How to Book Train Travel From Dresden to Vienna

The journey from Dresden, a culturally rich German city to Vienna, Austria's capital, can be an uncomplicated trip if you plan ahead. Booking your train ticket is the first step in planning for your journey.

Things You'll Need

• Credit Card
• Passport
• Identification

Instructions

Book Your Train Ticket From Dresden to Vienna

1. Go to the Deutsche Bahn Web site, the official site of Germany's railway system (see Resources). Select the ticket booking option from the menu bar. Enter your destination, Vienna, and the date and time of your planned departure and return.

2. Purchase point to point tickets or Eurail Passes with Deutsche Bahn special offers, which are found by clicking the gray box on the right hand side of the "Find A Connection" page. By selecting this option, you will be able to select from several forms of Eurail passes that allow you to travel between Germany and Europe with one pass and at a reduced price. Choose a pass that covers your desired number of days, countries and seating class.

3. To book point to point tickets, continue with your travel options on the "Find A Connection" page. Select a seating class, first or second. Input the number of travelers and whether each traveler is an adult, senior, youth or child.

4. Include the ages of each traveler on the next page. Be sure to input the correct ages of all travelers because there may be border crossing restrictions and tariffs that apply.

5. Elect to reserve your seat and bicycle shipping if you prefer. Choose a sleeper car or couchette option if necessary. Travel time is usually 7 to 7 1/2 hours. Note that there may be an additional fee for these options.

6. Select your shipping preferences or choose to print out your ticket from online.

7. Register an account or enter your personal and credit card information. Creating an account will allow you additional options not given to non-registered users such as canceling a ticket or changing ticket options. If you choose not to register an account, you can still purchase a ticket with your credit card.

8. Keep a record of all confirmation information. Be sure to print out all receipts from the Web site.

Tips & Warnings

• Book your ticket online from Dresden to Vienna in advance. Online purchase is restricted to a set number of days before the date of travel for security and shipping reasons.

• Tickets can be purchased from a local agent in the United States or upon your arrival in Germany at a local German agent or train station.

• Smart travelers can save money by purchasing Eurail or German Rail Passes. Purchasing a pass allows you to save money on multi-trip travel within one or more countries for a limited amount of time. The German Rail Pass will allow you to travel between Germany and some parts of Austria. The Eurail Pass will allow you to travel between 1 and 5 countries for anywhere from 15 days to 3 months.

• Book train travel from Dresden to Vienna through Rail Europe by visiting the Web site (see Resources) or by calling a North American agent at (888) 382-RAIL.

• Expedited shipping is not available from the Deutsche Bahn Web site. Shipping usually takes place in 2 to 3 days free of charge. Therefore, be sure to plan ahead in order to receive the tickets in a timely manner.

• Reserve your seat if possible as seating is usually not guaranteed on a train. Your train ticket or pass will allow you to board the train but does not promise seating.

• Keep a record of all confirmation information.