Austria - General Information: Difference between revisions

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===Downloadable Timetable===
===Downloadable Timetable===
Individual tables can be downloaded [http://www.oebb.at/de/strecken-fahrplaninfos/fahrplanbilder here] (table numbers can be found from this [https://www.oebb.at/file_source/reiseportal/strecken-fahrplaninfos/Fahrplanbilder/Bahnnetz.pdf route plan]). An offline journey planner can also be downloaded [http://www.oebb.at/en/Planning_your_trip/Timetable/Offline_timetable_version/index.jsp here].
Individual tables can be downloaded [https://www.oebb.at/en/fahrplan/fahrplanbilder.html here] - the route plan under ''Bahnnetz'' gives table numbers.


===Printed Timetable===
===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 [https://www.oebb.at/file_source/reiseportal/strecken-fahrplaninfos/Fahrplanbilder/Bahnnetz.pdf route plan].
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 the [https://www.oebb.at/en/fahrplan/fahrplanbilder.html downloadable timetable] under ''Bahnnetz''.


===Engineering Information===
===Engineering Information===
[http://fahrplan.oebb.at/bin/help.exe/dn?tpl=showmap_external 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.
[https://infrastruktur.oebb.at/de/geschaeftspartner/schienennetz/snnb/snnb-2020/snnb-2020-anhaenge/uebersicht-gesamtsperren.pdf This page] provides a pictorial map for each month giving the locations and dates of engineering work on the ÖBB network.


A map of the network showing the locations and dates of engineering works in 2016, by quarter, is present  [http://www.oebb.at/infrastruktur/__resources/llShowDoc.jsp?nodeId=56366980 here].
In the summer months many sections of line can be closed, with bus replacement services operating, for several weeks: it pays to check [http://fahrplan.oebb.at/bin/query.exe/en? the online journey planner] carefully.
 
A map of the network showing the locations and dates of engineering works in 2017, by quarter, is present  [http://www.oebb.at/infrastruktur/__resources/llShowDoc.jsp?nodeId=68079643 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===
===Bus Information===
The [http://fahrplan.oebb.at/bin/query.exe/en? ÖBB 'Scotty' Journey Planner] can be used to plan bus journeys.
The [http://fahrplan.oebb.at/bin/query.exe/en? ÖBB 'Scotty' Journey Planner] can also be used to plan bus journeys.
ÖBB Postbus timetables can be downloaded from the [http://www.postbus.at/en/Timetable/Timetable-Download/index.jsp Postbus website].


==Maps==
==Maps==
===Printed Maps===
===Printed Maps===
*“''Eisenbahnatlas Österreich''”, the second edition of which (ISBN 3-89494-138-3) was published in 2010 by [http://www.schweers-wall.de Verlag Schweers + Wall GmbH], similar to atlases from the same publisher for Germany, Italy & Slovenia, and Switzerland.  
*“''Eisenbahnatlas Österreich''”, the second edition of which (ISBN 3-89494-138-3) was published in 2010 by [http://www.schweers-wall.de Verlag Schweers + Wall GmbH], similar to atlases from the same publisher for Germany, Italy & Slovenia, and Switzerland. A new edition is expected to be published in late 2020.
*European Railway Atlas: Denmark, Germany, Austria, Switzerland by M.G. Ball (1993) (ISBN 0-7110-2116-3)
*European Railway Atlas: Denmark, Germany, Austria, Switzerland by M.G. Ball (1993) (ISBN 0-7110-2116-3)
*[http://www.europeanrailwayatlas.com European Railway Atlas] by M.G. Ball (2008 onwards)
*[http://www.europeanrailwayatlas.com European Railway Atlas] by M.G. Ball (2008 onwards)


===Web-based Maps===
===Web-based Maps===
*An overall system map dated 2015/16 is provided at [http://www.oebb.at/infrastruktur/__resources/llShowDoc.jsp?nodeId=56401985].
*An overall system map is provided at [https://infrastruktur.oebb.at/de/geschaeftspartner/schienennetz/dokumente-und-daten/netzkarten ÖBB Netzkarte].
*[http://www.sporenplan.nl/ Sporenplan] has a number of on-line schematic track diagrams. Click on "Sporenplannen" on the left hand side for a map showing the countries covered.
*[http://www.sporenplan.nl/ Sporenplan] has a number of on-line schematic track diagrams. Click on "Sporenplannen" on the left hand side for a map showing the countries covered.
*Thorsten Büker's [http://www.bueker.net/trainspotting/maps_austria.php Map of Austria] and [http://www.bueker.net/trainspotting/maps_vienna-area.php Map of Vienna].
*Thorsten Büker's [http://www.bueker.net/trainspotting/maps_austria.php Map of Austria] and [http://www.bueker.net/trainspotting/maps_vienna-area.php Map of Vienna]. Not updated since November 2011.
*[[Maps and Plans#Austria|Maps and Plans - Austria]]
*[[Maps and Plans#Austria|Maps and Plans - Austria]]


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===Rule of the road===
===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.
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.


ÖBB intends to convert most of the remaining lines, although conversion of Mürzzuschlag - Bruck a d Mur - Graz (where major investment would be required) is likely to be related to the <i>Südstrecke</i> project. The only other line with left-hand running is Wien FJB - Tulln - Absdorf-Hippersdorf, which is an isolated section of double track.
The Wien to Graz line still operates with left-hand running south of Payerbach-Reichenau. Payerbach-Reichenau - Mürzzuschlag - Bruck a d Mur successfully converted to right-hand running in December 2019. ÖBB intends to convert Bruck a d Mur - Graz by the time the <i>Koralmbahn</i> 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 keep left-hand running.


===Distances===
===Distances===
Line 75: Line 70:


==Other Railways==
==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 [https://www.oebb.at/file_source/reiseportal/strecken-fahrplaninfos/Fahrplanbilder/Bahnnetz.pdf this plan].
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 [https://www.oebb.at/de/fahrplan/fahrplanbilder.html the online timetable pages] under ''Bahnnetz''.


*[http://www.gkb.at Graz-Köflacher Eisenbahn]: Graz Hbf – Köflach and Wies-Eibiswald (550)  
*[http://www.gkb.at Graz-Köflacher Eisenbahn]: Graz Hbf – Köflach and Wies-Eibiswald (550)  
Line 81: Line 76:
*[http://www.montafonerbahn.at/verkehr/fahrplan_bahn.shtml Montafonerbahn AG]: Bludenz – Schruns (420). Electrified 15 kV 16.7 Hz
*[http://www.montafonerbahn.at/verkehr/fahrplan_bahn.shtml Montafonerbahn AG]: Bludenz – Schruns (420). Electrified 15 kV 16.7 Hz
   
   
*[http://www.noevog.at/en/default.asp NÖVOG (Niederösterreichische Verkehrsorganisationsges.m.b.H.)]  (A timeline of NÖVOG's entry into railway operation can be found [http://www.noevog.at/en/default.asp?tt=NOEVOG_E_R159&id=88080 here]).
*[http://www.noevog.at/en/default.asp NÖVOG (Niederösterreichische Verkehrsorganisationsges.m.b.H.)]   
**St Polten Hauptbahnhof – Mariazell <i>Mariazellerbahn</i> (115) (760mm gauge) Electrified at 6.6 kV 25 Hz.  
**St Polten Hauptbahnhof – Mariazell <i>Mariazellerbahn</i> (115) (760mm gauge) Electrified at 6.6 kV 25 Hz.  
**Waidhofen an der Ybbs – Gstadt bei Waidhofen <i>Citybahn Waidhofen</i> (132) (760mm gauge)  
**Waidhofen an der Ybbs – Gstadt bei Waidhofen <i>Citybahn Waidhofen</i> (132) (760mm gauge)  
Line 91: Line 86:
*[http://www.raaberbahn.at 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.  
*[http://www.raaberbahn.at 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)
**Ebenfurth – Sopron (512)
**Neusiedl am See – Fertószentmiklós (731).  
**Neusiedl am See – Fertőszentmiklós (731).  


*[https://www.salzburg-ag.at/ Salzburg AG]:
*[https://www.salzburg-ag.at/ Salzburg AG]:
**St Wolfgang Schafbergbahnhof – Schafbergspitze [http://www.schafbergbahn.at/en_uk.html <i>SchafbergBahn (Salzkammergutbahn GmbH)</I>] (173) (metre gauge, rack operated)  
**St Wolfgang Schafbergbahnhof – Schafbergspitze [http://www.schafbergbahn.at/en_uk.html <i>SchafbergBahn (Salzkammergutbahn GmbH)</I>] (173) (metre gauge, rack operated)  
**Salzburg Hauptbahnhof (platforms 11 and 12) - Lamprechtshausen [http://www.slb.at <i>Salzburger Lokalbahn</i>] (210). Electrified 1000 V dc.  
**Salzburg Hauptbahnhof (platforms 11 and 12) - Lamprechtshausen [http://www.slb.at <i>Salzburger Lokalbahn</i>] (210). Electrified 1000 V dc.  
**Bürmoos – Trimmelkam – Ostermeithing [http://www.slb.at <i>Salzburger Lokalbahn</i>] (210). Electrified 1000 V dc.  
**Bürmoos – Trimmelkam – Ostermiething [http://www.slb.at <i>Salzburger Lokalbahn</i>] (210). Electrified 1000 V dc.  
**Zell am See – Krimml [http://www.pinzgauerlokalbahn.at/content/website_pinzgauerlokalbahn/en_uk.html <i>Pinzgauerbahn</i>] (230) (760 mm gauge)  
**Zell am See – Krimml [http://www.pinzgauerlokalbahn.at/content/website_pinzgauerlokalbahn/en_uk.html <i>Pinzgauerbahn</i>] (230) (760 mm gauge)  


*[http://www.stlb.at Steiermärkische Landesbahnen (STLB)]:
*[http://www.stlb.at Steiermärkische Landesbahnen (STB)]:
**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 – Übelbach (540) Electrified 15 kV 16.7 Hz  
**Unzmarkt – Tamsweg <i>Murtalbahn</i> (630) (760 mm gauge) <i>There has been some talk that this might be converted to standard gauge but no firm plans have been seen</i>.  
**Unzmarkt – Tamsweg <i>Murtalbahn</i> (630) (760 mm gauge) <i>Plans to convert this line to standard gauge have been abandoned, but see ​"Projects under way or planned", below.</i>.  
**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.
**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) <i>line sold - see Recent Changes, below</i>  
**Weiz – Anger - Birkfeld (760 mm gauge) <i>line sold - see Recent Changes, below</i>  
Line 110: Line 105:
**Linz Hbf – Peuerbach and Neumarkt-Kalham <i>LILO</i> (143) Electrified 800 V dc, operated by dual-system EMUs into Linz Hbf on 15 kV 16.7 Hz
**Linz Hbf – Peuerbach and Neumarkt-Kalham <i>LILO</i> (143) Electrified 800 V dc, operated by dual-system EMUs into Linz Hbf on 15 kV 16.7 Hz
**Lambach – Vorchdorf-Eggenberg (160)
**Lambach – Vorchdorf-Eggenberg (160)
**Vorchdorf-Eggenberg – Gmunden Seebf (161) (metre gauge) Electrified 800 V dc
**Vorchdorf-Eggenberg – Gmunden Bahnhof (161) (metre gauge) Electrified 800 V dc
**Vöcklamarkt Lokalbahn – Attersee (180) (metre gauge) Electrified 800 V dc
**Vöcklamarkt – Attersee (180) (metre gauge) Electrified 800 V dc
**Vorchdorf-Eggenberg – Brauerei Eggenberg (freight only).
**Vorchdorf-Eggenberg – Brauerei Eggenberg (freight only).


*[http://www.ivb.at Stubaitalbahn (Innsbrucker Verkehrsbetriebe und Stubaitalbahn G.m.b.H.AG)]: Innsbruck – Fulpmes (320) (Metre gauge) Electrified 900 V dc. Operated by tram-style vehicles which work through on to the Innsbruck tram system at 750 V dc.  
*[http://www.ivb.at Stubaitalbahn (Innsbrucker Kommunalbetriebe AG)]: Innsbruck – Fulpmes (320) (Metre gauge) Electrified 900 V dc. Operated by tram-style vehicles which work through on to the Innsbruck tram system at 750 V dc.  


*[https://westbahn.at 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.  
*[https://westbahn.at 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.  


*[http://www.wlb.at 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
*[http://www.wlb.at 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.
   
   
*[http://www.zillertalbahn.at Zillertalbahn (Zillertaler Verkehrsbetriebe AG)]: Jenbach – Mayrhofen (310) (760 mm gauge)
*[http://www.zillertalbahn.at Zillertalbahn (Zillertaler Verkehrsbetriebe AG)]: Jenbach – Mayrhofen (310) (760 mm gauge).


==Tourist Lines==
==Tourist Lines==
Listing current at September 2016
Listing current at December 2020 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.
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.


<!---
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)
--->
*[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)
*[http://www.achenseebahn.at Achenseebahn AG]: Jenbach Achenseebf – Achensee Schiffstation (metre gauge, rack operated)  
*[http://www.achenseebahn.at Achenseebahn AG]: Jenbach – Achensee Seespitz (metre gauge, rack operated). This line is potentially in danger of closure at the end of the 2019 season owing to poor track condition.
*[http://www.erzbergbahn.at Erzbergbahn] (Verein Erzbergbahn): Vordernberg Markt – Erzberg (Erzberg - Eisenerz out of service 2016 because of storm damage)
*[http://www.erzbergbahn.at Erzbergbahn] (Verein Erzbergbahn): Vordernberg Markt – Erzberg (Erzberg - Eisenerz out of service since 2016 because of storm damage)
*[http://www.feistritztalbahn.at Feistritztalbahn] (Feistritztalbahn Betriebsges.m.b.H.) : Birkfeld – Anger – Weiz (760 mm gauge)  <i>Operated in conjunction with [http://club-u44.at Club U44]</i>. See also Recent Changes, below.
*[http://www.feistritztalbahn.at Feistritztalbahn] (Feistritztalbahn Betriebsges.m.b.H.) : Birkfeld – Anger – Weiz (760 mm gauge)  <i>Operated in conjunction with [http://club-u44.at Club U44]</i>. See also Recent Changes, below.
*[http://www.florianerbahn.at 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) 
*[http://www.gurkthalbahn.at Gurkthalbahn]: Treibach-Althofen – Pöckstein-Zwischenwässern (760 mm gauge)  
*[http://www.gurkthalbahn.at Gurkthalbahn]: Treibach-Althofen – Pöckstein-Zwischenwässern (760 mm gauge)  
*[http://www.lokalbahnen.at/hoellentalbahn/timetable-e.html Höllentalbahn] (Österreichische Gesellschaft für Lokalbahnen): Payerbach Ort – Hirschwang (760 mm gauge)   
*[http://www.lokalbahnen.at/hoellentalbahn/timetable-e.html Höllentalbahn] (Österreichische Gesellschaft für Lokalbahnen): Payerbach Lokalbahn – Hirschwang (760 mm gauge)   
*[http://www.nostalgiebahn.at/lendcanaltramway.html Klagenfurt museum tramway (Lendcanaltramway Klagenfurt)] (Nostalgiebahnen in Kärnten): (metre gauge)
*[http://www.nostalgiebahn.at/lendcanaltramway.html Klagenfurt museum tramway (Lendcanaltramway Klagenfurt)] (Nostalgiebahnen in Kärnten): (metre gauge)
*[http://www.liliputbahn.com/liliput.htm 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 [http://www.liliputbahn.com/donaupark.htm Donaupark] line.
*[http://www.liliputbahn.com/liliput.htm 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 [http://www.liliputbahn.com/donaupark.htm Donaupark] line.
Line 144: Line 134:
*[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)
*[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  
*[http://kupferplatte.at/en/ Schaubergwerke Kupferplatte]: Jochberg, Kitzbühl (600 mm gauge, underground mine railway)
*[http://kupferplatte.at/en/ Schaubergwerke Kupferplatte]: Jochberg, Kitzbühl (600 mm gauge, underground mine railway)
*[http://www.silberbergwerk.at/en/tour/ Schwazer Silberbergwerk] (Schwazer Silberbergwerk Bsucherführung G.m.b.H.): Schwaz/Tirol (narrow gauge, underground mine railway - <i>Die Grubenbahn</i>)  
*[http://www.silberbergwerk.at/en/tour/ Schwazer Silberbergwerk] (Schwazer Silberbergwerk Besucherführung G.m.b.H.): Schwaz/Tirol (narrow gauge, underground mine railway - <i>Die Grubenbahn</i>)  
*[http://www.stainz.at/tourismus-und-freizeit/flascherlzug/ Stainzer Flascherlzug]: Stainz – Preding-Wieselsdorf (760 mm gauge)
*[http://www.stainz.at/tourismus-und-freizeit/flascherlzug/ Stainzer Flascherlzug]: Stainz – Preding-Wieselsdorf (760 mm gauge)
*[http://www.steyrtalbahn.at Steyrtalbahn] (Österreichischen Gesellschaft für Eisenbahngeschichte (ÖGEG)): Grünburg – Steyr Lokalbf (760 mm gauge)
*[http://www.steyrtalbahn.at Steyrtalbahn] (Österreichische Gesellschaft für Eisenbahngeschichte (ÖGEG)): Grünburg – Steyr Lokalbf (760 mm gauge)
*[http://www.club760.at/html/fahrplanE.htm Taurachbahn] (Club 760): Mautendorf – St Andrä (760 mm gauge)  
*[http://www.club760.at/html/fahrplanE.htm Taurachbahn] (Club 760): Mauterndorf – St Andrä Andlwirt (760 mm gauge)  
*[http://www.waelderbaehnle.at/ Wälderbähnle] (Bregenzerwaldbahn-Museumsbahn Betriebsges.m.b.H): Bezau – Bersbuch (760 mm gauge)
*[http://www.waelderbaehnle.at/ Wälderbähnle] (Bregenzerwaldbahn-Museumsbahn Betriebsges.m.b.H): Bezau – Bersbuch (760 mm gauge)
*[http://www.club760.at/html/fahrplanE.htm Ybbsthalbahn Bergstrecke] (Niederösterreichische Lokalbahnen Betriebsges.m.b.H. (NÖLB)): Kienberg-Gaming – Lunz am See - Göstling an der Ybbs (760 mm gauge)  
*[http://www.club760.at/html/fahrplanE.htm Ybbsthalbahn Bergstrecke] (Niederösterreichische Lokalbahnen Betriebsges.m.b.H. (NÖLB)): Kienberg-Gaming – Lunz am See - Göstling an der Ybbs (760 mm gauge)  
Line 160: Line 148:
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
*[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)  
*[http://www.draisinentour.at Sonnenland Draisinentour]: Horitschon/Neckenmarkt - Oberpullendorf  
*[http://www.draisinentour.at Sonnenland Draisinentour]: Horitschon/Neckenmarkt - Oberpullendorf  
*[http://www.weinvierteldraisine.at Weinvierteldraisine]: Ernstbrunn - Asparn an der Zaya  (connects with Zayataler Schienentaxi - see above)
*[http://www.weinvierteldraisine.at Weinvierteldraisine]: Ernstbrunn - Asparn an der Zaya - Grafensulz (connects with Zayataler Schienentaxi - see above)


==Metro==
==Metro==
Line 169: Line 156:


==Trams==
==Trams==
[http://www.stern-verkehr.at Gmunden], [http://www.gstw.at Graz], [http://www.ivb.at Innsbruck],  [http://www.linzag.at Linz], [http://www.wienerlinen.at Wien] (which extends via the Wiener Lokalbahnen into Baden). The Wien system is the largest European network outside Russia.
[http://www.stern-verkehr.at Gmunden], [http://www.gstw.at Graz], [http://www.ivb.at Innsbruck],  [http://www.linzag.at Linz], [http://www.wienerlinen.at Wien] (which extends via the Wiener Lokalbahnen into Baden). The Wien system was the largest European network outside Russia; however, since the closure of Route 67 to Oberlaa in September 2017, the Berlin system is larger.


Track plans for the systems of Graz, Innsbruck and Wien are available on the [http://www.gleisplanweb.eu/ Gleisplanweb site], and were current at summer 2016. A track plan for Linz is available on [http://doprava.unas.cz/schemata/kolejova/zahranici.html the Doprava site], although (as at October 2016) it had not been revised since 2011.
Track plans for the systems of Graz, Linz, Innsbruck and Wien are available on the [http://www.gleisplanweb.eu/ Gleisplanweb site], and most were current at 2018 [Linz 2016].  


See also [[Austria_-_Tram_services_over_obscure_routes|Austria - Tram services over obscure routes]]
See also [[Austria_-_Tram_services_over_obscure_routes|Austria - Tram services over obscure routes]]
Line 178: Line 165:


===Projects under way or planned===
===Projects under way or planned===
Wien metro line U1 is to be extended, at its southern end, by 4.6km from Reumannplatz to Oberlaa, opening in September 2017; from the same date, tram 67 will cease to run south of Reumannplatz. Line U4 is to be closed between stations Längenfeldgasse and Karlsplatz in 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.
 
The ''Verein Neue Landesbahn'' has taken over the disused Hohenau - Mistelbach line (''Zayatalbahn'') from ÖBB and plans to operate tourist services in summer 2020.
 
A letter of intent was signed in March 2019 by the Ministry of Transport to extend the ''Salzburger Lokalbahn'' into the city centre.
 
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.
   
   
Electrification of part of two branches was agreed in early 2016 by ÖBB and Kärnten Land.
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. The ''Kãrnten Land'' government envisages that all remaining lines in Kärnten will be electrified by 2025.
*660 Klagenfurt – Weizelsdorf – Rosenbach
*670 [Villach] Arnoldstien - Hermagor – Kötschach-Mauthen
They will be electrified as far as Weizelsdorf and Hermagor respectively (about half their length), and were closed to passengers beyond these points in December 2016. It is not known when the electrification is to be completed.


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


The Murtalbahn (Unzmarkt - Tamsweg) may possibly be converted to standard gauge and electrified as far as Murau. The line further west would no longer have regular trains and its future therefore uncertain.
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.


Construction started in March 2014 of a new connecting line from the site of the relocated station at Gmunden Seebahnhof (between Gmunden Traundorf and the old Seebahnhof) to Rathausplatz. The initial section from Seebahnhof to Klosterplatz opened in December 2014. The closed section of the Gmunden town tram line from Rathausplatz to Franz Josef Platz is to be rebuilt, providing a through route between Gmundem Bahnhof and Vorchdorf-Eggenberg, which is expected to open from summer 2017. A [http://tinyurl.com/ppcoq39 sketch map] is available.
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.  


Information (in German) about ÖBB's major infrastructure projects an be found at their [http://www.oebb.at/infrastruktur/de/5_0_fuer_Generationen/5_4_Wir_bauen_fuer_Generationen/5_4_1_Schieneninfrastruktur/index.jsp 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.
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 <i>Steirische Ostbahn</i> (Graz – Gleisdorf – Szentgottard [HU]),  but  information on this is sparse: [http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steirische_Ostbahn 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) and a possible completion in 2020. However, the project does not appear in [http://www.oebb.at/infrastruktur/de/5_0_fuer_Generationen/5_4_Wir_bauen_fuer_Generationen/5_4_1_Schieneninfrastruktur/index.jsp OeBB Infra's list of projects].
It is reportedly planned to double sections of the <i>Steirische Ostbahn</i> (Graz – Gleisdorf – Szentgotthárd [HU]),  but  information on this is sparse: [http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steirische_Ostbahn 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 [https://infrastruktur.oebb.at/de/projekte-fuer-oesterreich/bahnstrecken OeBB Infra's list of projects].


'''Threatened passenger lines''' (position at September 2016 with updates)
====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


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 were as listed below. Entries are preceded by their table number, and a note is given of any overt action towards closure that has been reported subsequently.
The following lines closed at the end of 2019:
*133 Sarmingstein – St Nikola
*152 Haiding – Aschach an der Donau. The ''Linzer Lokalbahn ("LiLo")'' '''may''' take 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
*912 Obersdorf - Groß Schweinbarth - Gänserndorf
 
The following lines were threatened with closure but will continue until at least 2029:
*142 Linz Urfahr - Rottenegg – Aigen–Schlägl. The section between Linz Urfahr and Rohrbach was planned for conversion into tram-train operation, but these plans have been discarded. Current thinking is that a heavy-rail S-Bahn line may be built to connect Linz Hbf with Linz Urfahr. If this goes ahead, completion is not expected until at least 2025.
*153 Wels - Grünau im Almtal
*171 Attnang-Puchheim – Reid/Innkreis – Schärding
 
The ''Achenseebahn'' metre-gauge rack line from Jenbach to Achensee was 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. It is however planned to operate a limited service from April to October 2020 with only three train pairs. This may cease at any time if any problems arise.
 
The cross-border line from Bleiburg to Holmec and Prevalje in Slovenia has been threatened with closure in the past, but was due to gain an improved service in December 2019. This did not happen, but the existing sparse service is still running in 2020.
 
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.


*133 Sarmingstein – St Nikola (service very limited)
*142 Rottenegg – Aigen–Schlägl (see comment below)
*153 Wels – Grünau *
*171 Attnang-Puchheim – Reid/Innkreis – Schärding *
*502    Spielfeld-Strass – Bad Radkersburg
*502    Spielfeld-Strass – Bad Radkersburg
*521 Pernitz-Muggendorf – Gutenstein
*521 Pernitz-Muggendorf – Gutenstein
*522 Bad Fischau – Puchberg
*522 Bad Fischau – Puchberg
*524 Deutschkreutz –  Neckenmarkt-Horitschon (service since withdrawn)
*(620)  Bleiburg – Holmec (Slovenia) - Prevalje (operated by SŽ diesel railcars, Mondays to Fridays only) 
*660 Klagenfurt Süd – Rosenbach (electrification of section Klagenfurt - Weizelsdorf subsequently announced and section thence to Rosenbach closed in December 2016  - see above)
*670 Hermagor – Kötschach-Mauthen (closed in December 2016 - see above)
*820 Hadersdorf – Sigmundsherberg
*820 Hadersdorf – Sigmundsherberg
*912 Gross Schweinbarth – Bad Pirawarth (reduced to Mondays to Fridays only)
*912 Obersdorf - Gross Schweinbarth - Gänserndorf
There was speculation that the lines marked * would be privatized as part of an agreement with the regional government of Oberösterreich, along with Haiding to Aschach an der Donau (table 152), but (at December 2017) this had not come to pass.
Although the line from Rottenegg to Aigen-Schlägl (table 142), part of the branch from Linz Urfahr, is on the list, this was primarily due to the section between Linz Urfahr and Rohrbach being 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, will be built towards the town centre, and at Linz a new line will be built from Urfahr to Hauptbahnhof but the Oberösterreich Land Parliament wishes to keep the existing railway and reconnect it with the main rail network.


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:
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:


*152  Haiding – Aschach an der Donau (one very early round trip on schooldays only, plus one summer weekend round trip). The ''Linzer Lokalbahn ("LiLo")'' has stated that it wishes to take over the Eferding - Aschach line, which would presumably mean an improved service over this part of the line but possibly lead to closure of the Haiding - Eferding section.
*170  Bad Aussee – Stainach-Irdning  
*170  Bad Aussee – Stainach-Irdning  
*172  Vöcklabruck – Kammer-Schörfling  
*172  Vöcklabruck – Kammer-Schörfling  
*410  [Garmisch-Partenkirchen -] Ehrwald Zugspitzbahn – Schönbichl [- Pfronten-Steinach] (electrification of Reutte in Tirol - Pfronten-Steinach [- Kempten] now agreed, to be completed by 2020, so it would appear that this line is secure now)
*651  Villach – Feldkirchen – St Veit an der Glan
*720  [Wien Hbf -] Kledering - Sollenau (Mondays to Fridays only, with very poor loadings)
*720  [Wien Hbf -] Kledering - Sollenau (Mondays to Fridays only, with very poor loadings)


Line 233: Line 222:


===Recent changes===
===Recent changes===
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)
Because of storm damage, the Erzbergbahn operated only between Vordernberg Markt and Erzberg (thence to Eisenerz out of service) during 2016.
The Weiz - Oberfeistritz (Steiermärkische Landesbahnen) 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).
Operation by Lavamünder Bahn- und Betriebs GesmbH (LBB) on the closed line between St.Paul and Lavamünd ceased in 2015 - see [http://www.kleinezeitung.at/kaernten/lavanttal/peak_lavanttal/4940909/Bahnstrecke_Das-Ende-der-Lavamunder-Bahn press report] (in German).


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


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.  
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.


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 <i>railjet</i> and Intercity services, as an alternative to the <i>City Airport Train</i> and S7 route to Wien Mitte.  
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 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 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.  


During 2014 the metre gauge branch from Vorchdorf-Eggenberg was slightly shortened when its terminal station, Gmunden Seebahnhof, was relocated inland, then on 14 December the line was extended a short distance from this new station to Gmunden Klosterplatz. Work is underway to connect this to the existing tram line in Gmunden town centre.
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 seasonal service on the Korneuburg – Ernstbrunn branch ceased in 2014 but had resumed by 2016 with a changed operator [http://www.regiobahn.at/event/nostalgieexpress-leiser-berge Regiobahn]. Regiobahn have aspirations to restore regular all-year service to the line.
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 [[Austria - Lines with Obscure or Sparse passenger services#WAG_ROR|AT20/25]]


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 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 Wien Liesing – Waldmühle branch, which had no booked traffic other than excursions operated by [http://www.pro-kaltenleutgebnerbahn.at Verein Pro Kaltenleutgebnerbahn], was legally closed in January 2014 but the preservation organisation are to resume services, including some through trips to and from central Wien, on 3 September 2017. It is not known when further services will run.
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.


The Deutschkreutz to Oberloisdorf line, which had a limited passenger service as far as Neckenmarkt-Horitschon, was expected to close in December 2012. In the event the passenger service was briefly reprieved and final trains ran on 28 June 2013.
Because of storm damage, the Erzbergbahn has operated only between Vordernberg Markt and Erzberg (thence to Eisenerz out of service) since 2016.
 
[http://www.florianerbahn.at Club Florianerbahn]'s operation between St. Florian and Pichling See (900 mm gauge, formerly part of Linz tram system) ceased (believed 2012) because of track condition but the club still aspire to reopen the line.
 
The Wörgl – Baumkirchen tunnel line opened in December 2012, although signalling issues meant that, initially, it was only used by Railjet services. See [[Austria_-_Lines_with_Obscure_or_Sparse_passenger_services#WORGBAUM|Lines_with_Obscure_or_Sparse_passenger_services:
Wörgl Kundl - Volders-Baumkirchen]].   
 
In September 2012 a 4km section of new alignment opened between Lambach and Breitenschützing as part of line improvements on the Wels – Salzburg route.
 
For more information and links on projects, see (in German) [http://www.oebb.at/infrastruktur/de/5_0_fuer_Generationen/5_4_Wir_bauen_fuer_Generationen/5_4_1_Schieneninfrastruktur/index.jsp OeBB Infra's list of projects].
 
The Schneebergbahn, ÖBB's mountain rack railway (transferred in 1997 to a company in which ÖBB and the local Province had equal shareholdings) from 1 January 2012 became wholly owned by the province; it is now run by their operating company, NÖVOG. Regular services have been extended to the Hotel platforms at the Summit.
 
ÖBB has withdrawn freight services from many branch or secondary lines, and all their former narrow gauge lines have been either closed or transferred to other operators.


===Older Changes===
===Older Changes===
Line 278: Line 247:


Explanations in English of Austrian (and German) railway signalling can be found [http://mysite.du.edu/~jcalvert/railway/germaust.htm here].
Explanations in English of Austrian (and German) railway signalling can be found [http://mysite.du.edu/~jcalvert/railway/germaust.htm 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==
==See also==
{{Navbox Austria}}
{{Navbox Austria}}

Revision as of 13:36, 31 January 2020

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 - the route plan under Bahnnetz gives table numbers.

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 the downloadable timetable under Bahnnetz.

Engineering Information

This page provides a pictorial map for each month giving the locations and dates of engineering work on the ÖBB network.

In the summer months many sections of line can be closed, with bus replacement services operating, for several weeks: it pays to check the online journey planner carefully.

Bus Information

The ÖBB 'Scotty' Journey Planner can also be used to plan bus journeys.

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. A new edition is expected to be published in late 2020.
  • 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. Payerbach-Reichenau - Mürzzuschlag - Bruck a d Mur successfully converted 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 keep left-hand running.

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 the online timetable pages under Bahnnetz.

  • 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 – Fertőszentmiklós (731).
  • Steiermärkische Landesbahnen (STB):
    • Gleisdorf – Weiz Nord (531)
    • Feldbach – Bad Gleichenberg (532) Electrified 1000 V dc
    • Peggau-Deutschfelstritz – Übelbach (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 Bahnhof (161) (metre gauge) Electrified 800 V dc
    • Vöcklamarkt – 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 December 2020 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 – Achensee Seespitz (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.
  • Gurkthalbahn: Treibach-Althofen – Pöckstein-Zwischenwässern (760 mm gauge)
  • Höllentalbahn (Österreichische Gesellschaft für Lokalbahnen): Payerbach Lokalbahn – 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 Besucherführung G.m.b.H.): Schwaz/Tirol (narrow gauge, underground mine railway - Die Grubenbahn)
  • Stainzer Flascherlzug: Stainz – Preding-Wieselsdorf (760 mm gauge)
  • Steyrtalbahn (Österreichische Gesellschaft für Eisenbahngeschichte (ÖGEG)): Grünburg – Steyr Lokalbf (760 mm gauge)
  • Taurachbahn (Club 760): Mauterndorf – St Andrä Andlwirt (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 was the largest European network outside Russia; however, since the closure of Route 67 to Oberlaa in September 2017, the Berlin system is larger.

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

The Verein Neue Landesbahn has taken over the disused Hohenau - Mistelbach line (Zayatalbahn) from ÖBB and plans to operate tourist services in summer 2020.

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

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. The Kãrnten Land government envisages that all remaining lines in Kärnten will be electrified by 2025.

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 – Szentgotthárd [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 closed at the end of 2019:

  • 133 Sarmingstein – St Nikola
  • 152 Haiding – Aschach an der Donau. The Linzer Lokalbahn ("LiLo") may take 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
  • 912 Obersdorf - Groß Schweinbarth - Gänserndorf

The following lines were threatened with closure but will continue until at least 2029:

  • 142 Linz Urfahr - Rottenegg – Aigen–Schlägl. The section between Linz Urfahr and Rohrbach was planned for conversion into tram-train operation, but these plans have been discarded. Current thinking is that a heavy-rail S-Bahn line may be built to connect Linz Hbf with Linz Urfahr. If this goes ahead, completion is not expected until at least 2025.
  • 153 Wels - Grünau im Almtal
  • 171 Attnang-Puchheim – Reid/Innkreis – Schärding

The Achenseebahn metre-gauge rack line from Jenbach to Achensee was 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. It is however planned to operate a limited service from April to October 2020 with only three train pairs. This may cease at any time if any problems arise.

The cross-border line from Bleiburg to Holmec and Prevalje in Slovenia has been threatened with closure in the past, but was due to gain an improved service in December 2019. This did not happen, but the existing sparse service is still running in 2020.

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.

  • 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.

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 AT20/25

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.

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