Vienna to Bratislava with ZSSK and ÖBB regional express train

2:21 There is also the "Bratislava ticket" for 16€ (also weekly and monthly option) which includes the return trip and city transport in Bratislava plus some tourist attraction reductions. 3:39 you can also pull out these seats a bit (the same on the double deckers). Since these cars have not been renewed for 20+ years, it is no wonder there is no ac and power outlets. 4:57 for bikes on local trains like this you have to buy a regio biking ticket. On ÖBB express trains a bike reservation is necessary. 8:06 the same recently refurbished cars are in use on inner-Slovak express trains, so they are meant for longer distance travel. 10:38 during the pandemic, I definitely recommend the car with windows to open, ventilation is essential. And all these people crammed into an a/c box are the perfect viral breeding ground. Also, apart from 4020s and 5047s, these are the last ÖBB cars with windows to open - better enjoy the feeling of proper fresh air and photo possibilities before it dies out forever!

Thanks Thibault! Vienna and Bratislava are actually the capital cities the closest together in mainland Europe. It's some while since I used the Marchegg route and am pleased to hear that it's being doubled and electrified. I understand that it was reduced to single track by the Red Army after WW2 as it ran through the Russian Occupation Zone of Austria and (as in many parts of Eastern Germany) as the steel was needed in the Soviet Union the track was taken as war reparations. Then the line was left as it was while the Iron Curtain was in place and the frontier with Slovakia was sealed.

Thank you Thibault for an interesting review!! I would definitely choose the a/c Slovak coaches.👍👍😄😄💚💚

When I see you travel by train again, I can't wait to go by myself. Enjoy your trips and keep safe. Au revoir!

There is also one Railjet serverice per day from/to Bratislava

Thanks for another great review - interesting. I last did this trip in mid 2019 and at that time entire train was very old ZSSK coaches so these coaches looked like an improvement. The big mural in Bratilave station in nice, and the local railwa meseum is close by as well.

It is very interesting to see and note OBB's lack of AC and power outlets given their reputation for being the best of the best haha. But I love that they have operable windows still, showing their age! It gives them so much more charm and fun than they would if they were modern and without operable windows.

Hi, Thibault, Again another wonderful video by you! I just would like to add some things. For those who have interest and would like to visit Bratislava just for one day and come back to Vienna they can purchase a 16 Euro ticket which includes the return ride and public transport in Bratislava. The line you were riding on will be upgraded earlier than 2030 as they Ministry of Infrastructure announced to complete the doubled track line earlier by latest 2025. The upgraded speed will be 200 km/h. As you maybe noticed the ÖBB is about to purchase a lot of new single- and double decker EMUs, which probably will be serving this line as well Railjet services may join the line. So far that's it from my side. Again thank you for your videos! I really love them

Thanks for another interesting journey report. For me, I enjoy seeing the approach to the departure station from a couple of streets away, walking into the station, looking around, seeing what typical trains are there, and the same again at the arrival station. Those sort of scenes can help someone who is not necessarily wanting to make train journey's decide about going there purely to take in the train activity.

If OBB retires those coaches, the Hungarian railway will defo buy them lol

I went Vienna to Bratislava by bus but now I want to go back and do it by train! (In cooler weather maybe.) I did go Vienna to Venice by train. Loved it.

Thank you for an excellent review ! I too have travelled on the route from Wien to Bratislava, though when I went about five years ago, the train comprised just OBB stock. I agree that for a Regional train, those carriages are good, though I was surprised that the ZSSK stock had a/c ! I also really like the OBB Hercules locos, Class 2016. Many thanks.

Thanks Thibault! Great review as always and a journey I’ve wanted to make myself for quite a while. Nice to see and hear you at the beginning and end too, your English is pretty fluent and nice to listen to! I’m saying this as an English teacher, so respect to you ;-)

I take this train often to go just one stop within Vienna, and not only are the Slovakian cars air conditioned, but they blast the air conditioning. It's really quite lovely on a hot summer day. The old OEBB cars remind me of regional trains in Austria from 20 years ago. They are stifling hot in summer.

I've taken this train from Wien Hauptbahnhof to Marchegg, the last Austrian stop before Slovakia. Looking forward to when the line is double-tracked and electrified. Point of note: this route contains the longest stretch of railroad track in Austria without a curve.

Not all the REX services are departing from Platfrom 4. All services to Aspern and the Marchegger Ostbahn are departing from there, that’s S80 and REX 8, but there’s the REX 6 line that goes to Bratislava-Petrzalka through Kittsee. Those trains use the Ostbahn to Parndorf and they depart from the opposite end of the station, Platform 11-12.

(10:05) The Eurorunner ER20 should be very reliable. All the more astonishing the DB doesn't have any! - Cheers, Heinz

You can buy a Bratislava ticket as well, these are way cheaper. Especially for commuting, what a lot of people do, this is good value for money. I did this route in 2016. There are actually 2 routes by train to Bratoslava. I went from Vienna to Bratislava to another station, somewhere kind of remote. Anyway, it's all on the list for a new trip report soon.

Bycicles are NOT for free with ÖBB, you have to get a ticket for them! In this train you dont need a reservation for the bike - you can take it with you if there is place for it. For RailJets, EC and other fast trains you have to get also a reservation for the bike and a ticket for it. Thanks for the Simmering- Info and the beautiful video - 8 )

A superb video. Many years ago I walked Vienna-Bratislava in one day (never again!). Catching the train is much easier, more fun, and no blisters. Not want to be picky, but Europe's longest river is The Volga at 3,531 km.