Top 5 Day Trips by Train From Vienna

If you want to have the ultimate Austrian trip and experience you must try traveling by train. Traveling by train is a very popular means of transportation in Austria: The Austrian National Railways (OEBB) operates daily connections throughout the country on its advanced trains.

Our favourite part about the trip is passing by beautiful nature of alpine scenery, lush green valleys and crystal-clear lakes and historic towns.

Well since we live in the social media age, the Railjet train has free Wi-Fi, on-board entertainment, an on-board restaurant, as well as quiet and family zones offers travelers the ultimate travel comfort

You can also pick one of three comfort classes available on the train: Economy Class, First Class and Business Class.

First and Business Class

First and Business Class Tickets offers more amenities than the Second/Economy Class like more comfortable leg room, more lateral seat distance, individually adjustable seats, and electrical outlets at every seat, additional service offerings during the journey like complimentary newspapers and magazines, free Wi-Fi and even food and beverages service from the on-board restaurant being served directly to your seat.

As a passenger with a First Class or Business Class ticket, additionally you have access to the OEBB Lounges before and after your trip, granting you access to a wide range of free additional services like beverages and snacks. You can either relax in a comfortable atmosphere while waiting for your train.

Landscape from the train

 © OEBB, Barbara Seyr

Top 5 Day trips by train from Vienna

The easiest way to discover Austria(also very affordable) is one of the many one-day-train-trips available from Vienna.

Check out our five favourite destinations worth visiting.

SALZBURG

Salzburgs has a thing for everyone, starting from a historic city center, romantic alleyways which connect wide open spaces, and a beautiful mountain panorama.

 In case you didn’t know, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born here. Landmarks worth visiting include the Hohensalzburg Fortress, the historic baroque old town filled with designer shops in Getreidegasse, the cathedral district (DomQuartier), the Mirabell Gardens and the Mozart museums.

An absolute must for any visit to Austria and only 2 ½ hours from Vienna by train with 32 connections per day.

Salzburg

© Tourismus Salzburg GmbH

GRAZ

Considered one of Austria’s hidden secrets. Located in the southern region of Styria, Graz is perfect for those foodies, history buffs, and nature lovers.

The city is mix of history and modern design and architecture. A must visit is the Styrian Armoury (Landeszeughaus), the world´s largest historic armoury. With its collection, it takes you back to medieval days when knights battled for honour in shiny armour.

The trip to Graz is truly A once in a lifetime trip as you will travel via the Semmeringbahn (a mountain railway track, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While you enjoy Austrian culinary delights or simply lean back to relax and marvel at the mountain peaks, castles and forest landscapes passing by, the train comfortably whisks you away to your destination in just over 2 ½ hours from Vienna, 17 times per day.

Graz

© Graz Tourismus, Harry Schiffer Fotograf

WACHAU

Perfect for a couple’s escape. The city boasts medieval castle ruins and wild and romantic vineyards. The 36 km stretch along the Danube has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

One of Wachaus highlights is the Benedictine abbey of Melk, one of Europe´s most beautiful integrated baroque ensembles. It’s less than an hour from Vienna! Catch a train to either Krems or Melk to enjoy the diverse landscape the Wachau region offers.

Melk in the Wachau Valley

© OEW, Ruedi Homberger

SALZKAMMERGUT

Famous for its mystical lake, Lake Hallstatt, the Salzkammergut can also be reached comfortably by rail.

Head to the enchanting pottery town of Gmunden Traunsee, or the imperial villa (Kaiservilla) in Bad Ischl to spice up your trip.

In Gmunden, you can reach the town centre and the shore of Lake Traunsee easily by tram.

In Bad Ischl, the train station is located right in the town center. A walk of only a few minutes will take you to the thermal bath, the promenade, and the imperial villa.

Depending on your chosen destination you might travel just under 3 hours per way with many daily connections.

Bad Ischl

© TVB Bad Ischl, Daniel Leitner

LINZ

Know as “City of Smart Tourism”, because of everything that it’s offering including its expansive main square – located right by the Danube, and one of the largest in Central Europe – and its quaint Old Town with a relaxed and authentic feel.

It’s also an attraction to younger generations as its home to a harbour that doubles as one of Europe’s biggest graffiti galleries and the cutting-edge art-slash-technology museumArs Electronica Center.

Once primarily an industrial center, Linz has become a pioneer when it comes to culture, art, and technology.

It is the perfect destination for a day trip, being only 75 Minutes away from Vienna.

Linz

© OEW, Luke Nagler

Image Credit:

Railjet in Salzburg

 © OEBB