Vienna to Salzburg by train

A Westbahn train to Salzburg at Vienna Westbahnhof.

Buy train tickets from Vienna to Salzburg

A choice of two train operators

You can travel from Vienna to Salzburg with either of two competing operators, the State-owned ÖBB (Austrian Federal Railways) and private operator Westbahn.  This page explains which operator to choose and how to buy tickets.

small bullet point  Which operator to choose?

small bullet point  How to check train times

small bullet point  How much does it cost?

small bullet point  How to buy tickets

small bullet point  What are the Westbahn trains like?

small bullet point  What are the ÖBB railjets like?

small bullet point  Route map

small bullet point  Travel tips:  Luggage, WiFi, food & drink...

small bullet point  Travel tip:  The scenic route via Leoben

small bullet point  Vienna to other European cities by train

small bullet point  Salzburg to other European cities by train

small bullet point  Vienna Hbf station guide

small bullet point  Salzburg Hbf station guide

small bullet point  Hotels in Salzburg - hotel suggestions

Which operator to choose?

How to check times

How much does it cost?

 Operator  Frequency & journey time  Fare

 ÖBB = Austrian

 Federal Railways

 1 ÖBB railjet per hour taking 2h22

 1 ÖBB railjet per hour taking 2h53

 To/from Vienna Hbf.

 Advance-purchase:

 From €19.90 upwards in 2nd class, €29.90 upwards in 1st class.

 Specified train only, no refunds, no changes to travel plans.

 Standard price:

 €57.20 in 2nd class, €111.50 in 1st class.

 Unlimited availability, good for any train, can buy on the day.

 Upgrade from 1st class to Business class €15.

 WESTbahn =

 privately-owned

 open-access

 competitor.

 2 trains per hour taking 2h28

 to/from Vienna Westbahnhof.

 Advance-purchase:

 From €19.99  bought in advance at www.thetrainline.com or www.westbahn.at.

 Specified train only, no refunds, no changes to travel plans.

 Standard price:

 €59.90

 Unlimited availability, good for any train, can buy on the day.

 Comfort class (premium 2nd class) = standard price + €7.90.

 First class = standard price + €24.90.

Children on WESTbahn:  Children under 6 go free, no ticket required.  Children under 15 pay only €1 if accompanied by a parent or guardian paying any type of adult fare.  However, children pay the full adult supplements to travel in 1st class or comfort class.

Children on ÖBB:  Children under 6 go free, no ticket required.  Children under 15 also go free if accompanied by an adult with a Sparschiene fare as long as the child was included in the booking so mentioned on your ticket.  If you buy a full flex ticket on the day, children under 15 pay half the adult full-flex fare.

How to buy WESTbahn tickets

How To buy ÖBB tickets

Westbahn double-deck trains

WESTbahn trains are smart modern electric double-deckers, with 2nd class, comfort class and 1st class.  There are both upper & lower deck seats in all three classes.  There's free WiFi & all seats have power sockets.  For more information on these trains and amenities, see www.westbahn.at.

Westbahn train to Salzburg at Vienna Westbahnhof

WESTbahn double-deck train at Vienna Westbahnhof.

Westbahn first class seats   Westbahn comfort class

First class seats, upper deck.  Seats arranged 2+1 across the car width.  Larger photo.

 

Comfort class.  Same seats as 2nd class, but more legroom & all seats are at large tables. Larger photo.

Westbahn train buffet car   Westbahn 2nd class seats

Food vending area, 4 per trainset.  You can buy snacks, drinks, tea & coffee with contactless bank cards.  Larger photo.

 

Standard class seats, upper deck with power sockets & free WiFi.  Seats arranged 2+2 across the car width.  Larger photo.

Westbahn 2nd class seats   Westbahn train stairs to upper deck

Westbahn train at Vienna Westbahnhof.

 

Stairs from entrance to upper & lower decks.

ÖBB railjets:  See the railjet page

Also with free WiFi and power sockets at all seats, railjets have economy, first and business class seats and a restaurant.

A railjet train about to leave Vienna

A railjet train about to leave Vienna.

Business class seats on a railjet train   Railjet restaurant car

Business class.  About business class.

 

Restaurant.  In 1st & business class you're served at your seat.

Business class seats on a railjet train   Economy class seats on a railjet train

First class.

 

Economy class.

Railjet train boarding at Vienna Hbf

A railjet at Vienna Hbf.

Route map

Highlighted = Vienna-Salzburg main line.  Green = scenic routesRed = new high-speed line.

Reproduced from the excellent European Rail Map with kind permission of the European Rail Timetable people.  I recommend buying the European Rail Map for your travels and a copy of the European Rail Timetable, www.europeanrailtimetable.eu with shipping worldwide.

Travel tips

Or take the scenic route via Leoben


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