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Since 2008, the Railjet of the Österreichische Bundesbahnen has been taking you comfortably through Central Europe at speeds of up to 230 kilometres per hour. This Austrian high-speed train connects Vienna, Salzburg and Munich with other major cities and offers free Wi-Fi, ergonomic seats and generous luggage space. With the opening of the Koralmbahn in 2026, the Austrian rail network will become even faster and more accessible for travellers who consciously choose the train. Discover why Railjet is an excellent choice for your next trip.
What makes Railjet special
The Railjet is a modern locomotive-hauled train that is among the fastest in Europe. The trains consist of nine carriages with closely coupled Siemens Viaggio Comfort coaches. They are powered by powerful Siemens locomotives with an output of 6400 kW. As a result, the trains can climb even steep gradients without any problems.
A train set is approximately 240 metres long and can accommodate over 400 passengers divided across three comfort classes. Railjet is part of Railteam, an alliance of seven European high-speed operators. The train is not only operated by ÖBB, but also by the Czech railways. This makes Railjet part of a wider network of high-speed trains in Europe that are ideal if you are planning a train holiday.
‘ “This makes the train ideal if you want to visit several countries without flying.” ’
International connections across Central Europe
The Railjet connects Austria with six neighbouring countries. From Vienna you can reach Budapest in 2.5 hours or Munich in three hours. Zurich, Prague, Venice and Bolzano are also directly accessible. This makes the train ideal if you want to visit several countries without flying.
The main routes are:
- Vienna – Munich via Salzburg and Linz
- Vienna – Budapest (2.5 hours)
- Munich – Budapest via Vienna (7 hours)
- Vienna – Zurich via Innsbruck
- Vienna – Prague
- Munich – Innsbruck – Bolzano – Verona (Brenner route)
The Brenner route and the Vienna–Linz connection offer the best opportunities to experience the train’s high-speed capability. On routes with many bends, such as Zurich–Innsbruck, the train does not always run at top speed.
Three comfort classes with different facilities
The Railjet offers three travel classes, each with its own advantages. In Economy Class you will find 316 seats, usually in a 2+2 configuration. This means two seats on either side of the aisle. First Class has 76 seats in a 2+1 configuration, which provides more space and comfort.
Business Class is the most luxurious option, with just 16 seats. Here you sit in leather reclining seats in small compartments of three or four people. For this class you pay a supplement on top of a First Class ticket.
All classes have access to modern facilities such as:
- Free Wi-Fi with Railnet service and infotainment
- Power sockets at the seats for charging devices
- Reading lights in all classes
- Restaurant car with food and drinks
- Generous luggage space and optimised bicycle storage
- Film corner for children
Comfort and Wi-Fi during your journey
The Railjet is known for its level of comfort. The ergonomic seats are adjustable and offer ample legroom. The interior is designed with high-quality materials such as leather, wood, glass and steel. This creates a calm and modern atmosphere that is well suited to long journeys.
The free Wi-Fi works well on most routes, although the connection can sometimes be less stable in mountainous areas. Through the Railnet system you have access to infotainment such as films and music. This makes longer journeys more enjoyable.
For travellers working on a laptop or wanting to charge devices, there are power sockets at every seat. The reading lights provide enough light without disturbing other passengers.
‘ These improvements make the journey even more comfortable. ’
New trains and modernisation from 2026
ÖBB is investing in new trains and improvements to the existing fleet. Twenty-seven new second-generation Railjets have been ordered, which will come into service from 2026 on the Brenner route between Munich, Innsbruck, Bolzano and Verona. These trains reach the same maximum speed of 230 kilometres per hour.
In addition, 21 double-decker Railjets of the KISS type are being introduced. These trains can reach 200 kilometres per hour and will also be deployed from 2026. The double-deckers offer more capacity on busy routes.
All existing Railjets will undergo a modernisation programme from 2024. This includes improved seating comfort, modern cabin design, additional luggage space and better passenger information systems. These improvements make the journey even more comfortable.
What the Koralmbahn means for Railjet journeys
The Koralmbahn is a new railway line between Graz and Klagenfurt that will open in 2026. This connection halves the journey time between these two Austrian cities to 45 minutes. The current route takes around an hour and a half.
For Railjet passengers this means faster connections through southern Austria. The new line makes it easier to travel from Vienna or Salzburg to Klagenfurt. The connection with Slovenia and Italy will also be improved.
The Koralmbahn runs through the Koralmtunnel, a 33-kilometre tunnel through the Koralpe mountain range. This is the longest railway tunnel in Austria. The new infrastructure makes the Austrian rail network more attractive for international travellers who are continuing on to the Balkans or northern Italy.
Best Railjet routes for Alpine journeys
If you want to explore the Alps, there are several Railjet routes that will take you comfortably to mountain destinations. The route from Munich to Innsbruck offers spectacular views of the Bavarian and Tyrolean Alps. From Innsbruck you can easily continue on to ski resorts and mountain villages.
The Zurich–Innsbruck–Vienna connection takes you along the Inn Valley and offers beautiful panoramic views, especially between Bludenz and Innsbruck. Bear in mind that on this section the train does not always run at top speed because of the winding route.
For those combining a road trip with train travel, the Brenner route is interesting. You can park your car at certain stations and continue your journey by train to South Tyrol or Verona. This saves you time and toll costs on the busy Brenner motorway.
Other attractive routes for lovers of the Alps:
- Salzburg – Innsbruck via the Tyrolean line
- Vienna – Villach via the Tauern Railway (from 2026 with Koralmbahn connection)
- Munich – Kufstein – Innsbruck through the Lower Inn Valley
‘ When booking, check that your train is actually a Railjet if you specifically want to use this train’s facilities. ’
Practical tips for your Railjet journey
Book your tickets via the official ÖBB platform for the most up-to-date information on routes, prices and availability. Booking early often results in cheaper fares. For longer journeys, First Class is a good choice thanks to the extra comfort and quieter environment.
If you are taking a bicycle with you, reserve a bike space in advance. The Railjet has optimised storage space for bicycles, but capacity is limited. This is particularly useful if you are planning a multi-day cycling tour and using the train to travel between different stages.
Note that on some routes there is no Railjet, but other ÖBB train sets. When booking, check that your train is actually a Railjet if you specifically want to use this train’s facilities.
For international journeys, check that your passport or identity card is valid. Although there are no systematic border controls within the Schengen Area, random checks can still take place.
Who Railjet is suitable for
Railjet is a good choice for travellers who value comfort and speed when travelling internationally through Central Europe. Whether you are planning a city break to Vienna, Prague or Budapest, or want to take a longer route through several countries, Railjet offers a reliable connection.
For families with children, the train offers sufficient space and facilities such as the film corner. Business travellers appreciate the Wi-Fi and power sockets for working productively on the move. Anyone who consciously opts for sustainable travel will find in Railjet a comfortable alternative to flying or driving.
The train is also suitable as part of a road trip. You can cover certain sections by train and pick up a hire car again in other places. This gives you flexibility without having to drive the entire route yourself.
On the Traveler Tips website you will find much more information about train travel through Europe, the best routes for road trips and practical tips to help you prepare for your journey. Discover how you can plan your next holiday even more smartly and consciously with reliable information about destinations, regulations and travel options.
Frequently asked questions
Railjet offers three travel classes: Economy, First and Business. Economy Class (2nd class) provides comfortable ergonomic seats in a 2+2 layout with facilities such as Wi-Fi, power sockets and reading lights. First Class (1st class) has more spacious 2+1 seating with more legroom and extra comfort, ideal for a relaxed or productive journey. Business Class offers just 16 very comfortable leather recliner seats, extra privacy and premium service for a particularly luxurious travel experience.
Book your Railjet tickets as early as possible via the official ÖBB booking system, as that is where you will find the lowest Sparschiene fares and current promotions. Be flexible with departure times and travel dates, because earlier or later trains on the same day are often cheaper. Check expected occupancy in advance and, if possible, choose a less popular service for better availability. Consider reserving First or Business Class in good time on busy routes and days, as the limited seats in these classes sell out more quickly.
The most beautiful Railjet routes include Vienna–Budapest, Vienna–Munich, Vienna–Zurich and the Brenner route Munich–Innsbruck–Bolzano–Verona. For a richer travel experience, stops in cities such as Vienna, Linz, Innsbruck, Budapest, Zurich and Bolzano are recommended, as they offer a lot both culturally and scenically. The Brenner route is particularly spectacular because of the Alpine panoramas and is well suited to several intermediate stops in Tyrol and South Tyrol. Routes such as Vienna–Linz and the future extended Brenner connection also make optimum use of Railjet’s high-speed capabilities.
On board Railjet, ergonomic seats with reclining functions, free Wi-Fi with Railnet infotainment and power sockets at the seats provide extra comfort. In addition, there are reading lights, a restaurant car with food and drinks, and a film corner for children. Generous luggage space and optimised bicycle storage make travelling more practical. The modern, luxurious interior with materials such as leather, wood, glass and steel creates a pleasant atmosphere that goes beyond simple transport.
On popular Austrian routes such as Vienna–Linz or along the Brenner route, Railjet journey times are often comparable with or even shorter than by car, especially if you factor in traffic jams and the time spent looking for parking. Comfort on Railjet is clearly higher thanks to spacious seats, a smoother journey, Wi-Fi, power sockets and a restaurant car. The train is usually the smarter choice for intercity and international journeys, particularly on busy corridors and in bad weather or the winter sports season. The car is only more attractive if you have a lot of luggage, are visiting remote destinations or want to make many stops on the way.
Book as early as possible via the official ÖBB platform to secure seats (especially in First or Business) and good-value fares, and check the latest departure times and any engineering works shortly before you leave. Keep your luggage compact and clearly labelled: large suitcases can be placed in the racks by the doors or in the large luggage racks, smaller bags above your head. If you are travelling with a bicycle, reserve a bike space in advance, as the number of places is limited. For international journeys, allow enough time for your connections, especially when changing trains at hubs such as Vienna or Munich, so that any delays do not put your onward journey at risk.
