Fares on DB vs RailEurope

[williamn]

I'm planning a London - Vienna trip and am noticing a large discrepancy between fares offered on DB direct versus Rail Europe. On my return leg (18 Sept) the Vienna-Brussels portion is priced at £88 on RailEurope and more like £140 direct with DB! I'd far rather book with DB to avoid booking fees and to select my seat but don't really want to be paying this much over the odds. Any advice?

 

[DanielB]

Are both fares for the same train? When I have a look on the DB website I see both fares offered: an 11.13 departure for ~100 euros (~86 pounds) and an 9.13 departure for ~170 euros (~ 146 pounds).

The 9.13 departure is offered much cheaper (~ 120 euro, ~103 pounds) via OeBB

It appears the first leg from Vienna has high demand and thus high price as there is only a 10 euro difference between tickets for Vienna - Cologne and Vienna - Brussels. Alternative routes avoiding the ICE from Vienna thus might be worthwhile cost wise.

 

[williamn]

Thanks. Yes both for the 06.49. DB quoting €149.90 (£128).

Keen to take the early train and I absolutely have to get back to London the same day and I've read much about DB's unreliability so want to build some contingency in!

 

[DanielB]

The 6.49 train can be booked via oebb.at for just € 100, so probably that's where RailEurope gets its fare from
Unfortunately no detailed seat selection via OeBB, you'll only be able to give some basic preferences.