Austria is one of Europe’s most popular year-round holiday destinations. In summer, trains connect historic cities, Alpine valleys and walking regions. In winter, many ski resorts are easy to reach by rail. Public transport is reliable, trains are comfortable, and Austria is well suited to onward travel by regional train, Railjet or Nightjet.

Austria by train can be booked in two ways:

• Separate train tickets to and within Austria
• Fully organised rail holidays with hotels and planned routes

On this page, you will find both options clearly explained.

Book train tickets to and within Austria

With HappyRail, you can book train tickets to and within Austria online. This includes international trains operated by Deutsche Bahn and ÖBB, domestic Austrian services by ÖBB and Westbahn, Railjet high-speed trains and ÖBB Nightjet sleeper trains.

• Train tickets to Austria from the UK via mainland Europe
• Domestic train tickets within Austria
• Railjet high-speed trains, including Munich – Vienna and Vienna – Budapest
• ÖBB Nightjet sleeper services
• Seat reservations where required
• Interrail reservations for Railjet and Nightjet services

In short: book train tickets to and within Austria in one place, from ICE and Railjet services to ÖBB Nightjet sleeper trains.

Start booking in the international train planner

Organised rail holidays in Austria

HappyRail also offers fully organised rail holidays to Austria, including train tickets, reservations, hotels and a fixed travel itinerary.

• Rail tours through Austria
• City breaks by train to Vienna, Salzburg and Innsbruck
• Rail holidays to the Austrian Alps
• Carefully selected hotels close to stations or public transport
• Train tickets and reservations arranged in advance
• Clear travel documents before departure

Why travel through Austria by train?

Austria is particularly well suited to rail travel. Efficient rail services connect major cities, mountain regions and smaller towns. Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Graz and many Alpine destinations are all easy to reach by train.

Scenic rail routes connect Austria’s Alpine landscapes, cities and historic towns. Highlights include the Semmering Railway between Vienna and Graz, one of the world’s first mountain railways and now a UNESCO World Heritage route.

Railjet: comfortable high-speed train

Railjet is ÖBB’s modern long-distance train, used on many major routes in and around Austria. These trains connect cities such as Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Graz, Munich, Zurich and Budapest. Many Railjet services offer comfortable seating, first class, business class and onboard catering.

Nightjet sleeper trains to Austria

ÖBB Nightjet sleeper trains are a comfortable way to travel overnight to Austria. Depending on the route, you can choose between seats, couchettes and sleeper compartments. Night trains are especially useful for longer journeys to Vienna, Innsbruck, Salzburg and onward Alpine regions.

Scenic train routes in Austria

• Semmering Railway – historic mountain railway between Vienna and Graz
• Arlberg Railway – scenic route through western Austria
• Karwendel Railway – mountain route between Munich, Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Innsbruck
• Gisela Railway – route through Tyrol and Salzburgerland
• Tauern Railway – Alpine route towards Villach and Slovenia
• Brenner Railway – classic route from Innsbruck towards Italy

How to book cheaper train tickets to Austria

Book as early as possible for the best chance of lower fares. Long-distance trains, Railjet services and Nightjet sleeper trains can sell out on popular travel dates, especially around weekends, school holidays and the winter sports season.

• Book early
• Travel midweek where possible
• Avoid peak holiday periods
• Compare day trains and night trains
• Reserve seats on popular long-distance routes

More rail holidays in Europe

• Switzerland rail holidays
• Germany rail holidays
• France rail holidays
• Spain rail holidays