Along with the national operator ÖBB, WESTbahn is one of Austria’s leading train company for long-distance routes. Founded in 2011, WESTbahn connected Vienna, Salzburg and either Munich or Innsbruck. WESTbahn combines low prices with first-class service and excellent quality. On board, you can expect friendly staff and comfortable, well-equipped trains.
WESTbahn timetable
The WESTbahn service departs from Vienna Westbahnhof and Vienna Hütteldorf station and passes through St. Pölten, Amstetten, Linz, Wels, Attnang-Puchheim and Vöcklabruck before arriving in Salzburg. Since April 2022, the service has continued through Rosenheim and Munich East to Munich Central Station. In December 2022, the route via Kufstein and Wörgl to Innsbruck was added to the timetable.
On average, WESTbahn trains can cover the 186-mile journey between Vienna and Salzburg in just under 2 hours. From Vienna to Munich, the journey time is less than 4 hours and lastly, you can get from Vienna to Innsbruck in around 4 hours and 15 minutes.
WESTbahn train tickets
There are different types of WESTbahn tickets you can choose from. Keep reading for more details.
WEST standard price
This is the standard fare for all WESTbahn trains. If you want to purchase tickets, you can buy them online, in over 3000 Austrian tobacconists (kiosks), in the WESTshops or on the train itself. If you’d like to save money, it is best to book online, as there is an additional booking fee when buying on the train or in a shop or tobacconist.
Standard Class (2)
In Standard Class, you’ll enjoy comfortable leather seating, ensuring a relaxed journey. Each seat is equipped with a power socket and a folding table.
Comfort Class (2+)
In Comfort Class, you’ll enjoy even more convenience. In addition to Standard Class services such as free WiFi, this class offers even more legroom. To use Comfort Class, an upgrade is charged in addition to the ticket. If you upgrade to a Comfort Class ticket online, you can also book a free seat reservation.
First Class (1)
In First Class, you can enjoy even more peace and quiet, as well as a wider seat with a reading lamp and a welcome greeting and seat service. A First-Class upgrade purchased online includes a free seat reservation.
WEST Super Price
WEST Super Price tickets are particularly cheap tickets valid on a specific train. Depending on the route selected, tickets are available from as little as €4.99*. Tickets can be booked online no earlier than 90 days before the travel date and up to one minute before the train departs - a great deal for last-minute travellers!
*Prices are from 01/24/2023 and may have changed since then.
Children
Children under the age of 6 travel for free. Children from 6 under 15 years old travelling with a family member pay €2*. A child between the ages of 6 and 15 traveling alone pays half-price.
*Prices are from 01/24/2023 and may have changed since then.
Families
Family cards and passes as well as various club cards also offer a discount on the regular rate when booked online.
Students
Students who are enrolled at a university, technical college or teacher training college in Austria can book their ticket online with a 10% discount. The discounted fare tickets are valid from Monday to Sunday for a single journey.
Travellers aged 60+
Travellers over the age of 60 travel cheaper: depending on the route, they pay from €9.99*. Tickets are valid from Monday to Thursday and are available online, in WEST shops (+€1) or in participating tobacconists in Austria (+€2).
Group tickets
Benefits for group travellers. A group ticket can be booked for 6 to 76 people traveling together and includes free seat reservation and a 20% discount on the standard fare for all adult groups. A school group ticket can be purchased if more than half of the group (from 6 people) is under the age of 20. The price per person is then only half the standard WEST price.
KlimaTicket Ö
The KlimaTicket Ö can be used on WESTbahn services. The ticket can be purchased at WESTshops or at klimaticket.at. With KlimaTicket Ö, you can enjoy even more benefits on the WESTbahn. For example, you can travel in Comfort Class at no extra charge and reserve your seat for free.
WESTbahn Comfort
The WESTbahn places great importance on a high level of comfort for its passengers. All trains have four WESTcafés with seats and a vending machine for coffee, snacks and drinks.
Useful Information about WESTbahn trains
Free WiFi
Passengers who want to work during their travel time can connect to the free WiFi. WESTbahn offer their own wireless network for surfing: WESTlan. After a short login, you can surf the Internet with your smartphone, tablet or laptop.
Toilets
WESTbahn trains are equipped with toilets. The train’s three middle carriages have separate toilets for men and women. In the wheelchair-accessible carriage, passengers will find a wheelchair-accessible toilet.
Accessibility
Thanks to the low-floor design, the trains of the WESTbahn are barrier-free. Stepless entry is guaranteed by the sliding step, which closes the gap between the train and the edge of the platform when the doors are opened. Wheelchair users or parents with prams can easily get on and off. Wheelchair spaces can be reserved separately in the wheelchair-accessible carriage.
Pets
Travelling with your pet costs €2* per animal. Animals transported in containers travel free. However, if the animal occupies or blocks a seat, the full fare is payable. Dog owners are also required to wear a lead and muzzle.
WESTbahn popular routes
Want to learn more about the routes served by WESTbahn? Simply tap the route you’re interested in to view train times, top tips on how to get cheap train tickets and FAQs.
Frequently asked questions about WESTbahn
Do you have any questions about your trip with WESTbahn? Here, you’ll find answers to the most important questions.
How long are WESTbahn tickets valid for?
How much do WESTbahn tickets cost?
Where can I buy WESTbahn tickets?
Can I stop during my train journey with WESTbahn?
Do WESTbahn tickets have to be printed out?
How do I get things back that I forgot on the train?
Can I cancel booked trips?
How much baggage can I take?
Can I get on board with a stroller, wheelchair, etc. without any problems?
Can I take bikes with me?
Can I reserve a seat in advance?
Learn more about Austrian train travel
We’ve told you everything you need to know about WESTbahn trains but if you want to learn more about train travel in Austria, check out our travel guides.