Trains in Austria | PolishTrains

At a glance

• Westbahn has operated passenger rail services in Austria since 2008, with a modern double-decker fleet reaching up to 200 km/h
• Westbahn offers three travel classes: standard Class 2, Comfort Class and First Class with leather seats and complimentary refreshments
• RegioJet is a Czech operator with competitive prices and three classes: Regular, Relax and Business
• RegioJet's Vienna-Prague route runs several times a day and takes approximately 4 hours, making it ideal for weekend trips
• Both Westbahn and RegioJet trains are equipped with free Wi-Fi, air conditioning and electrical sockets
• Bicycle transport is available on both operators; seat reservations for bikes can be made via PolishTrains Customer Service

Austrian railways are operated by several carriers. Notable among them is Westbahn. It is one of the railway companies that has been providing passenger transport in Austria since 2008. Their rolling stock is characterised by modernity and numerous amenities, among which are:

• 230 V electrical sockets,
• air conditioning,
• luggage racks,
• baby changing facilities,
• access to free Wi-Fi,
• dining cars and snack machines.

The carriages are suitable for people with disabilities, as well as for transporting bicycles. Interestingly, Westbahn depots are mostly double-decker. The maximum speed they can travel is 200 km/h. Westbahn trains are ideal for anyone travelling on business and those fancying a quick city break. They also work well for lovers of domestic tourism.

While the Westbahn mainly operates domestic services between Vienna, Salzburg and Linz, it also offers international connections to Germany.

Carriage classes on the Westbahn

The majority of seats on Westbahn trains are in Class 2. However, you can also purchase a seat with a higher standard, the so-called Comfort Class or also First Class.

The Comfort Class package, of course, includes all the standard amenities listed above. In addition, it provides more legroom, as well as four seats including a table. This option is ideal for families or groups of friends.

Seats in the First Class area offer travellers comfortable leather seats with adjustable options and individual lighting. An Oshibori towel, a chocolate biscuit and a bottle of WESTwater - spring water from Wildalpen in the Hochschwab region - are an added bonus.

RegioJet is a Czech company that operates not only domestic rail destinations, but also connections in Poland, Slovakia and Austria. It is known for its good prices while maintaining high travel comfort. Due to its attractive offer, it is very popular with rail passengers. Tickets can be purchased for 2nd class and 1st class, divided into groups: Relax and Business, where amenities such as:

• free drinks,
• access to daily newspapers and magazines,
• an entertainment portal that can be used on your own device - headphones can be purchased to avoid disturbing other travellers.

There is air conditioning, free Wi-Fi and access to power sockets throughout the train regardless of the class of carriage. You can use this carrier's services in Austria when travelling between Vienna and Prague.

Among the connections to Austria, those to the capital are the most popular. Among them, it is worth mentioning such routes as:

🚆 Vienna- Salzburg - this is Austria's most important passenger corridor. Trains on this route run from early in the morning until late at night. There are a total of 21 connections per day. The journey takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes and along the way the train stops at stations in Sankt Pölten, Amstetten, Linz, Wels, Attnang-Puchheim and Vöcklaubruck. The cheapest ticket is available for PLN 264.

🚆 Vienna- Linz - this route connects the Austrian capital with one of the country's largest cities. Traffic is very heavy, with 30 trains running through this route during the day - most of which are those continuing on to Salzburg. The journey takes 1 hour 16 minutes. Tickets can be purchased from PLN 190 at the normal fare.

🚆Linz- Salzburg - there are 21 services a day between Austria's third and fourth largest city. The journey takes 1 hour 12 minutes and is very popular with both tourists and business travellers. Tickets are available from PLN 142.

There are also two international connections:

🚆Prague- Vienna - you can take up to four trains a day to the Austrian capital via the RegioJet carrier. The journey from Praha Hlavní Nádraží station to Wien HBF station takes around four hours. A train ticket to Austria can be purchased from as little as PLN 97. Along the way, there are stations such as Pardubice, Brno and Břeclav. This connection has been in operation since 2017.

🚆 Vienna- Munich - Westbahn not only operates regional routes through Austria. The carrier also offers a route that connects Vienna with the Bavarian capital. This is a very popular destination for travellers wishing to get from Austria to Germany. To meet travellers' needs, the Westbahn offers five daily connections between the two metropolises. The route takes around 4 hours and 40 minutes and includes stops such as Linz, Salzburg and, on the German side, Rosenheim. A train operated by the German company Deutsche Bahn takes slightly longer on this route , 5 hours 8 minutes, via Linz and Passau.

Train tickets for the above and other connections in Austria are best bought in advance - the earlier you buy your ticket, the less you will pay for it. Depending on the carrier, a pool of train tickets is available at different times.

Westbahn - 89 days before departure.

RegioJet - up to 90 days before the date of travel.

Deutsche Bahn - also 90 days.

There are discounts or full fare exemptions for the purchase of tickets for the specified passenger groups.

Children - all carriers provide free travel for the youngest - RegioJet and DB up to age 5, Westbahn in Standard class up to age 6. Westbahn offers €3 with a parent's ticket up to the age of 14, while RegioJet offers a 50% discount up to the age of 17.

Students - ISIC card holders and students up to the age of 25 on RegioJet trains can enjoy a 50% discount. On the Westbahn, the student card gives a 10% discount.

Seniors - people over 65 can enjoy a discount of up to 50% on Westbahn trains.

Groups - Westbahn also offers a 20% discount for groups of more than 6 people.

Although Austria is a small country, rail is highly developed there. You can easily travel between major cities and mountain resorts without having to get into a car. Thanks to modern train equipment, you can travel in comfort, avoiding traffic jams and other traffic incidents that delay your journey.

The most popular connections are to Austria's most important city and also its capital, Vienna, and the country's third largest city, Linz. It is also easy to reach Salzburg, located at the western border, which is famous not only for its classical music but also for its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Baroque architecture and its location at the foot of the picturesque Alps.

How to buy train tickets in Austria?

Tickets for trains running on Austrian routes can be bought on the PolishTrains portal. All you have to do is find the connection you are interested in in the search engine on the homepage and choose a convenient option. You can buy your tickets in Polish and in zloty, without currency conversion.

Is it possible to buy food or drinks on Westbahn and RegioJet trains?

Yes, depending on the line-up, restaurants, mobile catering or snack vending machines are available on the trains. In addition, when purchasing a ticket in higher class, passengers receive free drinks and a small treat.

Is it possible to carry a bicycle on trains in Austria?

Yes, however, such a ticket can only be purchased through the Customer Service Office - either by email: kontakt@polishtrains.eu or by telephone: +48 123 451 661. The fee is according to the operator's tariff, and the helpline is open daily from 7 am to 11 pm.

Are trains in Austria accessible for people with disabilities?

Yes, the railway in Austria is based on modern rolling stock that is low-floor. Both the Westbahn and RegioJet have facilities such as spacious entrances, wheelchair spaces and specially adapted toilets. It is advisable to check how the train is equipped before you travel or to contact the Customer Service Office, which has this information.