Extreme weather in Germany, Poland, Austria, Czechia - Travel Disruptions Expected - and cancelled nightjet question

[nwales58]

We’ve treated ourselves to opera tickets in Vienna and they aren’t refundable…

If Staatsoper and you want to go to something else when you're there, standing tickets are on sale at 1000 on the day, Eur18 behind the stalls, cheaper higher up. Ignore the touts telling you there are no tickets.

 

[TravellingPhil]

If Staatsoper and you want to go to something else when you're there, standing tickets are on sale at 1000 on the day, Eur18 behind the stalls, cheaper higher up. Ignore the touts telling you there are no tickets.

Thank you. I did notice that they do that. Something for my wife and myself to discuss.

I did contact OBB asking about time frames for informing us about our train. They got back to me really quickly but saying they’re not sure when the Brussels train will run again. I’ve heard so many bad things about OBB and communication but I’m actually really impressed with them over this. Maybe it’s because I’m being a bit more proactive.

Because we’re on Interrail, we’re seriously discussing going somewhere else instead if our train is cancelled and maybe having a long weekend in Vienna and a visit to the Opera at some point in the future. Our needs aren’t as great as those who use the western route to Vienna on a daily basis. They certainly wouldn’t want us tourists taking up valuable capacity right now.

 

[30907]

I did contact OBB asking about time frames for informing us about our train. They got back to me really quickly but saying they’re not sure when the Brussels train will run again. I’ve heard so many bad things about OBB and communication but I’m actually really impressed with them over this. Maybe it’s because I’m being a bit more proactive.

Part of the problem with the Brussels service will be that the Wien-Paris portion is already cancelled because of French engineering work, so it can't be particularly economic to run - so with limited capacity on the Westbahn it's not high priority.

After 29 Sept the scenic Ennstal/Semmering route would be an option, or most of Czechia now seems clear. Can you switch your sleeper to a different route?

 

[TravellingPhil]

Part of the problem with the Brussels service will be that the Wien-Paris portion is already cancelled because of French engineering work, so it can't be particularly economic to run - so with limited capacity on the Westbahn it's not high priority.

After 29 Sept the scenic Ennstal/Semmering route would be an option, or most of Czechia now seems clear. Can you switch your sleeper to a different route?

Actually been looking at the option of going via Czechia. But it would involve us setting off a day earlier than planned so we would need notice from OBB that our train is officially cancelled.

There’s still space on the Amsterdam to Vienna Nightjet too…but again, would require plenty of notice that our original train has been cancelled so we can book it.

For now, all we can do is hang tight.

 

[30907]

There’s still space on the Amsterdam to Vienna Nightjet too…but again, would require plenty of notice that our original train has been cancelled so we can book it.

For now, all we can do is hang tight.

In your situation I would simply ask OeBB to switch you to the Amsterdam; if time is tight board at Koeln and use the ICE from Brussels.
You could even opt to switch to the Hamburg, boarding at Hannover, to sample the new stock.
Depends of course on your overall plan.

 

[TravellingPhil]

In your situation I would simply ask OeBB to switch you to the Amsterdam; if time is tight board at Koeln and use the ICE from Brussels.
You could even opt to switch to the Hamburg, boarding at Hannover, to sample the new stock.
Depends of course on your overall plan.

I have considered that. I think we’ll wait it out as there’s still a chance it could run. If not, we’ll probably use day trains. We arrive in Brussels at 16:00 so there’s still time to get to Frankfurt, stay there overnight then try to reach Vienna the next day. That way, I’ll be in a position where I can claim a refund and maybe even the overnight in Frankfurt on my travel insurance.I would lose a travel day on my Interrail though.

As for our overall plan, apart from the Opera ticket, we don’t really have one. It’s an open ended trip so there’s no pressure on us to make changes until we know.

 

[rvdborgt]

I have considered that. I think we’ll wait it out as there’s still a chance it could run. If not, we’ll probably use day trains. We arrive in Brussels at 16:00 so there’s still time to get to Frankfurt, stay there overnight then try to reach Vienna the next day. That way, I’ll be in a position where I can claim a refund and maybe even the overnight in Frankfurt on my travel insurance.I would lose a travel day on my Interrail though.

ÖBB will have to organise overnight accommodation, or reimburse it if you have to organise it yourself.

 

[TravellingPhil]

I have now had an email saying my train is cancelled. However, further down the email it says partially cancelled and the timetable suggests it will terminate in Salzburg. It’s an automatically generated email so will contact them I think.

 

[rvdborgt]

I have now had an email saying my train is cancelled. However, further down the email it says partially cancelled and the timetable suggests it will terminate in Salzburg. It’s an automatically generated email so will contact them I think.

It will very probably not run at all. On nightjet.com, the first bookable train from Brussels is on 12/10. They seem to be cancelled in the timetable on a day-to-day basis.

 

[TravellingPhil]

It will very probably not run at all. On nightjet.com, the first bookable train from Brussels is on 12/10. They seem to be cancelled in the timetable on a day-to-day basis.

I was thinking the same. I’ve sent them a message asking about the possibility of switching to the Amsterdam train. There’s plenty of cheap hotels around Frankfurt HBF too and that would get us quite a distance towards Vienna so we can still arrive on the day we intended. So lots of options. We’ll see what they say but I do think you’re correct and it’s just a computer throwing up the terminating at Salzburg scenario.

Edit: They’ve got back to me impressively quickly again. But they’ve told me to rebook and claim my original ticket, which means I’ll be out of pocket as the prices are higher this close to the journey date.

 

[rvdborgt]

I was thinking the same. I’ve sent them a message asking about the possibility of switching to the Amsterdam train. There’s plenty of cheap hotels around Frankfurt HBF too and that would get us quite a distance towards Vienna so we can still arrive on the day we intended. So lots of options. We’ll see what they say but I do think you’re correct and it’s just a computer throwing up the terminating at Salzburg scenario.

Edit: They’ve got back to me impressively quickly again. But they’ve told me to rebook and claim my original ticket, which means I’ll be out of pocket as the prices are higher this close to the journey date.

There was no real need to ask them, since you are entitled to alternative without extra costs and if another night train fits the bill for you then you can use it without extra costs. If they won't rebook you in advance, then, if you really want to use the night train, book a new reservation yourself and claim a refund of that new reservation afterwards.

 

[Austriantrain]

Good news - the HSL Vienna - St Pölten might reopen sometimes in October. It is obviously not reliable information yet.

It *was* unreliable. The HSL will probably be closed for months - at least the second track on the old line will reopen throughout soon. Quite similar to the Gotthard closure situation really; thankful for those old, slow but sturdy lines.

 

[TravellingPhil]

The Opera House in Vienna have kindly offered a resale service on our tickets given the circumstances. Seeing it was sold out that night, I'm sure they'll manage to sell them and we'll get our refund. Probably best to leave Vienna alone for now. Disappointing but it'll be there for another time.

But that now frees us up to travel to wherever we want to with our Interrail. We'll take our original Eurostar to Brussels then just make it up from there. Take the positive from it and have a new adventure!

Not going to claim for the Nightjet tickets until after the date it's due to go. Just on the slim chance it's reinstated and I'll also be able to claim the hotel costs for that night anyway as it will be an extra cost we weren't expecting.

 

[trainresident]

We've hit the grand slam of anxiety with our trip. It was supposed to start off on Sep 30 with a HSL trip from Vienna Airport to Salzburg. Was going to take the best option after arrival on our flight from Canada. It looks like we can still make that trip, it will just be slower. So no worries.

Then we are supposed to go on a night train from Salzburg to Krakow on Oct 1st EN406 and then a night train from Krakow to Prague on EN407 a day later.
I've receive zero pro active communications from the train companies and all I've been able to find out from looking on the various websites is OBB saying all trains from Austria stop at an earlier station. Other than that, no really good information and the night train is not listed as resumed. I'm guessing the problems lie in Ostrava, but why no information other than the train will stop before there.....

OBB was polite, but only says they won't comment on the status of the train, so I find it interesting they cancelled yours so early. I wonder if that's because yours runs on the HSL?

Czech railways says if there will be any change we usually inform by email. You can also see our sites and search your train.

Our once in a life time train trip has turned into a nightmare, mostly because no one will cancel our tickets and let us try to make other plans. We have another night train booked from Prague to Kosice and we're in the same boat. The messaging doesn't look good, but none of the companies will cancel our tickets, so I guess we wait.

I just wish if they can't provide the service they would cancel it sooner than the last minute so we have a chance to try and salvage some of our vacation, cancel hotels etc.

For others with trains through Ostrava, I forgot about this story as it may be good news if that is the only area causing problems between Austria, Czech, Poland and Slovakia.

Czech Railways to restore train services between Prague and Ostrava after floods

09/21/2024

"Czech Railways (ČD) will resume train services between Prague and Ostrava on Saturday following recent floods. Initially, three trains to Žilina will operate over the weekend, with two more added on Monday, including a service to Košice. By Tuesday, as the Ostrava-Svinov station reopens, ČD plans to gradually add five more services, including Pendolino high speed trains."

 

[Krokodil]

I did start another thread before I spotted this one. I've had an email telling me that NJ40425 has been cancelled, but it also says (according to Google Translate) "partial failure". OBB Scotty still shows the original journey with no mention of alterations, except I noticed: "Reservation required (Bruxelles Midi - Salzburg Hbf)". Does this mean that the train will run as far as Salzburg, or am I completely stuffed?

 

[rvdborgt]

PKP says that reservations for trains between Poland and Czechia via Chałupki and Bohumín have been blocked until 30/9:

Utrudnienia w ruchu pociągów wynikające z intensywnych opadów deszczu na południu Polski i w Czechach w dniach 19-27.09.2024 roku

Strona internetowa przewoźnika kolejowego PKP Intercity S.A. należącego do grupy PKP, obsługującego kolejowe dalekobieżne przewozy pasażerskie: pośpieszne (Twoje Linie Kolejowe i InterCity) oraz ekspresowe (Express InterCity i Express InterCity Premium).

www.intercity.pl

This includes trains 406 and 407.

I think it's difficult to predict what will be possible in a week's time.

 

[TravellingPhil]

OBB was polite, but only says they won't comment on the status of the train, so I find it interesting they cancelled yours so early. I wonder if that's because yours runs on the HSL?

I assume that's correct. As well, I think as mentioned before there's a capacity issue with our Nightjet from Brussels. With it being a 3 times a week train, it's not that high in priority. As mentioned above, the email did say 'partially cancelled', but I'm pretty sure it's cancelled outright.

Even though we're not due to set off until the 1st, I'm really not expecting it to run at all. Particularly after the timescales for repair that OBB released today.

Like I said, we've decided to forget Vienna and have a bit of a 'winging it as you go' adventure for 2 weeks starting from Brussels instead. I'll sort out the refunds afterwards on the very slight offchance that it does run.

I hope you still manage to enjoy your trip.

 

[trainresident]

PKP says that reservations for trains between Poland and Czechia via Chałupki and Bohumín have been blocked until 30/9:

Utrudnienia w ruchu pociągów wynikające z intensywnych opadów deszczu na południu Polski i w Czechach w dniach 19-27.09.2024 roku

Strona internetowa przewoźnika kolejowego PKP Intercity S.A. należącego do grupy PKP, obsługującego kolejowe dalekobieżne przewozy pasażerskie: pośpieszne (Twoje Linie Kolejowe i InterCity) oraz ekspresowe (Express InterCity i Express InterCity Premium).

www.intercity.pl

This includes trains 406 and 407.

I think it's difficult to predict what will be possible in a week's time.

Thank you for posting that link.

It is confusing to me how many different companies report on the same train and the reports all seem to vary.

Ours is on the 1st, but it feels like that just means we won't find out until the very last minute that it is cancelled and have no way to make alternate plans. I'm hope I'm wrong and this is one of those rare instances when things selfishly work out for us and the timeline is actually accurate.

I don't know if we'll be able to afford any accommodations if we have to wait so late.

I assume that's correct. As well, I think as mentioned before there's a capacity issue with our Nightjet from Brussels. With it being a 3 times a week train, it's not that high in priority. As mentioned above, the email did say 'partially cancelled', but I'm pretty sure it's cancelled outright.

Even though we're not due to set off until the 1st, I'm really not expecting it to run at all. Particularly after the timescales for repair that OBB released today.

Like I said, we've decided to forget Vienna and have a bit of a 'winging it as you go' adventure for 2 weeks starting from Brussels instead. I'll sort out the refunds afterwards on the very slight offchance that it does run.

I hope you still manage to enjoy your trip.

Thank you. I wish we could do the same, but we're in too deep with airline tickets etc. I wish I was younger so I could just stay up all night and not have to worry plans falling apart.

I hope you also have a good time where you end up going.

 

[TravellingPhil]

We’re hardly young! We still need to take our time with things. And there’s always a way of finding a bed at the end of each day!

I do sympathise with you. We’ve done a few rail holidays now but have always booked very structured point to point trips with not much wriggle room for things going wrong.

So quite relieved that this has happened on the one we chose to use Interrail for with the flexibility that comes with it. I am still disappointed at missing out on Nightjet and Vienna though.

This was my second attempt at getting into a Nightjet sleeper room. Two years ago, we were downgraded from sleeper to couchette when going from Zurich to Amsterdam.

I feel like I’m destined to never try their sleeper product. Although to be fair, it’s hardly their fault this time!

 

[trainresident]

We’re hardly young! We still need to take our time with things. And there’s always a way of finding a bed at the end of each day!

I do sympathise with you. We’ve done a few rail holidays now but have always booked very structured point to point trips with not much wriggle room for things going wrong.

So quite relieved that this has happened on the one we chose to use Interrail for with the flexibility that comes with it. I am still disappointed at missing out on Nightjet and Vienna though.

This was my second attempt at getting into a Nightjet sleeper room. Two years ago, we were downgraded from sleeper to couchette when going from Zurich to Amsterdam.

I feel like I’m destined to never try their sleeper product. Although to be fair, it’s hardly their fault this time!

Yes, I just meant I wished we were young so we could roll with things more. Now, I'm really not sure what to do with airfare and multiple train tickets are hinging on others being within 1 day or so of being on time. If we can't get to Krakow it's a financial and logistical nightmare. This was going to be our last trip trying to see multiple countries because of the issues with reliability seeming to happen more and more. Like you said, it's hardly anyone's fault in this instance. I just wish that when there was such a high risk for the inability to provide the transportation that the train companies would let you cancel the non-refundable tickets. I take the risk sometimes with that kind of ticket and accept it if I can't make it work, but this case is a special circumstance.

This is also our second attempt. Last time we have this trip all planned out and paid for was in early 2020....... It took until now to recover and put together another attempt.

 

[Krokodil]

If my Nightjet has indeed been cancelled and I still want to get to Vienna with minimal delay, what are my options? Can I just take my NJ ticket onto an earlier (16:25) ICE departure and use a series of conventional trains to cross Germany (surely enduring the torture of a sleepless night on ICEs is payment enough) or am I going to get stung? Are the staff at Brussels able to endorse my ticket like a DB station might (assuming that I can even do that in the twenty minutes available)?

 

[rvdborgt]

If my Nightjet has indeed been cancelled and I still want to get to Vienna with minimal delay, what are my options? Can I just take my NJ ticket onto an earlier (16:25) ICE departure and use a series of conventional trains to cross Germany (surely enduring the torture of a sleepless night on ICEs is payment enough) or am I going to get stung? Are the staff at Brussels able to endorse my ticket like a DB station might (assuming that I can even do that in the twenty minutes available)?

Your NJ won't run.
ÖBB has to provide an alternative without additional expenses for you.
First check availability in the NJ (Amsterdam - ) Cologne - Vienna. If there's anything to your liking, book it immediately. You won't be the only one to look for an alternative. You can easily reach that NJ in Cologne. I wouldn't hesitate and just board the ICE. ÖBB and DB have an agreement about using day trains when a NJ is cancelled. Afterwards, ask for a refund of the extra reservation.
If you can't rebook or don't like what's available, then you can use day trains and ÖBB has to provide overnight accommodation. If they don't, you can book something reasonable yourself and claim back the expenses afterwards.

 

[TravellingPhil]

I’ve received an email saying that it’s running again. I highly doubt that’s true given that they are running a single line on the old route until the 10th October, it’s still unavailable to book on the OBB app.

Until I get an email sent by a human or I see the train sitting in the platform on the evening, I’m going to keep assuming it’s cancelled.

 

[rvdborgt]

I’ve received an email saying that it’s running again. I highly doubt that’s true given that they are running a single line on the old route until the 10th October, it’s still unavailable to book on the OBB app.

They don't mention Brussels-Vienna at all in this overview:

Weather damage

Information for passengers

www.oebb.at

So I think it's safe to assume they won't run until at least 10/10.

 

[Krokodil]

I've also had an email:

The connection from Bruxelles Midi (05.10.2024, 18:32) to Vienna Hbf (NJ 40425) is no longer interrupted.

I've booked Cologne-Vienna as a precaution (the website is really glitchy today). Do I claim reimbursement after the date of travel?

 

[rvdborgt]

I've also had an email:

I've booked Cologne-Vienna as a precaution (the website is really glitchy today). Do I claim reimbursement after the date of travel?

I'd indeed do that.

 

[TravellingPhil]

I've also had an email:


I've booked Cologne-Vienna as a precaution (the website is really glitchy today). Do I claim reimbursement after the date of travel?

Yeah, the website doesn't even want to know. Thought I'd go and download my ticket anyway (within the 15 days no cancellation period now) but it won't even let me do that.

They are indeed having a tough time at the moment it seems.

I expect more computer generated emails to come. As long as Avanti and Eurostar get us to Brussels on the day, we'll figure it out from there. Good call on the Koln connection for yourself.

I don't want to be taking up valuable space on a shuttle from Salzburg to Vienna as a tourist when there'll be someone's needs who are greater than mine. It's been a really grim situation for them by the looks of things. Let's hope they have a settled and dry Autumn.

 

[Austriantrain]

I don't want to be taking up valuable space on a shuttle from Salzburg to Vienna as a tourist when there'll be someone's needs who are greater than mine.

Don't worry about that. You would be fine, would not be the only tourist on the train anyway and nobody would blame you. It's actually often easier for the locals to plan around - drive themselves, or postpone their trip. Our real problem is not the current situation, but that restoration of the HSL will take months; and in the meanwhile, there will still be plenty of tourists on day trips from Vienna to Salzburg (maybe slightly less than before because of increased journey times).

Only recommendation: Reserve a seat (even if you end up not using it)!

 

[Krokodil]

Annoyingly the website had glitched out when trying to make a payment so not only is €189 currently frozen as "pending", it stopped allowing my Global Money card when I retried. I had to use my normal debit card so will be charged an extra fiver for the currency fee. At least it has gone through now

 

[TravellingPhil]

Annoyingly the website had glitched out when trying to make a payment so not only is €189 currently frozen as "pending", it stopped allowing my Global Money card when I retried. I had to use my normal debit card so will be charged an extra fiver for the currency fee. At least it has gone through now

Oh, how annoying! I've also managed to succesfully download my tickets. Even though the ticket shows I've booked a 'Bettplätze' with shower and WC, the class is showing as '2'. I thought 2nd class were the seats? Probably not going to find out anyway!

OBB really can be a mystery!

On various Facebook travel groups I'm in, I can see many people are recieving a variety of emails saying one thing and then another. Automatically generated emails can cause a lot of confusion. I've had one from DB for a previous trip in the past saying a journey was cancelled, it wasn't and all ran fine...but apparently the tiniest change in a timetable such as a platform alterartion can trigger these emails.

The daily emails saying cancelled and then running are probably more of a reflection on just how fluid the situation is. Cancellations are still being confirmed on a daily basis it seems.