modern Polish sleeping-car on the Budapest-Bratislava-Warsaw sleeper train. |
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Standard sleeper in evening/morning mode with seats folded out. |
Standard sleeper set up as 3-berth, can also be set up as a single or double. |
Deluxe sleeper, set up as a 2-berth, showing TV & wardrobe. |
Deluxe sleeper: En suite shower & toilet... |
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Polish couchette car on the Budapest to Warsaw night train with 4 & 6 berth compartments. |
6-berth couchettes. Larger photo |
Option 2, Bratislava to Warsaw by daytime train - the leisurely daytime option...
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A comfortable air-conditioned EuroCity train called the Bαthory leaves Bratislava Hlavna at 10:57 and arrives Warsaw Centralna at 19:34.
The train has Hungarian seating cars (a 1st class car, 2nd class compartment cars & a 2nd class open-plan car) and a Hungarian restaurant car. Take a good book, enjoy an inexpensive meal in the restaurant car with a beer or two, and chill out.
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Fares start at 27 in 2nd class or 41 in 1st class if you book using my advice below.
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This international train cannot be booked online, except by using my tip below (although it's thought that Slovakian Railways (www.zssk.sk) may start online booking of international tickets at some point). You can easily check train times (but not fares) at www.bahn.de.
Tip for booking this train online: This train starts in Budapest. The easiest way to buy a ticket online to do is to use the Hungarian Railways website www.mavcsoport.hu (see my advice on using it) to book the 08:12 from Budapest to Warsaw, as this is the 10:57 from Bratislava. Then simply get on in Bratislava, which is perfectly legitimate. Booking opens 60 days ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it in the MAV app. It may only offer 2nd class tickets if going to Krakow, but 2nd is fine, stick with that. This way you get cheap advance-purchase fares from 20/27, cheaper than buying on the day at the station, and much cheaper than any western agency can offer.
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EuroCity train Bathory from Budapest & Bratislava to Warsaw at Budapest Nyugati. Click the photos below for larger images. |
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1st class seats on the EuroCity Bathory. |
Restaurant car on the EuroCity Bathory. |
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2nd class compartment on the EuroCity Bathory. |
2nd class open plan car as used on the Bathory. |
Bratislava to Krakow from 20...
Option 1, Bratislava to Krakow by daytime train - the leisurely daytime option...
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A comfortable air-conditioned EuroCity train called the Bαthory leaves Bratislava Hlavna at 10:57 and arrives Krakow Glowny 17:13.
The Bαthory runs from Budapest through Bratislava to Warsaw, but two 2nd class cars run from Budapest & Bratislava to Krakow. The through cars are comfortable, modern & air-conditioned, one car with 2nd class classic 6-seat compartments, one car with 2nd class open-plan seating.
If you insist on travelling 1st class you'll have to switch trains at Bohumin just after 14:00, where the through cars are detached from the Bαthory and attached to the Prague-Krakow Cracovia. I recommend sticking with 2nd class which is absolutely fine in these comfortable modern Hungarian cars.
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Fares start at 20 if you book using my tip below.
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This international train cannot be booked online, except by using my tip below (although it's thought that Slovakian Railways (www.zssk.sk) may start online booking of international tickets at some point, and it might be worth checking www.intercity.pl as Polish Railway is slowly adding international routes to its website). You can easily check train times (but not fares) at www.bahn.de.
Tip for booking this train online: These trains start in Budapest. The easiest way to get a ticket online to do is to use the Hungarian Railways website www.mavcsoport.hu (see my advice on using it) to book the 08:28 from Budapest to Krakow or Warsaw (as this is the 10:57 from Bratislava) then simply get on in Bratislava. This is perfectly legitimate. Booking opens 60 days ahead. You print your own ticket or can show it in the MAV app. It may only offer 2nd class tickets if going to Krakow, but 2nd is fine, stick with that. This way you get cheap advance-purchase fares from 20/27, much cheaper than buying on the day at the station, and much cheaper than any western agency can offer.
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The Budapest-Bratislava-Krakow cars are at Katowice, attached to the rear of the Prague-Krakow Cracovia. Photo courtesy of Discoverbyrail.com. |
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One Budapest-Krakow car has 6-seat compartments like this. Click the images for larger photos. |
...the other Budapest-Krakow car has open-plan seats, wheelchair space, bike compartment. |
Option 2, Bratislava to Krakow by sleeper train - the time-effective option...
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A safe & comfortable EuroNight sleeper train leaves Bratislava Hlavna at 22:06 and arrives Krakow Glowny at 05:46.
It has a modern, safe & cosy Polish sleeping-car with 1, 2 & 3 berth compartments, plus two 1 or 2 berth deluxe compartments with en suite toilet & shower, see the photos below. It also has a couchette car with 4 & 6 berth compartments. The train comes from Budapest and is heading for Warsaw Centralna.
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This international train cannot be booked online, although it's reported that Slovakian Railways (www.zssk.sk) may start online booking of international tickets at some point. So buy at the station or book by phone.
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You can check train times (but not fares) at www.bahn.de.
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Modern Polish sleeping-car of the type used Prague-Warsaw. |
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Standard sleeper in evening/morning mode with seats folded out. |
Standard sleeper set up as 3-berth, can also be set up as a single or double. |
Deluxe sleeper, set up as a 2-berth, showing TV & wardrobe. |
Deluxe sleeper: En suite shower & toilet... |
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Polish couchette car on the Budapest to Warsaw night train with 4 & 6 berth compartments. |
6-berth couchettes. Larger photo |
Bratislava to Vilnius, Riga, Tallinn...
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Day 1, travel from Bratislava to Warsaw by EuroCity train, as shown in the Bratislava to Warsaw section above.
Fares start at 27, book as shown above.
Or use the overnight sleeper train and spend the following day exploring Warsaw, also as shown in the Bratislava to Warsaw section above.
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Stay overnight in Warsaw. The Polonia Palace Hotel is excellent, historic, relatively inexpensive for such a good hotel, and it's just across the road from the station. For something much cheaper, but still with great reviews and near the station, try the Hotel Metropol next door to the Polonia Palace or the nearby Novotel Warsaw Centrum. Also see the Warsaw Centralna station & city information.
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Day 2, travel from Warsaw to Kaunas & Vilnius by train as shown on the Warsaw to Vilnius page.
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Day 3, for onward travel from Vilnius to Riga in Latvia, see here.
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Day 4, for onward travel from Riga to Tallinn in Estonia, see here.
Bratislava to Lviv & Kyiv...
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Step 1, travel from Bratislava to Vienna by regional train, leaving Bratislava Hlavna at 14:38 and arriving Vienna Hbf at 15:44.
The fare is 10.20, you can buy at the station on the day or buy at www.oebb.at and print your own ticket. By all means travel earlier and see something of Vienna, these trains run every hour. See the Bratislava to Vienna page for more information.
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Step 2, travel from Vienna to Lviv or Kyiv by direct sleeping-car leaving Vienna Hbf at 16:42 every day, going via Budapest & Chop arriving next day at Lviv 11:00 & Kyiv 18:30.
Introduced in 2017, this train has one or two direct Ukrainian sleeping-cars with comfortable 1, 2 & 3 berth compartments with washbasin, see the photos below. At Chop on the other side of the border the through sleeping-cars are jacked up to have their wheelsets changed from European standard gauge (4'8½") to Russian gauge used in Ukraine (5').
A restaurant car operates between Vienna and Zahony (on the Ukrainian border just before Chop), treat yourself to dinner.
Book the train from Vienna to Lviv or Kyiv online at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at. This will only book one-way or round trip starting in Vienna because tickets need to be collected from an ΦBB station in Austria. They cannot be collected in Ukraine. Booking this way you pay no fee or mark-up, just the official fare. The sleeper has become popular, it can sell out. Booked through oebb.at:
Vienna to Kyiv costs 80.50 in a 3-berth sleeper, 90.50 in a 2-berth sleeper or 152.90 in a single sleeper.
Vienna to Lviv costs 62.10 in a 3-berth sleeper, 70.10 in a 2-berth sleeper or 119.30 in a single sleeper.
If you have any problems or want a one-way ticket starting in Ukraine, you can also book the Vienna-Kyiv train via reliable agency www.polrail.com, with tickets posted or couriered to you for a small fee.
You could also travel to Budapest and pick this train up there, but there is as yet no online booking of Budapest-Ukraine tickets, so it's easier and cheaper to go via Vienna.
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Boarding the Vienna to Kyiv sleeping-car at Vienna Hbf. |
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The Vienna-Kyiv sleeper about to leave Vienna Hbf... Courtesy of Helmut Uttenthaler. |
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The sleeper corridor. Courtesy Helmut Uttenthaler. |
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A comfortable 1, 2 or 3 bed sleeper. |
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The Vienna-Kyiv sleeper is jacked up to have its bogies changed at Chop on the Ukrainian border. Photo Helmut Uttenthaler. |
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The Vienna-Kyiv sleeping-car arrived Kyiv Pass. Photos courtesy of Helmut Uttenthaler. |
Bratislava to Moscow & St Petersburg...
Option 1, Bratislava to Moscow via Warsaw - goes via Belarus...
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Day 1, take the overnight sleeper from Bratislava to Warsaw, leaving Bratislava Hlavna at 22:06 and arriving Warsaw Gdanska at 08:56.
This has couchettes (4 & 6 berth) and a sleeping-car (1, 2 & 3 bed). Book this by phone or at the station, it cannot be booked online.
Enjoy a day in Warsaw, the historic old town is worth a wander. If you fancy a modest splurge, the celebrated Ufukiera restaurant (www.ufukiera.pl) is excellent and right on the square in the heart of Warsaw's old town. The Palace of Culture (a wedding cake style Soviet skyscraper and distinctive Warsaw landmark, www.pkin.pl) has a viewing terrace on the 30th floor.
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Day 2, travel from Warsaw to Moscow by Russian sleeper train, leaving Warsaw Centralna at 19:15 every day and arriving Moscow Belorussky at 16:58 next day. You can check times at the Russian Railways website www.rzd.ru.
This train was suspended due to Covid-19 and remains suspended due to sanctions & war in Ukraine.
This train uses impressive Austrian-built sleeping-cars with 4-berth compartments built in 2014, see photos of this type of sleeper here & see panorama photo inside one of these modern sleepers. Each compartment can be sold as 1st class 1-berth, 1st class 2-berth or 2nd class 4-berth. The train consist of two or three sleeping-car which start their journey in Prague. There's a bistro car in Poland and a Russian restaurant car is attached between Brest (on the Polish/Belarus border) & Moscow.
You can book this train by contacting reliable Polish train ticketing agency www.polrail.com - their booking system is at booking.polrail.com. Tickets can be collected in Warsaw or (at extra charge) shipped to any address worldwide.
Alternatively, you can book with Russian Railways at www.rzd.ru although it's a little quirky and may not accept some overseas credit cards.
Don't forget to arrange both your Russian visa & Belarus transit visa as the train runs via Belarus. See my important update about travel to Russia through Belarus.
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The sleeping-cars from Warsaw to Moscow are brand new Austrian-built ones owned by Russian Railways. Each compartment converts from comfortable sofas to equally comfortable beds and can be used as either 1st class 2-berth with two lower berths or as 2nd class 4-berth with all four berths in use. There are a shower and toilets at the end of the corridor. Compartments have electronic key-card locks, and the cars are very smooth-riding. The sleeper attendant can serve lovely Russian tea for around 0.50 a glass. Highly recommended!
Option 2, Bratislava to Moscow via Kyiv - avoids Belarus...
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Step 1, travel from Bratislava to Vienna by regional train and take the overnight sleeper from Vienna to Kyiv as shown in the section above.
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Step 2, take an overnight sleeper train from Kyiv to Moscow. There are several night trains, but there's usually one leaving Kyiv at 19:36 and arriving in Moscow Kievskaya station next morning at 10:13 (day 3 from Berlin). 2-berth & 4-berth sleepers are available. No problems have been reported by westerners travelling from Kyiv to Moscow on these trains.
Kyiv-Moscow trains were suspended due to Covid-19 and remain suspended due to the war in Ukraine...
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Book the Vienna to Kyiv train as shown in the section above. Book the Kyiv to Moscow train at the Ukrainian Railways website booking.uz.gov.ua or contact reliable agency www.polrail.com.
Bratislava to Athens & Greece
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The only viable option is via ferry from Italy at the moment, due to cancelled train services in the Balkans.
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Day 1, travel from Bratislava to Vienna by regional train, leaving Bratislava Hlavna at 16:38 & arriving Vienna Hbf at 17:44.
The fare is 10.20, you can buy at the station on the day or buy at www.oebb.at and print your own ticket. See the Bratislava to Vienna page for more information.
Tip: Don't risk any tight connections when you have a sleeper train to catch. These trains run every hour, your ticket is good for any train, why not leave earlier and have dinner in Vienna? See suggested restaurants.
Tip: If you have a sleeper ticket, you can use the ΦBB lounge at Vienna Hbf between trains, with complimentary refreshments & free WiFi.
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Day 1, travel from Vienna to Athens via Bologna, Bari & Patras as shown on the Trains from Vienna page.
You take the Nightjet sleeper to Bologna, a fast train to Bari, and sail overnight to Patras in Greece by ferry, arriving Athens on Day 3.
Hotels in Bratislava & other cities
Other hotel sites worth trying...
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www.tripadvisor.com is the place to find independent travellers' reviews of all the main hotels.
Backpacker hostels...
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www.hostelworld.com: If you're on a tight budget, don't forget about backpacker hostels. Hostelworld offers online booking of cheap private rooms or dorm beds in backpacker hostels in most cities at rock-bottom prices.
Travel insurance & VPN
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Always take out travel insurance...
Never travel overseas without travel insurance from a reliable insurer, with at least £1m or preferably £5m medical cover. It should also cover cancellation and loss of cash and belongings, up to a sensible limit. An annual multi-trip policy is usually cheaper than several single-trip policies even for just 2 or 3 trips a year, I have an annual policy with Staysure.co.uk myself. Here are some suggested insurers. Seat61 gets a small commission if you buy through these links.
www.staysure.co.uk
offers enhanced Covid-19 protection & gets 4.7 out of 5 on
Trustpilot.
www.columbusdirect.com
is also a well-know brand.
If you live in the USA try
Travel Guard USA.
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Get an eSIM with mobile data package
Don't rely on WiFi, download an eSIM with a mobile data package for the country you're visiting and stay connected. Most newer mobile phones can download a virtual SIM card so you don't need to buy a physical SIM, including iPhone 11 & later, see device compatibility list. Maya.net is a reliable eSIM data retailer with a 4.5 out of 5 Trustpilot rating and a range of packages including unlimited data.
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Get a Curve card for foreign travel
Most banks give you a poor exchange rate, then add a foreign transaction fee on top. A Curve MasterCard means no foreign transaction fees and gives you the mid-market exchange rate, at least up to a certain limit, £500 per month at time of writing. The money you spend on your Curve card goes straight onto one of your existing debit or credit cards.
How it works: 1. Download the Curve app for iPhone or Android. 2. Enter your details & they'll send you a Curve MasterCard - they send to the UK and most European addresses. 3. Link your existing credit & debit cards to the app, you can link up to two cards with the free version of Curve, I link my normal debit card and my normal credit card. 4. Now use the Curve MasterCard to buy things online or in person or take cash from ATMs, exactly like a normal MasterCard. Curve does the currency conversion and puts the balance in your own currency onto whichever debit or credit card is currently selected in the Curve app. You can even change your mind about which card it goes onto, within 14 days of the transaction.
I have a Curve Blue card myself, it means I can buy a coffee on a foreign station on a card without being stung by fees and lousy exchange rates, just by tapping the Curve card on their card reader. The money goes through Curve to my normal debit card and is taken directly from my account (in fact I have the Curve card set up as payment card on Apple Pay on my iPhone, so can double-click my phone, let it do Face ID then tap the reader with the phone - even easier than digging a card out). I get a little commission if you sign up to Curve, but I recommend it here because I think it's great. See details, download the app and get a Curve card, they'll give you £5 cashback through that link.
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Get a VPN for safe browsing. VPNs & why you need one explained
When you're travelling you often use free WiFi in public places which may not be secure. A VPN encrypts your connection so it's always secure, even on unsecured WiFi. It also means you can select the geographic location of the IP address you browse with, to get around geoblocking which a surprising number of websites apply. See VPNs & why you need one explained. ExpressVPN is a best buy with a 4.7 out of 5 Trustpilot ranking which I use myself - I've signed up as an ExpressVPN affiliate, and if you go with expressvpn.com using the links on this page, you should see a special deal, 3 months free with an annual subscription. I get a small commission to help support this site.
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Always carry an Anker powerbank
Tickets, reservations, vaccination records and Interrail or Eurail passes are often held digitally on your mobile phone, so it's vital to keep it charged. I always carry an Anker powerbank which can recharge my phone several times over if I can't get to a power outlet. Buy from Amazon.co.uk or from Buy from Amazon.com.