ÖBB (Austrian Federal Railways)
Austria's national railway connecting Central Europe by day with high-speed Railjet trains and by night with Europe's largest sleeper network, Nightjet
230 km/h
Free WiFi on all Railjet trains in all classes; new Nightjets also have WiFi
Mobility Service Centre (+43 5 1717-5), 83 daily wheelchair-accessible long-distance trains, wheelchair users travel 1st class with 2nd class tickets, 50% discount with disability certificate
Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia, plus Nightjet sleeper to Netherlands, Belgium and beyond
About ÖBB
ÖBB (Österreichische Bundesbahnen) is Austria's national railway, carrying over 500 million passengers annually with 100% renewable electricity. The Railjet is ÖBB's flagship high-speed service, connecting Vienna with Salzburg, Innsbruck, Munich, Zurich, Budapest, Prague and Frankfurt at speeds up to 230 km/h. The main hubs are Wien Hbf (Vienna Central), Salzburg Hbf and Innsbruck Hbf. Since 2024, new-generation Railjets also serve the Brenner corridor between Munich and Verona, Bologna and Venice.
Railjet trains are unique in European rail for offering three travel classes: Economy, First Class and Business Class. All classes feature free WiFi, power sockets at every seat, and access to a restaurant car. First and Business class passengers enjoy at-seat meal service, while Business class adds leather reclining seats in private semi-compartments and a complimentary welcome drink. ÖBB Lounges are available at seven Austrian stations for qualifying ticket holders.
ÖBB also operates Nightjet, Europe's most extensive overnight sleeper network. Nightjet trains link Austria with Germany, Italy, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Belgium and more, with accommodation ranging from seats and couchettes to private sleeper compartments with en suite shower. The new-generation Nightjet, entering service from 2023, introduces innovative Mini Cabin sleeping pods for solo travellers. All sleeper and couchette fares include a Viennese breakfast.
ÖBB Fleet
Railjet
Up to 230 km/h
ÖBB's flagship high-speed train built by Siemens, with a fleet of 60 locomotive-hauled trainsets in service since 2008. Seven-car push-pull formation with Taurus locomotive, seating around 408 passengers in three classes. Features a full restaurant car, quiet zones with green headrests, and a dedicated family zone with children's entertainment at the economy end. All 60 trains are being refurbished by 2031 to match the comfort standards of the new generation.
Key features: 3 classes including Business with leather recliners, restaurant car, family and quiet zones, free WiFi
Railjet New Generation
Up to 230 km/h
The next evolution of the Railjet, built by Siemens Mobility in Vienna. Nine-car trainsets seating 532 passengers with both high and low-floor entrances. Features radio-permeable windows that boost mobile signal by 50 times, adaptive interior lighting, compartment seating options, and six bicycle spaces. First entered service in April 2024 on the Brenner route between Munich, Innsbruck, Bolzano and Verona. A total of 27 trainsets are on order.
Key features: Patented signal-boost windows, 532 seats, Brenner corridor to Italy, 6 bike spaces, 3 wheelchair spaces
Nightjet
Up to 200 km/h
Europe's largest overnight train network, connecting over 25 cities across Austria, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Belgium and beyond. Accommodation ranges from reclining seats and 4/6-berth couchettes to private 1, 2 and 3-bed sleeper compartments. The new-generation Nightjet (from 2023) features innovative Mini Cabin sleeping pods, en suite toilet and shower in every sleeper compartment, and free WiFi. A light Viennese breakfast is included with sleeper and couchette bookings.
Key features: Mini Cabin pods, en suite sleepers, breakfast included, 25+ European cities, ÖBB Lounge access for sleeper tickets
Travel Classes
Economy Class
Comfortable open-saloon seating with 2+2 arrangement, some seats around tables. Free WiFi, power sockets at every seat, and air conditioning throughout. A dedicated family zone at the end of the train features children's cartoons and game board tables. Quiet zones are marked with distinctive green headrests. Restaurant car accessible for food and drink purchases at the counter.
- ✓2+2 seating in open saloons with some table groups
- ✓Free WiFi and power sockets (230V) at every seat
- ✓Family zone with children's screen and game board tables (blue headrests)
- ✓Quiet zone for phone-free, peaceful travel (green headrests)
- ✓Full restaurant car accessible to all passengers (counter service)
- ✓Glass-sided luggage racks visible from your seat
First Class
Spacious 2+1 leather seating with extra legroom, featuring solo seats on one side ideal for individual travellers and tables-for-two on the other side. Food and drink orders are taken at your seat by a steward and served from the restaurant car menu. Access to ÖBB Lounges at seven Austrian stations with qualifying tickets.
- ✓Spacious 2+1 leather seats with solo seats on one side
- ✓At-seat meal service from the restaurant car menu (steward takes orders)
- ✓ÖBB Lounge access at 7 stations (Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Linz, Graz, Klagenfurt, Vienna Meidling)
- ✓Free WiFi, power sockets, and individual reading lamps
- ✓Quiet zones available in First Class
- ✓Tables-for-two ideal for couples or business travellers
Business Class
The premium tier, available only on Railjet trains as an upgrade from First Class (supplement of approximately €15–20). Features 16 fully-reclining leather cradle seats arranged in private semi-compartments. Includes a complimentary welcome drink — ask for Austrian sparkling wine — and the same at-seat dining service as First Class. Located in the cab car at the front of the train.
- ✓16 leather reclining cradle seats in semi-compartments (original Railjets)
- ✓Complimentary welcome drink (Austrian sparkling wine available)
- ✓At-seat dining service (same restaurant car menu as First Class)
- ✓ÖBB Lounge access at all 7 Austrian lounge locations
- ✓Most private seating arrangement on the train
- ✓Upgrade from any First Class ticket for approximately €15–20
Popular ÖBB Routes on EuroTrain
Luggage Policy
Free luggage on all trains. Each piece must not exceed 90 × 60 × 40 cm. Store in overhead racks, under seats, or designated luggage areas. No weight limit specified for hand luggage.
- •Hand luggage free of charge on all ÖBB trains
- •Maximum dimensions per piece: 90 × 60 × 40 cm
- •Folding bicycles (up to 110 × 80 × 40 cm) free in multi-purpose compartments on long-distance trains
- •Regular bicycles allowed on most trains with bike ticket (domestic: 10% of full 2nd class fare, min €2)
- •Bike reservation mandatory on long-distance Railjet trains (5 spaces per original Railjet, 6 per Railjet NG)
- •Skis and snowboards: free of charge on most ÖBB trains
- •ÖBB door-to-door luggage shipping service available as alternative
- •On Nightjet: stow luggage in overhead racks or under seats; keep passageways and escape routes clear
Bicycles allowed on most ÖBB trains. Reservation mandatory on long-distance Railjet trains. Domestic bike ticket costs 10% of full 2nd class fare (min €2). Folding bikes travel free if collapsed to 110 × 80 × 40 cm.
Source: Carrier website
Booking Tips
Children Under 15 Travel Free
With a Sparschiene ticket, children under 15 travel completely free when added to the booking. Children under 6 always travel free on all ÖBB trains regardless of ticket type.
Seat Reservation Optional but Recommended
Railjet trains cannot sell out — a full-price ticket is always available for any departure. Seat reservation is optional for a small fee. However, advance Sparschiene fares are usually significantly cheaper.
Business Class Is an Affordable Luxury
If you have a First Class ticket, you can upgrade to Business Class for just €15–20 at the ÖBB website or even onboard from the conductor (if empty seats are available). You get leather recliners in semi-compartments and a welcome drink.
Use Seat Selection for the Best Views
The ÖBB website lets you choose a specific seat from a seat map on many Railjet trains. For the scenic Arlberg Pass route (Zurich–Innsbruck–Vienna), choose a left-hand window seat heading eastward for the best Alpine views.
Nightjet Sleepers Include Lounge Access
If you hold a sleeper ticket (not couchette) on any Nightjet, you can use the ÖBB Lounges at Vienna Hbf, Salzburg and Innsbruck for up to 1.5 hours before departure or after arrival, with complimentary tea, coffee, beer, snacks and WiFi.
Frequently Asked Questions about ÖBB
Railjet trains offer three classes: Economy (2+2 seating), First Class (2+1 leather seats with at-seat service), and Business Class (16 reclining leather seats in semi-compartments with welcome drink). All classes have free WiFi and power sockets.
Yes. All Railjet trains have free WiFi in every class. The new-generation Railjets also have signal-boosting windows that improve mobile reception by 33%. New-generation Nightjet sleepers have WiFi; conventional Nightjets do not yet have WiFi onboard.
Seat reservation is optional on Railjet trains and costs a small fee. A flexible Standard-Ticket is always available for any unreserved seat. However, for longer journeys or peak travel, a reservation is recommended. Nightjet trains always require a reservation.
Yes. Every Railjet has a restaurant car where anyone can sit down for a meal — Austrian classics like goulash soup, Wiener Schnitzel and apple strudel feature on the menu. In First and Business class, a steward takes your order at your seat so you don't need to visit the restaurant car.
Yes. Original Railjets have 5 bike spaces and the new-generation Railjets have 6. You need a bike ticket (10% of full 2nd class fare, min €2 for domestic) and a reservation is mandatory on long-distance trains. Folding bikes travel free if collapsed.
Small pets travel free in a suitable carrier. Larger dogs need a ticket and must wear a muzzle and leash. Assistance dogs travel free without a muzzle. On Nightjet trains, dogs are only permitted if you book an entire compartment.
Nightjet offers seats, couchettes (4 or 6-berth), and sleeper compartments (1, 2 or 3-bed, standard or deluxe with en suite shower). The new-generation Nightjet adds Mini Cabin sleeping pods for solo travellers. All couchette and sleeper bookings include a Viennese breakfast.
Railjet tickets open up to 6 months in advance. Nightjet tickets also open approximately 180 days ahead, though the exact date depends on the route and timetable changes. The cheapest Sparschiene tickets sell out first, so early booking is recommended.
ÖBB operates 83 wheelchair-accessible long-distance trains daily. On many trains, wheelchair bays are in First Class, and wheelchair users with a 2nd class ticket are entitled to travel in 1st class. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +43 5 1717-5 (12 hours advance notice for domestic trips).
Children under 6 always travel free. Children aged 6–14 pay half price. With a Sparschiene ticket, children under 15 can be added to an adult's booking completely free of charge.
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