Some people prefer the train, including for transporting their car.

The car-carrying train, which involves loading your vehicle onto a train while you travel comfortably in a passenger car, still exists in Austria.

The journey to Croatia from Vienna through Slovenia takes 14 hours and guarantees a much smaller carbon footprint.

“We are from Austria, not far from Vienna, and we are heading to Spilt in Croatia by train,” says Brigit Rose, travelling with her husband in a family-size motorcycle.

“It’s not eco-friendly to ride a motorcycle but if you’re riding by train, it’s way better. And I feel less guilty,” she notes.

Is it pricey?

This train departs from the Austrian capital three times a week, but only in the summer. Last year, it transported 2,500 vehicles, four times as many as in 2021.

“It cost us around €800 for three people, with the baby and the car,” said another passenger. But is that too expensive?

“It looks a lot but if you take into account the two-day trip by car and the hotel stays for three? If I must calculate, I’m losing €60, but it’s worth it.”

Travelling by train allows passengers to avoid the risks associated with long road trips, such as fatigue, as instead of driving, travellers can spend a comfortable night in the sleeper car.