ÖBB Austrian Trains: The Ultimate Guide to Rail Travel in Austria and Beyond

by Cindi H. Fries, Max Travel Abroad LLC

There are few things in life as satisfying as boarding a train in Austria—a country that has turned punctuality and efficiency into an art form. The ÖBB (Austrian Federal Railways) train system is your golden ticket to sleek, high-speed travel through Austria and beyond, and I am here to guide you through it all—with a touch of sass, a lot of common sense, and a healthy fear of seating arrangements that require leg entanglement with strangers.

Choosing Your Ride: Railjet vs. EuroCity

Not all trains are created equal, my friends. Here’s the lowdown:

Railjet (RJ) & Railjet Xpress (RJX) Austrian Trains

The fast and the furious of Austrian rail travel, reaching up to 230 km/h.
Fewer stops, meaning more time for you to relax, eat, or stare out the window contemplating life choices.
Free WiFi (though unsecured, so no banking, please) and an onboard entertainment portal.
A restaurant car plus snack & drink cart service, because even high-speed travel requires caffeine and a decent sandwich.
Three classes: Economy (Standard), First Class, and Business First.
Quiet zones in all classes, because no one wants to listen to someone’s phone call about their cousin’s wedding drama.
Family zones (Economy only), featuring children’s movies and table games to keep the little ones occupied.
On some routes in western Austria, double-decker coaches with panoramic windows give you Alpine views that belong in a travel magazine.

EuroCity (EC) & InterCity (IC) Austrian Trains

Maximum speed: 200 km/h, so still fast, but not Railjet fast.
Two classes: Economy (Standard) and First Class.
Compartments in both classes for that old-school train vibe.
Specialty compartments include a women-only section, a breastfeeding room, and a toddler family zone (reserved exclusively for families).
Restaurant car? EC - Yes. IC - No (so bring snacks if you value your stomach).
Open seating available in all classes, with and without tables (more on this later, because seating is everything).

How to Navigate Your Train Ticket Like a Pro

You’ve got your ticket—now what? Understanding your train, wagon, and seat number will save you from wandering the platform like a lost tourist.

Example: RJX 269, Coach 26, Seats 83 & 85.

Zug/Train Number: RJX 269 (essentially your flight number but for trains).
Coach Wagon Number: 26
Sitzplatz/Seat Number: 83 & 85 (avoid seat-related heartbreak by knowing where you’re supposed to be).

As your train rolls in, look for the coach number displayed on the side of each wagon. Each coach has two entrances; if you have luggage bigger than a carry-on, enter near the luggage rack because, surprise, there's limited space. If you want to keep an eye on your luggage, select a seat near the luggage rack—check your train’s coach configuration in advance so you know where to enter.

Choosing the Right Seat: The Unspoken Rules

Avoid "Comfort" compartments (Business First: 4 seats, First & Economy: 6 seats). Unless you enjoy playing footsie with strangers, steer clear.
Open seating is king in all classes, but pick wisely unless you don't mind your seat facing backwards from the train direction.
Say no to tables unless you like an "intimate" knee-bumping experience with fellow travelers.
Reserve a seat. Always. Trains fill up fast, and finding someone in your seat is a rite of passage. Just politely point at the seat number, flash your ticket, and reclaim your throne.

Safety Tips: Because Pickpockets Love Trains Too

Train travel in Austria is very safe, except for the occasional luggage thief. And while I’ve never had that happen to any of the travelers in my groups, it’s always best to be vigilant.
Keep your luggage locked and within sight.

Use a small bike chain to secure your suitcase to the luggage rack if you plan to doze off or take a bathroom or dining car break.

Catching Your Train: Game Plan for Departure Day

Arrive 1 hour to an hour and a half early to navigate the station and grab snacks.
Check the electronic board for your platform number (like a gate at the airport but way more efficient).
Use the platform coach guide to see where your coach will stop so, in section A-D, so you’re not sprinting like a lunatic to your wagon coach when the train arrives.
Be ready and waiting in the assigned spot at least 20 minutes before your train departure. Some trains arrive within moments of the departure time, others arrive 20-30 minutes before departure.
There is no TSA or security check—you simply walk onto the platform and board.
Be prepared to haul your luggage up 3 or 4 steep stairs to get onto the train.

What to Expect Once You’re On Board

Unlike air travel, you don’t show your ticket to anyone upon boarding—but don’t get too comfortable. At some point, the conductor will come by to check your ticket.
Occasionally, conductors will ask for identification, such as a passport, so have it handy.

Final Word: Enjoy the Ride

Austrian trains are a thing of beauty—comfortable, smooth, and as close to stress-free as travel gets. Book your seat, pack a snack, and let the landscapes roll by. And remember: always pick the seat that keeps your knees to yourself.

Looking for a well-planned European adventure? Max Travel Abroad specializes in small group tours that take the guesswork out of navigating Europe's best train systems. Let us handle the logistics so you can simply enjoy the ride. Join us on our next journey!