Hiii. We are travelling from Ljubljana to Bern on April 5 probably with the train that leaves around 7:45am. The trips is very long around 10h and during that we make 4 train changes. However the transfer times are super short. For example on the first stop we make at the Villach HBF (Austria) station we have only 6 minutes to get to another platform to catch the next train. Basically we need to get from platform 1D-E to 4D-E. How do you figure this out in 6 minutes? I think we won't be able to navigate THAT fast and we might miss the next train. So in case that happens, what do we do? Because if we miss that train, the we will probably miss the next 3 that we would have to take to get to Bern. Are there frequent connections? Like what do you do in such cases, do train wait or whatever?
Transfer time
Best answer by Schelte
6 minutes is enough in the relatively straightforward station of Villach, unless you're carrying lots of luggage. Check out backup options though: later trains for each of the following steps. Trains within Austria and Switzerland are relatively frequent (minimally hourly generally) and the international train towards Zürich is two-hourly.
+66 minutes is enough in the relatively straightforward station of Villach, unless you're carrying lots of luggage. Check out backup options though: later trains for each of the following steps. Trains within Austria and Switzerland are relatively frequent (minimally hourly generally) and the international train towards Zürich is two-hourly.
So the platforms i provided are kinda next to eachother? If so then we will probably make it cuz we are not planning to have huge luggage. Another thing. If you have any idea, where do you think is the best place to stay in Switzerland without spending a fortune? We were thinking Bern like I said but prizes are highh!!
+6If the train is on time you should be able to make it easily. You'll need to use the underpass.
Switzerland is expensive, also for eating out. If you're on a tight budget, you can consider staying just over the border just across the border, for instance in Tirano or Domodossola and use travel days to cross into Switzerland. If you want a special place: Alp Grüm on the Bernina Railway I find is reasonably affordable for Swiss standards, at 160 CHF per night including breakfast. It's only accessible by train in winter and it overlooks the valley so it's quite a special place if you're into that kind of destinations. You'll have to email them to book and they don't have that many rooms either.
If the train is on time 6 min should be enough to make a connection like that. Villach is not that big. But with 4 tight changes there is a decent chance of missing a train.
If you miss the train you just take the next one.
Between Zürich and Bern there are frequent train connections. Between Villach and Zürich you dont have such frequent connection. (+2 hours for the same route or a bit less if you take different route via munich)
If the train is on time you should be able to make it easily. You'll need to use the underpass.
Switzerland is expensive, also for eating out. If you're on a tight budget, you can consider staying just over the border just across the border, for instance in Tirano or Domodossola and use travel days to cross into Switzerland. If you want a special place: Alp Grüm on the Bernina Railway I find is reasonably affordable for Swiss standards, at 160 CHF per night including breakfast. It's only accessible by train in winter and it overlooks the valley so it's quite a special place if you're into that kind of destinations. You'll have to email them to book and they don't have that many rooms either.
what is the underpass ?? sorry i have no clue
So the platforms i provided are kinda next to eachother? If so then we will probably make it cuz we are not planning to have huge luggage. Another thing. If you have any idea, where do you think is the best place to stay in Switzerland without spending a fortune? We were thinking Bern like I said but prizes are highh!!
I used the youth hostels in switzerland as i travel mostly alone. They offer 15% discount for people with an interrail pass. (also being a member of a youth hostel organization that is part of hostelling international gives i thik 9 Franks reduction)
If the train is on time you should be able to make it easily. You'll need to use the underpass.
Switzerland is expensive, also for eating out. If you're on a tight budget, you can consider staying just over the border just across the border, for instance in Tirano or Domodossola and use travel days to cross into Switzerland. If you want a special place: Alp Grüm on the Bernina Railway I find is reasonably affordable for Swiss standards, at 160 CHF per night including breakfast. It's only accessible by train in winter and it overlooks the valley so it's quite a special place if you're into that kind of destinations. You'll have to email them to book and they don't have that many rooms either.
what is the underpass ?? sorry i have no clue
the tunnel under the tracks to get from one platform to another platform
So the platforms i provided are kinda next to eachother? If so then we will probably make it cuz we are not planning to have huge luggage. Another thing. If you have any idea, where do you think is the best place to stay in Switzerland without spending a fortune? We were thinking Bern like I said but prizes are highh!!
I used the youth hostels in switzerland as i travel mostly alone. They offer 15% discount for people with an interrail pass. (also being a member of a youth hostel organization that is part of hostelling international gives i thik 9 Franks reduction)
how do you become a member of a youth hostel organization that’s intersting
So the platforms i provided are kinda next to eachother? If so then we will probably make it cuz we are not planning to have huge luggage. Another thing. If you have any idea, where do you think is the best place to stay in Switzerland without spending a fortune? We were thinking Bern like I said but prizes are highh!!
I used the youth hostels in switzerland as i travel mostly alone. They offer 15% discount for people with an interrail pass. (also being a member of a youth hostel organization that is part of hostelling international gives i thik 9 Franks reduction)
how do you become a member of a youth hostel organization that’s intersting
Since you are under 27 you can get a membership from your local youth hostel organization for 7€/ year.
https://higreece.gr/el/syndromior
Or you could try this benefit listed on the interrail page: https://benefitsportal.eurail.com/benefits/german-youth-hostel-association/
+8The change in Villach is tight, but doable. If the train would be a couple of minutes late, ask staff the hold the connection. They might do it for a couple of minutes (like maximum 10).There’s only one tunnel, you can’t miss it!
Even if you’lld miss it. It’s still quite early on the day, so you’ll have enough alternatives later on the day. Interrail passes give you enough flexibility to reroute if needed or take later trains. 2h hours later or 4 hours later and you’ll still be able to get to Bern. No worries.
Short transfer times in Switzerland is nothing to worry about. The whole system is built around it and all have frequent connections.
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