Austria’s public transportation system is efficient, making it easy to explore the country by train. If you’re looking for ways to travel around Austria by train on a budget, here’s a guide to help you save money while enjoying the convenience of Austria’s well-connected rail network.
Train Companies in Austria
Two main train operators run services across Austria:
- ÖBB (Austrian Federal Railways): The primary operator offering extensive routes across Austria and neighboring countries. Visit oebb.at for more information.
- WESTbahn: Known for offering cheaper tickets for routes heading towards Salzburg. More details can be found at westbahn.at
Traveling with Children on Austrian Trains
ÖBB allows infants (0 to 5 years) to travel free when accompanied by an adult or young person. Discounts for children also apply depending on the ticket type and the distance traveled.
ÖBB Offers and Discounts
Traveling in a Group? Choose the Einfach-Raus-Ticket
If you’re traveling with a group, the Einfach-Raus-Ticket offers a great deal. For a flat rate, you can travel all day on specific regional trains (S-Bahn, R, RegionalExpress, CJX, REX). However, this ticket is not valid for long-distance trains like EC, IC, RJ, and RJX.
Save Up to 50% with a Vorteilscard
Purchasing a Vorteilscard gives you up to 50% off standard ticket prices. Depending on your travel frequency and distance, this card can pay for itself after just one trip. For example, the Vorteilscard 66 is available for €66 and can be bought via the ÖBB app.
How to Calculate if a Vorteilscard is Worth It:
Check your route prices on oebb.at and do the math (subtract 50% from each fare). Add up the savings for your planned trips to see if the card is a good investment.
Family Travel Savings with Vorteilscard Family
The Vorteilscard Family offers discounted rates when traveling with children. Up to 4 children under 15 can travel free of charge for just €19 (valid for one year). You don’t even need to be related to the children.
Super Low-Cost Travel with Sparschiene Tickets
Plan your trips early to grab Sparschiene tickets, which offer some of the lowest fares available. These discounted tickets are limited, so booking in advance via the ÖBB app is crucial. For instance, you could score an overnight journey from Vienna to Venice for as low as €29.90.
WESTbahn Offers
WESTbahn often provides cheaper alternatives to ÖBB for routes like Vienna to Salzburg. They also feature special discounts on various activities and attractions. Check out their deals at westbahn.at/en/deals. One example is a €4 discount on tickets to TimeTravel Vienna, an exciting 5D experience.