Train service
Ouigo
Ouigo is SNCF’s low-cost train service offering affordable high-speed travel in France, Spain, and Belgium with simplified onboard amenities.
Renfe
Renfe is Spain’s national railway operator, offering high-speed, long-distance, and regional train services with extensive domestic coverage.
Train tickets
Omio
Omio connects you with over 1,000 transport providers - trains, buses, flights, and more - to simplify your travel planning.
Trainline
Trainline sells rail and coach tickets worldwide on behalf of major UK and European transport companies.
Raileurope
Rail Europe is a leading travel tech company specializing in European train bookings for over 15,000 travel professionals worldwide.
Rail pass validity
If you are traveling by train from Barcelona to Vienna, the Interrail Global Pass is valid for this journey as it covers multiple countries, allowing travel between Spain and Austria. The Interrail One Country Pass is not applicable, as it only covers train travel within one country, and you are traveling between two. The Eurail Pass is also valid for this journey, provided you are not a resident of the EU, as Eurail is designed for non-EU residents and allows travel between Spain and Austria.
Getting around
Upon arriving in Vienna by train, you'll find the city’s public transportation system efficient and easy to navigate. Vienna boasts an extensive and punctual network including the U-Bahn (metro), trams, buses, and taxis, as well as ridesharing options. The U-Bahn consists of five lines (U1, U2, U3, U4, U6) and is the quickest way to cover longer distances across the city. Trains typically run from about 5 AM to midnight, with extended service on weekends. Trams and buses complement the metro by covering areas not accessible by U-Bahn. Trams are particularly useful within the city center and offer a scenic way to travel, while buses cover routes primarily outside the Ringstrasse.
For most journeys, you can purchase single tickets, 24-hour, 48-hour, or longer-term passes which can be used interchangeably on trams, buses, and the U-Bahn. Consider using the Wien Mobil app for schedules, ticket purchases, and real-time travel information.
Taxis are readily available throughout the city and can be hailed on the street, found at taxi stands, or booked via phone or mobile app. Ridesharing services like Uber operate in Vienna, providing a convenient and often cost-effective alternative to traditional taxis. Both taxis and rideshares offer the advantage of door-to-door service, which can be particularly useful if you are carrying luggage or traveling late at night.
Onward connections
Vienna, known for its efficient and extensive rail network, offers numerous rail connections both domestically and internationally. Domestically, one of the most popular routes is from Vienna to Salzburg, a journey that takes approximately 2.5 hours via the high-speed Railjet service operated by ÖBB, Austria's national railway company. Another favored domestic connection is from Vienna to Graz, which takes around 2.5 to 3 hours, providing a scenic journey through the Austrian countryside.
Internationally, Vienna serves as a central European rail hub. One prominent connection is to Prague in the Czech Republic, with multiple daily services taking about 4 hours. Budapest, Hungary, is another well-connected destination, reachable in roughly 2.5 hours, also on the Railjet. For those traveling to Germany, the train journey to Munich takes about 4 hours, offering a comfortable ride with beautiful landscapes along the way. To the east, Vienna connects to Bratislava, Slovakia, with trains running frequently and taking about an hour, making it ideal for a day trip. For longer journeys, the Nightjet trains operated by ÖBB offer overnight services to cities like Zurich, Zurich in Switzerland, and Milan in Italy, providing a unique travel experience with sleeping compartments. These connections showcase Vienna's pivotal role in Europe’s rail network, balancing speed and scenic views for travelers seeking to explore the region by train.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Vienna generally falls between April and October. During late spring, particularly in May and June, the weather is pleasantly warm, making it ideal for exploring the city's outdoor attractions like Schönbrunn Palace and its gardens. In these months, you can also enjoy the Vienna Festival, offering a rich array of music, theater, and art.
The summer months of July and August bring warm temperatures and a vibrant social scene, though they can also be the busiest and most expensive periods due to the influx of tourists. It's a great time for cultural events like the Film Festival at Rathausplatz, but be prepared for higher accommodation prices.
Early fall, especially September and early October, presents another excellent window to visit. The weather remains mild and there are fewer tourists, helping to keep travel costs slightly lower. This period also features the Viennale, Austria's most significant international film festival.
Winter, from November to March, is less crowded, which can mean lower prices, but the weather can be cold and less agreeable for sightseeing. However, Vienna sparkles during December with its magical Christmas markets, making it a delightful time to experience the festive atmosphere. Arriving by train during these low-peak periods could also ensure a more relaxed travel experience.
Frequently asked questions
What affects the cost of a train ticket from Barcelona to Vienna?
According to EveryRail, prices on the Barcelona to Vienna route are dynamic. Demand significantly influences the cost. Booking timing plays a crucial role. Advance purchases often result in lower prices. Time of day impacts ticket costs. Weekends and holidays tend to be more expensive. Class of service affects pricing. Promotional offers can reduce prices. Rail company policies also impact costs. Route changes or diversions may influence pricing.
What trains run from Barcelona to Vienna?
There are no direct trains from Barcelona to Vienna. SNCF operates trains that connect Barcelona to major cities in France. Ouigo offers high-speed train services from Barcelona to destinations within Spain and certain parts of France. Renfe provides train services from Barcelona to domestic destinations and some international connections via other operators. Flixbus operates bus services that can connect Barcelona to Vienna.
How long does the train from Barcelona to Vienna take?
According to EveryRail, the train from Barcelona to Vienna takes 8 to 11 hours.
When is the best time to travel from Barcelona to Vienna?
The best time to travel is during off-peak periods. Avoid major holidays and weekends. Trains are less crowded during weekdays. Prices tend to be lower when demand is low. Early mornings or late evenings might offer better fares. Consider potential weather impacts on travel conditions. Check for local events that may affect demand.
What’s the best route or train to take from Barcelona to Vienna?
Flixbus runs direct bus services from Barcelona to Vienna. SNCF runs direct train services from Barcelona to Vienna.
What rail passes can I use to travel from Barcelona to Vienna?
According to EveryRail, no rail pass covers the route from Barcelona in Spain to Vienna in France.