Train holiday Austria: complete overview for a special journey

A train holiday in Austria is the ideal way to experience the country in all its diversity, from imperial cities to breathtaking Alpine landscapes, combining comfort, sustainability and an unrivalled feeling of freedom. While the scenery passes by like a living painting, you discover the true essence of travel: you do not just reach the destination, you turn the journey itself into a special experience. In this overview, you will discover how to plan your perfect trip on the rails, from the first ticket booking to the last panoramic route.

More and more travellers are discovering the advantages of travelling by rail. It is not only a sustainable choice, but also a way to make the journey itself part of the holiday. The rhythmic sound of the train, the space to move around and the ever-changing view offer a level of relaxation you rarely find in a car or plane. For those looking for more inspiration, there are countless interesting train holidays to discover, where the route is just as important as the final destination.

The advantages of travelling by train through Austria

A train journey through Austria is a conscious choice for comfort and experience. You board in the heart of the city and arrive in the centre again, without worrying about transfers or parking spaces. The seats are spacious, there is plenty of room for your luggage and you can stretch your legs whenever you like. While you enjoy a cup of coffee in the restaurant car, green valleys, imposing mountains and charming villages glide past. In addition, travelling by train is one of the most sustainable ways to explore a country. The Austrian railways (ÖBB) invest heavily in green energy, meaning your ecological footprint is considerably smaller than on a journey by plane or car. It is the perfect way to travel efficiently and responsibly.

Planning your train journey to Austria: routes and tickets

Planning your train journey to Austria from the Netherlands or Belgium is easier than you might think. There are excellent international connections that will bring you comfortably to your destination. High-speed ICE trains depart daily, taking you with a transfer in Germany (for example in Frankfurt or Munich) to cities such as Vienna, Salzburg and Innsbruck. For the ultimate relaxation there is the night train. The ÖBB Nightjet connects Amsterdam and Brussels directly with Austria, allowing you to travel while you sleep and arrive well-rested. You can book tickets via NS International, Deutsche Bahn or directly with ÖBB. An important tip for the well-prepared traveller: book your tickets several months in advance. Especially ÖBB’s budget-friendly “Sparschiene” tickets are popular and sell out quickly.

Travelling efficiently with the Railjet through Austria

Once in Austria, the domestic rail network is the ideal way to travel. The pride of ÖBB is the Railjet (RJ and RJX), a modern high-speed train that connects the main cities. With speeds of up to 230 kilometres per hour, you travel quickly and comfortably between Vienna, Linz, Salzburg, Innsbruck and Graz. The Railjet offers different classes, free Wi-Fi and an excellent on-board restaurant. It is the ideal way to cover large distances efficiently, so you have more time left to explore the destinations themselves.

The night train: travelling to Austria in your sleep

The Nightjet is more than just a means of transport; it is the start of your holiday. You board in the evening, find your place in a comfortable seated, couchette or sleeper carriage and wake up the next morning amidst the Austrian mountains. It not only saves you a day of travelling, but also the cost of a hotel stay. On arrival in Vienna or Innsbruck you are fully rested and ready to explore the city. Breakfast is often included in the price of a couchette or sleeper berth, which completes the experience. It is the most efficient and romantic way to start your Austrian adventure.

Austrian city breaks: discover Vienna, Salzburg and more by train

Austrian cities are perfect to discover by train. The central station (Hauptbahnhof) is always an excellent starting point for your exploration.

• Vienna: The imperial capital is a hub of railway lines. From Wien Hauptbahnhof you can easily reach Schönbrunn Palace, the Hofburg or St Stephen’s Cathedral by public transport.
• Salzburg: The city of Mozart lies beautifully nestled between the mountains. From the station you can walk straight into the Altstadt, visit Hohensalzburg Fortress and enjoy the Baroque architecture.
• Innsbruck: Surrounded by the Alps, Innsbruck is a unique destination. The train takes you right into the heart of the city, where you can admire the Golden Roof and take a cable car up into the mountains for an impressive view.

The ease with which you travel from one city to another makes a combination trip a logical choice for the versatile traveller.

Austria’s Alpine regions: panoramic train routes

For many, Austria’s true beauty is found in the Alps, and the train takes you there in an impressive way. Some railway lines are attractions in their own right. The Semmeringbahn, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a masterpiece of railway architecture and winds its way through the mountains between Gloggnitz and Mürzzuschlag. Another remarkable route is the Arlbergbahn, which connects Innsbruck with Bludenz and takes you through one of the most spectacular mountain landscapes in Europe. These journeys are not mere transport, but a panoramic experience that lets you feel the grandeur of the Alps.

Combining a train holiday with hiking pleasure in Austria

The train is the perfect partner for a walking holiday. Many stations in regions such as Tyrol and Salzburgerland are located right at the start of well-marked hiking trails. In the morning you can take the train to a mountain village, go on a wonderful day hike and at the end of the day catch the train back from another village. This gives you freedom and flexibility. You can often leave your luggage in a locker at the station. This way you combine the tranquillity of nature with the comfort and convenience of the Austrian rail network.

Combining a train holiday with skiing in Austria

For winter sports enthusiasts too, the train is a practical choice. Many famous ski resorts are easily accessible by rail, saving you a stressful car journey over snowy mountain roads. Major ski resorts such as St Anton am Arlberg, Kitzbühel and Zell am See have their own railway station. You get off the train and are almost immediately at the foot of the ski lift. Ski equipment can be taken as luggage, and some trains have special compartments for this purpose. The Nightjet is ideal: you arrive early in the morning and can hit the slopes that same day.

Combining a train holiday with Austrian lakes

The idyllic lakes of the Salzkammergut look as if they have come straight from a postcard. Although not all lakes have a direct railway station, the train forms a crucial link in your journey. For example, travel to Salzburg or Attnang-Puchheim and change there to a regional train or a postbus that takes you to places such as Hallstatt, St Wolfgang (on the Wolfgangsee) or St Gilgen. This combination of train and bus is perfectly coordinated and lets you discover Austria’s most picturesque spots.

Practical tips for a carefree train holiday

Good preparation is half the battle. With these tips you can travel comfortably and efficiently:

• Luggage: Although there is more luggage space than on a plane, it is wise to pack compactly. A wheeled suitcase is ideal for station platforms. Larger stations have lockers where you can temporarily store your luggage.
• Reservations: For long distances on the ICE or Railjet it is advisable to reserve a seat, especially in high season or at weekends. On the Nightjet, a reservation is compulsory.
• Rail passes: Are you planning a tour with several journeys? Then an Interrail Pass can be an economical and flexible option. If you travel regularly within Austria itself, have a look at the ÖBB Vorteilscard for discounts on your tickets.
• Apps and websites: The ÖBB Scotty app is an indispensable journey planner for all public transport in Austria, including up-to-date departure times and platform information.

Your dream train holiday through Austria starts now!

Whether you dream of cultural treasures in Vienna, Mozart’s music in Salzburg or the fresh mountain air in Tyrol, the train will take you there in the most relaxing and inspiring way. It is a way of travelling that brings you closer to the landscape and the people. The rails are ready for you, the Austrian landscapes are waiting. Your adventure is only one ticket booking away. Step aboard and let the journey begin!