German and Austrian motorail this summer
OK - brief summary of experiences. Rode to Dusseldorf, then took the Austrian Motorail overnight to Vienna. The ride over to Dusseldorf is boring, but relatively quick as it's motorway nearly all the way. Terminal is easy to find and has a small waiting room. NO food available, so visit a local supermarket on the nearby main road. Staff were excellent, spoke English and out of six bikes on our train, four were GSs, so they are well used to them. We were given four webbing straps to attach to the bike at OUR discretion. Around front fork stanchions and rear footpeg frames were preferred locations. These straps were then attached to the bike via strong ratchets - no problem.
HEADROOM IS LIMITED. Had to drop my screen and crouch to get the Adventure through. Wear your helmet! Despite being careful, I whacked my head several times and the roof of the lower deck is full of nasty sharp things...
Train was very good - much better than the French equivalent. Had a private 2-berth couchette, with washbasin. Simple continental breakfast was provided. Overall - much cheaper than the French service and much better facilities.
On the return journey, we came back overnight with the German Motorail (DB) from Munich to Dusseldorf. No need for great detail - everything that the Austrian service was, with the addition of an even better couchette and better breakfast.
So, the verdict? Absolutely great. If you have several weeks to get to Austria or further east, then don't bother using them and enjoy the trip over. If, like us, you're really limited for time, it's a great service and MUCH better than the French ones we have used.
Recommended