Traveling From Amsterdam To Austria: Train Ride Distance

Travelling from Amsterdam to Austria by train is a great option for those who want to take in the scenery. The journey takes around 12 hours and 30 minutes, with the fastest services taking just under 11 hours. There are around 30 trains per day, covering a distance of 936km. The best way to travel is with ÖBB trains, which offer direct services and modern comforts. Prices start at $62.89 when booked in advance.

Travel time and costs

Travelling by train from Amsterdam to Austria is a comfortable and scenic option. The total journey time can vary depending on the departure and arrival stations, as well as any transfers or changes along the route. On average, the train journey from Amsterdam to Vienna, the Austrian capital, takes around 12 to 14 hours. This includes a beautiful passage through Germany, often with a change in cities like Cologne, Frankfurt, or Munich.

The fastest direct train connection from Amsterdam to Vienna takes approximately 12 hours and 20 minutes, covering a distance of about 1,060 kilometres (658 miles). This journey usually involves taking a high-speed train, such as the EuroCity (EC) or Intercity-Express (ICE) trains, which offer comfortable seating, ample luggage space, and sometimes even dining cars. These trains often depart from Amsterdam Centraal Station and arrive at Vienna's Main Station (Hauptbahnhof).

When it comes to costs, train travel in Europe can vary depending on the type of ticket, class of service, and how far in advance you book. For the Amsterdam-Vienna route, standard one-way ticket prices can range from €70 to €150, or even more, depending on the carrier and seat availability. Booking your tickets early, especially during peak travel seasons, can often secure better prices. It's worth checking the websites of national rail operators or using online booking platforms to find the best deals.

In addition to the base ticket price, consider any additional costs for seat reservations, meals, or other amenities you may require during the lengthy journey. If you plan to travel by train within Austria, purchasing a rail pass or exploring discounted fare options might be more economical, especially if you intend to make multiple stops within the country. Rail passes offer flexibility and can sometimes provide better value if you plan to travel extensively by train.

Keep in mind that some high-speed trains may require advance seat reservations, which usually incur an extra fee. These reservations are often optional but are highly recommended, especially during busy travel periods, to ensure you have a guaranteed seat on your desired train. The reservation fees vary depending on the train and the class of service you choose.

Direct trains

Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB Nightjet, and ÖBB offer train services from Vienna to Amsterdam. The ÖBB Nightjet is a sleeper train with compartments and couchettes. The ÖBB Euro City is a high-speed train with two options: the EC (Euro City) and the IC (InterCity). The EC trains travel at speeds of up to 200 km/h, while the IC trains reach up to 160 km/h.

The ÖBB Intercity is a high-speed domestic train with first-class cars, air conditioning, power sockets, and a minibar service. The ICE trains, operated by ÖBB, are modern and well-equipped, with comfortable seating, air conditioning, and power sockets. There are three types: ICE T, ICE S, and ICE Sprinter. The ICE T is the fastest option, reaching speeds of up to 230 km/h.

The journey from Amsterdam to Vienna can also be made during the day with a single change in Germany using ICE International trains. Alternatively, the direct NightJet service is available overnight. The NightJet train departs Amsterdam at 19:00 and arrives in Vienna at 09:17 the next day. The journey takes around 14 hours.

Operators

When travelling by train from Amsterdam to Austria, there are several operators to choose from. These include:

• NS: NS operates the train services from Amsterdam Centraal station to Frankfurt(M) Flughafen Fernbf station.
• Deutsche Bahn Intercity-Express: Deutsche Bahn Intercity-Express trains travel from Wien Meidling station to Frankfurt(M) Flughafen Fernbf station.
• ÖBB: ÖBB is the main operator of services on the route from Amsterdam to Vienna. Their high-speed Railjet trains connect major Austrian cities with Germany, Hungary, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, and Italy.
• Nightjet: ÖBB Nightjet is an Austrian company offering overnight train services across Europe. Their trains have comfortable sleeping compartments and couchettes, with ticket types including Economy, Comfort, and Business.
• Westbahn: Westbahn operates the train services from Muenchen Ost to Salzburg Hbf.
• Bayerische Oberlandbahn: Bayerische Oberlandbahn operates the train services from Muenchen Ost to Salzburg Hbf.
• Union Ivkoni: Union Ivkoni operates the bus services from Amsterdam De Ruijterkade to Vienna, International Busterminal (VIB).
• FlixBus: FlixBus operates the bus services from Vienna, International Busterminal (VIB) to Amsterdam Sloterdijk.
• Internationale Bahn: Internationale Bahn operates the train services from Frankfurt to Passau Hbf.
• Österreichische Bundesbahnen: Österreichische Bundesbahnen operates the train services from Passau Hbf to Wien Hauptbahnhof.

Luggage

When travelling by train, luggage rules are more relaxed than those for air travel. However, passengers are required to carry their own bags and board the train without assistance. Bags are usually stored in the luggage racks above or below your seat, or in the overhead compartments, or in the areas designated for hand luggage.

The general rule is that travellers should carry one item of luggage per passenger, plus one smaller item of hand luggage. Some rail operators publish more specific guidelines, but they aren't strictly enforced.

There are some restrictions for bicycles and pets, so if you intend to travel with a particularly bulky item or animal you should do thorough research before booking any tickets.

Labelling Your Luggage

Labelling your bags is mandatory on all Eurostar and French trains, so you should affix a label that includes the passenger's full name. Paper labels can normally be found at large stations (e.g. Eurostar terminals) but it is recommended to purchase something more sturdy that will last more than one trip.

There are no specific restrictions on the number and weight of suitcases on Trenitalia trains. However, on ÖBB trains, the maximum dimensions of the pieces of luggage are 90 cm x 60 cm x 40 cm.

On TGV INOUI and INTERCITÉS trains, the rules have changed since February 15, 2024, and a period of adaptation will run until September 15, 2024. Passengers can take up to two pieces of luggage per person, labelled to a maximum size of 70 x 90 x 50 cm, and one piece of hand luggage labelled to a maximum size of 40 x 30 x 15 cm.

On Italo trains, passengers travelling on Smart fares must have bags under 75 x 30 x 30 cm. Any piece exceeding these dimensions may not be brought on board.

On some trains, there are special spaces where you can place the largest luggage.

Restricted Items

On Eurostar trains, firearms and explosives are prohibited (there are special arrangements for sending licensed sporting guns by registered luggage). Several 'normal' street-legal items are prohibited, including gas canisters and knives with a blade longer than 3". E-scooters and hoverboards are not carried.

Onboard services

When travelling from Amsterdam to Austria by train, there are various onboard services available depending on the train company. Here is some information about the different train companies and the onboard services they provide:

Deutsche Bahn

Deutsche Bahn is a German train company that provides train services throughout Germany and Europe, including the route from Amsterdam to Vienna. They offer a range of train types, such as the Intercity Express (ICE), which is the fastest and most comfortable option, as well as regional trains and night trains. Their trains usually feature free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and a variety of food and beverage options.

ÖBB | ICE

The ÖBB | ICE is a high-speed train service operated by the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB). These trains are modern and well-equipped, offering comfortable seating, air conditioning, and power sockets. There are three types of ÖBB | ICE trains: ICE T, ICE S, and ICE Sprinter, with the ICE T being the fastest option. Onboard facilities include a restaurant car, free Wi-Fi, and entertainment options.

ÖBB Nightjet

ÖBB Nightjet is an Austrian train company offering overnight train services across Europe, including a direct route from Amsterdam to Vienna. Their trains have comfortable sleeping compartments and couchettes, with ticket types including Economy, Comfort, and Business. Onboard services include Wi-Fi, power sockets, a restaurant car, and a bar.

ÖBB Intercity

ÖBB Intercity is a domestic high-speed rail service operated by the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB). These trains are comfortable and air-conditioned, with power sockets and a minibar service. They mostly run on inner alpine lines to cities like Graz, Linz, Salzburg, and Innsbruck.

ÖBB Euro City (EC)

The ÖBB Euro City is a high-speed train service that connects major cities across Austria. There are two types of Euro City trains: the EC (Euro City) and the IC (InterCity). The EC trains are faster, reaching speeds of up to 200 km/h, while the IC trains travel at up to 160 km/h. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a restaurant car.

Frequently asked questions