Sign Language: Austrian Train Stations

Signs in Austrian train stations are reportedly easy to understand, with one traveller reporting that they were able to navigate the Salzburg railway station with ease. The signage is international, and there are TV info boards displaying arrival and departure times and gate information. In addition, the Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, which Austria signed in 1968 and ratified in 1981, sets out the country's road signs and signals.

Bilingual signs in communities with more than one official language

Austria has started to implement bilingual signs at train stations in communities with more than one official language. This initiative aims to improve visibility and appreciation and show respect for the local minority languages.

The Austrian Federal Railways has begun installing bilingual signs at stations in legally bilingual communities. The first signs were put up at the St Michael ob Bleiburg/Šmihel pri Pliberku station. Four stations in the Land of Kärnten will feature signs in Slovenian, and five stations in Burgenland will have signs in a local dialect of Croatian.

Leonore Gewessler, the federal Minister for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation & Technology, supported the initiative, stating that "bilingual station signs are the logical step, for more visibility and appreciation as well as out of respect for the Kärnten Slovenes and Burgenland Croats".

Signs indicating the location of the station

When navigating train stations in Austria, there are several types of signs that can help you find your way. Here are some common types of signs indicating the location of the station:

Bilingual Station Signs

Austria Federal Railways has installed bilingual signs at stations in communities that are legally defined as bilingual. For example, stations in the Land of Kärnten feature signs in Slovenian, while stations in Burgenland display signs in the local dialect of Croatian. These bilingual signs enhance visibility and appreciation while also respecting the cultural diversity of the region.

Departure and Arrival Boards

Most medium to large-sized cities in Austria will have a large departures board in the central hall or above the information booth of the main train station. The departures board typically displays essential information such as departure time, intermediate stops, the final destination of the train, the track or platform number, and any additional notes. Similar boards are also available for arrivals, displaying arrival times and platforms.

Destination Signage

Above each platform, you will find overhead digital signs that correspond to the information on the central departures board. These signs confirm the details of your train, including any shared platforms with other trains. Make sure to pay attention to the highlighted sections to ensure you board the correct train.

Platform and Track Signage

Each platform is divided into sections (A, B, C, etc.) that are clearly marked with overhead signage. This signage helps you locate specific parts of the train, such as the first-class cars, dining cars, and second-class cars. Additionally, some platforms have signs indicating the location of the "Wagenreihungsplan" or "Wagenstandsanzeiger," which describes the sequence of coaches for each train departing from that platform.

Multizuganzeige Signage

The latest information signage at Austrian train stations includes details about multiple trains: the current train at the track and the next two trains expected to arrive at the same track. This information helps travellers plan their journeys and make any necessary connections.

By following these signs and paying attention to the specific details, you can easily navigate Austrian train stations and find your desired location within the station.

Signs indicating the platform

Additionally, overhead digital signs above each platform provide confirmation of the train information displayed on the central board. These signs also indicate if multiple trains are sharing the same platform. Each platform is divided into sections (A, B, C, etc.) with corresponding signage, making it easier for passengers to locate their specific train and class.

"Wagenreihungsplan" or "Wagenstandsanzeiger" signs are also available on each platform, providing a detailed sequence of coaches for each train's departure. These signs include information such as departure time, direction, destination, coach sequence, and signage location. The coaches are colour-coded, with green for second class, yellow for first class, and red for dining cars, making it easier for passengers to identify their specific coach.

In communities that are legally defined as bilingual, Austria Federal Railways has installed bilingual signs at stations. This initiative improves visibility, appreciation, and respect for the local languages, such as Slovenian in Kärnten and a Croatian dialect in Burgenland.

Signs indicating the direction of the train

At Austrian train stations, you will often find large departure boards, known as Abfahrtstafeln, located in the central hall or over the information booth. These boards display essential information about departing trains, including the departure time, intermediate stops, the final destination, the platform number, and any relevant additional details. The information is usually presented in a clear and organised manner, with each train's details listed in columns.

Above the platforms, you will find overhead digital signs that correspond to the information on the central departure board. These signs will confirm the details of the train at that platform, including any updates or changes. In cases where two trains share a platform, the signage will clearly indicate this, ensuring travellers board the correct train.

The overhead signs also provide information about the composition of the train, indicating the location of different carriage classes and facilities. For example, you may see sections labelled "A, B, C, etc." on the platform, corresponding to the different parts of the train, such as first-class, dining, or second-class carriages. This helps travellers quickly locate their specific carriage or seating area.

Additionally, Austrian train stations often have "Wagenreihungsplan" or "Wagenstandsanzeiger" signs on each platform. These signs provide a detailed breakdown of the coach sequence for each departing train, helping travellers find their assigned coach. The signs indicate the direction in which the train will be leaving the station, with arrows or other visual cues.

In recent years, some Austrian stations have also started installing bilingual signs, particularly in communities that are legally defined as bilingual. This initiative aims to improve visibility, appreciation, and respect for the local languages, such as Slovenian and Croatian.

Signs indicating the class of the train carriage

In Austria, the national train company, Österreichische Bundesbahnen (ÖBB), also uses a yellow stripe to indicate first-class carriages. Regional trains operated by ÖBB only feature second-class cars.

When you board the train, you can also refer to your ticket, which will have the booked carriage number on it. This number can be found on the electronic message boards at the entrance doors of the train. Additionally, many stations provide a "carriage position indicator" information board, which tells you where (A-F) your carriage number will stop for each train.

It is worth noting that some trains may have different classes within the same carriage. For example, on the InterCity Express train from Frankfurt, the first-class cars were located in section A, the dining car in section B, and the remaining sections, C through E, were second-class cars.

Frequently asked questions