Bucharest to Linz

Posted on 28th Feb 202528th Feb 2025 by insightndes

The temperature has climbed but it’s foggy in Bucharest

Leaving

Cycling in Bucharest is awful, but faster than driving, bus or walking. Could the tram be faster?

Leaving Bucharest North

I am told that I will be joined in the cabin at Timisoara, where we are due to arrive at 0716. I set the alarm for 0700.

The train is late at Timisoara, so could have had a longer lay in. I am joined by three Iranian students.

There’s a check before the border. The Iranians of course attract attention and my passport is checked.

Just over the border in Hungary there is a bit of a wait.

It seems that the rail operator has built in a big pause at the border, longer than our wait, so we are back on time.

Delay – confused by time change at border.

They took the back end of the trai off.

A wait just across the border.

Near Gyömrő

Unfortunately no time to explore- on to the next leg.

This time it’s an OBB train direct to Linz.

There loads of wind turbines near the border on the Austrian side.

Don’t fly

The train was 45 mins late to Linz. I managed to complete the journey within 24 hours, just. The total time on the train 23 hours.

Tourism, Travel

Wien to Bucharest

Posted on 24th Feb 202525th Feb 2025 by insightndes

One train, almost 19 hours..,,

I have a bed booked for the train. I have no idea of the quality of the accommodation.

Here’s my ride- the actual carriage that I am going to be sleeping on.

Three of us sharing the cabin. So there followed a game of Jenga to fit everything in.

Bike space, later becoming my shoe rack.

The train set off, crossing the border into Hungary just after half past nine, Austrian time. I slept through most of Hungary, but was woken up by shouting, possibly in Budapest.

We crossed in Romania at around 3:45.

Train station Simeria at seven in the morning.

It’s a long journey from the border to Bucharest, under bright blue almost cloudless skies.

Many of the houses are small but colourful.

It’s cold outside but looks dry with the grass parched.

I didn’t see any livestock, apart from close to houses. Presumably due to the grazing being poor at this time of year.

We start seeing snow.

The snow is getting thicker and the buildings have the look of a resort.

Near Braşov

Near Brasi

The journey flew past in a flash. I slept well, much to my surprise. I shared the cabin with an Austrian and a Romanian who works in Austria, but barely speaks German. They were good company.

Slightly uncomfortable ride across to the hotel, trying to use the smaller roads.

And time for a quick explore.

Travel

Didcot to the far north. Snow!

Posted on 20th Nov 2024 by insightndes

Then a cycle to the Great Nepalese Restaurant near Euston station.

Complimentary food is available in the Sleeper Lounge.

Inverness station has a dusting of snow.

Unfortunately the Far North train does not connect well with the Sleeper. I have a two hour wait in Inverness. Not much open at this time so in a moment of inspiration it’s off for a breakfast at Premier Inn. Must get sponsorship.

The Premier Inn is slightly disorganised. The card reader is not working so I get a free breakfast. Due to a low number of staff it takes an age for it to be served. Can’t complain because I am not paying for it.