Train travel in Austria with ÖBB

Railjet trains are the flagship high-speed trains of Austrian Railways, capable of reaching speeds of up to 230 km/h (143 mph). These modern trains connect major cities within Austria and neighbouring countries, including Germany, Switzerland, Hungary, Italy, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia. The travel time from Vienna to Salzburg is less than 2.5 hours with ÖBB Railjet trains, making it one of the most popular routes in Austria. The journey from Salzburg to Innsbruck takes less than 2 hours with ÖBB Railjet, providing travelers with stunning views of the Austrian Alps.
Railjet trains offer two comfort classes — Economy Class and Business Class — as well as a Premium Class on selected services. Business Class passengers enjoy more legroom, wider seats, and complimentary meals, while Economy Class offers comfortable seating with free Wi-Fi and electrical outlets at every seat.

Nightjet overnight train, operated by the Austrian Federal Railways (OBB), is one of the best and comfortable ways to travel around Europe. Nightjet route map is quite extensive, so modern Nightjet train can take around the most popular destinations of Germany, Austria, Italy, and Switzerland a maximum speed up to 230 km/h (143 mi/h) while you're peacefully sleeping. This Nightjet European sleeper offers 3 travel classes: sleeper, couchette, and seated carriages. Sleeper compartments can be triple, double or single while couchette compartments are from four to six people, which makes it the best option for holidays with family or friends.

Eurocity (EC) trains provide long-distance travel between Austria and its neighbouring countries, offering amenities such as air-conditioned cars and onboard restaurants. These trains serve as the main bridge between Austria and European countries including Germany, Hungary, Switzerland, and Italy. Intercity (IC) trains are designed for national long-distance travel within Austria, featuring first-class cars and various passenger amenities including air-conditioning and compartment cars.

​Intercity trains are the addition to the Eurocity and the Railjet. Trains are used for national long-distance travel and include first-class cars. Furthermore, intercity trains offer passengers air-conditioned open cars, compartment cars, a separate ladies' compartment, and a breast-feeding compartment together with a special compartment for toddlers. Taking the Budapest to Vienna train is another option if you want to see more of Europe with Eurocity train. Moreover, Vienna to Budapest train ride is a great way to see countries' breathtaking landscapes.​

OBB's modern, safe, and comfortable Intercity-Express is the second high-speed train in addition to the Railjet. It reaches a top speed of 230 km/h (143 mph) on long-distance routes.
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The Intercity-Express is the second high-speed train in the Austrian Railways network, also reaching a top speed of 230 km/h. It operates on long-distance routes connecting Austria with Germany via Passau. The train offers two comfort classes (1st and 2nd), air-conditioned open cars, comfortable cozy seats with electrical outlets, and reading lamps in 1st class. An onboard restaurant offers food and beverages, and a special compartment is available for travelers with babies or toddlers.

Austrian Railways operates an extensive network of regional trains serving smaller towns, historic towns, picturesque villages, and lush valleys across all nine Austrian states. Regional trains travel at speeds from 120 km/h (75 mph) to 160 km/h (99 mph) and are equipped with air-conditioning, adjustable seats, and comfortable low-level entrances.

The six types of regional trains operated include: ÖBB CityJet, ÖBB Talent, ÖBB Desiro, Bi-level push-pull train, CityShuttle push-pull train, and electric railcar 4020. CityJet trains are highly comfortable regional services with ergonomic headrests, reading lamps, plug sockets, and fold-out laptop tables. The S-Bahn suburban rail network operates around Vienna, running on the Wien Hauptbahnhof corridor and connecting the city with surrounding regions.

Vienna to Salzburg
The Vienna to Salzburg route is one of the most popular in Austria, with Railjet trains completing the journey in less than 2.5 hours. Trains run twice per hour on the Western Line, making it easy to travel between Austria's two most iconic cities. The scenic route passes through rolling hills, alpine landscapes, and the heart of the Austrian countryside.
Vienna to Prague and Vienna to Budapest
The scenic train route from Vienna to Prague takes approximately 4 hours on Railjet services, passing through picturesque villages and beautiful Central European landscapes. Vienna to Budapest train is another popular route, with Eurocity trains completing the journey in approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes. The scenic train route from Vienna to Graz takes approximately 2 hours and 38 minutes, showcasing beautiful landscapes along the way.
Major Cities and Neighbouring Countries
Austrian Railways connect major cities including Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Linz, Graz, and Klagenfurt with neighbouring countries and key European destinations. Seat reservations are required on Railjet, Intercity-Express, and some EuroCity trains. For Nightjet overnight trains, reservations are mandatory and should be made well in advance during peak travel seasons.

Wien Hauptbahnhof
Wien Hauptbahnhof (Vienna Central Station) is Austria's main railway hub and one of the busiest train stations in Central Europe. It serves as the primary departure point for Railjet, Intercity-Express, EuroCity, and Nightjet trains to all major domestic and international destinations. The station is connected to the Vienna airport via the City Airport Train (CAT) and S-Bahn services, with Vienna International Airport located approximately 16 km from the city center.
Major Train Stations Across Austria
Austria's railway lines serve all major cities through a network of well-connected train stations. Key stations include Salzburg Hauptbahnhof, Innsbruck Hauptbahnhof, Graz Hauptbahnhof, and Linz Hauptbahnhof, all of which serve as interchange points for regional and long-distance services. Stations in the Austrian railway network feature modern amenities including lounges and accessibility services for individuals with mobility challenges.

How to Buy Train Tickets
Austrian Railways train tickets can be purchased online on Rail Ninja, through the ÖBB app, at ticket machines, or at any of the 90 travel centres located within stations across Austria. Purchasing train tickets in Austria can be done through various online platforms, allowing travelers to compare prices and find the best options for their journey. It is advisable to buy train tickets in advance, as prices can vary based on the travel date and how early the tickets are purchased.
Sparschiene Tickets and Discounts
ÖBB Sparschiene tickets are the most affordable option on Austrian Railways, available exclusively online at no extra cost for booking. These discounted tickets are limited per train, so early booking is strongly recommended. Frequent travelers can benefit from discount passes such as the Vorteilscard and KlimaTicket, which provide savings on fares and access to public transport across Austria. Travelers can save money on train tickets by checking for special deals and discounted fares — book early on Rail Ninja for the best available prices.
First Class and Business Class
First Class on Austrian Railways long-distance trains offers wider seats, more legroom, complimentary newspapers, and access to exclusive compartments. Business Class on Railjet trains is the premium option, including at-seat meal service, priority boarding, and a dedicated lounge area at major train stations. Economy Class provides comfortable seating with free Wi-Fi, electrical outlets, and air-conditioning on all high-speed and long-distance services.

The Austrian railway system operates with a focus on eco-friendliness, utilizing renewable energy for all its operations. The Austrian Federal Railways manages a 5,000 km network that is 100% powered by renewable energy — making Austrian Railways one of the greenest rail networks in Europe. Choosing train travel over flying significantly reduces your carbon footprint, and Austrian trains provide a comfortable, sustainable alternative for travel across Austria and to neighbouring countries.

Before you take your next trip, be sure to purchase your train tickets ahead of time. But finding the best train tickets to your destination can be a hassle sometimes. You have to search multiple websites, compare prices, and finally buy the ticket. Rail Ninja is an online tool that lets you find all available train tickets on one page with just a few clicks. Here you can find a lot of different options regardless of your budget or location. The price for your ticket will depend on various factors such as travel date, when you are buying, and the class type. You can also check Rail Ninja Reviews to find more information.​