It is well known, that taking the train is a more sustainable way of travelling compared to flying. However, flying takes much less time than driving overland. Therefore, the temptation to utilise the more environmentally damaging medium of transport is great, especially for longer journeys.
To promote more train travel, Austria launched the "Climate Ticket" on October 26th. Priced at just €3 per day (€21 per week), a go-anywhere annual transit pass that can be used on all rail, metro and bus networks nationwide.
While nationwide travel passes have already been adopted by several other European countries, Austria's "KlimaTicket" is the most affordable option yet and marks a major step towards its committment of becoming carbon neutral by 2040. To support the new initiative, Austria's government has pledged €240m towards the scheme.
To also promote more sustainable train travel for longer journeys across Europe, Austria is also expanding its long-distance train network. Night journeys are especially attractive for long distance rail journeys as destinations can be reached during sleeping hours and the environment protected at the same time.
The Austrian Railways (ÖBB) already offer Nightjet services between a wide range of European destinations, including Amsterdam, Brussels, Berlin, Hamburg, Milan, Rome and Zurich.
Starting from 13th December, Paris will be joining the network - thereby resurrecting the legendary Orient Express route from Paris to Vienna which seized operations 14 years ago. The journey will take approximately 14 hours, departing Vienna at 19:40 and reaching Paris at 09:42 the following day. Tickets start from just €30.
The network looks set to be expanded even further in the coming years, with a target to connect 13 major European cities with more than 1m inhabitants. To that end, Austria's 2021 mobility budget included the purchase of 20 new night trains.
The ÖBB Nightjet offers unparalleled luxury in three classes - seating carriages with compartments of six seats, couchettes and sleeping cars. All carriages are equipped with showers and culinary delights are also catered for: breakfast is served in the couchettes and sleeping cars, while hot meals are also available à la carte in the sleeping cars.
Are you ready to take the train for your next trip across Europe? Book your ticket using the link below!
