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TRAIN TRAVEL

How Germany’s train strike will hit Austrian travellers

A strike by the German train driver’s union, the GDL, has significant effects across that country. However, the strike is also impacting services here in Austria. We identify which services are affected.

How Germany's train strike will hit Austrian travellers
From Tuesday evening, to Friday evening, most train services between Austria and Germany will not run. Photo: Lazlo Biro / Unsplash

From the early hours of Wednesday to Friday evening, German long-distance and passenger services will be impacted by a strike action by the Gewerkschaft Deutscher Lokomotivführer (GDL).

With many rail connections between Austria and Germany, this has significant effects.

Unlike during previous strikes by the GDL, ÖBB, the Austrian national railway, advises on their website that there will probably be no rail traffic between Germany and Austria from Wednesday, January 10th 2024, at 2 am to Friday, January 12th, at 6 pm.

This means there will be no S Bahn, regional or long-distance services between the two countries. This includes night services, such as the Nightjet.

The exception will be those ÖBB trains travelling between Kufstein and Salzburg across the ‘Deutsche Eck’ (German corner). This track crosses the border into Germany, but these services will not be affected.

READ ALSO: What are your rights if your trip is delayed or cancelled in Austria?

ÖBB advises on their blog that passengers who have purchased train tickets before January 8th 2024, can either cancel and have their tickets refunded or use them until January 19 on an alternative service. This includes Nightjet tickets.

The ÖBB also advises passengers who will be travelling after the lifting of the current strike action to check the SCOTTY website or mobile app to confirm that their trains will be running on time.

Both regional and long-distance bus and coach services between the two countries have not been affected. Still, those services may have a higher passenger load than usual.

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TRAVEL NEWS

Klimaticket: How to get your free Austria-wide transport pass

Austria is rolling out its free transport passes for young people to promote climate-friendly travel. Here's who's entitled to one and how to get it.

Klimaticket: How to get your free Austria-wide transport pass

Austria’s Climate Ministry announced in a press release that it will roll out its free Klimaticket offer for 18-year-olds on July 1st.

The Klimaticket is a yearly pass that, at €1,095 per year, covers nearly all public transport nationwide. So, for about €3 a day, it’s possible to ride from Vienna to Salzburg and around town without any extra expenses. You just hop on the train and go. It’s very similar to the popular Jahreskarte, or yearly ticket, in the Viennese public transport, which allows for unlimited travel in public transport within the city for €1 a day.

With the Austria-wide Klimaticket, you not only have access to Vienna’s public transport but also to the entire national network. This makes the national pass a valuable option for those who frequently travel across city limits. The subsidised offer is designed to encourage greener travel choices, and the federal government has announced that it will provide one year of Klimaticket for free to every 18-year-old residing in Austria.

Climate Minister Leonore Gewessler described the scheme as a “piece of freedom for young adults” that will start on July 1st. It was previously announced last year, as The Local reported.

READ ALSO: The spectacular Austrian train routes you can take with the Klimaticket

How will it work?

All people who have celebrated their 18th birthday since January 1st, 2024 and are registered with their residence in Austria can have the free KlimaTicket Austria issued. 

The ticket is then valid for one year—the start of validity can be freely chosen by young adults between their 18th and 21st birthdays. 

According to the Climate Ministry, the free KlimaTicket can be easily collected from the official sales and service points.

The government said around 88,000 people are eligible each year, and the authorities are earmarking €120 million for the project. 

“Young adults are being introduced to public transport as a logical, environmentally friendly alternative in everyday life. In this way, we want to inspire as many young people as possible to use public transport in the long term,” the Ministry added.

READ ALSO: Which non-Austrian destinations can you reach with a Klimaticket?

How can I pick up my Klimaticket?

The ticket can be applied for at sales outlets from June 3rd, 2024 and will be valid from July 1st. The KlimaTicket must be applied for in person at any KlimaTicket Ö sales and service points (except Wiener Linien). 

You must bring an official photo ID, a photo and a residence confirmation (not older than six months). You can find the sales and service partners online at klimaticket.at/partner.

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