Exploring Austria By Train: A Comprehensive Guide

Austria is a country made for exploration and adventure. With its expansive rail network, it's easy to travel by train from one city to the next, taking in all the natural beauty spots in between.

The national rail operator, ÖBB, boasts a network of over 5,000km (3,107 miles) that connects the nine federal states in Austria. The Railjet (RJ) trains are high-speed and best for crisscrossing the country; the faster Xpress (RJX) stops only at main city stations (Hauptbahnhof). Amenities include free wi-fi, comfy seats, luggage racks, power sockets, a restaurant car, and designated Quiet and Family Zones.

There are two Railjets per hour linking Vienna to Linz (1 hour, 15 mins) and Salzburg (2.5 hours), and one every hour taking you from Vienna to Graz (2 hours, 35 minutes) and Vienna to Klagenfurt (3 hours, 55 minutes). Intercity-Express (ICE) trains are the second fastest option, and ÖBB Nightjets (NJ) can save on accommodation costs, leaving Vienna in the evening and arriving in Innsbruck early in the morning.

The regional (R) and regional express (REX), Intercity (IC) and Cityjet (CJ) trains are slower, stopping or interchanging at smaller towns between the main cities. S-Bahn (S) trains connect regional capitals to the surrounding provincial areas.

Private rail operator WESTbahn charts a standalone intercity connection between Vienna Westbahnhof station to Salzburg, Innsbruck and Bregenz. The high-speed, double-decker trains are packed with similar comforts, but the supersaver and flexible tickets are often cheaper than the ÖBB equivalent fare from Hauptbahnhof.

Railjet trains: These are high-speed trains with free Wi-Fi, comfy seats, luggage racks, power sockets, a restaurant car, and designated quiet and family zones

Railjet trains are high-speed trains that can travel at a maximum speed of up to 230 km/h (143 mph). They are operated by Austrian Federal Railways along with the Czech Railways and connect Austria to Europe. They offer three classes of travel: Economy, First, and Business. All classes have free Wi-Fi, electrical outlets, and comfortable seats.

The trains are equipped with a restaurant car, where you can enjoy a meal or a drink, which can be served at your seat in First and Business Class. In Business Class, you can also enjoy a welcome drink of your choice. The Railjet trains also have designated quiet zones (Ruhezone) and family zones (Familienzone). The quiet zones are marked with distinctive green headrests, and no mobile phones or loud noises are allowed. The family zone is located at the economy end of the train and has a small area with a screen playing cartoons for children. It also has game boards marked on the tables.

The Railjet trains have large luggage racks located at various points within the seating area, and there are power sockets at all seats or pairs of seats. The trains are non-smoking and have wheelchair-accessible toilets and several wheelchair spaces. They also offer special facilities and services for passengers with limited mobility, such as wheelchair-charging sockets, service call buttons, tactile elements, auditory and visual information, and space for service dogs.

Nightjet trains: These sleeper trains are ideal for long-distance travel, as they have sleeper cars, couchette coaches and day coaches

Nightjet trains are a fantastic option for long-distance travel in Austria. They are operated by Austria's national rail company, OBB, and connect Austria to several other European cities. The Nightjet sleeper trains are a comfortable and convenient way to travel, offering three types of carriages: sleeper cars, couchette coaches, and day coaches.

Sleeper Cars

The sleeper cars are the most luxurious option, offering a cosy and romantic atmosphere. They are often referred to as "a hotel on rails". The compartments can be booked for one, two, or three people and come with comfortable beds, fresh linens, and amenities like towels, toiletries, and a call system for the train attendant. You can also opt for deluxe compartments, which include an en-suite toilet and shower. Sleeper cars are ideal for those seeking privacy and a good night's rest during their journey.

Couchette Coaches

Couchette coaches are perfect for families, groups of travellers, or budget-conscious individuals. These compartments can accommodate four to six people and provide fresh linens, blankets, sheets, and pillows. Each coach has its own locking compartment, ensuring the safety and security of passengers and their belongings. Additionally, couchette passengers are treated to a "Viennese breakfast" and hot drinks in the morning, which are included in the ticket price.

Day Coaches

For those seeking the most affordable option, day coaches offer regular seat cars. These seats are comfortable and spacious, allowing passengers to relax and enjoy the journey. While day coaches do not offer the same level of privacy as sleeper cars or couchette coaches, they are still a great choice for travellers on a budget.

Nightjet trains also offer various amenities to make your journey more enjoyable. Onboard, you'll find air conditioning, washing facilities, toilets, and even a bistro where you can purchase snacks and beverages. Additionally, certain connections allow you to bring your motorbike, car, or bicycle on board, making Nightjet an excellent choice for long-distance travel.

Intercity-Express (ICE) trains: The second-fastest option for travelling by train in Austria

Intercity-Express (ICE) trains are a high-speed rail system in Germany that also serves destinations in Austria, France, Belgium, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. They are the second-fastest option for travelling by train within Austria.

ICE trains are principally run by Germany's national train provider, Deutsche Bahn, and are among the most technologically advanced and comfortable trains in Europe. They are a reliable choice for business and leisure travel, with speeds reaching up to 300 km/h (190 mph) within Germany and 320 km/h (200 mph) in France.

The ICE trains are ultra-modern, with air conditioning, reclining seats, ample luggage space, power sockets, free WiFi, and a viewing gallery behind the driver's compartment. They also offer baby-changing facilities and a small play area in a designated 'parent & child' compartment.

Within Austria, ICE trains connect Vienna to Linz, Salzburg, Graz, and Klagenfurt. They are the second-fastest option for travelling by train within the country, after the Railjet (RJ) trains.

Reservations on ICE trains are recommended, especially for long trips and during peak travel times and days. Tickets can be booked up to 90 days in advance, and it is best to book early to get the lowest prices.

There are two classes of service on ICE trains:

• Standard Class: The majority of carriages have an open-plan layout, but some variants have a small number of compartments, some of which may be reserved for travellers with small children. One carriage is designated as a quiet zone.
• First Class: This offers chic leather seating and a smart executive ambiance. Seating is mainly open-plan, with a small number of compartments on selected routes. Each train has a designated quiet zone in First Class. Passengers with a first-class flexible fare can access DB lounges. Drinks and snacks are served to passengers at their seats for a charge.

Some key points to note about travelling on ICE trains:

• Ticket control and ID checks occur onboard for international travel.
• Bikes require a special ticket to reserve a space in the designated bike zone (2nd-class carriage) on long-distance trains.
• Pets are permitted but may need to be kept in a travelling container or wear a muzzle and leash.
• Some routes provide WiFi.

Overall, the Intercity-Express (ICE) trains offer a comfortable and convenient option for travelling within Austria, connecting major cities and offering a range of amenities to enhance your journey.

Regional and regional express trains: These trains are slower and stop at smaller towns between major cities

If you're looking to take your time and soak in the sights as you travel between Austria's major cities, regional and regional express trains are a great option. These trains are ideal if you want to avoid premium long-distance services and don't mind a slower pace.

Regional Express (REX) trains in Austria are similar to semi-fast trains, with a top speed of 160 km/h (100 mph) and an average speed of about 70-90 km/h (45-55 mph). They call at fewer stations than Regionalbahn or S-Bahn trains but stop more often than Intercity or Intercity Express services. This makes them perfect for travellers who want to explore smaller towns and experience the local culture.

Regional and regional express trains are practical and comfortable, often offering air conditioning and luggage racks. They can be single or double-decker trains, with the latter being more common. These trains are generally more affordable than those running during peak hours or popular holidays, so you can save some money by choosing off-peak travel times.

When it comes to ticketing, you can book Regional Express trains up to 60 days in advance. While prior seat reservation is usually not possible, you can opt for standard or first-class seating, depending on your preferences and the availability of the train.

Regional and regional express trains in Austria provide a great opportunity to explore the country at a relaxed pace. They connect smaller towns and regional capitals, allowing you to discover hidden gems beyond the major cities. So, if you're not in a rush, consider taking these trains to immerse yourself in the local culture and scenery.

S-Bahn trains: These trains connect regional capitals to the surrounding provincial areas

S-Bahn trains are an important part of public transport in the eastern region of Austria. They connect regional capitals to the surrounding provincial areas.

The S-Bahn is a suburban commuter rail network that extends beyond the city boundary. It is operated by the ÖBB (Austrian Federal Railways) and consists of many branch lines. S-Bahn is short for Schnellbahn, which translates to "rapid railway".

The Vienna S-Bahn, in operation since 17 January 1962, is the most well-known S-Bahn network in Austria. It has 26 lines and serves 385,000 passengers daily. The two most frequented lines in Vienna are the main line from Floridsdorf to Meidling (S1, S2, S3 & S4) and the suburban line from Handelskai to Hütteldorf (S45). The S-Bahn runs daily in 10 to 15-minute intervals, with each train stopping at every station except for the S7 airport line.

The S-Bahn is an essential part of the inner-city transport network in Vienna. It is integrated with the national railway system and shares tracks with regional trains and other rail traffic, including freight trains. The S-Bahn lines are now colour-coded in light green and vintage pink on traffic maps and have correspondingly colour-coded guidance systems in the stations.

The S-Bahn is also part of the Verkehrsverbund Ost-Region (VOR) of Vienna, Lower Austria, and Burgenland, allowing passengers to use VOR tickets for unlimited travel on the S-Bahn and other public transport in the city core zone.

Frequently asked questions