Discovering Austria by Train

It is truly exciting to be discovering the beauty of new places when traveling, especially if you’re on an exploration trip using the train. There have always been outstanding public transportation systems in Austria. Particularly noteworthy is its rail network, which has long provided convenient, cost-effective, and frequent connections to most European capitals, as well as Austria's major cities.

Austria has over 6,000 kilometers of railways connecting large cities with attractive lovely villages and scenic countryside. The enormous train infrastructure allows you to virtually traverse the entire country.

When the Austrian Federal Railways (OEBB) debuted the Railjet a few years ago, train travel improved significantly. The wagons were improved to be more comfortable, free Wi-Fi was provided on board with faster connections.

With the OEBB Railjet, which travels at interval speeds of 230 km/h, you will be able to reach Salzburg’s Main Train Station from the Vienna International Airport in as little as 2 hours and 49 minutes. There’s also an available trip from the Vienna airport to St. Anton am Arlberg - all the way in western Austria-  as the OEBB Railjet takes you on a journey to the mountain destination of your dreams in less than 6 hours. Alpine destinations not directly on the main train routes, such as Kitzbühel, can be conveniently reached with just one transfer in Salzburg or Wörgl. OEBB has been named one of the most reliable railway operators in Europe in 2021 (with a punctuality rate of 97%).

So when you’re planning your next trip to Austria, Simply buy your train ticket - at the train station or make a reservation in advance via www.oebb.at - and then enjoy the OEBB Railjet experience. There is usually a good range of food and beverages available. Depending on the railway category, the trains also provide air conditioning, big luggage racks, ports for charging electronic devices, WiFi, and onboard restaurants. Lean back and take in the scenery as it changes from gently rolling hills to the snow-covered peaks of the Austrian Alps through the wide windows.

Special Train Compartments

OEBB offers unique zones depending on the passenger's individual needs, ranging from ladies' compartments to toddler and breastfeeding cabins to quiet zones, in order to make passengers feel as comfortable as possible on their trains. Even better, the OEBB Railjet has a Family Zone with a children's theater and table games where kids can freely play and laugh. It can get a little boisterous in this zone at times.

Upgrade your travel experience

The Economy Class on the Austrian Railways is anything but basic. Power outlets and tables are available in modern, comfortable seats on properly air-conditioned trains. Many trains have WiFi, and a tiny onboard café is only a short walk away.

If you are looking for an upgrade, then you can choose First Class, you will have adjustable seats, increased legroom and space on either side, extra wide tables, and power outlets at each seat. You can also have food and beverages delivered right to your seat!

Or you can go for Business Class, which is even more extravagant than First Class, and it offers the highest comfort. This is not only a perfect spot to thoroughly relax, but it also has lots of table space, leather covers, leg rests, and reading lights.

When you travel in first or business class with OEBB, you will have automatic access to one of the seven unique OEBB Lounges located throughout Austria, where you may rest and enjoy the facilities before or after your train ride. The OEBB Lounges are located at Graz, Innsbruck, Klagenfurt, Linz, Salzburg, Vienna, and Vienna Meidling central stations.

Crossing the Alps with a view

Your hiking boots can be left at home. For the journey between Graz, Innsbruck, and Zurich, all you need is a 1st Class ticket. A direct train with First Class observation carriages runs from Graz to Innsbruck and Zurich once a day (or return). The Eurocity Transalpin (EC163/164) also stops in the beautiful Alpine cities Schladming, Zell am See-Kaprun, and Kitzbühel.

You will be transported pleasantly to your destination – in climate-friendly weather and a stress-free atmosphere- while you lie back, relax, and enjoy the spectacular views of the Alps through the wide windows, which even cover portions of the roof. You can enjoy lunch or a snack from the onboard restaurant which will be delivered to your seat as well. There are views of notable mountains such as the Dachstein, Kitzsteinhorn, and Hahnenkamm. You can also enjoy stunning views of beautiful lakes like Zeller See, Walensee, and Lake Zurich.

Book your tickets here.

ÖBB Plus - Expand your ÖBB ticket and include a touristic offer to save money

ÖBB Plus combines the conveniences of train travel with a diverse choice of tourist attractions to suit all tastes. Discounted leisure time offers such as family attractions like Swarovski Crystal Worlds or the Salt Adventure Tour in Hallstatt, boat trips on Lake Wolfgangsee or Attersee, cable car rides to the Kitzsteinhorn in Zell am See Kaprun, and so much more can be combined with the most affordable ÖBB train tickets.

For more information visit here.

Main Image Credits: OEBB-Bergpanorama (c) Bombardier