Buying Austrian Train Tickets: A Simple Guide

Austria has one of the most expansive train services in Europe, with over 6,000km of rail network. The country's efficient and punctual railway system is operated primarily by the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB), which offers various channels for ticket purchases. Tickets can be purchased online through the ÖBB website, at ticket vending machines, or in a ticket office. Travellers can also opt for the private railway company Westbahn, which offers cheaper fares and the convenience of buying tickets on board at no extra cost. Additionally, discounted tickets are available for youths, seniors, and families with children under 15. With Austria's extensive rail network, travellers can easily explore picturesque landscapes, charming villages, and historic cities.

Where to buy Austrian train tickets: online, in-app, at the station, or on board

Austria has an extensive and efficient railway network, operated primarily by the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB). The trains are known for their punctuality and comfort, making train travel a popular choice for both locals and tourists.

When it comes to purchasing train tickets in Austria, there are several options available:

Online

You can buy tickets for ÖBB trains on the ÖBB (Austrian Railways) website, oebb.at. The website offers a user-friendly interface where you can search for trains by train number or scroll down to select Austria as your destination. It provides information on train times, fares, and seat availability. You can also book tickets for Nightjet sleeper trains and various international routes. After purchasing, you can print your ticket or show it on your phone.

In-App

The ÖBB also offers a mobile app, available on iOS and Android, where you can purchase tickets directly. This option provides convenience and flexibility, allowing you to plan your journey and book tickets on the go.

At the Station

If you prefer to buy tickets in person, you can do so at any train station in Austria. ÖBB ticket offices are available at most major stations, offering assistance from staff. Additionally, 24/7 ticket machines are located at stations, providing a quick and convenient way to purchase tickets.

On Board

It is possible to buy tickets on board some trains in Austria, although this option is usually more expensive than purchasing in advance. Westbahn, a private railway company, offers regular fares on board their trains, which are notably lower than the full fare of ÖBB.

It is always recommended to buy your tickets in advance whenever possible, as it can help you secure better fares and avoid last-minute inconveniences. Additionally, keep in mind that some private train operators may have separate ticketing systems, so you might need to purchase tickets directly from their websites or stations.

Discounted tickets: book in advance or get a Vorteilscard

If you want to get discounted tickets for train journeys within Austria, you have two main options: booking your tickets in advance or getting a Vorteilscard.

Booking in Advance

Booking your tickets in advance can often get you a lower price. The OBB (Austrian Federal Railways) booking service was redesigned in November 2021 to make it easier to use, but the booking path for purchasing tickets is still comparatively unusual, particularly on a desktop PC. It's worth persevering with if you want to save money on express train journeys within and to/from Austria, as the discounted 'Sparschiene' tickets can only be booked online or on the OBB app. Online bookings usually open six months ahead of the travel date, and they don't close until the travel date, so if Sparschiene tickets are still available on the day, you can book them before you head to the station.

Vorteilscard

The Vorteilscard is a yearly card that gives you a discount on every ticket you buy. There are several types of Vorteilscard: Classic, Family, Senior, and Jugend. The Vorteilscard Jugend is for people under 26 and costs 19 euros for one year. Youths (under 26), seniors (62+), and families with kids under 15 can save up to 50% on point-to-point train tickets with a Vorteilscard. You can purchase the card online or at an OBB ticket counter.

Buying tickets for scenic routes, e.g. Semmering Railway

Austria's railway network is extensive and efficient, offering stunning journeys through picturesque landscapes, charming villages, and historic cities. One of the most popular scenic routes is the Semmering Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

If you're looking to purchase tickets for the Semmering Railway or other scenic routes in Austria, here's some information to help you:

Buying Tickets for Scenic Routes:

• Where to Buy: Tickets for scenic routes like the Semmering Railway can typically be purchased through the same channels as regular train tickets. The majority of trains in Austria are operated by Austrian Federal Railways ÖBB, so their website or app, ticket offices, and vending machines at train stations are the primary options.
• Private Railways: Alternatively, some routes may be operated by private railway companies like "Westbahn," which offers tickets through its website, ticket offices, and small shops ("Trafiken") selling tobacco and newspapers.
• Discounts and Deals: Keep an eye out for discounts and deals, especially if you're flexible with your travel dates and times. ÖBB offers discounted "Sparschiene" tickets, which can be as low as €19, but these are usually tied to specific trains and may have cancellation penalties. Private railways like Westbahn also offer discounted tickets, which are often only available online or with advance purchase.
• Seat Reservations: Consider whether you want to reserve a seat. For busier routes or if you have specific seating preferences, reserving a seat for a small fee may be recommended. This can usually be done during the booking process.
• Class Options: Austrian trains often have first and second class (or economy) options. The difference between the two may not be significant, but if you're offered a discounted upgrade, it might be worth considering.

Semmering Railway Details:

• Duration and Distance: The train journey from Vienna to Semmering typically takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes, covering about 74 kilometres.
• Frequency: There are frequent services on this route, with approximately 17 trains travelling between Vienna and Semmering daily. During weekdays and weekends, trains usually depart about every hour from early morning to late evening.
• Ticket Price: Ticket prices for this route start from as low as US$11 for a single trip.

So, if you're planning to embark on the scenic Semmering Railway journey or any other picturesque route in Austria, you can follow these guidelines for purchasing tickets. Enjoy your train travels through Austria's beautiful landscapes!

Buying tickets for night trains, e.g. Nightjet sleeper trains

Nightjet is the name given to Austrian Railways' (ÖBB) sleeper trains, which connect Austria with Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, Slovenia, the Czech Republic, and Belgium, and, as of June 2020, Croatia. Tickets for Nightjet trains can be booked up to six months ahead, although the booking horizon can be shorter, especially for dates after the timetable change on the second Saturday in December. For example, the Paris-Vienna Nightjet typically only opens bookings 2-3 months ahead, while the Brussels-Vienna route opens 3-4 months ahead.

Nightjet tickets can be purchased on the ÖBB Nightjet website, www.nightjet.com, or on raileurope.com. Tickets start at €29.90, with fares depending on the type of accommodation: a 6-berth couchette costs €49, a 4-berth couchette costs €59, a 2-bed sleeper costs €89, and a single-bed sleeper costs €129. A family or small group of 1 or 2 adults and 1-4 children can book an entire 4 or 6-berth couchette compartment from €199.

It is important to note that there is no restaurant car on Nightjet trains, but carriage attendants sell a selection of hot and cold drinks and snacks. Passengers may also bring their own food and drinks on board. Nightjet trains offer three main types of accommodation: seated cars, couchettes, and sleeper cars. Seated cars are not recommended for overnight travel as they do not provide a comfortable journey. Couchettes are a more affordable option for families, groups, or solo travellers, and they convert to normal seats during the day. Sleeper cars are the most comfortable and luxurious option, with beds in carpeted 1, 2, or 3-bed compartments, and breakfast included.

Buying tickets for specific seats

If you want to buy tickets for specific seats, you can do so on the ÖBB (Austrian Railways) website, oebb.at. Here, you can make reservations for specific seats on trains to, from, and within Austria, as well as on all Nightjet sleeper train routes and most Nightjet partner routes. You can also add a seat reservation to your booking by clicking on "RESERVATION DETAILS" and then selecting your seat from the seat map, if available. Seat reservations are optional and can be added to your booking for a fee of €3 per person.

For long-distance Austrian train journeys, it is typically cheaper to book your tickets online, as discounted tickets are often only available through online booking. Online bookings for Sparschiene fares are usually released up to six months in advance. It is also worth noting that seat reservations expire 15 minutes after the train departs, so make sure you find your seat as soon as you board.

If you are travelling on regional trains within Austria, such as the REX, these trains are usually slower and cheaper, and they do not allow seat reservations. However, if you are travelling on Railjet trains, IC trains, or international express trains, seat reservations are available but optional. While reservations are not required for most daytime trains, it is recommended to make reservations during peak hours and on Fridays and Sunday afternoons/evenings.

To check train formations, carriage numbers, and seat plans, you can use Vagonweb.cz. This website provides information on the order of carriages, carriage facilities, and seat maps for trains to, from, and within Austria.

Frequently asked questions