Sunday, April 15, 2012

Train dining question

I see on one of the OBB websites that you can make reservations for the dining cars for your enroute meal. Is this advised/necessary? My husband and I are traveling to Germany, Austria, Switzerland and France and we will be taking many long train rides... one over 6 hours, will be traveling 1st class, and want to know if it would be wise to pack some snack food, or if we can count on the dining car (on trains that there IS a dining car) being available for us. Thanks for any input!!!!






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We took the Railjet from Budapest to Vienna and every 30 minutes or so there is this dud that comes from car to car with a cart with snacks, sandwiches and drinks. Probably there is a mark up for convenience but not sure how much. If you don%26#39;t mind overpaying a little for food don%26#39;t bother with packing snacks.




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If you intend taking a connection that is operated by the new ÖBB Railjet, then you could contemplate upgrading to Premium Class for a flat fare of 25€ (15€ until the end of October 2009). Premium Class offers more space/privacy, free beverages and newspapers as well as a %26quot;Gourmet Snack%26quot; served by dedicated staff. As already mentioned, there is a mobile board service offering snacks, hot and cold beverage and other stuff (cash only). Almost all international trains and most national trains have a dining car embedded where you get decent food. I always liked it to have a snack while the landscape was passing by. Of course, it is also possible to buy things without occupying a table (if you only fancy a snack). I would frankly not make any reservation!





http://railjet.oebb.at/# (ÖBB RailJet)




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No, usually you will find a table, otherwise you just wait or ask the waiter to reserve one for you.





In first class they usually serve you drinks and snacks (not cheap), especially for longer journeys take enough drinks before you board the train as prices for drinks are quite steep onboard the trains.





Most long distance trains (EC/OEC) have a restaurant coach which is usually located between 1st and 2nd class. In 1st they usually also serve drinks/snacks at your seat. InterCity trains (IC or OIC) usually have a minibar (trolley), serving you drinks, sandwiches and snacks at your seat.



The railjet has a minibar in 2nd and a Bistro (SADLY not a real restaurant) with self-service. In 1st class they serve drinks and meals at your seat (for a fee), in 1st Premium a light meal/drinks are included.

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