Travel To Austria: Exploring Train Options

Austria is known for its incredible natural beauty, elegant cities like Vienna and Salzburg, and rich history. Trains are the best way to discover the country, with one of Europe's most expansive train services, connecting over 6,000km of rail network. The country is easily accessible from many other parts of Europe by train.

The capital, Vienna, is a must-see, with its famous coffeehouses and status as the centre of classical music and opera. Trains leave daily to Austria, and you can even travel by night train, departing in the evening and arriving in the morning.

Getting to Vienna by train

Vienna, the capital of Austria, is easily accessible by train from many other parts of Europe. The city has good train connectivity, with its main station, Wien Hauptbahnhof, serving as a crucial transportation hub for various domestic and international destinations.

Vienna by Train from Europe

The ÖBB Nightjet allows you to travel to Vienna from various European cities while you sleep. You can board the night train from Hamburg, Berlin, Zurich, Basel, Rome, Venice, Amsterdam, Brussels, and Paris. The ÖBB Railjet and ÖBB Cityexpress are other options for those who prefer to travel during the day.

Vienna by Train from Germany

Germany is very well-connected to Vienna, with 20 daily direct services from cities like Munich, Berlin, Hamburg, Frankfurt, Cologne, Düsseldorf, and Nuremberg. The German Railways website, Deutsche Bahn, is a good resource for booking tickets.

Vienna by Train from Switzerland

You can travel directly from Zurich to Vienna several times a day on the Railjet. Additionally, there are train services with attractive transfer options from other Swiss cities. The Swiss Railways website, SBB, provides information on schedules and tickets.

Vienna by Train from Neighbouring Countries

If you're travelling from Italy, France, Hungary, Poland, or the Czech Republic, you can use the following train services:

• Italian railways: Trenitalia
• French railways: Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français (SNCF)
• Hungarian railways: Magyar Államvasutak (MAV)
• Polish railways: Polskie Koleje Państwowe (PKP)
• Czech railways: České dráhy

Vienna Train Stations

When arriving in Vienna by train, you will likely pass through one of the following stations:

• Wien Hauptbahnhof (Vienna Main Station)
• Wien Westbahnhof (Vienna West Station)
• Wien Meidling
• Wien Franz-Josefs Bahnhof

Getting to Salzburg by train

Salzburg is a popular destination in Austria, known for its Baroque romance, open-air cultural events, and mountainous landscape. The city is easily accessible by train from many other parts of Europe.

Train Travel to Salzburg

Salzburg is well-connected to other European cities by train, with direct routes available from various destinations. Here are some key points about travelling to Salzburg by train:

• Main Station: Salzburg's main train station, known as "Salzburg Hauptbahnhof," is the primary transportation hub for the city. It offers national and international connections, including Eurocity, Intercity, and ICE (Intercity Express) services.
• Connections: There are numerous connections to neighbouring Bavaria, Germany, as well as other European cities. Direct trains to Salzburg are available from Vienna, Innsbruck, Graz, and other Austrian cities.
• Frequency: Trains to Salzburg depart daily, and there are usually multiple departures throughout the day.
• Travel Time: The travel time to Salzburg varies depending on the origin city. For example, the journey from Vienna to Salzburg by train can take around 2 to 3 hours, while the trip from Munich, Germany, may take around 2 hours.
• Operators: There are multiple train operators serving Salzburg. For example, the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) is the principal national operator, offering connections to various Austrian cities. There are also private operators like Westbahn, which provides services between Vienna and Salzburg.
• Tickets and Fares: Train ticket prices can vary depending on the operator, class of travel, and time of booking. It is generally recommended to book in advance to take advantage of potential discounts. Ticket prices may start from as low as €19.90 for second-class travel and can go up to €116.30 or more for first-class tickets.
• Onboard Amenities: The trains to Salzburg typically offer various amenities for passengers, including power sockets, free Wi-Fi, vending machines or dining cars for refreshments, and luggage racks.
• Scenic Routes: If you're looking for a more scenic journey, consider travelling via the Semmering Railway, which offers breathtaking views but will add to your travel time.
• Airport Connections: Salzburg's airport is easily accessible by trolleybus from the main train station, with a travel time of around 19 minutes.
• Alternative Transport: While this guide focuses on train travel, it is worth noting that Salzburg can also be reached by bus or car.

Planning Your Journey

When planning your trip to Salzburg by train, it is recommended to:

• Check the schedules and book tickets in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.
• Familiarise yourself with the train operators serving your route and their specific amenities and services.
• Consider the class of travel that best suits your needs and budget.
• Keep yourself updated with any real-time service updates or changes to timetables.
• If you plan to bring a bicycle, check the policies and fees for bicycle transportation with your chosen operator.
• If you have time, consider taking a scenic route to enjoy the beautiful landscapes along the way.

Enjoy your journey to Salzburg and the many delights that this charming city has to offer!

Getting to Innsbruck by train

Innsbruck is the fifth-largest city in Austria. It is known for its colourful buildings and snow-covered peaks, making it a popular destination for skiing holidays.

Innsbruck Hauptbahnhof is the city's main transport hub, with multiple trains servicing nearby towns like Seefeld and Salzburg.

From Zurich

There are several direct connections daily from Zurich HB to Innsbruck, with a journey time of around 3 hours and 30 minutes. The ÖBB Railjet offers free WiFi and onboard entertainment. Tickets can be purchased online.

From Sargans

There is a direct connection from Sargans to Innsbruck with a journey time of around 2 hours and 30 minutes. The ÖBB Railjet offers free WiFi and onboard entertainment. Tickets can be purchased online.

From Innsbruck Airport to Innsbruck Hauptbahnhof

If you are arriving at Innsbruck Airport, you have two options to get to the main train station. The first is to take a taxi, which should take about 10 minutes in normal traffic conditions, with a fare of around €10. The second option is to take bus F from outside the main airport terminal building, which takes about 20 minutes and costs €2.80 per person.

Getting to Linz by train

Linz is a city with excellent rail connections to major aviation hubs like Vienna, Munich, and Prague, so hooking up with transatlantic flights should be easy. The city has a centrally located central station, making arrival by train hassle-free.

Train Companies

Most rail services to Linz are provided by Westbahn and Flixtrain, with both companies running services from Austrian cities like Vienna and Innsbruck. Trains from Prague are provided by Ceske Drahy, while services from Germany will usually be operated by Deutsche Bahn.

Main Train Station

Linz Hauptbahnhof is the main station and is located right in the city centre with direct links to all modes of public transportation. Waiting areas, shops and restaurants can be found in the station building.

Popular Routes

• Vienna to Linz
• Vienna International Airport (VIE) to Linz
• Munich to Linz
• Prague to Linz
• Budapest to Linz
• Linz to Salzburg
• Linz to Vienna
• Linz to Vienna International Airport (VIE)
• Linz to Munich
• Linz to Prague

Tips

Before catching the train to Linz, it's worth plotting a route to your accommodation. The centre of town is fairly easy to navigate by bus and tram, but the streets don't have a clear grid pattern, so walking to hotels can be complicated without prior planning.

Getting to Graz by train

Austria has one of Europe's most expansive train services, with over 6,000km of rail network. The country is known for taking public transport seriously, and its trains are punctual and comfortable, making train travel a popular choice for locals and tourists alike.

Graz, Austria's second-biggest city, is easily accessible by train. Graz Hauptbahnhof is one of the country's major railway stations and is located near the city centre, which can be reached in just a few minutes by public transport. There are numerous daytime and nighttime connections, as well as special offers by the ÖBB Austrian Federal Railways and Germany's Deutsche Bahn. The station also offers services such as a timetable and ticket information, a bike rental service, and lockers.

You can travel to Graz by train from anywhere across Europe. Direct trains are available from several cities, including Vienna, Salzburg, Linz, Innsbruck, Klagenfurt, Munich, Stuttgart, and Frankfurt. Additionally, the Semmering Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, runs southwest from Vienna towards Graz, offering a picturesque journey through the mountains.

For those travelling from further afield, Vienna is well-connected by night trains from across Europe, providing an opportunity to rest while en route to Graz.

Frequently asked questions