OBB Railjet Service Zurich to Budapest

[Pauliw]

I will be travelling on the Zurich to Budapest@1044 service on 18/08/23.

Would anyone know why cheaper non flexible fares are not available on this service. I have been checking the OBB website since January and none have been available. This is despite cheaper tickets being available on the same service on the days before and after 18th August.

Will I have to bite the bullet and pay 300 euros more than expected.

Cheers

 

[30907]

Two possibilities:
1. Timings not confirmed because of engineering works. Unlilely - there are some between Linz and Wien but that affects other days when Sparschiene are available.
2. It is a Friday when OeBB say (unsurprisingly) trains will be very busy, so discounted fares are not offered. Highly likely as Sparschiene seem to be offered midweek and on other trains, but not on other weekends. The Klimaticket has had a massive effect on loadings, on top of the general high season issues.

I would cost out an Interrail Global Pass or see if you can find alternative trains with changes en route. The Zurich services are limited to a single RJ set, and I notice that Sparschiene fares are available from Feldkirch and Bregenz with a change (but not offered from Zürich, as those would involve non-OeBB trains. Not sure you'd save a huge amount though.

 

[Pauliw]

Two possibilities:
1. Timings not confirmed because of engineering works. Unlilely - there are some between Linz and Wien but that affects other days when Sparschiene are available.
2. It is a Friday when OeBB say (unsurprisingly) trains will be very busy, so discounted fares are not offered. Highly likely as Sparschiene seem to be offered midweek and on other trains, but not on other weekends. The Klimaticket has had a massive effect on loadings, on top of the general high season issues.

I would cost out an Interrail Global Pass or see if you can find alternative trains with changes en route. The Zurich services are limited to a single RJ set, and I notice that Sparschiene fares are available from Feldkirch and Bregenz with a change (but not offered from Zürich, as those would involve non-OeBB trains. Not sure you'd save a huge amount though.

Thank you for the information. It does seem that the cheaper tickets are not available on Friday services. Travel to Zurich has already been arranged and accommodation booked. I am stuck sadly

 

[XAM2175]

I will be travelling on the Zurich to Budapest@1044 service on 18/08/23.

Two possibilities:
1. Timings not confirmed because of engineering works. Unlilely - there are some between Linz and Wien but that affects other days when Sparschiene are available.
2. It is a Friday when OeBB say (unsurprisingly) trains will be very busy, so discounted fares are not offered. Highly likely as Sparschiene seem to be offered midweek and on other trains, but not on other weekends. The Klimaticket has had a massive effect on loadings, on top of the general high season issues.

DB are offering me a Sparschiene for RJX 165 that day for €153:



Alternately, if you're prepared to leave two hours later, have a one-hour change in Salzburg, and arrive in Budapest at 0019 the next day, DB are offering that for €67.

 

[30907]

DB are offering me a Sparschiene for RJX 165 that day for €153:

View attachment 132856

Alternately, if you're prepared to leave two hours later, have a one-hour change in Salzburg, and arrive in Budapest at 0019 the next day, DB are offering that for €67.

That appears to be the full fare

 

[XAM2175]

That appears to be the full fare

What's the "pay 300 euros more than expected" bit mean? Or is it for two people? There's nothing in the OP to suggest anything other than one person.

 

[30907]

What's the "pay 300 euros more than expected" bit mean? Or is it for two people? There's nothing in the OP to suggest anything other than one person.

I don't know, but EUR147.70 is the standard fare on the OeBB website. Why DB charges more AND calls it a Sparschiene is a mystery.

 

[XAM2175]

I don't know, but EUR147.70 is the standard fare on the OeBB website. Why DB charges more AND calls it a Sparschiene is a mystery.

Ah, fair enough. Well, there's still the €67 option via Salzburg if @Pauliw is prepared to take the three-hour delay in arriving.

 

[Pauliw]

Thanks for the advice. Managed to get 2 x business class single on the service I wanted for £150 using the Hungarian MAV website https://www.mavcsoport.hu/en

 

[30907]

Thanks for the advice. Managed to get 2 x business class single on the service I wanted for £150 using the Hungarian MAV website https://www.mavcsoport.hu/en

Clever thinking! Never thought of checking MAV...

 

[Pauliw]

Seat61 to thank for that