Travel Guide: Trains From Salzburg To Vienna, Austria

what train do I take from salzburg to vienna austria

There are several options for trains from Salzburg to Vienna, Austria. The fastest trains take around 2 hours and 22 minutes, covering a distance of approximately 249 kilometres. The earliest train from Vienna to Salzburg is at 04:55 on weekdays, while the last departure is usually around 22:55. On weekends, the first train leaves at 05:03, and the final departure is still around 22:55. The cheapest tickets are around $22.00, but booking 30 days in advance can get you tickets for around $33. There are two competing train operators for this route: state-owned ÖBB and private operator Westbahn. Both operators offer excellent services with comfortable seating, free WiFi, food and drinks, and power sockets at all seats.

Characteristics Values
Distance 192-194 miles (309-312 km)
Duration 2 hours 18 minutes to 2 hours 53 minutes
Price $15.84 to $56
Number of Departures 34-59 per day
First Departure 3:21 am to 5:03 am
Last Departure 10:08 pm to 11:28 pm
Train Operators ÖBB, Westbahn, Deutsche Bahn, ICE (Intercity Express)
Train Types Railjet, Railjet Xpress, Nightjet, RegioJet
Classes Economy, First, Business, Standard, Comfort
Amenities Free WiFi, WCs, Restaurant Car, Onboard Entertainment, Family Zone, Newspapers, Power Outlets, Vending Machines, Catering Areas, At-Seat Service

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The journey takes around 2 hours 22 minutes

The journey from Salzburg to Vienna by train takes around 2 hours and 22 minutes. This route covers a distance of approximately 192 miles (309 kilometres).

There are two competing train operators for this journey: state-owned ÖBB (Austrian Federal Railways) and private operator Westbahn. The ÖBB Railjet is a high-speed, modern, and comfortable train that can take you to the Austrian capital in 2 hours and 22 minutes. It offers free WiFi, WCs, a restaurant car, and onboard entertainment. The Westbahn journey takes around 2 hours and 28 minutes and is also a good option, with standard, comfort, and first-class seats, power sockets, free WiFi, and vending machines for drinks and snacks.

The ÖBB Railjet train's simplest seating class is Economy, which includes comfortable seats, folding tables, footrests, free newspapers, and WiFi. You can also purchase food and drinks from the snack trolley or the restaurant car. During the ticket purchase, you can choose a silent car or opt to transport a bike for a fee. First Class offers more luxurious amenities, including reclining leather seats and cabin service.

The Westbahn trains terminate at Wien Westbahnhof, Vienna's western train station, while the ÖBB trains arrive at Wien Hauptbahnhof, the main train station. Depending on your plans in Vienna, you may prefer to arrive at one station over the other.

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Tickets start from $15.84

There are a few options for travelling by train from Salzburg to Vienna, Austria, with tickets starting from as little as $15.84. The journey takes around 2 hours 48 minutes, and you can choose from a range of train companies and services.

Westbahn

Westbahn is a train company based in Austria, offering services throughout the country. Tickets with Westbahn start from $17 (€15) and include a seat reservation. You can buy tickets online, from a machine, or from a ticket agent at the station. Onboard, you'll find vending machines, displays showing the next stop and speed, and toilets.

ÖBB

The Austrian national rail company, ÖBB, offers high-speed rail services with its Railjet trains. Tickets start from $16, and you can choose from three types of train: the Railjet high-speed train, the comfort Nightjet, and the Railjet Xpress. All trains have free WiFi, WCs, and entertainment. The Railjet and Railjet Xpress are the fastest options, taking 2 hours 22 minutes, while the Nightjet is a more leisurely journey, taking 3 hours 19 minutes.

RegioJet

RegioJet trains offer six types of travel classes, each with different levels of comfort. The simplest seating class is Economy, with comfortable seats, folding tables, and footrests. RegioJet trains are bright and modern, with a top speed of 200 km/h (124 mph).

With so many options available, you're sure to find a train that suits your budget and travel preferences for your journey from Salzburg to Vienna.

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There are 58 trains per day

The Railjet trains are modern and comfortable, with free WiFi, WCs, and a restaurant car. They also offer at-seat service in first and business class, where food and drink orders from the restaurant car menu are delivered to your seat. You can also bring your own food and drinks on board. The simplest seating class is Economy, which features comfortable seats, folding tables, and footrests.

In addition to the Railjet, you can also take the Nightjet, a comfort night train that takes 3 hours and 19 minutes, or the Intercity Express (ICE), which offers various classes and onboard services.

Tickets for the train from Salzburg to Vienna start at around $15.84, but prices may vary depending on the time of day, route, and class. Booking in advance is usually cheaper than buying tickets on the day of travel.

There are two competing train operators for this route: state-owned ÖBB (Austrian Federal Railways) and private operator Westbahn. Westbahn trains have standard, comfort, and first-class seats, with power sockets, free WiFi, and drink/snack vending machines. Westbahn tickets include a seat reservation, while with ÖBB you must order it separately. Westbahn trains also have four catering areas with vending machines for tea and coffee, and staff who can serve snacks.

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Choose between operators Westbahn and OBB

When travelling from Salzburg to Vienna, you have the option of choosing between two train operators: Westbahn and ÖBB. Both companies offer high-speed rail services, with ÖBB's Railjet trains and Westbahn's double-decker trains providing modern comforts and amenities. Here are some factors to consider when choosing between the two operators:

Price

One of the most significant differences between Westbahn and ÖBB is the pricing of their tickets. Westbahn offers regular fares, which tend to be about half the price of ÖBB's regular fares. Additionally, Westbahn allows passengers to buy tickets directly on the train, although this comes with a surcharge. In contrast, ÖBB offers discounted fares, but they must be purchased in advance and are subject to a quota.

Frequency and Stations

Westbahn and ÖBB both provide frequent departures, with two trains per hour for each operator. However, they use different terminal stations in Vienna. Westbahn trains terminate at Wien Westbahnhof, Vienna's western train station, while ÖBB trains depart from and arrive at Vienna's main railway station, Wien Hauptbahnhof. This difference may influence your choice depending on your preferred station or convenience of connections.

Onboard Experience

Both operators offer comfortable and modern travel experiences. Westbahn's double-decker trains provide more seating capacity, with up to 500 seats in a 6-car train compared to around 300 on an ÖBB Railjet. Westbahn trains also offer seat reservations as part of the ticket, while on ÖBB, you must order a seat reservation separately. In terms of amenities, both operators provide free WiFi, and ÖBB trains also feature a restaurant car, entertainment options, and WCs.

Flexibility

When it comes to flexibility, Westbahn has a reputation for being more flexible and arguably better value for day-of tickets. With Westbahn, you can simply hop on the train and purchase a ticket onboard, making it a convenient choice if you're looking for spontaneity or haven't booked in advance. ÖBB, as the national railway operator, offers discounted fares, but they are subject to availability and must be purchased in advance.

In summary, both Westbahn and ÖBB offer efficient and comfortable travel options between Salzburg and Vienna. Your choice between the two operators may depend on factors such as pricing, station convenience, onboard amenities, and your preference for advanced booking or flexibility.

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Enjoy views of the Austrian Alps

The train journey from Salzburg to Vienna is a great way to enjoy views of the Austrian Alps. The route is served by two different rail companies, ÖBB and Westbahn, with tickets priced from $34 to $89. Both companies offer comfortable, modern trains with dining options, power outlets, and free WiFi. The journey takes around 2.5 hours, covering a distance of 309 km (192 mi) through breathtaking Austrian landscapes.

ÖBB Trains

The ÖBB Railjet high-speed train and Railjet Xpress are the fastest options, completing the journey in 2 hours and 22 minutes. The comfort Nightjet is a slower option, taking 3 hours and 19 minutes. The ÖBB trains have three seating classes: Economy, First, and Business. In Economy, you'll find comfortable seats, folding tables, and footrests, as well as free newspapers and WiFi. The First and Business classes offer additional amenities like adjustable leather seats, extra legroom, and restaurant-style dining.

Westbahn Trains

The Westbahn is another comfortable and scenic option for this journey. Their trains offer clean, comfortable seating, dining options, and power outlets. Westbahn trains terminate at Wien Westbahnhof, Vienna's western train station, while ÖBB trains arrive at Wien Hauptbahnhof, the main train station. Westbahn tickets include a seat reservation, while ÖBB requires an additional reservation.

Enjoying the Views

To make the most of the stunning scenery, consider these tips:

  • Keep your gaze to the left side of the train (in the direction of travel) to catch glimpses of the Eastern Alps, the highest and most extensive mountain range in Europe.
  • Stand at the doors of the train, where the windows are bigger and provide a different perspective.
  • If you're travelling with ÖBB, choose a seat on the upper deck, which offers a better view above the noise barriers.
  • If time allows, make a detour to Melk Abbey, Lake Traunsee, or the Salzkammergut region to explore more of the Austrian countryside.

The journey from Salzburg to Vienna is not just a means of transportation but an opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of Austria. Whether you choose the high-speed convenience of ÖBB or the comfortable ride of Westbahn, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the Austrian Alps and beyond.

Frequently asked questions

The journey takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes on average, with the fastest services taking 2 hours and 18 minutes.

Ticket prices start from as little as $15.84, depending on the time of day, route and class. Tickets can be purchased for as low as $22. Booking in advance is generally cheaper than buying on the day of travel.

There are two competing train operators: state-owned ÖBB (Austrian Federal Railways) and private operator Westbahn.

ÖBB trains run from Vienna Hbf, the city's main station, whereas Westbahn trains run from Vienna Westbahnhof, the western train station. Westbahn tickets include a seat reservation, whereas with ÖBB you must order one separately. Westbahn trains have vending machines for tea, coffee, and snacks, while ÖBB trains have a restaurant car and seat service in 1st and business class.

ÖBB's Railjet trains have free WiFi, WCs, a restaurant car, and onboard entertainment. They also offer economy, first, and business class seating. Westbahn trains have standard, comfort, and first-class seating, with power sockets at all seats, free WiFi, and vending machines for drinks and snacks.

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