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Direct trains from Salzburg to Vienna run throughout the day, with combined departures roughly every 30 minutes. The two operators are ÖBB, Austria's state rail carrier, and WESTbahn, a private competitor running the same corridor. The fastest services take around 2 hours 22 to 25 minutes. Both depart from Salzburg Hauptbahnhof. ÖBB trains arrive at Wien Hauptbahnhof; WESTbahn trains arrive at Wien Westbahnhof on the western side of the city. Advance tickets start from around €20.
Key takeaways
- All trains on this route are direct. No change required.
- Fastest journey around 2 hours 22 to 25 minutes; ÖBB InterCity services take around 2 hours 52 minutes.
- Combined ÖBB and WESTbahn departures run roughly every 30 minutes throughout the day. ÖBB alone runs approximately twice per hour.
- Two operators, two Vienna stations: ÖBB to Wien Hauptbahnhof (U1 metro), WESTbahn to Wien Westbahnhof (U3 and U6 metro).
- Advance fares from around €20. Booking on the day typically costs considerably more.
- Eurail and Interrail passes are valid on ÖBB, not on WESTbahn. ÖBB seat reservations are optional for this domestic leg.
- WESTbahn includes a seat reservation in the ticket price. ÖBB reservations must be added separately.
Route overview
Salzburg and Vienna are connected by one of Austria's busiest rail corridors, running roughly 250 km across the country. The train is faster than driving, which takes around 2 hours 50 minutes in good conditions, and there is no direct flight between the two cities. The corridor is well served throughout the day, with no shortage of departure options.
The key decision before booking is which operator to use, because they deliver you to different Vienna stations and their tickets are not interchangeable. Boarding a WESTbahn train with an ÖBB ticket (or vice versa) means you will need to buy again.
ÖBB runs Railjet Xpress (RJX), Railjet (RJ), and InterCity (IC) services on this route. The RJX and RJ are purpose-built high-speed trains and cover the route in around 2 hours 22 to 25 minutes. IC services take closer to 2 hours 52 minutes. All ÖBB trains on this route arrive at Wien Hauptbahnhof (Wien Hbf), Vienna's central international station, with direct access to metro U1 (red line).
WESTbahn runs double-deck trains on the same corridor with comparable journey times to ÖBB's Railjet services. WESTbahn trains arrive at Wien Westbahnhof, served by metro U3 (orange line) and U6 (brown line). Depending on where you are staying or heading to in Vienna, one arrival station may suit you better than the other.
The journey passes through the Austrian countryside, including stretches of open farmland and low hills, particularly in the section west of Linz. This is a practical fast connection rather than a specialist scenic route.
Tickets and prices
How ÖBB fares work
ÖBB uses dynamic pricing. Fares rise as the departure date approaches and as the cheaper tiers sell out. The lowest advance fares start from around €20, a level consistent with advance bookings made several weeks out. Waiting until the week of travel or booking on the day itself typically pushes the price to €60 or more for a standard service.
Checking a few different departure times on your travel date is worth doing, as the cheapest available fare can vary between morning, afternoon, and evening trains. Booking via oebb.at gives you access to all available fares and fare types directly.
WESTbahn pricing
WESTbahn can be more competitive than ÖBB for short-notice or same-day travel. You can also board a WESTbahn train without a pre-purchased ticket and buy from the conductor shortly after departure. This makes it a practical fallback if you have missed the advance booking window. That said, check current pricing at westbahn.at before assuming the on-board rate will beat a same-day ÖBB fare; prices on both sides are dynamic.
Classes
Both operators offer second and first class. Second class is comfortable on both for a journey of this length. First class provides more space and a quieter environment, and is worth considering on busy travel days or if you prefer to work during the journey. The price difference between classes varies; check at the time of booking.
Refund and change rules
ÖBB refund and change conditions depend on the fare type. Cheaper advance fares typically carry restrictions; more flexible tickets cost more. Check the specific conditions when booking. WESTbahn single tickets can be cancelled free of charge up to the day before travel. Confirm the current terms at westbahn.at when purchasing, as policies can be updated.
Booking
ÖBB tickets can be bought at oebb.at, through the ÖBB app, at station ticket machines and counters, and through international rail booking platforms. Mobile tickets are accepted. The ÖBB ticket shop at oebb.at is generally the most reliable place to confirm current fares and available fare types.
WESTbahn tickets are available at westbahn.at and at selected points of sale including tobacco stores with ticket terminals and WestShop offices. Some booking platforms also list WESTbahn. You can purchase a ticket on board from the conductor; checks begin immediately after departure. If you plan to use the board-and-buy option, confirm the current policy at westbahn.at before travel.
ÖBB requires a valid ticket before boarding. WESTbahn does not. This is the practical difference if you are running short on time at Salzburg Hbf.
Seat reservations on ÖBB are optional for this domestic leg and must be requested separately. During peak periods, roughly May through September and around public holidays, adding a seat reservation on a busy Friday afternoon or Sunday departure is worthwhile. WESTbahn includes a seat assignment with every ticket.
Trains and the onboard experience
ÖBB Railjet and RJX
The Railjet Xpress (RJX) is ÖBB's fastest service on the Westbahn corridor. The standard Railjet (RJ) is similar in design and offers a broadly equivalent experience. Both typically include a bistro car, power sockets at seats, and Wi-Fi. Verify current amenity availability at oebb.at before travel, as individual trains can vary.
ÖBB also runs InterCity (IC) trains on this route. These are generally slower, at around 2 hours 52 minutes, and may have fewer onboard amenities than Railjet services. If journey time is a priority, look for RJX or RJ when searching.
A Nightjet service may appear on some booking platforms for this city pair, usually as an international train stopping at both Salzburg and Vienna rather than a dedicated domestic overnight route. Journey time on Nightjet is considerably longer. For a standard daytime trip, stick to the Railjet or RJX.
WESTbahn
WESTbahn's double-deck trains are modern and comfortable for a journey of this length. Vending machines are available on board. Each car has displays showing the route, next stop, and current speed. A seat assignment is included when you book.
Stations and getting around
Salzburg Hauptbahnhof
Both operators depart from Salzburg Hauptbahnhof. The station has connections to the wider Salzburg bus network and is within reasonable distance of the old town. Allow enough time to reach the platform, particularly if you are travelling with luggage, as trains do not stop for long.
Wien Hauptbahnhof (ÖBB)
Wien Hauptbahnhof is Vienna's main international rail terminus. It has shops, cafes, and facilities across its station building. Metro U1 (red line) departs from directly beneath the station and connects to Stephansplatz and the city centre within a few stops. Luggage storage is generally available; confirm current availability on arrival.
Wien Westbahnhof (WESTbahn)
Wien Westbahnhof is a smaller station than Wien Hbf but well connected to the metro network. U3 (orange line) and U6 (brown line) serve the station. If your Vienna destination is better reached from U3 or U6, arriving at Westbahnhof may save you a connection. Check the Vienna metro map before choosing your operator.
Rail passes
Eurail and Interrail passes are valid on ÖBB trains, including Railjet, RJX, and IC services, on this route. They are not valid on WESTbahn. If you hold a pass, you must travel ÖBB on this leg.
For this domestic Austrian journey, no mandatory reservation supplement applies on Railjet or RJX. Seat reservations remain optional, though reserving a seat is a sensible precaution during peak season (roughly May through September) and around public holidays. Check the current reservation fee with ÖBB or your pass provider before travel, as the specific fee was not confirmed in the current timetable evidence.
With a valid Eurail or Interrail pass, S-Bahn journeys within Vienna and Salzburg are free, with the exception of Salzburg S1 and S11 lines. This is useful for onward travel once you arrive.
Pass versus point-to-point: For a single Salzburg to Vienna journey, an advance ticket at around €20 will almost always cost less than the equivalent per-day value of a pass. Passes make sense if this leg is part of a longer Austrian or European trip where you are already using pass coverage on other journeys. For a standalone trip, book a point-to-point ticket.
Practical tips
- Book ÖBB early. The cheapest fare tiers sell out; waiting until close to travel typically doubles the price or more.
- If you have missed the advance window, check WESTbahn. Same-day pricing can be more competitive, and the board-and-buy option offers flexibility.
- Decide on your Vienna arrival station before booking. U1 at Wien Hbf or U3/U6 at Wien Westbahnhof will suit different parts of the city.
- On ÖBB, add a seat reservation if you are travelling on a busy Friday afternoon, Sunday, or a public holiday between May and September.
- Rail pass holders must use ÖBB. A pass is not accepted on WESTbahn; you will need to purchase a separate ticket.
- The Vienna S-Bahn is free with a valid pass and useful for reaching areas not directly on the metro.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the train from Salzburg to Vienna take?
The fastest direct trains take around 2 hours 22 to 25 minutes. ÖBB RJX services are at the quicker end of that range. ÖBB InterCity trains take closer to 2 hours 52 minutes. Journey time varies by service type, so check the timetable for your specific departure.
How often do trains run between Salzburg and Vienna?
ÖBB runs approximately twice per hour on this route. Combined with WESTbahn departures, trains leave roughly every 30 minutes throughout the day, from early morning until around 10 pm.
Which Vienna station do trains arrive at?
It depends on the operator. ÖBB trains arrive at Wien Hauptbahnhof (Wien Hbf), served by metro U1. WESTbahn trains arrive at Wien Westbahnhof, served by metro U3 and U6. Check which station suits your onward journey in Vienna before booking.
How much does a Salzburg to Vienna train ticket cost?
Advance tickets start from around €20. Buying on the day typically costs considerably more, often 60 EUR or above depending on the service and remaining availability. Prices are dynamic and vary by operator, class, and how far in advance you book.
Can I use a Eurail or Interrail pass on this route?
Yes, but only on ÖBB trains. Passes are not valid on WESTbahn. No mandatory supplement applies for this domestic Austrian leg. Reserving a seat is optional but recommended during peak season from May through September.
Can I buy a WESTbahn ticket on the train?
WESTbahn allows you to board without a ticket and purchase from the conductor shortly after departure. Confirm this policy is still current at westbahn.at before relying on it, as commercial terms can change.
Are ÖBB and WESTbahn tickets interchangeable?
No. Tickets from each operator are only valid on that operator's trains. WESTbahn makes announcements on board confirming that ÖBB and DB tickets are not accepted.
Is the train from Salzburg to Vienna scenic?
The route passes through the Austrian countryside and is pleasant, but it is not a specialist scenic mountain or lake railway. If landscape is your main interest, routes such as the Salzkammergut or the Semmering are better known for dramatic scenery.
