Austria's Trains: Running Late Or Right On Time?

Austria is known for its great rail service, with its national rail operator, ÖBB, running some of the best-known night routes in Europe. Thousands of people in Austria rely on trains to commute to work daily, and the country is among the leaders in the EU regarding the distance travelled by rail per inhabitant and year. However, delays can still happen, and there are mixed reviews on the punctuality of Austrian trains. While some passengers have complained about significant delays, others have praised the efficiency and punctuality of the country's rail services.

Causes of delays on Austrian trains

Delays on Austrian trains can be caused by a variety of factors, including vehicle shortages, weather disruptions, construction projects, and passenger numbers. While Austria is known for its great rail service, delays can and do happen. Here are some of the primary causes of delays:

Vehicle Shortages

In 2023, the national railway, ÖBB, recorded an 80.3% punctuality rate, down from 81.4% the previous year. This decline has been linked, in part, to vehicle shortages.

Weather Disruptions

Weather conditions, particularly during the winter onset in December, can cause significant disruptions to train services. Heavy snowfall, for example, has been known to cause delays.

Construction Projects

Ongoing construction projects can also lead to delays, as trains may need to slow down or stop temporarily to navigate construction zones safely. This was particularly true in 2023, when construction projects contributed to a slight decline in punctuality rates for ÖBB.

Passenger Numbers

The number of passengers can also impact punctuality. In July and August, for instance, there is typically a surge in passenger numbers during the summer holiday season, which can result in lower punctuality rates.

International Routes

Delays can also occur due to issues with international routes. For example, the expansion of the WESTbahn route network to Innsbruck and Bregenz led to delays in train handovers from these international routes.

Other Factors

Other factors that can contribute to delays include technical faults, accidents, and issues with train staff. Additionally, as with any mode of transportation, unforeseen circumstances or technical difficulties can arise, causing unexpected delays.

Punctuality rates of Austrian trains

Austria is known for its great rail service, with the country's public rail operator, ÖBB, running some of the best-known night routes in Europe. Thousands of people in Austria rely on trains to commute to work every day.

However, delays can happen. A report from the Agency for Passenger and Passenger Rights (APF) showed that in 2023, the ÖBB recorded a punctuality rate of 80.3%, down from 81.4% the year before. The decline has been linked to several factors, including vehicle shortages, weather disruptions, and construction projects.

Among long-distance operators, WESTbahn has emerged as the most punctual company, with 83.7% of trains running on time in 2023, although this was also a drop from the previous year's rate of 88%. The expansion of the route network to Innsbruck and Bregenz caused delays in train handovers from international routes.

RegioJet, which provides services between Prague, Vienna, and Budapest, recorded the lowest punctuality rate among long-distance operators at just 64.4% in 2023, an improvement from 53.7% the previous year.

Punctuality rates varied across Austria's federal states in 2023. Vorarlberg had the highest rate at 96.6%, while Upper Austria was the lowest at 92.7% for ÖBB local services.

The summer holiday season in July and August recorded the lowest punctuality rates at around 84%, primarily due to a surge in passenger numbers. The onset of winter in December also resulted in a notable spike in delays, with punctuality going as low as 90.6% due to heavy snowfall.

While Austria's train system is generally punctual, with rates around 95%, delays can occur due to various factors, including weather, construction, and increased travel during certain times of the year.

What to do if your Austrian train is delayed or cancelled

If your train in Austria is delayed or cancelled, there are several options available to you, depending on the situation. Here is what you can do:

Delays of over 60 minutes

If your train is delayed by more than an hour, you have four options:

• Waive your right to start your journey at the place of departure: If you choose not to start your journey at the point of departure, you are entitled to a full refund of your fare.
• Travel on another train or alternative route: You can opt to travel on another train operated by the same company, possibly via a different route, at no extra cost. This may include alternative modes of transportation if included in your ticket.
• Cancel your journey: If you decide to cancel your trip altogether, you can request a refund for the remaining distance of your route.
• Return to your point of departure: If the delay has made your journey inconvenient or pointless, you can immediately return to your starting point on another train (or alternative mode of transportation, if necessary and included in your ticket) and receive a full refund of your fare.

Missed connections

If you miss a connecting train due to a delay, you can refer to the relevant train company's policies. For example, with ÖBB, if you have a ticket without a specific departure time, you can take any other Austrian train on the same day.

Strikes or other disruptions

In cases of strikes or unexpected disruptions, it is best to check the website or social media accounts of the relevant train company for updates and alternative travel options. They may provide specific instructions or guidelines for such situations.

Delays under 60 minutes

While less likely to be covered by any compensation, delays under 60 minutes can still happen. Reviews indicate that delays of 5-20 minutes are not uncommon, and in some cases, delays can exceed 90 minutes. In these cases, it is best to stay informed about any updates or announcements regarding your train's departure and arrival times.

Planning ahead

When planning your trip, it is worth noting that Austria's public transportation infrastructure is designed to be an efficient alternative to car travel. The punctuality rate for trains is 95%, making delays relatively uncommon. However, it is always a good idea to be prepared and allow for some flexibility in your itinerary in case of unexpected delays or cancellations.

Rail companies in Austria

Austria's national rail transport company is the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB). The ÖBB owns and operates a network of approximately 5,000 km of railway lines, including domestic and international long-distance passenger trains, most urban commuter trains, and regional trains. The ÖBB also runs its own brand of night trains to other European countries, called Nightjet (NJ).

The ÖBB's Railjet trains are fast, efficient, and well-designed, with even the Second-Class cars being more stylish and friendly than average train carriages. The First-Class experience is said to be on a whole different level. The ÖBB also jointly operates the City Airport Train (CAT) to Vienna Airport.

WESTbahn is another operator that provides express intercity services between Vienna and Salzburg. They use a fleet of modern Stadler Flirt double-decker EMUs.

Other train companies in Austria include:

• Graz-Köflacher Bahn und Busbetrieb (GKB)
• Stern & Hafferl Verkehr
• Innsbrucker Verkehrsbetriebe und Stubaitalbahn GmbH (IVB)
• MBS
• Niederösterreichische Verkehrsorganisationsgesellschaft (NÖVOG)
• RDC AUTOZUG Sylt GmbH
• RegioJet
• Wiener Lokalbahnen AG (WLB)
• Zillertalbahn
• Montafonerbahn
• Pöstlingbergbahn
• Raaberbahn, or Győr–Sopron–Ebenfurti Vasút (GYSEV)
• Schafbergbahn
• Salzburger Lokalbahn (SLB)
• Steiermärkische Landesbahnen (STLB)
• Achenseebahn

The history of Austrian rail transport

The development of Austria's rail network has a long and complex history, with the country playing a significant role in the evolution of railway systems across Europe. The first steps towards a modern railway system in Austria were taken in the early 19th century, with the construction of horse-drawn railways. These early lines were primarily used for transporting goods, especially along the Danube River, which was a major trade route at the time. The first horse-drawn line opened in 1832 between Linz and Budweis (now České Budějovice in the Czech Republic). This line was primarily used for transporting salt and coal, and it highlighted the potential for railways to revolutionize long-distance transport.

Throughout the 1830s and 1840s, various other lines were proposed and constructed, with the Austrian Empire recognizing the strategic importance of railways for connecting its far-flung territories. The state played a significant role in the development of the network, with the state-owned k.k. österreichische Staatsbahnen (Imperial-Royal Austrian State Railways) established in 1841 to oversee the construction and operation of lines deemed to be of strategic importance. However, private companies also played a crucial role, especially in the development of lines within individual provinces, which were often financed by local businessmen and industrialists.

The first true steam-powered railway in Austria opened in 1837, running from Vienna to Raaber (now Győr in Hungary). This line was constructed by the private company Wien-Raaber Eisenbahn (Vienna-Raab Railway), and it played a pivotal role in connecting Vienna with the growing rail network in central Europe. The Vienna-Raab Railway was also significant because it highlighted the potential for international rail connections, which would become a defining feature of Austrian rail transport.

Over the following decades, the Austrian rail network expanded rapidly, with lines stretching across the diverse landscapes of the Empire. This included mountainous regions, which presented significant engineering challenges, and the construction of these lines required innovative solutions, such as the use of rack-and-pinion technology and the development of powerful locomotives capable of navigating steep gradients. By the 1870s, most of the major cities within the Austrian Empire were connected by rail, and the network continued to expand, with lines pushing into the Alpine regions and connecting remote communities with the wider world.

The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw the continued expansion and modernization of the Austrian rail network. Electric traction was introduced in the late 1890s, and over time, electric locomotives replaced steam engines on many lines. The period between the World Wars saw the nationalization of the railway system, with the Federal Railways of Austria (ÖBB) established in 1923 to oversee the country's rail transport. Despite the disruptions caused by World War II, the post-war period saw a renewed focus on rail transport, with the ÖBB investing in new infrastructure and rolling stock to improve services and connectivity across the country.

Frequently asked questions