By Train (ÖBB & Westbahn)

Austria has one of the best rail networks in Europe. The trains are punctual, modern, and often offer breathtaking scenery. For many routes from Germany, the train is the best choice — faster than flying (door-to-door) and more comfortable than driving.

ÖBB (Austrian Federal Railways)

The main provider. Railjets are the high-speed trains (up to 230 km/h), regional trains (REX, S-Bahn) serve smaller towns. Booking: oebb.at — be sure to use the Sparschiene!

Important Connections from Germany

Route	Duration	Sparschiene from	Frequency
Munich → Vienna	4:00h	€19	hourly (Railjet)
Munich → Salzburg	1:30h	€19	hourly
Munich → Innsbruck	1:45h	€19	hourly
Frankfurt → Vienna	6:30h	€29	5× daily (ICE/RJ)
Berlin → Vienna (Nightjet)	11:30h	€29 (seat)	daily
Hamburg → Vienna (Nightjet)	12:00h	€29	daily
Zurich → Vienna	7:30h	€29	4× daily

ÖBB Nightjet — Night Train Revolution

ÖBB operates Europe's largest night train network. From Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, Amsterdam, or Zurich, sleep your way to Vienna, Innsbruck, or Graz. Three categories:

• Seating Carriage: from €29 — comfortable seats, okay for a night
• Couchette Carriage: from €49 — 4 or 6 berth compartments with blanket and pillow
• Sleeping Carriage: from €89 — 1, 2, or 3 berth compartments with washbasin, breakfast included. The luxury compartment has its own shower/WC (from €149).

Westbahn — The Affordable Alternative

Private provider on the route Vienna – St. Pölten – Linz – Salzburg. Modern double-decker trains, Wi-Fi, no reservation required. Tickets from €9.90 (online) or €16.90 (standard). Hourly.

The Westbahn is often cheaper than ÖBB on this route and the trains are pleasantly empty — an insider tip.

Intra-Austrian Routes

Route	Duration	Sparschiene from
Vienna → Salzburg	2:20h	€19
Vienna → Innsbruck	4:15h	€29
Vienna → Graz	2:35h	€9
Vienna → Klagenfurt	3:50h	€19
Vienna → Bregenz	6:15h	€39
Salzburg → Innsbruck	1:45h	€19
Innsbruck → Bregenz	2:30h	€19