Vienna Rail Tickets/Information

In this section, we’ve put together information about rail travel from both the UK and mainland Europe to Vienna, as well as advice for North American travellers on purchasing Eurail passes. For domestic travel within Austria our page also includes short notes on the country’s rail network, whilst giving the various ticketing options on suburban and inter-city routes.

UK/European Travellers

Unless you’re a student, under 26 or a senior citizen, travelling by rail to Vienna can actually work out more expensive than flying (depending of course, on where you’re journeying from). For those under 26 however, an InterRail pass offers unlimited travel on most European railways.

Holders of an InterRail pass can also qualify for reduced priced ferry crossings and Eurostar services. For more information on the various options available visit RailEurope or the  ww.interrail.comwebsite. More general information on rail services around Europe can be found at:www.railfaneurope.net.

American and Canadian Travellers

Although Inter-Rail passes aren’t available to citizens outside of Europe, U.S. and Canadian visitors to Austria can travel throughout Europe using a Eurail pass. The pass, which allows travel in 17 Western European countries including France, Belgium, Germany and Austria comes in various forms:

For travellers over 26, the Global Eurail Pass (1st Class) covers travel for 15 days and costs $745. This rises to $965 for 21 days, $1199 for a month, $1695 for two months, or $2089 for three months. Children aged between 4 and 11 travel for half the adult fare, while those under 4 travel free.

Those under 26 should buy the Eurail 2nd Class Youth Pass. A 15 day pass costs $485, 21 days $625, 1 month $779, 2 months $1105 and 3 months $1359.

As there are a number of other passes available, visiting Eurail’s own website www.eurail.com is a hassle free way to work out exactly what you need.

If you’re arriving in Great Britain first, the fastest way across to mainland Europe is by Eurostar (www.eurostar.com). Crossing under the Channel, the service between London and Paris takes just three hours. Eurail Pass holders get specially discounted one way fares when travelling on Eurostar.

As well as Eurail and Euro Passes, Rail Europe (website www.raileurope.com) have a European East pass for travel throughout Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia costing $225 (adult first class). The pass is valid for 5 days in one month. There’s also an Austrian Railpass for travel within Austria only. Any 3 days in 15 costs $107, with additional days (to a maximum of 5) costing $15. Again, you can book online or call Rail Europe on 1-877-257-2887 (1-800-361-RAIL in Canada).

Domestic Rail Travel Within Austria

ÖBB, who are responsible for Austria’s railway network, annually carry over 182 million passengers, both on local commuter and InterCity routes around the country. Enjoying excellent transport links with other Central European destinations, Vienna also serves as a busy transport hub for rail routes to/from Paris, Amsterdam, Munich and Milan. Fortunately, for locals and overseas visitors alike, ÖBB have invested heavily in recent years, improving what is already a good rail network. Although not yet up to Swiss standards, especially in terms of punctuality, comfortable new double-decker coaches run on long-haul routes, while upgraded single deck coaches have been introduced on local commuter services.

So far as timetables are concerned, international express trains are identified by the symbols EC, while IC/SC both refer to InterCity services on national routes. In addition, D Zug trains are semi-fast, while those without a prefix are local services (aka slow trains). For full route listings within Austria visit: http://fahrplan.oebb.at/bin/oebb.w02/query.exe/en. Information on journeys within Austria (as well as cross-border excursions to Hungary and other neighbouring states) can also be found on ÖBB’s ‘Angebote und Reisen‘ pages (German only).

Train fares are calculated by the kilometre, with single tickets of up to 100km valid for one day only. For distances over 101km, tickets are valid for up to 3 days, with the added benefit of being able to alight en-route (not possible for shorter journeys). Tickets can be purchased on trains, although they carry a price premium of a few euro. If you’re a long-stay or frequent traveller to Austria, consider purchasing a Vorteilscard which provides discounts of up to 45% on all ÖBB routes.

Most large stations (Hauptbahnof) have information centres where staff speak fluent English. Arguably it’s the best way of organizing a trip, especially if you’re travelling to several towns/cities within Austria. If you speak German, pick up a copy of "Angebote & Service", a useful publication that details all you need to know about tickets, reservations and contact numbers.