Essential Austria Train Travel Guide for First Timers

Q: What is the best website for booking trains in Austria?

ÖBB's official website ( oebb.at ) is the best site to book Austrian train tickets.

Q: Should I buy train tickets in advance in Austria?

Yes, book 15 days in advance to get cheaper Sparschiene tickets, especially for long-distance routes.

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Ever wondered if you could travel Austria entirely by train? I did too—until I spent two weeks gliding through mountains and cities with my mum, relying solely on Austria’s efficient rail network.

From scenic regional routes to cross-border connections, travelling in Austria by is fast, reliable, and surprisingly easy if you know how, what and when to use them.

In this guide, I’ll cover ticket types, classes, ways to book, money-saving tips, essential apps, and must-know passes to help you navigate Austria’s railways like a pro traveller – So that your trip is both – pocket & eco friendly.

Collage of 2 images with an Austrian OBB train on track beside green meadows with yellow flowers and Tyrolean countryside houses on hills with text overlay — Pin it for Later

Who runs the trains in Austria?

ÖBB (Österreichische Bundesbahnen) runs Austria’s massive rail network—not just linking cities and towns, but also taking you straight to tourist spots, even through the mountains.

Trains are the best way to save money and shrink your carbon footprint. And Austria? They’ve been ahead of the game—they started running electric trains way back in 1912!

An ancient steam engine train on the move with two men operating it, used for recreation at Kitzbühel, Austria — On my way to Kirchberg, I saw the steam engine at Kitzbühel

And it doesn’t stop at Austria’s borders. You can jump on a train to Germany like I did, or head to Italy, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, or Switzerland—easy, no stress.

Advantages of Train Travel in Austria

Super Reliable
Austrian trains are famous for being on time—like, seriously reliable.
Wheelchair & Stroller Friendly
Stations and many trains have no-step platforms, so it’s easy to get around for all age groups. My mom is 60 with joint pain, and she found Austrian train stations to be be super convenient.
Convenient Stations
Clean stations with cafes (including some vegan and veg options), bakeries, and toilets—everything you need.
Easy Booking
The ÖBB website and app makes ticket booking a breeze.
City-Centre Access:
Trains drop you right in the city centre, no messing with parking or transfers.
No luggage limits:
Most trains don’t have any restrictions on luggage – it is your comfort on how much you can – 2 trolleys or just a backpack.
Eco-Friendly Travel:
rains here use clean energy, so you can travel guilt-free.
Stunning Views
Trains glide through the Alps with epic views of snow-capped peaks, lakes, and cute villages by the riverside and vineayrds
Historic Routes
The Semmering Railway, a UNESCO site since 1854, takes you through Austria’s oldest mountain tracks. Wachaubahn is another beauty where the tracks are lined with vineyards – Goregous train rides are plenty in Austria

Beautiful houses with sloped stone roofs in traditional style, vineyard across uphill slope in Spitz Wachau Valley, and a railway track — The sights of Wachaubahn

Drawbacks

Short Transfer Times:
Connections can be tight, sometimes just 5 minutes—like my 5-minute change at Amstetten during my vineyard paradise Melk to city where you get best cakes -Salzburg journey – But we made it.
Limited Village Access:
Trains don’t reach every small village, so you might need to hop on a bike or bus from the station. Say you want to book an isolated hut in Tirol mountains, you have to rely on some private arrangements to get there.
German-Only Displays:
Train displays are in German, but place names are easy to follow once you know your stop.
Not Always Cheap:
Trains save money compared to taxis, but costly. A discounted 85km ticket still costs around €25.

OBB trains beside platforms in Wien Central Station — Vienna Hbf got plenty of platforms. PC: Unsplash

Types of trains

Railjet (RJ & RJX):
Austria’s fastest train for major cities and nearby countries. Economy, 1st, and business classes. Free Wi-Fi, power sockets, luggage space, and onboard catering.
Regional Express (REX):
Faster regional train with fewer stops. Economy and sometimes 1st class. No Wi-Fi or catering, but bikes allowed without booking.
Regional (R):
Slower, local train stopping everywhere. Economy only, no Wi-Fi or catering—perfect for visiting smaller towns.
Cityjet (CJ & CJX):
Suburban trains linking cities to nearby areas. I took a CJX from capital city Vienna to Melk—86km to the Wachau Valley.
EuroCity (EC):
International trains to Germany, Italy, and beyond. Economy and 1st class. Wi-Fi included; catering varies by country.
S-Bahn:
City trains in places like Vienna which are different from their Metro- U bahn. Economy only, no Wi-Fi or catering. Bikes allowed without a reservation.
Nightjet (NJ):
Overnight trains with sleeping cabins. Economy, 1st, and business options. Wake up in a new country with catering on some routes.

An OBB train on the move on track heading to Kapfenberg in Austria surrounded by dry bushes — PC: Unsplash

Tips on picking type of train

The ÖBB App Does the Hard Work
Let the app do the work! It shows all train options by budget, class, and time. Choose a direct train with no transfers for the easiest ride.
Mixing Train Types? Totally Normal
Need a Railjet and a Regional train? No worries! The app sorts the connections automatically.
Don’t Choose a Train Just for Food
Sure, some trains have an on-board bistro or catering service, but it often costs more. If you’re just travelling a short distance, grab a snack before you hop on instead.
Air Conditioning? Always
Every Austrian train comes with air conditioning. So, no matter which train you pick, you’ll stay cool and comfy.
Check Accessibility
Most trains are stroller- and wheelchair-friendly, but older ones might not be. The app lists accessibility details.
Luggage Storage: No Sweat!
Long-distance trains have plenty of storage. Even on S-Bahn trains, a trolley suitcase fits just fine.

A small trolley suitcase kept at overhead storage inside an Austrian train — Plenty of Luggage storages

Vacaywork author Sahana's mum sleeping seated in Austrian economy class with their small bag on overhead storage — My mom, happily sleeping in economy class with our luggage

Ticket Options and Pricing

Standard Ticket: Valid for 2 days. Cancel anytime before the first day for free—perfect for last-minute plans.
Sparschiene Ticket: Super cheap if you book early—like Vienna to Salzburg for €50, where a standard ticket would cost €65. Fixed to one train, no refunds or changes. I used to buy this whenever possible—get it if you know your exact travel dates and routes.
Einfach-Raus Ticket: Perfect for groups of 2 to 5 on local and regional trains. Valid from 9 a.m. to 3 a.m. the next day, with prices starting at €35 for two people—great for families and groups. (I booked this for my Innsbruck trip from Kirchberg because two standard tickets cost more!)
Komfort Ticket: Locked to a specific train and route. Free cancellation up to 15 days before travel. After that, 50% cancellation fee applies. Ideal if you know the route but aren’t sure of the date.

Screenshot showing digital Sparschiene ticket from Melk to Salzburg with date, routes, and passenger name of Vacaywork author Sahana Kulur — My Sparschiene Ticket to Salzburg from Melk

Coach and Comfort Types

Economy Class: Comfort on a Budget
Comfy seats, spacious racks, and outlets at every seat. With family zones, quiet areas, and air-conditioned carriages, it’s a budget-friendly, smooth ride – pick this if you want to travel at low cost in Austria like us.
First Class: More legroom, wider seats, and quieter carriages. Enjoy work tables, food service, and extra space—perfect for a relaxing or productive journey across Austria. Double the cost of economy class.
Business Class: For €15 more than First Class, enjoy leather seats, extra legroom, a welcome drink, meals served at your seat, and free reservations—perfect for a stylish, stress-free journey.

Sahana's mum sitting in an economy class Austrian moving train window seat watching rolling meadows with wooden houses surrounded by mountains in Tirol region — Mom enjoying train journeys sitting in economy class

How do I buy train tickets in Austria?

You’ve got three options to book Austrian train tickets: the ÖBB website or app, ticket machines and offices at stations, or a “Trafik” (tobacco shop). The app is the easiest, with English support and secure payment via PayPal or card.

At the station? Look for the bright red ticket machines – they have English options and take cash or cards. If you prefer talking to a real person, the ticket offices are super helpful.

A boy with backpack checking tourism brochures and train info on TV display at Salzburg station office — Salzburg station office

I learned from my Innsbruck host that you can grab your tickets from a “Trafik” (tobacco shop) if you’re in a pinch. They sell basic tickets that’ll get you where you need to go.

Using OBB wesbite

You can book Austrian train tickets with or without an ÖBB account, but having one makes it easier. It saves your payment and passenger details and stores tickets for easy access during inspections.

I created my account, added my details and my mum’s details, and linked my PayPal account.

This saved me a lot of time. I used the website to book all my commuting ( about 5 train journeys across Austria and one to Munich in Germany)—it just took a few clicks since all the details were already stored.

Plus, it helps avoid spelling mistakes in passenger details, which could cause problems during ticket inspections.

Sahana's mum sitting on platform with train tracks on either side at Kirchberg in Tirol with beautiful scenery in background — Small station of Kirchberg village

Step by step guide to book train tickets on OBB

Create an Account: Add passenger details (name and age must match the passport).
Choose Your Trip: Select the route, date, and time.
Review Train Options: Check different trains like IC (Intercity) or RJX (Railjet Express)—prices vary by type, travel time and direct or with change overs.
Add Passengers: Choose passengers from saved profiles.
Check Discounts: Look for discounts for seniors (65+), children, or pets.
Find Discounted Tickets: Choose ‘Sparschiene’ (discounted tickets) if available; for longer trips, consider the Einfach-Raus Ticket.
Select Ticket Class: Economy is comfortable and affordable; First Class offers more space and comfort.
Make Payment: Pay securely with PayPal or a credit card.
Access Tickets: Tickets are emailed to you and saved under ‘My Tickets’ in the app for easy access.

Collage of four images with screenshot of Austrian Railways OBB ticket, 2 OBB trains moving, and OBB train station exteriors with text overlay — Pin it for Later!

Things to keep in mind while booking Austrian train tickets

Switch Language: The ÖBB app and website default to German—switch to English if you don’t speak German.
Wien and Vienna: Austrians call Vienna Wien, so don’t panic if you don’t see Vienna—look for Wien.
Multiple Stations: Bigger cities like Vienna have multiple stations, so confirm the correct one before booking.
Station Names: Hbf stands for Hauptbahnhof, meaning the main station.
Bike & Pets: If you’re bringing a bicycle (common for hikers and cyclists) or travelling with pets, add them during booking.
Ticket Access: Keep your e-ticket handy on your phone as a PDF or screenshot with a visible QR code—no hard copy needed.

A tram moving in front of OBB Vienna Westbahnhof building, which is modern and glass-clad — Vienna Westbahnof

Do you need to reserve a seat on Austrian trains?

If you’re particular about your seat, then only reserve one and it isn’t necessary as Austrian trains aren’t crowded.

Sahana's mum sleeping inside empty austrian OBB train economy class while Sahana sits with legs stretched and foot on seat — Trains were so empty in summer that, we could sit with legs stretched

Keep in mind that seat reservations are free for groups of 10 or more. For smaller groups, it costs just €3 per seat.

Personally, I never found it necessary to reserve seats in Austria. I travelled during the peak summer season—late July to mid-August—and took over five train rides, including on popular routes. Not once did I encounter a crowded train.

Reserving a seat just adds extra cost to your trip without much need.

Does Austria have a train pass for tourists?

There are three main train pass options for tourists in Austria: Eurail, Interrail, and the Einfach-Raus-Ticket. For most travellers visiting Austria for less than three weeks, the first two – Eurail and Interrail passes aren’t useful.

View from train featuring green flat meadows with walkways connecting beautiful wooden Tyrolean houses dotted here and there — Tyrolean view from the train

My 19-day train journey across Austria and Germany for two people cost about 270 euros. In comparison, a 4-day Interrail pass for one person in 2022 was over 180 euros—already more than half of my entire trip’s train costs.

I’ve written a separate blog post explaining why the Eurail pass isn’t worth it for most travellers. Check it out to learn more.

Most useful pass for tourists in Austria

The Einfach-Raus Ticket is a great option for tourists travelling in groups around Austria. It’s a day pass for groups of 2 to 5 people on local and regional ÖBB trains.

The best part of this pass is cost depends on the group size, not age – the bigger the group, the cheaper it gets per person.

The con is it is just a day pass and not even 24-hour pass. It’s valid until 3 a.m. the next day on weekends and holidays, and from 9 a.m. to 3 a.m. the next day on weekdays.

Plus this pass works only on local and regional trains, not on express or intercity services.

Screenshot showing digital Einfach-Raus ticket of OBB train with date, number of passengers, and ticket owner name — My Einfach-Raus ticket

I used this pass to travel from Kirchberg to Innsbruck with my mum in summer.

A single ticket costs €20 per person, so it would’ve been €40 for both of us. But the Einfach-Raus Ticket was just €35 – we saved €5!

Tips for saving money when you travel in Austria by train

Book Early for Sparschiene Tickets: These advance fares can save you loads if booked up to six months ahead. Prices climb later!
Use Einfach-Raus Ticket: If Sparschiene tickets are gone, check for suburban trains—it’s perfect for groups.
Choose Regional Trains: For short trips, take R or REX trains. They’re slower but cheaper than high-speed ones.
Stick to Economy Class: It’s comfy and much cheaper than First Class.
Skip Eurail/Interrail Pass: Not worth it if you’re in Austria for less than three weeks.
Stay Flexible: Flexible tickets often allow refunds or reuse if plans change.
Check for Discounts: Seniors (65+), children, and students often get great deals.
Grab Food at Stations: Onboard meals are pricey—stock up before boarding.

Sahana holding croissants bought from a café in Salzburg station on a train platform while waiting for train — The delicious Croissants I bought at Salzburg Hbf

Navigating Austria’s train stations and taking trains

Lifts at Big Stations: All major stations (Hauptbahnhof) have lifts to move between levels easily.
Food & Facilities: Large stations usually have food joints, coffee shops, toilets, and luggage storage. Smaller ones, like Kirchberg, might not.
No Check-In Needed: Just find your platform, hop on, and the conductor checks tickets once the train starts.
Easy Platform Navigation: Platform numbers are big and clear, with signs guiding you easily.
Carriage Number Display: Your ticket shows your carriage number, which matches the digital display on the platform.
Plan for Connections: Check connection times and get your luggage ready early if you have a short transfer.
Stations Are Manageable: Austrian stations aren’t huge like Shibuya in Japan—platforms are easy to find if you note the number beforehand.
Passport Ready: Passport checks may happen, so keep it with you during the journey.
German Train Delays: If taking Deutsche Bahn trains in Austria, expect delays—they’re not as punctual as Austrian trains.

Planning International Train Journeys from Austria

As a landlocked country, Austria shares its borders with eight countries: Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. You can take direct trains to all these countries

With one or two changes, you can also reach destinations like the Netherlands, Poland, and France.

Make sure to have a valid Schengen visa to be able to enter these nations.

Austria shares its longest international border with Germany, so combining both countries is popular with many travellers. There are plenty of train connections between the two.

I took a train from Innsbruck to Munich for a five-day trip to Bavaria to see the castle that looks from Disney and some stunning lakes. The journey took about three hours.

Sahana selfie with her mum from Marienbrücke with Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany, featuring white towers, steep cliffs, and lush forests in the background — The fairytale Neuschwanstein castle of Bavaria

And you can use Austrian railway OBB website/app itself to book all the international trains. Deutsche Bahn (Germany railway website) also have some of the route booking available.

Use Omio or Trainline for international train bookings, but check official railway websites first for better deals and accurate schedules.

Some of the famous international train routes from Austria are

From Vienna: Berlin, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Munich & Nuremberg in Germany, Bratislava & Ljubljana in Slovenia, Budapest in Hungary, Zurixh and Lucerne in Switzerland, Venice, Milan, Florence in Italy
From Salzburg: Frankfurt & Munich in Germany
From Innsbruck: Munich, Zurich, Bolzano
From Graz: Ljubljana & Maribor in Slovenia

OBB train crossing an elegant arched bridge over the Salzach River, with Salzburg’s historic towers, domes, and charming buildings, all set against a stunning mountain backdrop — The Salzburg journeys. PC: Unsplash

FAQ

Does Deutsche Bahn operate in Austria?

Yes, Deutsche Bahn operates in Austria, only for cross-border routes like Vienna to Munich.

Who built the railroad in Austria?

Austria’s first railways were built in the early 19th century, primarily by the Austro-Hungarian empire- Hofsburg family.

What is the best website for booking trains in Austria?

ÖBB’s official website (oebb.at) is the best site to book Austrian train tickets.

Should I buy train tickets in advance in Austria?

Yes, book 15 days in advance to get cheaper Sparschiene tickets, especially for long-distance routes.

Can you drink beer on trains in Austria?

Yes, you can drink beer on Austrian trains. It’s legal to have open containers, and many locals and tourists do. Just be responsible and respectful.

Do they provide blankets and pillows on sleeper night trains in Austria?

Yes, Austrian sleeper night trains ( Nightjet) provide a pillow, blanket, and sheet for each bunk, but you need to make up the bed yourself.

Do Austrian trains have food?

Yes, Austrian long-distance trains have catering with regional food, including vegetarian and vegan options. On ÖBB Railjet, 1st Class and Business Class passengers get food served at their seat. Short-distance and regional trains usually don’t offer catering.

What next?

Now you know why train travel is the best way to explore Austria, how to do it, and some handy tips to avoid common drawbacks. It’s time to plan your itinerary—I recommend at least 7 days.

Or, read some interesting things about Austria to see why spending 2 weeks here, like I did, is even better!

If you’ve already finalised your itinerary, start packing with the right clothing.