Austria
General train travel information for AUSTRIA. Rail travel tours, accommodation, sightseeing.
Brief History
The history of Austrian railways dates back to 1495. A funicular railway was built to serve Hohensalzburg Castle and is believed to be the oldest still operating in the world. Although originally winched by man or animal power, it has since been fully motorized.
After World War II, the railways were reformed into the state-owned Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) in 1947. The lines were rebuilt and electrified, with 72% of the network electrified by 2013. ÖBB's infrastructure is now maintained by ÖBB-Infrastructur AG.
General Information and Statistics
ÖBB is one of the largest employers in the country. ÖBB is a provider of comprehensive mobility services, transporting 474 million passengers annually to their destinations.
ÖBB operates a 5,000-kilometer rail network with 1,000 stations.
What connections there are to other countries.
You can travel by train from Austria to countries such as Switzerland, Germany, the Czech Republic, Croatia, Hungary, Serbia, Slovenia and Slovakia.
Are trains in Austria generally fast? How long does it take to cross the country?
The electrically powered Austrian/Czech Railways trains travel at speeds of up to 230 km/h (143 mph), making them some of the fastest trains in Europe. The journey from Vienna to Feldkirch takes 6:14 hours and from Linz to Klagenfurt 4:30 hours.
What train companies are there?
The main railway company in Austria is the national railway company, the Osterreichische Bundes Bahn (OBB).
What types of trains are available in Austria?
The Railjet is the latest high speed train available from ÖBB. They are equipped with all mod cons such as WiFi, on-board entertainment and restaurants. Traveling at speeds of 230km/h, Railjet trains can take you to surrounding countries.
Eurocity (EC) and Intercity (IC)
These two trains support the Railjet train and both serve routes outside of Austria. They travel at around 200km/h. The Eurocity has a restaurant on board, while the Intercity does not. However, the Intercity has a separate women's compartment. It also has a breastfeeding compartment and a compartment for infants.
Intercity Express
Intercity-Express (IC/E) trains travel from Austria to Germany via Passau.
They travel at 230 km/h
Regional Trains
Several different types of trains that run through cities and into smaller towns, including: the Cityjet, Talent, Desiro, Bi-level Push-Pull train, Cityshuttle, 4020 electric railcar.
These trains are slower and stop more frequently than the high-speed trains.
Are high speed trains available?
The flagship is the high-speed train Railjet, or RJ for short, which connects several Austrian cities with Munich, Budapest and Zurich. The new trains have been in service since 2006 and are powered by an electric locomotive and can reach speeds of up to 260 km/h on some routes. The main lines of the Railjet are Vienna - Salzburg, Salzburg - Klagenfurt, Vienna - Villach, Innsbruck - Graz and Vienna - Graz. It has three classes - Business, First and Economy - with a total of 408 seats and an on-board restaurant. There is also a six-seat children's movie theater where cartoons and children's films are shown during the journey.
Main stations / hubs.
The main railway hubs in Austria are Vienna, Linz, Innsbruck, Salzburg, Graz and St. Pölten.
Websites to buy train tickets for Austria
https://www.oebb.at , omio, https://www.thetrainline.com
Mobile apps to buy train tickets in Austria
ÖBB has an "ÖBB App".
Can I buy a ticket at a train station in Austria?
In addition to buying tickets on the official website, mobile application, automatic ticket machines, the traveler has the possibility to buy tickets through the ticket offices at the stations, the stations also employ cashiers who can help you with the selection of tickets and make a purchase.
Can I buy my ticket by telephone?
You can ask a question or make a reservation by calling (+43 (0)5 1717)
Return the ticket
ÖBB Standard Ticket can be canceled and refunded free of charge before the first day of validity of the outward journey. Note: If the ticket has been downloaded using the ÖBB link in the confirmation email, it cannot be canceled or refunded.
Economy rail. Unfortunately, these tickets cannot be canceled or refunded.
If your ticket is cancelable, you can cancel it immediately via our cancellation page.
Comfort-Ticket Nightjet (Night Train Tickets) can be canceled free of charge if requested more than 15 days before the scheduled departure and subject to a 50% fee (or €15) if requested between 15 days and 24 hours before departure. Note: Once the ticket has been downloaded using the ÖBB link in the confirmation email, it cannot be canceled or refunded.
Group tickets (Einfach-Raus ticket) are fully refundable if requested before 00:00 on the day of departure.
Please note that we have to follow the conditions set by ÖBB for their tickets and unfortunately cannot override them. If you are having trouble with the cancellation process or are unsure of your ticket type, please contact us and we will be happy to assist you.
Train ticket prices
The cheapest ticket is purchased 180 to 15 days before travel. If you buy the ticket fourteen to one day before departure, the ticket is a little more expensive. The highest price is paid if the ticket is purchased on the day of travel. You can buy tickets for most long-distance journeys within Austria for as little as EUR 25, even on major routes such as Vienna to Innsbruck.
OBB train tickets are cheaper during off-peak hours, at the beginning of the week and during the day. You can be sure to get cheaper train tickets during the week. On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, OBB train tickets are the cheapest.
Cheapest train to the nearest neighboring country?
Saver fares to neighboring countries are available from Deutsche Bahn. For example, from Linz to Munich from EUR 17.90. And from Berlin to Amsterdam from EUR 37.90.
Where to find timetables
Find train schedules at https://www.oebb.at/en/fahrplan
Buying tickets in advance or right before the train
The cheapest ticket is purchased 180 to 15 days before travel. Buying a ticket fourteen to one day before departure is a little more expensive. The highest price is paid if the ticket is purchased on the day of travel. If you buy your ticket online, you will also get a lower price than if you buy it at a ticket machine or at the counter of the ÖBB Travel Center.
Types of tickets
Standard ticket: Valid for 2 days after purchase and can be refunded free of charge before the first day of validity.
Comfort-Ticket: Valid on the selected day and/or on the selected night train. Free refund 15 days before travel and 50% refund before the chosen day of travel.
ÖBB economy ticket: Cheapest ticket offered by ÖBB. Must be used on the selected day and train. Tickets are not refundable.
ÖBB Sparschiene Comfort-Ticket: Must be used on the selected day of travel and on the selected train. Free refund 15 days before departure and 50% refund before the selected date of travel.
The Eurail and Interrail Pass is available for Austria
In addition to these passes, there is also the "ÖBB Österreichcard" which allows you to use almost all regional and local trains and buses.
Interrail/Eurail Passes in Austria
The best option is to buy your Eurail or Interrail Pass on the official website.
Saver price
ÖBB discount ticket: Cheapest ticket offered by ÖBB. Must be used on the selected day and train. Tickets are not refundable.
Is it cheaper to buy a return ticket?
Buy single tickets, not round-trip tickets. This gives you more flexibility if you need to change your travel plans. It is not cheaper to buy round-trip tickets.
Flexible tickets
With the ÖBB Standard-Ticket you have maximum flexibility. You are not restricted to a certain train and can choose your connection freely. Standard single tickets are valid for up to 2 days on the respective route - regardless of the sales channel chosen.
Boarding rules
The printed or electronic OEBB rail-boarding pass must be presented on board the train together with a valid identity card.
Group discounts
ÖBB offers group tickets for groups of 6 or more persons.
Age groups and discounts
ÖBB offers the following services. They may vary for other railway companies.
Children under 6 travel free, from 6 to 15 for half price, from 15 years pay full price.
For people over 65 there is a special program "ÖBB Vorteilscard Senior", for 29 Euro per year pensioners can buy tickets with a 50% discount.
Age restrictions for minors
Children between the ages of 6 and 14 can travel unaccompanied with ÖBB. The fare is 50% of the adult fare.
If you are 15 years or older, you pay the full fare.
Disabled passengers
ÖBB's aim is to enable all passengers to travel comfortably by rail. Trains and stations are equipped for people with disabilities. There is also a 50% discount for people with disabilities.
Seat reservations on Austrian trains
It is possible to reserve a seat for your ÖBB ticket, but this is not included in the ticket price. This can be done at the time of booking or at a later date.
Please note that the ÖBB night train automatically includes a seat reservation.
For all other trains, you can reserve a seat up to 3 months before the date of travel.
Comfort classes on the trains
Economy Class: Choice of open cars and compartments, luggage racks, WiFi, power outlets, air conditioning.
First Class: Adjustable seats, more legroom, on-board service, overhead luggage racks, WiFi, power outlets.
Business Class: More legroom, folding tables, reading lamps, Wi-Fi, personal electrical outlets, cabin service.
Food and Beverages on Austrian Trains / Train Restaurant.
On board the long-distance trains, the DoN team will spoil you with the best service, regional freshness, quality and sustainability at prices that will make you relax.
On the menu you will find a seasonally changing, high-quality selection of cold snacks and warm Austrian delicacies. The menu also includes a selection of well-balanced vegetarian and vegan dishes, as well as fine Austrian wines.
Montafon chicken breast € 12.70
Meat loaf € 11.90
Spicy potato and chickpea curry € 11.80
Baked chicken strips € 10.60
Night trains in Austria
ÖBB Nightjet is the name of the night passenger trains operated by the Austrian railway company ÖBB. Introduced at the end of 2016, the ÖBB Nightjet trains are very popular with travelers, mainly because these European sleeper trains are very comfortable. ÖBB Nightjet trains are also popular because they have amenities such as on-board toilets, air conditioning, large and comfortable beds, and welcoming staff. ÖBB Nightjet trains operate on many routes, the most popular being Vienna-Amsterdam, Munich-Rome, Innsbruck-Hamburg and Vienna-Livorno.
Are there trains that transport cars?
ÖBB's Tauern Motorail is an attractive alternative to the Tauern Highway. ÖBB transports your car or motorcycle through the Tauern Tunnel between the Gastein Valley in Salzburg and the Möll Valley in Carinthia. The trains run hourly and the journey takes 11 minutes.
Main train routes in Austria
Vienna - Innsbruck / 4:10 hours / from 29,90 EUR / every hour
Vienna - Salzburg / 2:50 hours / from 19,90 EUR / every 20 minutes
Linz - Graz / 3:06 hours / from 14,90 EUR / every hour
Vienna - Linz / 1:16 hours / from 4,90 EUR / every 20 minutes
Feldkirch - Vienna / 6:15 hours / from 34,90 EUR / every hour
Vienna - Obertraun / 4:10 hours / from 29,90 EUR / every 2 hours
Innsbruck - Salzburg / 1:50 hours / from 8,90 EUR / every hour
Landeck - Vienna / 6:02 hours / from 29,90 EUR / every hour
Vienna - Laa an der Thaya / 1:32 hours / from 16,90 EUR / every hour
Vienna - Villach / 4:30 hours / from 19,90 EUR / every 30 minutes
International Train Routes
There are direct international trains from Austria to France, Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Poland, Germany, Italy, Hungary, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic and Switzerland.
Tourist / Scenic Routes in Austria
The Austrian Railway Route - Vienna to Graz
To get there, you'll take the magnificent Semmering Line, one of the world's only UNESCO World Heritage railways. The trip from Vienna takes less than 3 hours.
You can spend time on the slopes at the Zauberberg ski area. It is very close to Semmering. Along the way, look for great views to the south (on your left if you're coming from Vienna). You'll see mountain peaks, forests, deep valleys and lots of nature. Yes, it was probably an eagle.
Austrian Train Route - Salzburg to Innsbruck via Bischofshofen
Many Austrian trains travel from Salzburg to Innsbruck by detouring into German territory. But insiders will tell you that the southern route, via the Austrian town of Bischofshofen, is far more scenic. Heading straight up into the Alps, you will pass some of the region's most scenic attractions: ancient covered bridges, emerald rivers, hilltop monasteries, restored castles, and picture-postcard towns like Zell am See.
Baggage information
ÖBB trains allow you to bring as much luggage as you can carry, as there are no restrictions.
You are asked to ensure that your luggage does not obstruct the aisle or inconvenience other passengers. Luggage must also fit in the overhead bins or storage compartments located at each end of the train.
Bicycles on the train
With ÖBB, bicycles can be taken along on most local and long-distance trains.
Within Austria, a bicycle ticket costs 10% of a full-price 2nd class ticket for the route (minimum charge EUR 2).
Bicycles may be carried on regional trains if space is available. Bicycle reservations are not required.
On long-distance trains, a reservation is required. Reservations at the ÖBB Ticket Shop or via the ÖBB App cost € 3. At the ÖBB customer service at +43 (0)5 1717 and at the ÖBB ticket counters € 3,50.
Take your skis or snowboard with you on the train
The following items are also carried free of charge, provided they do not exceed 90 cm x 60 cm x 40 cm in size
Skis and snowboards, ski and walking sticks, wind, plucked or stringed instruments, wheelchairs, baby carriages.
Luggage lockers at stations in Austria
Many large ÖBB stations offer the possibility of using a luggage storage facility. You can safely store your luggage for 24 hours. Expect to pay 2-4.5 EUR for your locker.
Lost and found items
ÖBB offers a lost and found service. Just fill out the form: https://fundamt.novafind.eu/home/at/oebb/app?cultureName=en
Other railway companies also offer this service. Please visit their websites.
Taking your pets on the train
Small and harmless pets can be transported free of charge in suitable containers.
If you are traveling with a pet that cannot be carried in a pet carrier, you must pay a fare for your pet.
Assistance dogs registered in a disability certificate may travel free of charge.
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