Best Train Operators in Austria (2026)
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ÖBB Infrastruktur AG owns and manages the entire Austrian rail network, making it the foundational operator for every train that runs in the country. Westbahn is the main private competitor on the Vienna to Salzburg corridor and often undercuts ÖBB on walk-up fares. The CAT (City Airport Train) links VIE and Wien Mitte non-stop, running as a 21-minute coach until October 2027 while the S-Bahn main line is closed. Nightjet, operated by ÖBB, runs Europe's largest sleeper network from Vienna to 12+ major cities. The network spans about 6,123 km of track, and Schienen-Control (the independent rail regulator) oversees fair access for private operators like Westbahn and Raaberbahn/GySEV. For the cheapest fares, book Sparschiene tickets up to 6 months in advance, from €9.90 in 2nd class.
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Sorting changes the order of the provider cards below.
Our overall pick below is ÖBB Infrastruktur, from 1. ÖBB Infrastruktur AG.
1. ÖBB Infrastruktur AG
National Rail Infrastructure. Owns and manages Austria's entire rail network, runs all major stations, and coordinates national punctuality and infrastructure upgrades.
The federal subsidiary of ÖBB that owns, maintains, and manages the entire Austrian rail network, including tracks, stations, signalling, and power supply. ÖBB Infrastruktur AG is the foundational layer of Austrian rail, providing non-discriminatory access to every passenger and freight operator running on the 5,000+ km network.
Pros
- Owns and manages the full 5,000+ km Austrian rail network
- Runs all major stations including Wien Hauptbahnhof and Salzburg Hbf
- Coordinates punctuality, capacity, and infrastructure upgrades nationwide
- Publishes the national timetable and network access framework
Cons
- Not a passenger-facing operator, no ticket sales direct to travellers
- Customer interactions mostly via ÖBB Personenverkehr brand
- Major infrastructure works can cause temporary closures and reroutings
2. Westbahn
Best Value Private. Walk-up fares typically €10 to €20 below OeBB on Vienna to Salzburg with hourly service, free Wi-Fi, and no required reservation.
A private competitor to ÖBB on the Vienna to Salzburg corridor via Linz, with trains on to Innsbruck, Bregenz, Munich and Stuttgart. Since 1 March 2026 Westbahn also runs Vienna to Villach via Graz and Klagenfurt. It has competed with ÖBB on price since 2011.
Pros
- Walk-up fares typically €10 to €20 below ÖBB on Vienna to Salzburg
- Hourly service on the Westbahn corridor
- Free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and onboard café on every train
- No seat reservation required
Cons
- Only 5 trains per direction a day on the Vienna to Villach route
- West Superpreis cancellation costs 25% of the fare (minimum €4.99)
- Smaller station network than ÖBB
3. CAT (City Airport Train)
Best Airport Transfer. Most direct airport link to Wien Mitte, now a 21-minute non-stop coach every 12 minutes during the 2026 to 2027 S-Bahn closure.
The dedicated non-stop express service between Vienna International Airport (VIE) and Wien Mitte station in the city centre. From 7 September 2026 until the end of October 2027, the CAT runs as a premium coach ("CAT by bus") because ÖBB has closed the S-Bahn main line through Wien Mitte; the ride takes 21 minutes.
Pros
- 21-minute non-stop coach from VIE to Wien Mitte during the closure
- Every 12 minutes from 7 am to 7 pm, otherwise every 15 minutes
- Children under 15 travel free
- €7 single with a Klimaticket, Vorteilscard or Wiener Linien annual pass
Cons
- €14.90 single or €24.90 return at full price
- Runs as a bus, not a train, until the end of October 2027
- Only useful if you are travelling to or from VIE
4. Nightjet (ÖBB)
Best Night Train. Largest European night train network with 12+ destinations from Vienna, replacing short-haul flights and saving overnight hotel costs.
ÖBB's European sleeper train network, the largest in Europe. Nightjet trains depart Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbruck for Hamburg, Berlin, Brussels, Amsterdam, Paris, Zurich, Rome, Venice, and Warsaw, with seated, couchette, and private sleeper options.
Pros
- Largest night train network in Europe, 12+ destinations from Vienna
- Private sleeper cabins with en-suite bathrooms and breakfast included
- Skips overnight hotel costs and airport hassle
- Couchette berths available from around €59 per person
Cons
- Advance booking required, popular routes sell out weeks ahead
- Older rolling stock on some corridors (being upgraded 2024 to 2027)
- Occasional international delays due to cross-border coordination
5. RegioJet
Best International. Significantly cheaper than OeBB Railjet on Vienna to Prague and Budapest with free hot drinks and English-language booking platform.
A Czech private operator running international routes from Vienna to Prague, Budapest, and Brno. RegioJet is known for affordable fares, full onboard service including free drinks, and a flexible booking platform.
Pros
- Significantly cheaper than ÖBB Railjet on Vienna to Prague and Vienna to Budapest
- Free hot drinks, water, and onboard service included with all tickets
- Modern rolling stock with business and premium classes
- Easy-to-use booking platform in English
Cons
- Limited to international routes, no purely domestic Austrian service
- Fewer daily departures than ÖBB
- Not part of the Klimaticket or standard ÖBB booking flow
6. Raaberbahn (GySEV)
AT-HU Regional. Only direct rail option on several Austria to Hungary regional corridors with Klimaticket acceptance and reliable hourly Burgenland service.
A cross-border Austrian-Hungarian regional rail operator that runs routes between Vienna, Wiener Neustadt, Sopron, and into western Hungary. GySEV is one of Europe's oldest privately held railways and a cornerstone of regional connectivity in Burgenland.
Pros
- Only direct rail option on several Austria to Hungary regional corridors
- Accepts Klimaticket on Austrian stretches of the network
- Reliable hourly service on core Burgenland routes
- Modern Talent electric multiple units on main lines
Cons
- Limited network focused on the AT to HU border region
- No long-distance or high-speed service
- Smaller fleet means fewer seats at peak times
7. Steiermarkbahn
Regional Operator. Provides access to regional Styrian routes outside the OeBB network with full Steiermark Klimaticket integration and combined rail-bus tickets.
A regional rail and bus operator serving Styria (Steiermark), running local passenger trains on routes that complement the ÖBB network. Steiermarkbahn is a key mobility provider for rural and small-town connections in southeast Austria.
Pros
- Access to regional Styrian routes outside the ÖBB network
- Fully integrated with the Steiermark regional Klimaticket
- Friendly, locally staffed service
- Integrated rail and bus ticketing for remote areas
Cons
- Limited to Styria, no service outside the province
- Lower service frequency than ÖBB, often hourly or less
- Older rolling stock on some branches
Based on network coverage, punctuality, fare competitiveness, and overall travel experience, here are the top 7 train operators running services in Austria in 2026.
Which Train Operator Should You Pick for Each Route in Austria?
| Route | Operators | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Vienna to Linz and Salzburg | ÖBB Railjet, Westbahn | Compare both; Klimaticket Ö valid on both |
| Salzburg to Innsbruck and Bregenz | ÖBB Railjet, Westbahn | Westbahn continues west from Salzburg |
| Vienna to Graz, Klagenfurt and Villach | ÖBB Railjet, Westbahn | Westbahn since 1 March 2026, 5 trains per direction a day |
| Vienna to Munich and Stuttgart | ÖBB Railjet, Westbahn | Westbahn KlimaPlus fare for Klimaticket holders from Salzburg |
| Vienna to Brno, Prague and Budapest | RegioJet, ÖBB Railjet | RegioJet runs Prague to Budapest via Brno and Vienna |
| Overnight to other European cities | ÖBB Nightjet | Seats from €24.90, bookable 360 days ahead |
| Vienna Airport to the city | CAT by bus, ÖBB long-distance trains, S7 | S-Bahn main line closed until end of October 2027 |
Routes and fares as of October 2026, verify on oebb.at, westbahn.at and regiojet.com before you book.
ÖBB is the default for most trips because it serves almost every Austrian route, including small towns. On the main intercity corridors, compare it with Westbahn. Westbahn runs Vienna to Salzburg and on to Innsbruck, Bregenz, Munich and Stuttgart. Since 1 March 2026 it also runs Vienna to Villach via Graz and Klagenfurt, with 5 trains per direction a day from 29 May 2026 (Westbahn press release). The Klimaticket Ö is valid on both operators.
For cross-border trips north and east, check RegioJet alongside ÖBB: RegioJet runs Prague, Brno, Vienna and Budapest on one line (RegioJet). For overnight trips, Nightjet Sparschiene seats start at €24.90 and go on sale 360 days ahead (ÖBB Sparschiene).
Airport transfers change until the end of October 2027. ÖBB has closed the central S-Bahn main line between Praterstern and Hauptbahnhof, so neither the S7 nor the CAT train reaches Wien Mitte. The CAT runs as a 21-minute coach instead, every 12 minutes between 7 am and 7 pm. Railjet, REX and IC trains link Wien Hauptbahnhof and the airport about twice an hour, and the S7 only runs from the airport to St. Marx (CAT, 2026).
How Does the Austrian Rail Network Work?
Austria has one of Europe's densest and most reliable rail networks. Here is how it is structured:
- 1
ÖBB operates the national backbone
The state-owned Österreichische Bundesbahnen runs roughly 95 percent of passenger rail traffic. Its Railjet trains reach up to 230 km/h and connect Vienna, Linz, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Graz, and Klagenfurt, with international links to Munich, Zurich, Prague, and Budapest.
- 2
Private operators compete on specific routes
Westbahn runs the Vienna to Salzburg corridor and, since 1 March 2026, Vienna to Villach via Graz and Klagenfurt. RegioJet connects Vienna with Brno, Prague and Budapest, and several regional operators run local lines.
- 3
S-Bahn covers metro areas
Vienna, Salzburg, Linz, Graz, and Innsbruck all have S-Bahn commuter networks that integrate with city public transit fares and schedules.
- 4
Nightjet links Austria to 12+ European cities
ÖBB's Nightjet sleeper trains depart Vienna daily for Hamburg, Berlin, Brussels, Amsterdam, Paris, Zurich, Rome, Venice, and Warsaw. Austria is the unofficial capital of European night rail.
- 5
94.1 percent punctuality in 2025
ÖBB passenger trains ran 94.1 percent on time in 2025. Regional trains reached 94.8 percent, but long-distance trains only 81.6 percent, so allow a buffer for tight onward connections (ÖBB punctuality figures, 2025).
How Is the Austrian Rail Network Structured and Regulated?
Austria's rail network runs about 6,123 km of track, of which roughly 3,523 km is electrified, on standard 1,435 mm gauge with around 233 km of high-speed line (Wikipedia, 2026). It is owned and run by ÖBB-Holding AG, 100% state-owned since 2005, through subsidiaries including ÖBB-Infrastruktur, ÖBB-Personenverkehr, and Rail Cargo Austria (ÖBB, 2026). The market has been liberalised since 1998, yet ÖBB still carries over 90% of passenger traffic; Schienen-Control is the independent regulator that keeps access fair for private operators.
The ÖBB group structure
ÖBB (Österreichische Bundesbahnen) is not one company but a group under ÖBB-Holding AG, wholly owned by the Republic of Austria (ÖBB, 2026):
- ÖBB-Infrastruktur AG: plans, builds, and operates the tracks, stations, signalling, and power, and grants open access to all operators.
- ÖBB-Personenverkehr AG: the passenger operator, running Railjet, Cityjet, and Nightjet, Europe's largest night train network.
- Rail Cargo Austria (Rail Cargo Group): the freight and logistics arm, one of Europe's leading rail logistics providers.
- Österreichische Postbus AG: the nationwide regional bus subsidiary that feeds rail stations across the provinces.
- ÖBB-Produktion GmbH and ÖBB-Technische Services GmbH: traction, train operations, and fleet maintenance for the group.
Operators and the regulator
Beyond ÖBB, private and cross-border operators compete on specific lines: Westbahn (Vienna to Salzburg since 2011, Vienna to Villach since March 2026), Raaberbahn/GySEV (the Austrian-Hungarian railway serving Burgenland), RegioJet (Vienna to Prague and Budapest), and regional lines like Steiermarkbahn. Access to the shared network is policed by the regulator.
Schienen-Control (literally "rail control") is Austria's independent rail regulator. Schienen-Control GmbH, with the Schienen-Control Kommission (Rail Control Commission), supervises non-discriminatory network access, monitors track-access charges and fare transparency, and runs the apf passenger-rights arbitration body under EU rail law (Schienen-Control, 2026).
What Is the Cheapest Way to Travel Austria by Train?
There are five reliable ways to cut your Austrian rail costs significantly:
- Klimaticket Ö (€1,400/year): Unlimited travel on scheduled public transport nationwide, including Westbahn. Jugend, Senior and Spezial versions cost €1,050. Pays off if you take roughly 15+ long-distance trips per year.
- Sparschiene tickets (from €9.90): ÖBB's advance-purchase fares, from €19.90 in 1st class. On sale up to 6 months ahead, tied to a specific train, limited quantity, no refund.
- Vorteilscard (€73/year): Gives 50 percent off ÖBB tickets. The Comfort version costs €89 and adds 50 percent off seat reservations; Jugend (under 26) and Family cost €21, Senior €31. It also cuts the CAT fare to €7.
- Westbahn on the Vienna to Salzburg corridor: Often €10 to €20 cheaper than ÖBB walk-up fares, with free Wi-Fi and no seat reservation needed.
- West Superpreis: Westbahn's online-only saver fare, on sale from 6 months up to 1 minute before departure, with a free seat reservation. Unlike Sparschiene, you can cancel it until the day before travel for 25% of the fare (minimum €4.99) (Westbahn, 2026).
The Klimaticket is the best long-term deal
How Do You Buy ÖBB Tickets?
ÖBB offers five main ticket channels. Prices are identical across all of them, so pick the one that fits your travel style:
- ÖBB app (recommended): Buy, store, and validate tickets on your phone. Saves QR codes offline for the train conductor.
- oebb.at website: Full fare search, Sparschiene availability, and international bookings with paymen options from credit card to SEPA direct debit.
- Self-service ticket machines: Available at every ÖBB station in English, German, Italian, and French. Accept cash and card.
- Ticket counters (Personenkassa): Staffed at major stations. Useful for complex international journeys or large group bookings.
- On the train: Possible on most domestic services with a €3 service fee. Buying on board is not allowed on Nightjet or some Railjet trains.
Key Terms to Know
- Sparschiene: Advance-purchase saver ticket, limited quantity, tied to a specific train. From €9.90 in 2nd class; Nightjet seats from €24.90, bookable up to 360 days ahead.
- Standardticket: Flexible full-fare ticket, valid on any train that day on your route.
- Einfach-Raus-Ticket: Group ticket for regional trains (up to 5 people, around €45 for the whole group).
- Vorteilscard: Discount card giving 50 percent off ÖBB tickets for one year, from €73 (Classic).
Entity References
Full factual profiles for each brand covered on this page:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ÖBB Klimaticket?
The Klimaticket is Austria's nationwide annual public transport pass. Since 1 January 2026, the Klimaticket Ö Classic costs €1,400 per year for adults and covers ÖBB trains, Westbahn, regional trains, buses, trams, and subways across all nine Austrian provinces. The Jugend (under 26), Senior (65 and over) and Spezial versions cost €1,050 per year. Regional Klimatickets cover single provinces for less money. See our public transit guide for how it integrates with city transit.
How early should you book ÖBB tickets?
For the cheapest ÖBB Sparschiene fares, book 3 to 6 months in advance. Sparschiene tickets within Austria start at €9.90 in 2nd class and €19.90 in 1st class, go on sale up to 6 months ahead, and are limited in number and tied to a specific train. Sparschiene fares cannot be cancelled or refunded once booked, so pick a flexible ticket if your plans might shift. Standard flexible tickets can be bought up to the minute of departure at full price, and buying on the day of travel is the most expensive option. For international routes, booking 60 to 90 days ahead usually secures the best fare.
Are there night trains from Vienna?
Yes, Vienna is one of Europe's main night train hubs. ÖBB's Nightjet network runs sleeper trains from Vienna to Hamburg, Berlin, Brussels, Amsterdam, Paris, Zurich, Rome, Venice, and Warsaw. Options include seated compartments (cheapest), couchette berths, and private sleeper cabins with en-suite bathrooms. Advance booking is strongly recommended as Nightjet routes sell out months ahead, especially in summer and around Christmas.
Is Westbahn cheaper than ÖBB?
Westbahn is often cheaper than ÖBB on its Vienna to Salzburg corridor, and its online West Superpreis fare includes a free seat reservation. The Klimaticket Ö is also valid on Westbahn trains, with a free upgrade to Comfort class and free seat reservations. Without a Klimaticket, compare Westbahn and ÖBB fares for your exact train before you book.
Do Austrian trains require seat reservations?
Most domestic Austrian trains do not require a seat reservation. You can board any ÖBB Railjet, Intercity, or regional train with a valid ticket and sit in any unreserved seat. Reservations cost €3 to €5 and are optional but recommended during peak travel times. International Nightjet and some high-speed cross-border services do require reservations, which are included in the ticket price.
How do you get from Vienna Airport to the city centre during the S-Bahn closure?
From 7 September 2026 until the end of October 2027, ÖBB has closed the S-Bahn main line between Praterstern and Hauptbahnhof, so the S7 and the CAT train no longer reach Wien Mitte. The CAT runs as a non-stop coach to Wien Mitte in 21 minutes, every 12 minutes from 7 am to 7 pm and every 15 minutes otherwise. A CAT single costs €14.90, or €7 with a Klimaticket or Vorteilscard. Railjet, REX and IC trains run from Wien Hauptbahnhof to the airport about twice an hour, and the S7 only runs between the airport and St. Marx (CAT).
How punctual are Austrian trains?
ÖBB passenger trains ran 94.1 percent on time in 2025, measured at a 5-minute tolerance. Regional trains reached 94.8 percent and long-distance trains 81.6 percent. In August 2026 long-distance punctuality was 82.2 percent (ÖBB punctuality values). Plan at least a 15 to 30 minute buffer for onward international or airport connections when you travel on Railjet or Nightjet services.
Who regulates rail in Austria?
Austria's independent rail regulator is Schienen-Control GmbH, together with the Rail Control Commission (Schienen-Control Kommission). Schienen-Control supervises non-discriminatory access to the ÖBB-Infrastruktur network, monitors track-access charges and fare transparency, and handles passenger-rights complaints under EU rail law. The Austrian rail market has been liberalised since 1998, though ÖBB still carries over 90 percent of passenger traffic (Schienen-Control and Wikipedia, 2026).
How long is Austria's rail network?
Austria's rail network is about 6,123 km long, of which roughly 3,523 km is electrified, running mostly on standard 1,435 mm gauge with around 233 km of high-speed track (Wikipedia, 2026). ÖBB-Infrastruktur AG owns and operates the core network of roughly 5,000 km, including major stations such as Wien Hauptbahnhof. Austrians are among Europe's heaviest rail users, travelling around 1,510 km per person by train in 2022.
Official Sources
- ÖBB: Österreichische Bundesbahnen (national operator)
- Klimaticket: Official nationwide transport pass portal
- BMK: Federal Ministry for Climate Action and Mobility
- Schienen-Control: Austria's independent rail regulator
- ÖBB Group: Corporate organization and subsidiaries
- SCHIG: Federal rail infrastructure financing agency
Related Guides
Public Transit in Austria
How Vienna's U-Bahn, trams, and city buses fit with the rail network
Airlines Serving Austria
When to fly vs take the train for European trips
Austrian Attractions
Top destinations reachable by Railjet from Vienna
Vienna City Guide
Getting around Vienna's main stations and neighbourhoods