Trains to Vienna

Trains to Vienna

Vienna stands at the heart of Europe, and is easily accessible via numerous railway routes. Whether travellers are coming from Paris and Munich to the west, or Prague and Budapest to the east, there's a way to get to Vienna by rail. And with conveniently located stations, arrival should be hassle-free.

Which is the main train station in Vienna?

Trains to Vienna will generally arrive at the city's Hauptbahnhof, but may also stop at Simmering Bahnhof. Simmering is located in the southeastern part of Vienna, around 3 miles from the centre. However, getting into town via Vienna's light rail system takes 20-25 minutes, so it's still a convenient place to alight. The Hauptbahnhof is much more central. From there, it's possible to walk into town, but the Metro system offers faster connections. Expect transfers to take 10 minutes, maximum.

Which train companies offer trains to Vienna?

Those taking services within Austria will travel with OBB, but other companies may operate international services. DB runs trains from Germany, Ceske Drahy and Regiojet travel from Prague. OBB also operates a Budapest to Vienna service.

Why travel by train to Vienna?

In many cases, taking the train to Vienna will be a convenient route to the Austrian capital. If travellers are hopping between central European cities, trains will almost always beat buses in terms of speed. And when transfers are factored in, they may also be faster than short haul flights. For instance, it's usually faster to take the train from Prague and Budapest to Vienna than it is to fly. More than that, trains offer a chance to relax and watch Europe pass by in all of its glory.

Before you travel to Vienna by train - good to know!

Vienna offers a mix of U-Bahn trains, buses, light rail, and trams, so getting around on public transport is always possible. Purchasing day passes for all forms of transport makes sense, and will save money compared to buying tickets individually. That way, visitors can save cash for entry to world-class attractions like Schonbrunn Palace, the cathedral of St. Stephen, or the city's iconic Ferris wheel. If possible, book seats for the Viennese Opera, and settle down for a platter of the city's famous pastries. Make time for a few less famous attractions as well, such as the wildlife-filled Lainzer Tiergarten. There's plenty to fill anyone's time.

How to Get to Vienna by Train

Many train journeys are regularly available from the UK to Vienna. The quickest and easiest route involves boarding a EuroStar from London St Pancras to Brussels, where you can then catch a high speed train to Cologne and then an overnight train to Vienna. Trains from London to Brussels leave every 2- 3 hours. EuroStar also have a service to Gare de Nord station for those who would prefer pass through Paris and journey on from there. French owned TVG, InterCity Express (ICE) and Thalys all offer high speed train services to Munich, Cologne and many other major centres which means there are some alternate routes and stop-overs available. Overnight train services to Vienna are operated by City Night Line and Austrian Railways.

Vienna

The city of music and dreams Vienna is the capital city of Austria and was the home of the Habsburg dynasty that dominated Europe in the 18th Century.Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Haydn and many other famous composers contributed to a legacy of musical and theatrical excellence which continues today. Exploring famous theatres and Opera Houses like the Burgtheater and the internationally acclaimed Theater an der Wien is a must do for visitors. The imperial treasury of the Habsburg dynasty is housed within their former home the magnificent Hofburg Palace, now the residence of the Austrian president. Amongst other priceless artefacts the treasury contains an agate bowl from Constantinople which was claimed to be the Holy Grail. Not far from the Palace are the Kunsthistorisches Museum of paintings by old masters and the Museum of Modern Art.In a city that abounds in breathtaking architecture the Hundertwasserhaus apartment complex in the Landstrabe district still stands out and is one of Vienna's most visited attractions.