Introduction: Europe and Train Travel Are a Perfect Match
When you think of traveling around Europe, one of the best ways to get around is by train.
Unlike traveling within Japan, European countries are connected by land, and crossing international borders by train is surprisingly easy. In many cases, border checks are also relatively straightforward, making it possible to enjoy international train travel without too much hassle.
In Austria, ÖBB (Austrian Federal Railways) is essentially the equivalent of Japan’s JR. I have previously written a guide to using ÖBB, so feel free to check that out as well.
What many people don’t realize is that ÖBB offers a variety of discount programs, including some surprisingly good deals that are particularly valuable if you know about them.
However, unlike in Japan, European railway companies do not always go out of their way to tell you which discount is best for your trip. In other words, not knowing the system can cost you money.
In this article, I’ll introduce one of the most interesting ÖBB discount options: the Vorteils Card, especially the Vorteils Family Card.
（当ブログの記事をまとめたポータルページはここです）
（オンラインショップを始めてみました。是非こちらからご覧になってください。）
Amazon.co.jp
あなたと一緒に作る海外旅行【トラベル・スタンダード・ジャパン】
What Is the Standard Vorteils Card?
Let’s start with the standard Vorteils Card.
You pay €70 upfront, and the card then gives you discounted train fares for one year. Depending on the ticket and route, the discount is generally around 25–50%.
The card is also mentioned in the Japanese travel guidebook Chikyu no Arukikata, which explains that:
“You can recover the cost by making two round trips between Salzburg and Vienna.”
In other words, it is mainly designed for people who use Austrian trains frequently.
For travelers visiting several major cities, such as Vienna → Salzburg → Graz, or for those planning to travel long distances across Austria by train, the card can potentially pay for itself.
That said, even many people living in Austria do not have one.
Rather than being an automatic “must-buy” deal, it is better described as a card that works best for certain types of travelers.
Traveling with Kids? The Vorteils Family Card Is the One to Know!
Now we get to the main point.
The discount card I particularly want to introduce is the Vorteils Family Card!
The biggest attraction of this card is its incredible value for families.
- Children aged 15 and under travel for free!
- Parents receive 50% off their fares!
And the card itself costs only €20.
It is valid for one year, making it an extremely attractive option for families who plan to travel by train more than once.
How Much Can You Actually Save?
Let’s take a family of four—two adults and two children—traveling by train from Graz to Salzburg as an example.
- Regular fare: approximately €80
- With the Vorteils Family Card: approximately €30
That means you could save around €50 on a single trip!
Even if you purchase two adult cards, you could potentially recover the cost in just one family trip.
If the savings are this significant on a Graz–Salzburg journey, then for a longer trip—such as traveling from Vienna toward Italy or Switzerland—the savings can become substantial even on a single one-way journey.
Of course, ÖBB also offers Sparschiene, its advance-purchase discount, and in some cases this can be cheaper.
However, Sparschiene tickets are generally tied to the specific train and route selected at the time of booking. You cannot simply take a different train at a different time.
With the Vorteils Family Card, on the other hand, you can use eligible trains on the same route within the applicable validity period, giving you considerably more flexibility.
This flexibility can be a major advantage when traveling.
For example, if you end up spending more or less time sightseeing than expected, you may be able to change your departure time and take a different train rather than being locked into a single departure.
How to Buy the Card and Important Things to Know
The Vorteils Card can be purchased through the official ÖBB website or at a station counter.
At the counter, you can simply say, “Vorteils Family Card, please.”
You will need to present identification, such as your passport, when purchasing the card.
🔸 Important Point 1: You Need to Show the Card During Ticket Checks
Ticket inspections are fairly common on Austrian trains.
If you are traveling with a discounted ticket, you are required to show your Vorteils Family Card to the conductor when asked.
If you cannot prove that you have the card, the discount may be considered invalid, and you could potentially be charged the difference between the discounted and regular fare, along with a penalty.
Always carry your card information with you, either in paper form or saved on your smartphone.
🔸 Important Point 2: The Physical Card Takes Around Two Weeks to Arrive
The official plastic Vorteils Family Card is mailed to you after you apply.
However, it generally takes around two weeks to arrive.
This can be slightly inconvenient for travelers, but there is a solution.
Immediately after completing your purchase, a temporary card in PDF format is sent to you by email.
This temporary card is valid for approximately one month and can be used until the physical card arrives.
During a ticket inspection, you can simply show the PDF on your smartphone or carry a printed copy with you.
🔸 Important Point 3: Eligibility Requirements
- The card is valid only when traveling with children aged 15 or under.
- It cannot be used for trips consisting of adults only.
- It is valid for one year from the date of purchase, so you can use it multiple times during that period.
Conclusion: An ÖBB Discount Worth Knowing About
If you are planning to travel around Austria by train, the Vorteils Family Card is a hidden gem worth knowing about.
It can potentially pay for itself during a single family trip, and the basic concept is relatively simple as long as you meet the eligibility requirements.
When traveling around Europe, knowledge can save you money.
Taking a little time to research the available discounts before your trip can significantly reduce the cost of a family vacation.
So, on your next trip to Austria, consider using this card to enjoy train travel that is smarter, more comfortable, and more affordable!
✅ Key Takeaways
- Standard Vorteils Card: €70, valid for one year, mainly useful for residents and frequent/long-distance travelers
- Vorteils Family Card: €20, children travel free and adults receive discounted fares, making it ideal for family travel
- Physical card: takes around two weeks to arrive; temporary PDF card is available for approximately one month
- Ticket inspections: you must be able to show proof of the card, so keep it on your phone or carry a printed copy
- Graz–Salzburg: a single family trip can potentially be enough to recover the card cost
コメント