Austria - General Information: Difference between revisions

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*[http://www.stlb.at Steiermärkische Landesbahnen (STLB)]:
*[http://www.stlb.at Steiermärkische Landesbahnen (STLB)]:
**Gleisdorf – Weiz Stadt (531) Electrified 1000 V dc
**Gleisdorf – Weiz Nord (531)
**Feldbach – Bad Gleichenberg (532) Electrified 1000 V dc
**Feldbach – Bad Gleichenberg (532) Electrified 1000 V dc
**Peggau-Deutschfelstritz – Ubelbach (540) Electrified 15 kV 16.7 Hz  
**Peggau-Deutschfelstritz – Ubelbach (540) Electrified 15 kV 16.7 Hz  
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<!---
<!---
An English language site lists tourist lines.  [http://sinfin.net/railways/world/austria.html Railways of the World - Austria]. See under "Tourist and Museum Lines" section heading.
An English language site lists tourist lines.  [http://sinfin.net/railways/world/austria.html Railways of the World - Austria]. See under "Tourist and Museum Lines" section heading.
GLYN WILLIAMS' LIST IS NOT FULLY UP TO DATE - RETAIN THIS NOTE TO DOUBLE CHECK AGAINST HIS LIST OCCASIONALLY. Kupferschaubergwerk Radmer - AT 350MM - HAS BEEN DELIBERATELY IGNORED, AS HAVE FUNICULARS (Reisseck is included below because of its narrow gauge rail element)
GLYN WILLIAMS' LIST IS NOT FULLY UP TO DATE - RETAIN THIS NOTE TO DOUBLE CHECK AGAINST HIS LIST OCCASIONALLY. Kupferschaubergwerk Radmer - AT 350MM - HAS BEEN DELIBERATELY IGNORED, AS HAVE FUNICULARS (Reisseck is included below because of its narrow gauge rail element - now closed)
--->
--->
*[http://www.abenteuer-erzberg.at/en/abenteuer-erzberg/historic-underground-mine-tour Abenteuer Erzberg] (900 mm gauge, underground mine railway) (note: can be reached by Erzbergbahn)
*[http://www.abenteuer-erzberg.at/en/abenteuer-erzberg/historic-underground-mine-tour Abenteuer Erzberg] (900 mm gauge, underground mine railway) (note: can be reached by Erzbergbahn)
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*[http://www.museumstramway.at Museumstramway Mariazell-Erlaufsee]: Mariazell – Erlaufsee  
*[http://www.museumstramway.at Museumstramway Mariazell-Erlaufsee]: Mariazell – Erlaufsee  
*[http://www.pferdeeisenbahn.at/index.php?page=zeit-preise-kontakt Pferde-Eisenbahn] (Pferdeeisenbahn Museum & Gaststätte, Rainbach i.M.): (1106mm gauge; short horse-drawn tramway)
*[http://www.pferdeeisenbahn.at/index.php?page=zeit-preise-kontakt Pferde-Eisenbahn] (Pferdeeisenbahn Museum & Gaststätte, Rainbach i.M.): (1106mm gauge; short horse-drawn tramway)
<!---*Oberwart – Oberschützen (operation by Freunde der Bahnstrecke Oberwart-Oberschützen (FROWOS) ceased after 2011 season - see [http://kurier.at/chronik/burgenland/museumsbahn-verein-in-den-letzten-zuegen/786.018 press report])--->
*[http://regiobahn.at/event/nostalgieexpress-leiser-berge/ Regiobahn]: [Wien Praterstern - ] Korneuburg – Ernstbrunn  
*[http://regiobahn.at/event/nostalgieexpress-leiser-berge/ Regiobahn]: [Wien Praterstern - ] Korneuburg – Ernstbrunn  
*[http://www.reisseck-gemeinde.at/node/220 Reißeckbahn]: Schoberboden – Reißeck (600mm gauge in conjunction with funicular) (formerly operated by Verbund AG - service suspended from 2016 - see Recent changes)
<!---*[http://www.reisseck-gemeinde.at/node/220 Reißeckbahn]: Schoberboden – Reißeck (600mm gauge in conjunction with funicular) (formerly operated by Verbund AG - service withdrawn on 600mm section from 2014 and funicular from 2016 - see Recent changes)--->
*[https://www.rheinschauen.at/museum-baehnle/rheinbaehnle Rheinbähnle] (Rhein-Schauen Museum und Rheinbähnle): Rheinmündung - Lustenau - Steinbruch (750mm gauge, 750V d/c) (see [https://www.rheinschauen.at/images/Streckenplan.jpg route map] - former maintenance railway of Internationale Rheinregulierung)
*[https://www.rheinschauen.at/museum-baehnle/rheinbaehnle Rheinbähnle] (Rhein-Schauen Museum und Rheinbähnle): Rheinmündung - Lustenau - Steinbruch (750mm gauge, 750V d/c) (see [https://www.rheinschauen.at/images/Streckenplan.jpg route map] - former maintenance railway of Internationale Rheinregulierung)
*[http://www.nostalgiebahn.at/rosentaler-dampfzuege.html Rosenthaler Dampfzüge] (Nostalgiebahnen in Kärnten): Weizelsdorf – Ferlach  
*[http://www.nostalgiebahn.at/rosentaler-dampfzuege.html Rosenthaler Dampfzüge] (Nostalgiebahnen in Kärnten): Weizelsdorf – Ferlach  
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Rail cycling is possible on a number of lines:
Rail cycling is possible on a number of lines:


*[http://www.carnuntumdraisine.at Carnuntum-Draisine]: Bruck an der Leitha Ost - Petronell-Carnuntum. Operations ceased in early 2019.
*[http://www.mostviertler-schienenradl.at Mostviertler Schienenradl]: Ruprechtshofen - Wieselburg an der Erlauf (760 mm) Operations ended in Autumn 2018 as they plan to relocate to Lunz am See on the [http://www.club760.at/html/fahrplanE.htm Ybbsthalbahn Bergstrecke] and run to Stiegengraben, probably commencing in 2020.   
*[http://www.mostviertler-schienenradl.at Mostviertler Schienenradl]: Ruprechtshofen - Wieselburg an der Erlauf (760 mm) Operations ended in Autumn 2018 as they plan to relocate to Lunz am See on the [http://www.club760.at/html/fahrplanE.htm Ybbsthalbahn Bergstrecke] and run to Stiegengraben, probably commencing in 2020.   
*[http://www.draisinentour.at Sonnenland Draisinentour]: Horitschon/Neckenmarkt - Oberpullendorf  
*[http://www.draisinentour.at Sonnenland Draisinentour]: Horitschon/Neckenmarkt - Oberpullendorf  
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Electrification of the Gailtalbahn (Arnoldstein - Hermagor) commenced in July 2018 with a planned completion for December 2019; Hermagor – Kötschach-Mauthen closed to passengers in December 2016. A lengthy closure with bus substitution will take place from 9 July to 14 December 2019, further to a closure in late 2018. The Kärnten Land government envisages that all remaining lines in Kärnten will be electrified by 2025.  
Electrification of the Gailtalbahn (Arnoldstein - Hermagor) commenced in July 2018 with a planned completion for December 2019; Hermagor – Kötschach-Mauthen closed to passengers in December 2016. A lengthy closure with bus substitution will take place from 9 July to 14 December 2019, further to a closure in late 2018. The Kärnten Land government envisages that all remaining lines in Kärnten will be electrified by 2025.  


Wien ''U-Bahn'' Line U4 is to be closed between Längenfeldgasse and Karlsplatz in July and August 2019 for modernisation.  Preliminary work has started on rerouting line U2 and transferring part to a new line U5 - see [http://www.wienerlinien.at/media/img/2016/image_178729_w800.jpg plan here] - with target date for implementation of 2023.
Preliminary work has started on rerouting Wien ''U-Bahn'' Line U2 and transferring part to a new line U5 - see [http://www.wienerlinien.at/media/img/2016/image_178729_w800.jpg plan here] - with target date for implementation of 2023.


[http://regiobahn.at/zukunftsprojekt Regiobahn] have aspirations to restore regular all-year service to the Korneuburg – Ernstbrunn branch.
[http://regiobahn.at/zukunftsprojekt Regiobahn] have aspirations to restore regular all-year service to the Korneuburg – Ernstbrunn branch.
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The plan to convert part of the Murtalbahn (Unzmarkt - Tamsweg) to standard gauge and electrify it has been abandoned. However the line will be reconstructed, with four realignments. Unzmarkt - Murau will be done in 2019 - 2022 and Murau - Tamsweg in 2022 - 2026.
The plan to convert part of the Murtalbahn (Unzmarkt - Tamsweg) to standard gauge and electrify it has been abandoned. However the line will be reconstructed, with four realignments. Unzmarkt - Murau will be done in 2019 - 2022 and Murau - Tamsweg in 2022 - 2026.


Information (in German) about ÖBB's major infrastructure projects an be found at their [https://infrastruktur.oebb.at/de/projekte-fuer-oesterreich/bahnstrecken website]. The major project to improve service between Wien, Graz, Klagenfurth, Villach and Tarvisio [IT], the [http://www.infra.oebb.at/suedstrecke <i>Südstrecke</i> project], is due for completion in 2026. As part of this project, work continues on the <i>Koralmbahn</i> element, to link Klagenfurt and Graz: the 32 km Koralmtunnel is its centrepiece and target completion date for this section is 2023. The first section between Werndorf and Wettmannstätten (table 550) opened on 12 December 2010.  
Information (in German) about ÖBB's major infrastructure projects an be found at their [https://infrastruktur.oebb.at/de/projekte-fuer-oesterreich/bahnstrecken website]. The major project to improve service between Wien, Graz, Klagenfurt, Villach and Tarvisio [IT], the [http://www.infra.oebb.at/suedstrecke <i>Südstrecke</i> project], is due for completion in 2026. As part of this project, work continues on the <i>Koralmbahn</i> element, to link Klagenfurt and Graz: the 32 km Koralmtunnel is its centrepiece and target completion date for this section is 2023. The first section between Werndorf and Wettmannstätten (table 550) opened on 12 December 2010.  


ÖBB plans to electrify and resignal the section of the ''Lavanttalbahn'' (KBS620) from the future junction with the ''Koralmbahn'' just north of St Paul as far as Wolfsberg. This will allow fast services to run between Klagenfurt and Wolfsberg via the ''Koralmbahn''.
ÖBB plans to electrify and resignal the section of the ''Lavanttalbahn'' (KBS620) from the future junction with the ''Koralmbahn'' just north of St Paul as far as Wolfsberg. This will allow fast services to run between Klagenfurt and Wolfsberg via the ''Koralmbahn''.
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====Threatened passenger lines====
====Threatened passenger lines====
The following lines are planned to close at the end of 2020:
*132 Waidhofen an der Ybbs Vogelsang - Gstadt (a further cutback of the rump of the narrow-gauge ''Ybbstalbahn'') - closure deferred by a year from Dec. 2019
*532 Feldbach - Bad Gleichenberg (Steiermärkische Landesbahnen). A tourist operation on a limited number of days may continue
The following lines are planned to close at the end of 2019:
The following lines are planned to close at the end of 2019:
*133 Sarmingstein – St Nikola (service very limited)
*133 Sarmingstein – St Nikola (service very limited)
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===Recent changes===
===Recent changes===


The ''Aspangbahn'' has been realigned for a distance of around 1km between Laxenburg-Biedermannsdorf and Maria Lanzendorf where it crosses the ''Pottendorfer Linie'' (Inzersdorf - Ebenfurth) on a new bridge, 200m north of the previous one.
Operations on the ''Carnuntum-Draisine'', on part of the former line from Bruck an der Leitha West to Petronell-Carnuntum, ceased after 27 September 2018 and the track, now owned by Lower Austrian transport association NÖVOG, has been lifted. 2.6 km of the line remains in ÖBB ownership at the Bruck an der Leitha end to serve a private siding.
 
The ''Innere Aspangbahn'' has been realigned for a distance of around 1km between Laxenburg-Biedermannsdorf and Maria Lanzendorf where it crosses the ''Pottendorfer Linie'' (Inzersdorf - Ebenfurth) on a new bridge, 200m north of the previous one.


A further extension of the ''S31'' (Gleisdorf - Weiz) from Weiz Zentrum to Weiz Nord was opened to passengers on 10 September 2018. The section from Weiz Bahnhof to Weiz Zentrum opened on 4 June 2016 when the line to the original terminus at Weiz (formerly Weiz Stadt) was closed.
A further extension of the ''S31'' (Gleisdorf - Weiz) from Weiz Zentrum to Weiz Nord was opened to passengers on 10 September 2018. The section from Weiz Bahnhof to Weiz Zentrum opened on 4 June 2016 when the line to the original terminus at Weiz (formerly Weiz Stadt) was closed.


The Weiz - Oberfeistritz (Steiermärkische Landesbahnen) line has been temporarily cut back to Krottendorfer Hauptstraße (about 1km from Weiz) until the end of 2020, to allow construction of a new bypass road. When the line is reinstated to Weiz, the Feistritztalbahn station will be on the east side of Weiz Bahnhof, rather than in the forecourt on the west side, as previously.  
The Weiz - Oberfeistritz tourist line has been temporarily cut back to Krottendorfer Hauptstraße (about 1km from Weiz) until the end of 2020, to allow construction of a new bypass road. When the line is reinstated to Weiz, the Feistritztalbahn station will be on the east side of Weiz Bahnhof, rather than in the forecourt on the west side, as previously.  


Prior to this, the line was temporarily closed following the last train on 24 December 2014 owing to the poor condition of the Bachl viaduct and the Hardt-Puch tunnel. The Oberfeistritz - Birkfeld section was leased to Club U44, which moved all its rolling stock to the then cut off Birkfeld. However patronage fell considerably in 2015 so the Steiermark Region sold the entire line to the Feistritztalbahn Betriebsges.m.b.H. in February 2016 for a nominal €1 and contributed €235,000 for repairs. The line reopened for seasonal passenger service throughout between Birkfeld and Weiz in April 2016 (see Tourist Lines).
Prior to this, the line was temporarily closed following the last train on 24 December 2014 owing to the poor condition of the Bachl viaduct and the Hardt-Puch tunnel. The Oberfeistritz - Birkfeld section was leased to Club U44, which moved all its rolling stock to the then cut off Birkfeld. However patronage fell considerably in 2015 so the Steiermark Region sold the entire line to the Feistritztalbahn Betriebsges.m.b.H. in February 2016 for a nominal €1 and contributed €235,000 for repairs. The line reopened for seasonal passenger service throughout between Birkfeld and Weiz in April 2016 (see Tourist Lines).
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The 4.6km southern extension of Wien ''U-Bahn'' line U1 from Reumannplatz to Oberlaa opened on 2 September 2017; from the same date, tram 67 ceased to run south of Reumannplatz.
The 4.6km southern extension of Wien ''U-Bahn'' line U1 from Reumannplatz to Oberlaa opened on 2 September 2017; from the same date, tram 67 ceased to run south of Reumannplatz.


Reißeckbahn, a funicular and narrow gauge railway from Kolbnitz, was initially to be closed for summer 2016 season to enable engineering work on local hydro power plant, but it now seems possible the line will not reopen. The nearby Kreuzeckbahn may be under some threat, too. See  [http://www.kleinezeitung.at/kaernten/oberkaernten/peak_oberkaernten/4822185/Reisseck_2016_Kein-Sommerbetrieb-der-Reisseckbahn 2015 press report] and [http://www.kleinezeitung.at/kaernten/oberkaernten/5020340/Reisseck-Muhldorf_Reisseckbahn-und-Kreuzeckbahn-stehen-vor-dem-Aus later 2016 press report] (both in German)
The <i>Reißeckbahn</i>, which consisted of a three-section funicular (<i>Reißeck-Standseilbahn</i>) from Kolbnitz, on the Villach to Schwarzach-St Veit line, to Schoberboden, and a narrow-gauge line (<i>Reißeck-Höhenbahn</i>) from Schoberboden to Reißeck-Hotel, closed in two stages. The narrow-gauge line suffered severe flood damage on 1 August 2014 and was definitively closed with effect from 7 September 2014. The track was lifted in 2017. The funicular closed in 2016, initially because of construction work at Schoberboden, but the closure was made permanent in February 2017. The <i>Kreuzeckbahn</i>, a funicular on the other side of the valley at Kolbnitz, continues to operate.


Because of storm damage, the Erzbergbahn has operated only between Vordernberg Markt and Erzberg (thence to Eisenerz out of service) since 2016.  
Because of storm damage, the Erzbergbahn has operated only between Vordernberg Markt and Erzberg (thence to Eisenerz out of service) since 2016.  

Revision as of 13:09, 15 November 2019

Country Name

Austria (Österreich)

National Railway System

National Railway Operator

Österreichische Bundesbahnen (ÖBB).

Language

German, which differs in certain respects from the version spoken in Germany.

Currency

Euro

UIC code

numeric 81; alpha A.

Timetable

Journey Planner

ÖBB 'Scotty' Journey Planner

Downloadable Timetable

Individual tables can be downloaded here (table numbers can be found from this route plan). An offline journey planner can also be downloaded here.

Printed Timetable

ÖBB no longer publish a complete printed timetable, but do issue timetable booklets for each route (usually available only in the area in question). Table numbers can be found from this route plan.

Engineering Information

This page provides a pictorial map giving the location and type of engineering work and other incidents for ÖBB, and also significant events on neighbouring railway administrations.

A map of the network showing the locations and dates of engineering works in 2016, by quarter, is present here.

A map of the network showing the locations and dates of engineering works in 2017, by quarter, is present here.

The summer provides opportunity for engineering work which can result in sections of line being closed, with and buses substituted, for many weeks: it pays to check carefully.

Bus Information

The ÖBB 'Scotty' Journey Planner can be used to plan bus journeys. ÖBB Postbus timetables can be downloaded from the Postbus website.

Maps

Printed Maps

  • Eisenbahnatlas Österreich”, the second edition of which (ISBN 3-89494-138-3) was published in 2010 by Verlag Schweers + Wall GmbH, similar to atlases from the same publisher for Germany, Italy & Slovenia, and Switzerland.
  • European Railway Atlas: Denmark, Germany, Austria, Switzerland by M.G. Ball (1993) (ISBN 0-7110-2116-3)
  • European Railway Atlas by M.G. Ball (2008 onwards)

Web-based Maps

Infrastructure

Infrastructure Authority

Infrastructure is owned and managed by a public authority, ÖBB-Infrastruktur AG.

Network Statement

The Network Statement page gives access to the latest network statements.

Gauge

ÖBB is entirely standard gauge. Various Other Railways are narrow gauge, as noted below.

Electrification

15 kV 16.7 Hz. The electrification systems used by Other Railways are noted below. The following cross-border routes with Hungary are electrified at the Hungarian standard 25 kV 50 Hz:

  • between Ebenfurth and Deutschkreutz via Sopron (Ebenfurth station area can be switched between the two voltages);
  • between Neusiedl am See (exclusive) and Fertöszentmiklós (the electrification boundary is a few hundred metres south of Neusiedl station).

Rule of the road

Many lines are single track and most double track railways are signalled for reversible working. Most double track lines in Austria operate with right-hand running, although many lines in the east of the country once operated with left-hand running, a hangover from the days of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

The Wien to Graz line still operates with left-hand running south of Payerbach-Reichenau, but Payerbach-Reichenau - Mürzzuschlag - Bruck a d Mur will convert to right-hand running in December 2019. ÖBB intends to convert Bruck a d Mur - Graz by the time the Koralmbahn opens in full. The only other line with left-hand running is Wien FJB - Tulln - Absdorf-Hippersdorf, an isolated section of double track which will probably be left.

Distances

The best source is the “Eisenbahnatlas Österreich”; see #Printed Maps.

Other Railways

Many of these are government (regional or local) owned, rather than owned by private companies. Table numbers in the Fahrpläne Österreich are shown in brackets and can also be found from this plan.

  • NÖVOG (Niederösterreichische Verkehrsorganisationsges.m.b.H.)
    • St Polten Hauptbahnhof – Mariazell Mariazellerbahn (115) (760mm gauge) Electrified at 6.6 kV 25 Hz.
    • Waidhofen an der Ybbs – Gstadt bei Waidhofen Citybahn Waidhofen (132) (760mm gauge)
    • Puchberg am Schneeberg – Hochschneeberg Schneebergbahn (523) (Metre gauge, rack operated) **Gmünd NÖ – Groß Gerungs Waldviertelbahn (801) (760mm gauge)
    • Gmünd NÖ – Litschau and Heidenreichstein Waldviertelbahn (802) (760mm gauge)
    • Krems an der Donau - Emmersdorf an der Donau Wachaubahn (811)
    • Retz - Drosendorf Reblaus Express (941)
  • Raab-Oedenburg-Ebenfurter Eisenbahn AG: An international railway in joint Austrian and Hungarian ownership, better-known by its Hungarian name, Györ-Sopron Ebenfurti Vasút (GySEV). Raab and Oedenburg are the German names for Györ and Sopron respectively. The line from Ebenfurth to Sopron is electrified at 25 kV 50 Hz and used by dual-frequency ÖBB trains between Sopron and Wien Südbf. GySEV also owns the line between Sopron and Györ, which is entirely in Hungary and electrified at 25 kV 50 Hz.
    • Ebenfurth – Sopron (512)
    • Neusiedl am See – Fertószentmiklós (731).
  • Steiermärkische Landesbahnen (STLB):
    • Gleisdorf – Weiz Nord (531)
    • Feldbach – Bad Gleichenberg (532) Electrified 1000 V dc
    • Peggau-Deutschfelstritz – Ubelbach (540) Electrified 15 kV 16.7 Hz
    • Unzmarkt – Tamsweg Murtalbahn (630) (760 mm gauge) Plans to convert this line to standard gauge have been abandoned, but see ​"Projects under way or planned", below..
    • Mixnitz – St Erhard (760 mm gauge) Electrified 800 V dc. This line is owned by Mixnitz-St.Erhard AG, a wholly owned subsidiary of Veitsch-Radex GmbH, but managed by STLB. It is possible to charter passenger trains or passenger coaches on freight trains.
    • Weiz – Anger - Birkfeld (760 mm gauge) line sold - see Recent Changes, below
  • Stern & Hafferl Verkehrsgesellschaft m.b.H.:
    • Linz Hbf – Peuerbach and Neumarkt-Kalham LILO (143) Electrified 800 V dc, operated by dual-system EMUs into Linz Hbf on 15 kV 16.7 Hz
    • Lambach – Vorchdorf-Eggenberg (160)
    • Vorchdorf-Eggenberg – Gmunden Seebf (161) (metre gauge) Electrified 800 V dc
    • Vöcklamarkt Lokalbahn – Attersee (180) (metre gauge) Electrified 800 V dc
    • Vorchdorf-Eggenberg – Brauerei Eggenberg (freight only).
  • Westbahn Management G.m.b.H: Wien Westbahnhof – Salzburg (100, 101). The first open access operator in Austria; runs an hourly semi-fast service between Wien and Salzburg.
  • Wiener Lokalbahnen AG: Wien Oper – Baden Josefsplatz (515) Electrified, 800 V dc. A long-distance tramway ("inter-urban" in north American parlance), connected to the Wien tram system. Owned by Wiener Stadtwerke AG

Tourist Lines

Listing current at September 2016 with updates where known.

Various lines listed under Other Railways, above, are wholly or largely tourist operations but are not repeated here. Some of the following lines are commercial operations but most are supported by preservation societies.

  • Abenteuer Erzberg (900 mm gauge, underground mine railway) (note: can be reached by Erzbergbahn)
  • Achenseebahn AG: Jenbach Achenseebf – Achensee Schiffstation (metre gauge, rack operated). This line is potentially in danger of closure at the end of the 2019 season owing to poor track condition.
  • Erzbergbahn (Verein Erzbergbahn): Vordernberg Markt – Erzberg (Erzberg - Eisenerz out of service since 2016 because of storm damage)
  • Feistritztalbahn (Feistritztalbahn Betriebsges.m.b.H.) : Birkfeld – Anger – Weiz (760 mm gauge) Operated in conjunction with Club U44. See also Recent Changes, below.
  • Club Florianerbahn: St.Florian – Pichling See (900 mm gauge) (at September 2016 had been out of service for several years but still aspire to reopen the line)
  • Gurkthalbahn: Treibach-Althofen – Pöckstein-Zwischenwässern (760 mm gauge)
  • Höllentalbahn (Österreichische Gesellschaft für Lokalbahnen): Payerbach Ort – Hirschwang (760 mm gauge)
  • Klagenfurt museum tramway (Lendcanaltramway Klagenfurt) (Nostalgiebahnen in Kärnten): (metre gauge)
  • Liliput-Bahn (Liliputbahn Prater G.m.b.H.): Wien's historic 15 inch gauge line - ca. 3.9km circuit in Prater park. Also operate separate Donaupark line.
  • Museumsbahn Ampflwang-Timelkam (Österreichischen Gesellschaft für Eisenbahngeschichte (ÖGEG)): Ampflwang – Timelkam
  • Museums-Lokalbahnverein Zwettl: Zwettl – Schwarzenau
  • Museumstramway Mariazell-Erlaufsee: Mariazell – Erlaufsee
  • Pferde-Eisenbahn (Pferdeeisenbahn Museum & Gaststätte, Rainbach i.M.): (1106mm gauge; short horse-drawn tramway)
  • Regiobahn: [Wien Praterstern - ] Korneuburg – Ernstbrunn
  • Rheinbähnle (Rhein-Schauen Museum und Rheinbähnle): Rheinmündung - Lustenau - Steinbruch (750mm gauge, 750V d/c) (see route map - former maintenance railway of Internationale Rheinregulierung)
  • Rosenthaler Dampfzüge (Nostalgiebahnen in Kärnten): Weizelsdorf – Ferlach
  • Schaubergwerke Kupferplatte: Jochberg, Kitzbühl (600 mm gauge, underground mine railway)
  • Schwazer Silberbergwerk (Schwazer Silberbergwerk Bsucherführung G.m.b.H.): Schwaz/Tirol (narrow gauge, underground mine railway - Die Grubenbahn)
  • Stainzer Flascherlzug: Stainz – Preding-Wieselsdorf (760 mm gauge)
  • Steyrtalbahn (Österreichischen Gesellschaft für Eisenbahngeschichte (ÖGEG)): Grünburg – Steyr Lokalbf (760 mm gauge)
  • Taurachbahn (Club 760): Mautendorf – St Andrä (760 mm gauge)
  • Wälderbähnle (Bregenzerwaldbahn-Museumsbahn Betriebsges.m.b.H): Bezau – Bersbuch (760 mm gauge)
  • Ybbsthalbahn Bergstrecke (Niederösterreichische Lokalbahnen Betriebsges.m.b.H. (NÖLB)): Kienberg-Gaming – Lunz am See - Göstling an der Ybbs (760 mm gauge)
  • Zayataler Schienentaxi (Verein Neue Landesbahn): Mistelbach Interspar - Asparn an der Zaya (connects with Weinvierteldraisine - see below)

Rail cycling is possible on a number of lines:

Metro

Wien has a third rail U-Bahn (much of which is above ground) and several sections of overhead-electrified U-Bahn tramway with metro characteristics. A track plan is available on the Gleisplanweb site.

Trams

Gmunden, Graz, Innsbruck, Linz, Wien (which extends via the Wiener Lokalbahnen into Baden). The Wien system is the largest European network outside Russia.

Track plans for the systems of Graz, Linz, Innsbruck and Wien are available on the Gleisplanweb site, and most were current at 2018 [Linz 2016].

See also Austria - Tram services over obscure routes

Recent and future changes

Projects under way or planned

A letter of intent was signed in March 2019 by the Ministry of Transport to extend the Salzburger Lokalbahn into the city centre.

ÖBB-Infrastruktur will electrify the last remaining section of unelectrified track in Tirol by the end of 2019 at 15 kV 16·7 Hz. This is the 14·4 km of line between Reutte and Schönbichl at the German border. This will include two blockades of the route; from 16 March to 26 April 2019 and from 14 September to 9 November 2019.

Electrification of the Gailtalbahn (Arnoldstein - Hermagor) commenced in July 2018 with a planned completion for December 2019; Hermagor – Kötschach-Mauthen closed to passengers in December 2016. A lengthy closure with bus substitution will take place from 9 July to 14 December 2019, further to a closure in late 2018. The Kärnten Land government envisages that all remaining lines in Kärnten will be electrified by 2025.

Preliminary work has started on rerouting Wien U-Bahn Line U2 and transferring part to a new line U5 - see plan here - with target date for implementation of 2023.

Regiobahn have aspirations to restore regular all-year service to the Korneuburg – Ernstbrunn branch.

Electrification of Klagenfurt – Weizelsdorf was agreed in early 2016 by ÖBB and Kärnten Land, although it is not known when this is to be completed. Weizelsdorf – Rosenbach closed to passengers in December 2016.

Electrification of Gänserndorf - Marchegg is part of an upgrade of the Wien - Bernhardstal - [Breclav] line to be completed by 2026.

The plan to convert part of the Murtalbahn (Unzmarkt - Tamsweg) to standard gauge and electrify it has been abandoned. However the line will be reconstructed, with four realignments. Unzmarkt - Murau will be done in 2019 - 2022 and Murau - Tamsweg in 2022 - 2026.

Information (in German) about ÖBB's major infrastructure projects an be found at their website. The major project to improve service between Wien, Graz, Klagenfurt, Villach and Tarvisio [IT], the Südstrecke project, is due for completion in 2026. As part of this project, work continues on the Koralmbahn element, to link Klagenfurt and Graz: the 32 km Koralmtunnel is its centrepiece and target completion date for this section is 2023. The first section between Werndorf and Wettmannstätten (table 550) opened on 12 December 2010.

ÖBB plans to electrify and resignal the section of the Lavanttalbahn (KBS620) from the future junction with the Koralmbahn just north of St Paul as far as Wolfsberg. This will allow fast services to run between Klagenfurt and Wolfsberg via the Koralmbahn.

It is reportedly planned to double sections of the Steirische Ostbahn (Graz – Gleisdorf – Szentgottard [HU]), but information on this is sparse: Wikipedia's Steirische_Ostbahn entry indicates a south to east Graz avoiding line (otherwise any trains between the Koralmbahn and Szentgottard would have to run round in Graz) but states that the start of the project has been delayed due to its relatively low priority in the general transport plan. The project does not appear in OeBB Infra's list of projects.

Threatened passenger lines

The following lines are planned to close at the end of 2020:

  • 132 Waidhofen an der Ybbs Vogelsang - Gstadt (a further cutback of the rump of the narrow-gauge Ybbstalbahn) - closure deferred by a year from Dec. 2019
  • 532 Feldbach - Bad Gleichenberg (Steiermärkische Landesbahnen). A tourist operation on a limited number of days may continue

The following lines are planned to close at the end of 2019:

  • 133 Sarmingstein – St Nikola (service very limited)
  • 152 Haiding – Aschach an der Donau (service very limited). The Linzer Lokalbahn ("LiLo") should be taking over the Eferding - Aschach section 'in the future'. This would presumably mean an improved service over this part of the line.
  • 912 Groß Schweinbarth – Bad Pirawarth (runs Mondays to Fridays only)
  • 912 Obersdorf - Groß Schweinbarth - Gänserndorf
  • 311 Jenbach - Achensee. The Achenseebahn is potentially in danger of closure at the end of the 2019 tourist season owing to poor track condition. As it is a tourist line, the Tirol region does not wish to subsidise it. However, if it had a daily passenger service, the region would be required by law to do so. The closure threat is no doubt the first stage in an attempt to gain funding for renovation.

The following lines will continue until 2029:

  • 142 Linz Urfahr - Rottenegg – Aigen–Schlägl. The section between Linz Urfahr and Rohrbach was planned for conversion into tram-train operation, with the rest of the line being shut. If train-tram went ahead, at Rohrbach a new line, 2.8 km long, would be built towards the town centre, and at Linz a new line from Urfahr to Hauptbahnhof but the Oberösterreich Land Parliament wishes to keep the existing railway and reconnect it with the main rail network. Current plans suggest that a heavy-rail S-Bahn line may be built to connect Linz Hbf with Linz Urfahr, but completion is not expected until at least 2025.
  • 153 Wels - Grünau im Almtal
  • 171 Attnang-Puchheim – Reid/Innkreis – Schärding
  • (620) Bleiburg – Holmec (Slovenia) - Prevalje has been threatened with closure in the past, but will gain a two-hourly service on Mondays to Saturdays in December 2019 under the designation S11.

In late 2011 OeBB presented their plans for the period to 2025, which included a wish to give up some 700 km of branch lines - either by handing to regional authorities or complete closure. Based on failing to reach a minimum threshold of 2000 passengers per day, the passenger lines identified (other than those already listed above or already closed) are listed below. A note is given of any overt action towards closure that has been reported subsequently.

  • 502 Spielfeld-Strass – Bad Radkersburg
  • 521 Pernitz-Muggendorf – Gutenstein
  • 522 Bad Fischau – Puchberg
  • 820 Hadersdorf – Sigmundsherberg

While not in the above official listing, the following routes have appeared on various closure "threat lists" over the years and may be considered at some risk:

  • 170 Bad Aussee – Stainach-Irdning
  • 172 Vöcklabruck – Kammer-Schörfling
  • 720 [Wien Hbf -] Kledering - Sollenau (Mondays to Fridays only, with very poor loadings)

Innsbrucker Mittelgebirgsbahn, the light rail line to Igls operated as route 6 of the Innsbruck tram system, has in the past been threatened with closure but will now be operated as a Museum Tramway.

Recent changes

Operations on the Carnuntum-Draisine, on part of the former line from Bruck an der Leitha West to Petronell-Carnuntum, ceased after 27 September 2018 and the track, now owned by Lower Austrian transport association NÖVOG, has been lifted. 2.6 km of the line remains in ÖBB ownership at the Bruck an der Leitha end to serve a private siding.

The Innere Aspangbahn has been realigned for a distance of around 1km between Laxenburg-Biedermannsdorf and Maria Lanzendorf where it crosses the Pottendorfer Linie (Inzersdorf - Ebenfurth) on a new bridge, 200m north of the previous one.

A further extension of the S31 (Gleisdorf - Weiz) from Weiz Zentrum to Weiz Nord was opened to passengers on 10 September 2018. The section from Weiz Bahnhof to Weiz Zentrum opened on 4 June 2016 when the line to the original terminus at Weiz (formerly Weiz Stadt) was closed.

The Weiz - Oberfeistritz tourist line has been temporarily cut back to Krottendorfer Hauptstraße (about 1km from Weiz) until the end of 2020, to allow construction of a new bypass road. When the line is reinstated to Weiz, the Feistritztalbahn station will be on the east side of Weiz Bahnhof, rather than in the forecourt on the west side, as previously.

Prior to this, the line was temporarily closed following the last train on 24 December 2014 owing to the poor condition of the Bachl viaduct and the Hardt-Puch tunnel. The Oberfeistritz - Birkfeld section was leased to Club U44, which moved all its rolling stock to the then cut off Birkfeld. However patronage fell considerably in 2015 so the Steiermark Region sold the entire line to the Feistritztalbahn Betriebsges.m.b.H. in February 2016 for a nominal €1 and contributed €235,000 for repairs. The line reopened for seasonal passenger service throughout between Birkfeld and Weiz in April 2016 (see Tourist Lines).

The residual passenger service, mainly for school traffic, between Wolfsberg and Bad St. Leonhard (KBS620) was definitively withdrawn on 10 December 2017. It had been operated by replacement bus since 5 March 2017. The line remains in use for freight.

The 24.7km St Pölten avoiding line opened on 10 December 2017. Although primarily for freight, it is used occasionally by relief passenger trains; see AT19/21

The 4.6km southern extension of Wien U-Bahn line U1 from Reumannplatz to Oberlaa opened on 2 September 2017; from the same date, tram 67 ceased to run south of Reumannplatz.

The Reißeckbahn, which consisted of a three-section funicular (Reißeck-Standseilbahn) from Kolbnitz, on the Villach to Schwarzach-St Veit line, to Schoberboden, and a narrow-gauge line (Reißeck-Höhenbahn) from Schoberboden to Reißeck-Hotel, closed in two stages. The narrow-gauge line suffered severe flood damage on 1 August 2014 and was definitively closed with effect from 7 September 2014. The track was lifted in 2017. The funicular closed in 2016, initially because of construction work at Schoberboden, but the closure was made permanent in February 2017. The Kreuzeckbahn, a funicular on the other side of the valley at Kolbnitz, continues to operate.

Because of storm damage, the Erzbergbahn has operated only between Vordernberg Markt and Erzberg (thence to Eisenerz out of service) since 2016.

Operation by Lavamünder Bahn- und Betriebs GesmbH (LBB) on the closed line between St.Paul and Lavamünd ceased in 2015 - see press report (in German).

A 2.8 km extension of the Salzburger Lokalbahn (SLB) from Trimmelkam to Ostermeithing was inaugurated on 12 December 2014.

Wien Hauptbahnhof was officially opened on 10 October 2014 (although work continued until opening of all facilities - with through services, use of newly built flyovers at the west end and diveunders at the east end - could take place). All long-distance trains from the Westbahn - which formerly used Wien Westbahnhof - now use the Lainzer tunnel and Hauptbahnhof - the replacement for Südbahnhof. The new station had been partially opened on 9 December 2012, in connection with which two U Bahn stations were renamed; Wien Südbahnhof became Quartier Belvedere, and Südtirolerplatz became Wien Hauptbahnhof. At the same time the metro station Südtirolerplatz became Südtirolerplatz-Hauptbahnhof. A new motive power and carriage depot has been built on what has been freight yard and sidings at Matzleinsdorfer Platz between Wien Süd and Meidling.

In December 2014 a flyover was opened across Kledering Yard (Wien Zvbf) to connect the Wien – Hegyeshalom line with Kaiserebersdorf. This provides a direct route between the new Hauptbahnhof and Flughafen Wien (VIE) (the airport), used twice hourly by railjet and Intercity services, as an alternative to the City Airport Train and S7 route to Wien Mitte.

The Wien Hadersdorf - Meidling – Wien Hütteldorf section of the Neue Westbahn opened to freight in late 2012 and to passenger services to Wien Hauptbahnhof in December 2014.

The limited passenger services to/from Wien Westbahnhof to Tulln and beyond via the Tullnerfeld avoiding curve off the Neue Westbahn were rerouted to/from Tulln to terminate at Tullnerfeld station at the December 2014 timetable change.

In early 2014 the metre gauge branch from Vorchdorf-Eggenberg was slightly shortened when its terminal station, Gmunden Seebahnhof, was relocated inland to a new site between Gmunden Traundorf and the old Seebahnhof. Construction started in March 2014 of a new connecting line from this new station to Rathausplatz. The initial section from Seebahnhof to Klosterplatz opened on 14 December 2014. The closed section of the Gmunden town tram line from Rathausplatz to Franz Josef Platz was rebuilt, providing a through route between Gmunden Bahnhof and Vorchdorf-Eggenberg, and opened on 1 September 2018. A sketch map is available.

The seasonal service on the Korneuburg – Ernstbrunn branch ceased in 2014 but had resumed by 2016 with a changed operator Regiobahn. Regiobahn have aspirations to restore regular all-year service to the line.

The Kammer-Schoerfling branch was cut back by around 500m in June 2014, thus eliminating 2 level crossings. A new terminal station was opened on the west side of the current line at a slightly lower level, involving around 200m of new alignment.

The Wien Liesing – Waldmühle branch, which had no booked traffic other than excursions operated by Verein Pro Kaltenleutgebnerbahn, was legally closed in January 2014 but the preservation organisation have resumed services, including some through trips to and from central Wien, since 3 September 2017.

Older Changes

For details of older changes dating back to the year 2005 see Austria - Older General Information.

Special notes

Explanations in English of Austrian (and German) railway signalling can be found here.

Tourist railways up mountains are often of limited capacity, but subject to high demand, particularly at holiday periods and during the winter sports season. In such cases it may be necessary to wait some time before being able to board a train, so it is best to arrive at the railway as early in the day as possible. When booking a trip it is often necessary to reserve a seat on a specific train down the mountain. Once the railway’s capacity to bring people back down the mountain is fully booked, no more can ascend, unless they are staying at a summit hotel.

See also