# Best Train Operators in Austria (2026) > Compare Austria's train operators for 2026: OeBB and Westbahn on routes, comfort and fares, plus the OeBB Vorteilscard at €66 for 50% off. Updated: July 16 2026 · By Jules de Bruin · URL: https://www.how-to-austria.com/transport/rail **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)** runs VIE to Wien Mitte in just 16 minutes. **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** 3 to 6 months in advance starting at €9.90. Rank byOur overall pick below is ÖBB Infrastruktur, from 1. ÖBB Infrastruktur AG. ### 1. ÖBB Infrastruktur AG 5.0National Rail Infrastructure. Owns and manages Austria's entire rail network, runs all major stations, and coordinates national punctuality and infrastructure upgrades. Best forAnyone researching Austrian rail access, station facilities, or network expansion, plus operators needing track capacity and station services[Visit ÖBB](https://www.oebb.at)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 4.7Best 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. Best forPrice-sensitive travellers on the Vienna to Linz to Salzburg corridor who do not own a Klimaticket[Visit Westbahn](https://www.westbahn.at)A private competitor to ÖBB that runs hourly trains on the Vienna to Salzburg corridor via Linz. Westbahn has disrupted Austrian rail pricing since 2011 and consistently offers the cheapest walk-up fares on the country's busiest route. 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 operates on Vienna to Salzburg and a few branch routes - Not included in the Klimaticket Ö - Smaller station network than ÖBB ### 3. CAT (City Airport Train) 4.5Best Airport Transfer. Fastest, most predictable airport transfer with 16-minute non-stop ride, 30-minute frequency, and city check-in for many airlines at Wien Mitte. Best forTravellers arriving at VIE who need the fastest, most predictable ride into central Vienna[Visit CAT](https://www.cityairporttrain.com)The dedicated non-stop express service between Vienna International Airport (VIE) and Wien Mitte station in the city centre. CAT runs every 30 minutes and completes the trip in just 16 minutes, with no intermediate stops. Pros - 16-minute non-stop ride from VIE to Wien Mitte - Departures every 30 minutes, 05:30 to 23:30 in both directions - City check-in for many airlines at Wien Mitte station - Luggage racks, power outlets, and free Wi-Fi on every train Cons - More expensive than the S7 S-Bahn (**€15** one-way vs **€4.60**) - Not covered by the Klimaticket or Vienna transit passes - Only useful if you are travelling to or from VIE ### 4. Nightjet (ÖBB) 4.3Best Night Train. Largest European night train network with 12+ destinations from Vienna, replacing short-haul flights and saving overnight hotel costs. Best forTravellers who want to skip short-haul flights and wake up in another European capital[Visit Nightjet](https://www.nightjet.com)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 4.1Best International. Significantly cheaper than OeBB Railjet on Vienna to Prague and Budapest with free hot drinks and English-language booking platform. Best forTravellers heading to Czechia or Hungary who want cheaper fares and onboard service included[Visit RegioJet](https://www.regiojet.at)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) 4.0AT-HU Regional. Only direct rail option on several Austria to Hungary regional corridors with Klimaticket acceptance and reliable hourly Burgenland service. Best forCommuters and travellers between eastern Austria and western Hungary, particularly Sopron and Győr[Visit Raaberbahn](https://www.raaberbahn.at)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 3.8Regional Operator. Provides access to regional Styrian routes outside the OeBB network with full Steiermark Klimaticket integration and combined rail-bus tickets. Best forTravellers connecting to smaller Styrian towns and villages not served by ÖBB main lines[Visit Steiermarkbahn](https://www.steiermarkbahn.at)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. ## 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: - 1ÖBB operates the national backbone The state-owned Österreichische Bundesbahnen runs roughly 95 percent of passenger rail traffic. Its Railjet high-speed service connects Vienna, Linz, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Graz, and Klagenfurt, with international links to Munich, Zurich, Prague, and Budapest. - 2Private operators compete on specific routes Westbahn runs hourly service on the Vienna to Salzburg corridor, RegioJet connects Vienna with Prague and Budapest, and several regional operators run local lines. - 3S-Bahn covers metro areas Vienna, Salzburg, Linz, Graz, and Innsbruck all have S-Bahn commuter networks that integrate with city [public transit](/transport/public-transit) fares and schedules. - 4Nightjet 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. - 5Punctuality exceeds 95 percent ÖBB consistently ranks among the top 3 most punctual national operators in Europe, with Railjet on-time performance typically above 95 percent. ## 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), **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). Illustration of a train, a ticket, and a transit roundel, for trains, passes, and public transport in Austria. ## What Is the Cheapest Way to Travel Austria by Train? There are four reliable ways to cut your Austrian rail costs significantly: - **Klimaticket Ö (€1,179.30/year)**: Unlimited travel on all public transport nationwide. Pays off if you take roughly 15+ long-distance trips per year. - **Sparschiene tickets (from €9.90)**: ÖBB's advance-purchase fares. Book 3 to 6 months ahead, tied to a specific train, limited quantity. - **Vorteilscard (€66 to 99/year)**: Gives 50 percent off walk-up fares and 20 to 30 percent off Sparschiene. Pays for itself after a few trips. - **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. ### The Klimaticket is the best long-term deal If you live in Austria and use trains more than once a month, the Klimaticket Ö almost always beats paying per trip. Regional Klimatickets for single provinces start at €495 per year and are worth it even for occasional travellers within one state.Illustration of a train, a ticket, and a transit roundel, for trains, passes, and public transport in Austria. ## 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. - **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 walk-up fares for one year. Illustration of a train, a ticket, and a transit roundel, for trains, passes, and public transport in Austria. ## Entity References Full factual profiles for each brand covered on this page: - [WestbahnAustrian Rail Operators](/facts/westbahn) - [ÖBB Infrastruktur AGAustrian Rail Operators](/facts/oebb-infrastruktur-ag) - [CAT (City Airport Train)Austrian Rail Operators](/facts/cat-city-airport-train) - [Nightjet (ÖBB)Austrian Rail Operators](/facts/oebb-nightjet) - [RegioJetAustrian Rail Operators](/facts/regiojet) - [Raaberbahn (GySEV)Austrian Rail Operators](/facts/raaberbahn-gysev) - [SteiermarkbahnAustrian Rail Operators](/facts/steiermarkbahn) ## Official Sources - [ÖBB: Österreichische Bundesbahnen (national operator)](https://www.oebb.at) - [Klimaticket: Official nationwide transport pass portal](https://www.klimaticket.at) - [BMK: Federal Ministry for Climate Action and Mobility](https://www.bmk.gv.at) - [Schienen-Control: Austria's independent rail regulator](https://www.schienencontrol.gv.at) - [ÖBB Group: Corporate organization and subsidiaries](https://konzern.oebb.at/en/about-the-group/organization) - [SCHIG: Federal rail infrastructure financing agency](https://www.schig.com) ## Related Guides [### Public Transit in Austria How Vienna's U-Bahn, trams, and city buses fit with the rail network](/transport/public-transit)[### Airlines Serving Austria When to fly vs take the train for European trips](/transport/airlines)[### Austrian Attractions Top destinations reachable by Railjet from Vienna](/tourism/attractions)[### Vienna City Guide Getting around Vienna's main stations and neighbourhoods](/cities/vienna)> On this page Getting Started - [Best operatorsStart hereTop picks ranked](#top-7-operators) - [Rail networkHow the network works](#rail-network) - [Structure & regulatorÖBB group and Schienen-Control](#network-structure) Fares & Tickets - [Cheapest travelSave on rail fares](#cheapest-travel) - [Buy ticketsApp, web, machines, counter](#buying-tickets) Help - [Entity referencesQuick reference](#entity-references) - [Frequently asked questionsQuick answers](#faq) - [Official sourcesVerified references](#official-sources) - [Related guidesWhere to read next](#related-guides) ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is the ÖBB Klimaticket? The Klimaticket is Austria's nationwide annual public transport pass. As of April 2026, the Klimaticket Ö costs €1,179.30 per year for adults and covers all ÖBB trains, regional trains, buses, trams, and subways across all nine Austrian provinces. Reduced versions (Klimaticket Jugend for under 26, Klimaticket Senior for over 65) are available at lower prices. Regional Klimatickets cover single provinces for less money. See our [public transit guide](/transport/public-transit) 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 start at €9.90 for short-distance routes and €19.90 for long-distance routes but are limited in number and tied to a specific train. Sparschiene fares are non-refundable and non-changeable 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, with standard tickets starting around €19.90 and no seat reservation required. Westbahn runs hourly between Vienna, Linz, and Salzburg and is independent of the Klimaticket. If you already own a Klimaticket, ÖBB is free; if you do not, Westbahn frequently undercuts ÖBB's walk-up fares on this specific route. ### 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. ### 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. --- Source: https://www.how-to-austria.com/transport/rail Last updated: Updated: July 16 2026 Format: LLM-readable Markdown twin (.md) of the canonical HTML page.