After a gap of fifteen years Paris and Wien/Vienna are once again being connected (usually) by a direct rail service, thanks to a new service of overnight Nightjet trains between the French and Austrian capitals.
Of the numerous daytime options you will likely see when looking up the train journey from Paris to Vienna/Wien on the ticket booking services, the option via Frankfurt (Main) has been singled out because:
On Mon/Weds/Fri/Sun when the direct overnight train from Paris isn't available, the routing via Zurich has been suggested for similar reasons; an easily timed connection in a station that's simple to navigate.
When travelling between most cities by train there is only one logical option, though on other journeys there is a choice between different trains or alternative routes. If different options are available you can use the info to decide which is best for you.
14hr 14min
Not Every Day
Departs on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday
Is the journey from Paris to Wien / Vienna direct?
Yes, there is no need to make a connection when taking this journey option.
What other tourist locations are along the route from Paris to Wien / Vienna?
Salzburg and Linz
When is the USUAL approximate earliest arrival at Wien / Vienna from Paris - Est on this journey option?
Before 10:15
Source = European Rail Timetable
How easy is it to travel on from the station in Wien / Vienna?
Wien Hbf is linked to the city centre by both the metro and multiple tram lines - See the Station Guide above for more info, plus easy access to multiple options for booking somewhere to stay in its neighbourhood.
When is the USUAL l approximate latest departure from Paris Est to Wien / Vienna on this journey option
Before 19:15
Source = European Rail Timetable
How easy is it to get to the station in Paris?
The Gare de l'Est is served by three Metro lines including line 4 which provides a direct link from Gare Montparnasse and line 5 which is direct from Gare Austerlitz.
See the Station Guide above for more info, plus easy access to multiple options for booking somewhere to stay in the neighbourhood.
Are tickets cheaper if booked in advance for the Paris to Wien / Vienna trains?
Yes, and they can be purchased from a choice of booking agents - see below.
Click on the 'Good to know info' to access a guide to how rail tickets are managed in France, plus step-by-step guides on how to make a booking.
How soon ahead of travel are tickets typically placed on sale for the Paris to Wien / Vienna trains?
Typically up to 6 months ahead; see the Ticket Information
What are the child ticket terms for this Paris to Wien / Vienna trains?
Up to one child aged 5 and under travels free of charge, but they must travel in the booked seat, couchette or bed of the accompanying adult.
Separate sleeping areas and seats for children aged 4 can be booked as the "Child" ticket, which are low priced tickets available for children aged 6 to 14.
Source; Nightjet
Does the ticket for the Paris to Wien / Vienna train include assigned seats / sleeping places?
Yes - See the Train Guide in the Journey Information for the details of the types of accommodation.
Do rail pass users need to book reservations for the Paris to Wien / Vienna train?
Yes; see the rail pass reservation guide for the options on how to book.
The rail pass reservation fees per person for the sleeping cabins are exceptionally expensive.
Is catering available on the Paris to Wien / Vienna train on this journey option?
Yes, but the level of on-board service varies according to the type of accommodation booked - Find out more on the Train Guides which can be found within the Journey Information.
These trains do not convey bar/bistros or restaurant cars.
What else is good to know about French rail travel?
Check out the guide to travelling by train in France.
What else is good to know about Austrian rail travel?
Check out the guide to travelling by train in Austria.
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