[CAMAHESH]

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21 October 2025 at 8:24:54 #2793083

Dear Forum, Please suggest connect between Austria and Swiss. I ‘m thinking to doing Geneva, Spiez and than to Austria. Earlier thought for doing Lake como – i ;m not doing that. We are 4 family member and senior aged is around 74.

Thanks

[Roger Sexton]

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Reply 1 of 2 • 21 October 2025 at 10:47:20 #2793085

Hello again Camahesh

I visit Switzerland at least once a year, and I have visited Austria (basing myself in Vienna) three times in the last six years.

The Contrast Between Austria and Switzerland.

There are obvious similarities between the two countries.  Both have a lot of beautiful mountains, lakes and cities.  Both have a population of about nine million.  While the Austrian public transport system is not as good as the Swiss, it is still good compared to its other European neighbours.

But there are crucial differences.  In Austria’s favour there is Vienna.  Despite the disasters of 1918 and 1945 Vienna remains a world class city which stands comparison even with London and Paris (I am British).

Two other big differences are that in geographical area Austria is twice the size of Switzerland (and 700 kilometres from west to east).  A lot of the land in the east of the country is FLAT!   The other big difference is

There is no Austrian Equivalent to the Swiss Travel Pass

The STP is valid on all modes of public transport, and when I visit Switzerland I always get an STP.  But when I go to Austria there is (nowadays) no equivalent to the STP. I have to make do with an Interrail pass valid only on trains.  When I go on a bus, tram/steetcar or boat I have the big nuisance of having to get a ticket.  (Note that if you are from outside Europe you cannot buy Interrail but you can buy a Eurail pass.  But again that is TRAINS ONLY.)

Getting from Switzerland to Austria. (Get a map out.)

By train

The only through trains from Switzerland leave from Zurich every two hours.

Those at 06 40, 10 40, 12 40, 14 40 and 16 40 are through to Vienna, and go via Innsbruck, Salzburg and Linz (three other important Austrian cities).  The journey to Vienna takes nearly EIGHT hours!

The train at 08 40 goes to GRAZ, Austria’s second city.  This train ride is mountain scenery almost the whole way, but it takes ….     TEN hours!

By Air

In the light of what I have said about journey times by train, I would suggest that if your destination in Austria is Vienna, I would consider flying from Zurich to Vienna.

Best wishes

Roger

[Anna]

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Reply 2 of 2 • 21 October 2025 at 20:02:10 #2793098

Dear Camahesh,

You can find travel and ticket options from Switzerland to Austria here: https://www.myswissalps.com/travel-guide/austria-switzerland/

Regards,
Anna