Austria - General Information: Difference between revisions

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===National Railway Operator===
===National Railway Operator===
Österreichische Bundesbahnen ([http://www.oebb.at ÖBB]).
Österreichische Bundesbahnen ([http://www.oebb.at ÖBB]).
===Infrastructure Authority===
[http://www.oebb.at/infrastruktur/en/ ÖBB-Infrastruktur AG].


==Language==
==Language==
Line 20: Line 17:
== Timetable ==
== Timetable ==
===Journey Planner===
===Journey Planner===
[http://fahrplan.oebb.at/bin/query.exe/en? fahrplan.oebb.at/bin/query.exe/en?]
[http://fahrplan.oebb.at/bin/query.exe/en? ÖBB 'Scotty' Journey Planner]


===Downloadable Timetable===
===Downloadable Timetable===
Individual tables can be downloaded at http://www.oebb.at/de/Reiseplanung/Fahrplanauskunft/Fahrplanbilder/index.jsp . An offline journey planner can also be downloaded at http://www.oebb.at/en/Planning_your_trip/Timetable/Offline_timetable_version/index.jsp
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===
Because of a court decision arising out of the fact that the new WESTbahn services were not included in their 2011/12 printed timetable, ÖBB no longer publish one.
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 fahrplan.oebb.at/bin/help.exe/dn?tpl=showmap_external] provides a pictorial map giving the location and type of engineering work and other incidents for ÖBB 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.
 
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.
 
===Bus Information===
The [http://fahrplan.oebb.at/bin/query.exe/en? ÖBB 'Scotty' Journey Planner] can also be used to plan bus journeys.


==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 was due to have been published in April 2020 but this has now been deferred until the Autumn.
*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/index.html 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 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]]


==Ticketing==
==Infrastructure==
Domestic Austrian tickets are valid on corridor trains; see [[#Corridor Trains (Korridorzüge)|Corridor Trains (Korridorzüge)]] below.
===Infrastructure Authority===
Infrastructure is owned and managed by a public authority, [http://www.oebb.at/infrastruktur/en/ ÖBB-Infrastruktur AG].


==Gauge==
===Network Statement===
Mostly standard gauge, but the following lines are narrow gauge:
The [http://www.oebb.at/infrastruktur/en/_p_Network_Access/NetworkStatement/index.jsp Network Statement] page gives access to the latest network statements.


* 760mm gauge: 115 St Polten – Mariazell; 132 Waidhofen a d Ybbs – Gstadt; 801 Gmünd NÖ – Groß Gerungs; 802 Gmünd NÖ – Litschau and Heidenreichstein
===Gauge===
* Metre gauge (and rack operated): 523 Puchberg am Schneeberg – Hochschneeberg (see below regarding ownership).  
ÖBB is entirely standard gauge. Various Other Railways are narrow gauge, as noted below.
* Various private lines are narrow gauge, as noted below.


==Electrification==
===Electrification===
15 kV 16.7 Hz. The St Polten – Mariazell line is electrified at 6.6 kV 25 Hz. Electrification systems used by private lines are noted below. The following cross-border routes with Hungary are electrified at the Hungarian standard 25 kV 50 Hz:
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 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).  
* between Neusiedl am See (exclusive) and Fertöszentmiklós (the electrification boundary is a few hundred metres south of Neusiedl station).


==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 and the Wien S Bahn system still operate with left-hand running, although the Wien to Salzburg line was converted some years ago.
Right-hand running, but with a few exceptions. Most double track lines are signalled for reversible working. Many lines in the east of the country were left-hand running in the past, a hangover from the days of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
The following lines converted to right-hand running on 6 August 2012:
 
*Wien Floridsdorf – Bernhardsthal (Bernhardsthal – Břeclav ČD will convert on 9 December 2012)
The Wien - Graz line was mainly left-hand running until Payerbach-Reichenau - Mürzzuschlag - Bruck a d Mur was converted to right-hand running in December 2019, in conjunction with the opening of the new Wien Hbf. 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 remain left-hand running.
*Wien Rennweg – Flughafen
 
*Wampersdorf – Wiener Neustadt Civitas Nova
===Distances===
*Wien Hbf – Payerbach-Reichenau
The best source is the “''Eisenbahnatlas Österreich''”; see [[#Printed Maps]].
*Wien Hütteldorf/Penzing – Wien Meidling
*Wien Meidling – Wien Floridsdorf
*Wien Floridsdorf – Stockerau
*Wien Süßenbrunn – Wolkersdorf
ÖBB intends to convert most of the remaining lines - apart from Mürzzuschlag - Bruck a d Mur - Graz, as major investment would be required. The only other line with left-hand running is Wien FJB - Tulln - Absdorf-Hippersdorf, which is an isolated section of double track.


==Other Railways==
==Other Railways==
Table numbers in the Fahrpläne Österreich are shown in brackets
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)


*Graz-Köflacher Eisenbahn: Graz Hbf – Köflach and Wies-Eibiswald (550) [http://www.gkb.at www.gkb.at]
*[http://www.montafonerbahn.at/verkehr/fahrplan_bahn.shtml Montafonerbahn AG]: Bludenz – Schruns (420). Electrified 15 kV 16.7 Hz
*Montafonerbahn AG: Bludenz – Schruns (420). Electrified 15 kV 16.7 Hz [http://www.montafonerbahn.at www.montafonerbahn.at ]
*Raab-Oedenburg-Ebenfurter Eisenbahn AG: Ebenfurth – Sopron (512), Neusiedl am See – Fertószentmiklós (731). 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 www.raaberbahn.at]
*[http://www.noevog.at/en NÖVOG (Niederösterreichische Verkehrsorganisationsges.m.b.H.)] 
*Salzburg Stadtwerke AG Verkehrsbetriebe Lokalbahn: Salzburg Lokalbahn – Trimmelkam and Lamprechtshausen (210). Electrified 1000 V dc. Bürmoos – Trimmelkam was acquired from Stern und Hafferl by Salzburg Stadtwerke on 31 July 1993 and modernised, with construction of a new underground terminus outside Salzburg Hbf. [http://www.slb.at www.slb.at]
**St Polten Hauptbahnhof – Mariazell <i>Mariazellerbahn</i> (115) (760mm gauge) Electrified at 6.6 kV 25 Hz.
*Steiermärkische Landesbahnen: Gleisdorf – Weiz Stadt (531), Feldbach – Bad Gleichenberg (532) (electrified 1000 V dc), Peggau-*Deutschfelstritz – Ubelbach (540) (electrified 15 kV 16.7 Hz), Unzmarkt – Tamsweg (630) (760 mm gauge), Mixnitz – St Erhard (760 mm gauge, electrified 800 V dc, freight only but it is possible to charter passenger trains or passenger coaches on freight trains), Weiz – Anger (760 mm gauge, freight and limited steam tourist trains). [http://www.stlb.at www.stlb.at]
**Waidhofen an der Ybbs – Gstadt bei Waidhofen <i>Citybahn Waidhofen</i> (132) (760mm gauge)
*Stern und Hafferl: Linz Hbf – Peuerbach and Neumarkt-Kalham (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).[http://www.stern-verkehr.at www.stern-verkehr.at]
**Puchberg am Schneeberg – Hochschneeberg [http://www.schneebergbahn.at <i>Schneebergbahn</i>] (523) (Metre gauge, rack operated) **Gmünd NÖ – Groß Gerungs <i>Waldviertelbahn</i> (801) (760mm gauge)
*Stubaitalbahn AG: Innsbruck – Fulpmes (320). Metre gauge, electrified 900 V dc. Operated by tram-style vehicles which work through onto the Innsbruck tram system at 750 V dc. [http://www.ivb.at www.ivb.at]
**Gmünd NÖ – Litschau and Heidenreichstein <i>Waldviertelbahn</i> (802) (760mm gauge)
*Südburgenländische Regionalbahn: Oberwart Oberschützen (leased to FROWOS: see Tourist Lines below); Oberwart – Großpetersdorf – Rechnitz (freight, plus July and August Sunday excursions from Grosspetersdorf "towards Märchenwald") [http://www.maerchenbahn.at www.maerchenbahn.at]
**Krems an der Donau - Emmersdorf an der Donau <i>Wachaubahn</i> (811)
*Westbahn Management GmbH: The first open access operator in Austria, it runs an hourly fast service between Wien Westbahnhof and Freilassing. [https://westbahn.at www.westbahn.at]
**Retz - Drosendorf <i>Reblaus Express</i> (941)
*AG der Wiener Lokalbahnen: Wien Oper – Baden Josefsplatz (515) An 800 V dc long-distance tramway, connected to the Wien tram system. [http://www.wlb.at www.wlb.at]
 
*Zell am See – Krimml (230), Pinzgauerbahn, 760 mm gauge, operated by SLB. [http://www.pinzgauerlokalbahn.at www.pinzgauerlokalbahn.at]
*[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.  
*Zillertaler Verkehrsbetriebe AG: Jenbach – Mayrhofen (310) (760 mm gauge). [http://www.zillertalbahn.at www.zillertalbahn.at]
**Ebenfurth – Sopron (512)
**Neusiedl am See – Fertőszentmiklós (731).
 
*[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)
**Salzburg Hauptbahnhof (platforms 11 and 12) - Lamprechtshausen [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)
 
*[http://www.stlb.at 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 <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.
**Weiz – Anger - Birkfeld (760 mm gauge) <i>line sold - see Recent Changes, below</i>
 
*[http://www.stern-verkehr.at Stern & Hafferl Verkehrsgesellschaft m.b.H.]:
**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)
**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).
 
*[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.  
 
*[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).


==Tourist Lines==
==Tourist Lines==
Various private lines, listed above, and the Schneebergbahn line are wholly or largely tourist operations.
Listing current at December 2019 with updates where known.


*Achenseebahn AG: Jenbach Achenseebf – Achensee Schiffstation (311). Metre gauge, rack operated. Steam worked. Does not operate during the winter. [http://www.achenseebahn.at www.achenseebahn.at]
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.
*Ampflwang – Timelkam [http://www.oegeg.at www.oegeg.at]
*Wälderbähnle (Bregenzerwaldbahn) (BWB): Bezau – Bersbuch (760 mm gauge)
*Eisenerz Schaubergwerk (900 mm gauge) [http://www.abenteuer-erzberg.at www.abenteuer-erzberg.at]
*Erzbergbahn: Vordernberg Markt – Eisenerz [http://www.erzbergbahn.at www.erzbergbahn.at]
*Festritztalbahn: Weiz – Birkfeld (760 mm gauge) [http://www.feistritztalbahn.at www.feistritztalbahn.at]
*Flascherlzug: Stainz – Preding-Wieselsdorf (760 mm gauge) [http://www.stainz.at/stainz/zug.htm www.stainz.at/stainz/zug.htm]
*Club Florianerbahn: St.Florian – Pichling See (900 mm gauge) (currently out of service) [http://www.florianerbahn.at www.florianerbahn.at]
*Gurkthalbahn: Treibach-Althofen – Pöckstein-Zwischenwässern (760 mm gauge) [http://www.gurkthalbahn.at www.gurkthalbahn.at]
*Höllentalbahn: Payerbach Ort – Hirschwang (760 mm gauge) [http://www.lokalbahnen.at/hoellentalbahn www.lokalbahnen.at/hoellentalbahn]
*Jochberg (Kitzbühl) Schaubergwerke Kupferplatte (600 mm gauge)
*Klagenfurt Museumstramway [http://www.nostalgiebahn.at www.nostalgiebahn.at]
*Lavamünder BahbetriebsgesmbH St.Paul – Lavamünd (trains can be chartered) [http://www.nostalgiebahn.at/lavantblitz.php www.nostalgiebahn.at/lavantblitz.php]
*Museumstramway Mariazell-Erlaufsee: Mariazell – Erlaufsee
*Martinsberger Lokalbahn: Martinsberg-Gutenbrunn – Zwettl [http://www.lokalbahnverein.at www.lokalbahnverein.at]
*Oberwart – Oberschützen [http://www.frowos.com/Sprachen/EN/EN.htm http://www.frowos.com/Sprachen/EN/EN.htm]
*Reißeckbahn (Tauern Touristik GmbH): Schoberboden – Reißeck (not included in the Fahrpläne Österreich). 600mm gauge [http://www.tauerntouristik.at/en/reisseck/index.php www.tauerntouristik.at/en/reisseck/index.php]
*Rosenthaler Dampfbummelzüge: Weizelsdorf – Ferlach [http://www.nostalgiebahn.at www.nostalgiebahn.at]
*St Wolfgang Schafbergbahn – Schafbergspitze (173), metre gauge, rack operated, steam and diesel, is now trading as Salzkammergutbahn GmbH , under the Salzburg AG umbrella. [http://www.schafbergbahn.at www.schafbergbahn.at]
*Steyrtalbahn: Grünburg – Steyr Lokalbf (760 mm gauge) [http://www.steyrtalbahn.at www.steyrtalbahn.a]t
*Taurachbahn: Mautendorf – St Andrä (760 mm gauge) [http://www.club760.at www.club760.at]
*Ybbsthalbahn Bergstrecke: Kienberg-Gaming – Lunz am See (760 mm gauge) [http://www.lokalbahnen.at/bergstrecke www.lokalbahnen.at/bergstrecke]
ÖBB has a unit called ÖBB Erlebnisbahn (ÖBB Experience Railway). See [http://www.erlebnis-bahn-schiff.at www.erlebnis-bahn-schiff.at] for more information. ÖBB Erlebnisbahn currently operate summer weekend services on the Korneuburg to Ernstbrunn branch as detailed in table 931.


NOVÖG operate tourist services on the following lines:
*[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)
*801 Gmünd NÖ Gross Gerungs (760 mm gauge)  
*[http://www.achenseebahn.at Achenseebahn AG]: Jenbach – Achensee Seespitz (metre gauge, rack operated). There will be '''no scheduled traffic''' in 2020 until further notice owing to refurbishment works.
*802 Gmünd NÖ Litschau and Heidenreichstein (760 mm gauge)
*[http://www.erzbergbahn.at Erzbergbahn] (Verein Erzbergbahn): Vordernberg Markt – Erzberg (Erzberg - Eisenerz out of service since 2016 because of storm damage)
*811 Krems a d Donau - Emmersdorf a d Donau
*[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.
*941 Retz - Drosendorf
*[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 Lokalbahn – Hirschwang (760 mm 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.oegeg.at/normalspur/museumsbahn/ Museumsbahn Ampflwang-Timelkam] (Österreichischen Gesellschaft für Eisenbahngeschichte (ÖGEG)): Ampflwang – Timelkam
*[http://www.lokalbahnverein.at/englisch/index_e.php Museums-Lokalbahnverein Zwettl]: Zwettl – Schwarzenau
*[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://regiobahn.at/event/nostalgieexpress-leiser-berge/ Regiobahn]: [Wien Praterstern - ] Korneuburg – Ernstbrunn
*[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://kupferplatte.at/en/ Schaubergwerke Kupferplatte]: Jochberg, Kitzbühl (600 mm gauge, underground mine railway)
*[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.steyrtalbahn.at Steyrtalbahn] (Österreichische Gesellschaft für Eisenbahngeschichte (ÖGEG)): Grünburg – Steyr Lokalbf (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.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.landesbahn.at/ 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; see the [http://www.draisinenfahrten.de/index.html IG Draisinenfahrten website]. Click on 'International', followed by 'Draisinenlinks' to obtain website details under the heading 'Draisinenstrecken in Österreich (AT)'.
Rail cycling is possible on a number of lines:
 
*[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.weinvierteldraisine.at Weinvierteldraisine]: Ernstbrunn - Asparn an der Zaya - Grafensulz  (connects with Zayataler Schienentaxi - see above)


==Metro==
==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.
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 [http://www.gleisplanweb.eu/Map.php?Map=Wien Gleisplanweb site].


==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, 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]]


==Recent and future changes==
==Recent and future changes==
Line 132: Line 166:
===Projects under way or planned===
===Projects under way or planned===


The terminal station of the metre gauge branch from Vorchdorf, Gmunden Seebahnhof, is to close. A new section of line from Gmunden Traundorf to Klosterplatz will be constructed and this is intended to be the first stage in connecting the branch to the Gmunden town tram line.  
The ''Verein Neue Landesbahn'' has taken over the disused Hohenau - Mistelbach line (''Zayatalbahn'') from ÖBB and plans to operate tourist services in summer 2020.


Construction of a new chord giving direct access from Wien Hauptbahnhof to Wien Airport has started. The 2.1 km chord, which leaves the Hegyeshalom line 2 km north of Kledering, and joins the Rennweg – Schwechat line 2 km west of Kaiserebersdorf, is due to be completed by the end of 2014.
''Land'' Tirol has agreed to invest EUR 3.4m to renovate the track and rolling stock of the ''Achenseebahn'' metre-gauge rack line from Jenbach to Achensee. A new ownership structure will also be put in place. The line had been in grave danger of closure in 2020 owing to poor track condition. No trains will operate during 2020 whilst the line is being refurbished. Details of future plans for the line are due to be published in July 2020.


The Deutschkreutz to Oberloisdorf line, which has a limited passenger service as far as Neckenmarkt-Horitschon, was expected to close in December 2012 but, although it was reprieved at a late stage, this is probably only a stay of execution.  
A letter of intent was signed in March 2019 by the Ministry of Transport to extend the ''Salzburger Lokalbahn'' into the city centre.


Göstling to Lunz am See, the final section of the closed Ybbstalbahn line from Gstadt, is due to reopen as a museum line in July 2013.
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.


In late 2011 OBB presented their plans for the period to 2025. Upgrades include a link to Wien Airport and the St Polten freight by-pass to complete Wien Wels quadrupling. OBB want to give up 700 km of branch lines either by handing to regional authorities or complete closure. The passenger lines selected, based on a minimum threshold of 2000 passengers per day, were:
[http://regiobahn.at/zukunftsprojekt Regiobahn] have aspirations to restore regular all-year service to the Korneuburg Ernstbrunn branch.
 
*171 Attnang-Puchheim – Reid/Innkreis – Schärding*
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.
*153 Wels – Grünau*
*142 Rottenegg – Aigen–Schlägl
*133 Sarmingstein – St Nikola
*524 Deutschkreutz – Neckenmarkt
*660 Viktring – Rosenbach
*670 Hermagor – Kötschach-Mauthen
*522 Bad Fischau – Puchberg
*521 Pernitz-Muggendorf – Gutenstein
*912 Gänserndorf – Gross Schweinbarth – Bad Pirawarth
*912 Obersdorf - Gross Schweinbarth
*820 Hadersdorf – Sigmundsherberg
*560 Spielfeld-Strass – Bad Radkersburg
*Bleiburg – Prevalje


Some of these lines were already under serious threat. The lines marked * may be privatized as part of an agreement with the regional government of Oberösterreich, along with Haiding to Aschach. Although the line from Rottenegg to Aigen-Schlägl, part of the branch from Linz Urfahr, is on the above list, the Linz Urfahr to Rohrbach section is planned for conversion into tram-train operation, with the rest of the line being shut. 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.
Electrification of Gänserndorf - Marchegg is part of an upgrade of the Wien - Bernhardstal - [Breclav] line to be completed by 2026.


===Recent changes===
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.


Wien Hauptbahnhof (the replacement for Südbahnhof) was partially opened on 9 December 2012. In connection with this, 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. On this date the temporary station at Südbahnhof (Ost) closed.
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.  


The Wien Haidersdorf to Wien Meidling  section of the Westbahn high speed line opened to freight in late 2012, but is not due to be used by passenger services until after Hauptbahnhof opens fully in December 2014.
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''.


The Wörgl Baumkirchen tunnel line opened in December 2012, although signalling issues meant that, initially, it was only used by Railjet services.  
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].


In September 2012 a 4km section of new alignment opened between Lambach and Breitenschützing as part of line improvements on the Wels – Salzburg route.  
====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 May 2012 the SLB branch terminus at Lamprechthausen was relocated closer to the town centre by extending the line by 300 metres.
The following lines closed at the end of 2019:
*133 Sarmingstein – St Nikola
*152 Haiding – Aschach an der Donau. The Eferding - Aschach section '''may''' be taken over by the ''Linzer Lokalbahn'' and services restarted at some point 'in the future'
*912 Groß Schweinbarth – Bad Pirawarth
*912 Obersdorf - Groß Schweinbarth - Gänserndorf


In September 2011 a new alignment opened on the Lieboch to Köflach branch, between Krottendorf and Söding.
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 – Ried/Innkreis – Schärding


An 800 metre new alignment on the Zell am See to Krimml branch, between Uttendorf-Stubachtal and Pirtendorf, opened in November, avoiding tight curves and numerous level crossings.  
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.


On 2 October 2011 Wien metro line U2 was extended from Stadion to Aspernstrasse.
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.


The line from Friedberg to Oberwart (table 520) lost its passenger service with effect from 1 August 2011. On the same date the service between Deutschkreutz and Neckenmarkt-Horitschon was reduced to three rush-hour services each way, and an hourly M-S service was introduced between Klagenfurt and Weizelsdorf (table 660), the remainder of this line only seeing a single early morning train from Rosenbach.
*502    Spielfeld-Strass – Bad Radkersburg
*521 Pernitz-Muggendorf – Gutenstein
*522 Bad Fischau – Puchberg
*820 Hadersdorf – Sigmundsherberg


Work continues on the Koralmbahn Klagenfurt – Graz , with the 32 km Koralmtunnel as its centrepiece. The first section between Werndorf and Wettmannstätten opened with effect from 12 December 2010, and the entire single track line is due to be completed by 2023. There is more information at [http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koralmbahn de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koralmbahn] (but be careful – Wikipedia information may always be biased). It is planned also to build partial double tracks on the Steirische Ostbahn (Graz – Gleisdorf – Szentgottard (Hungary), but the information on this is very sparse. [http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steirische_Ostbahn de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steirische_Ostbahn] indicates a south to east Graz avoiding line (otherwise all trains Koralmbahn – Szentgottard would have to run round in Graz) and a possible completion in 2020. But without these measures to the Steirische Ostbahn, the investment in Koralmbahn would be of much less value – it would not be practical to route more freight through Hungary, where there are considerably less gradients than the Semmering route.
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:


The following lines closed at the timetable change on 11 December 2010:
*170  Bad Aussee – Stainach-Irdning
*172  Vöcklabruck – Kammer-Schörfling
*720  [Wien Hbf -] Kledering - Sollenau (Mondays to Fridays only, with very poor loadings)


*113 Schrambach - Markt St.- Aegyd am Neuwalde
<i>Innsbrucker Mittelgebirgsbahn</i>, 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.
*115 Ober Grafendorf - Mank 
*120 Scheibbs - Kienberg-Gaming
*132 Gstadt - Lunz am See and Gstadt - Ybbsitz. These lines had already been closed since mid 2009 owing to floods. The section from Waidhofen to Gstadt has remained open, operated by NOVÖG.
*811 Krems an der Donau - Emmersdorf an der Donau. This has reopened for tourist services operated by NOVÖG.
*830 Schwarzenau - Zwettl Stadt
*831 Schwarzenau - Waidhofen an der Thaya
*912 Groß Schweinbarth - Sulz Museumsdorf
The StH line (Lambach -) Neukirchen – Haag lost its passenger service from 13 December 2009. It had been said that there was no financially viable way to connect this line when the Westbahn is upgraded Linz – Salzburg. On the same date a new alignment opened between Atzenbrugg and a point two kilometers east of the proposed new Tullnerfeld station, on the Herzogenburg to Tulln line. The intermediate stations of Michelhausen and Judenau have been closed. The new line runs alongside the high speed Wien to St Pölten line currently under construction. The old alignment has been de-electrified but, other than a short section at the east end, is still in use for freight. In connection with this, two freight-only spurs, a 1.8 km west to north chord at Tulln and a 0.9 km south to east chord at Absdorf-Hippersdorf, have been opened.  


The new entrance to St Pölten from the east (Knoten Wagram) was completed in August 2005. This includes preparation for the tracks from the New Westbahn (Wienerwald Tunnel – Tullnerfeld).
===Recent changes===


Electrification between Mistelbach and Laa an der Thaya was completed for use in December 2006. Graz Don Bosco station opened 7 September 2007. 
Arnoldstein to Hermagor was electrified from the December 2019 Timetable.


Work started in 2007 to build a new Wien Hauptbahnhof on the site occupied by Südbahnhof until 12 December 2009. From this date services to Bruck a d L, and Stadlau and beyond, used a temporary station Wien Südbahnhof (Ost), 150 m to the south of the old station site, and services to Wiener Neustadt and beyond ran from Wien Meidling. The S-bahn platforms (21 and 22) in the basement have temporary entrances outside the construction area. All long-distance trains from Westbahn will, when all construction is complete, use the Lainzer tunnel and Hauptbahnhof instead of Westbahnhof. 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. For more information see this page which contains several links: [http://www.hauptbahnhof-wien.at www.hauptbahnhof-wien.at]. Passenger information in German: [http://www.hauptbahnhof-wien.at/de/Presse/Publikationen/Folder/HBFW_Fahrgastbroschuere.pdf www.hauptbahnhof-wien.at/de/Presse/Publikationen/Folder/HBFW_Fahrgastbroschuere.pdf]. General information in English : [http://www.hauptbahnhof-wien.at/de/Presse/Publikationen/Folder/VIENNA_CENTRAL_STATION_Imagefolder_engl.pdf www.hauptbahnhof-wien.at/de/Presse/Publikationen/Folder/VIENNA_CENTRAL_STATION_Imagefolder_engl.pdf].
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.


For more information and links on these and other projects, see (in German) [http://www.oebb.at/vip8/bau/de/Projekte_Planung_und_Bau/index.jsp www.oebb.at/vip8/bau/de/Projekte_Planung_und_Bau/index.jsp].
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.


Other new lines opened recently are:
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.


* Innsbruck avoiding line, linking the Brenner and Wörgl lines (this is used only by freight trains)  
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.  
* Tunnel for fast trains between Leoben Hbf and St Michael
* Diversion of the Tauernbahn, mostly in tunnels, between Lindisch and Mallnitz
* The double track Schlierbach Umfahrung (bypass) on the Linz – Selztal line
* Double tracking of Kolbnitz – Pusarnitz on the Tauernbahn
* Double tracking Meidling – Inzersdorf
Preliminary work on a Semmering base tunnel has resumed and the principal route decided.


ÖBB is withdrawing freight services from many lines, including the entire narrow-gauge network. It has also stated that in order to cope with reduced subsidies, many passenger services will also have to be withdrawn. Campaigning groups have listed almost every non-electrified line as under threat.
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 following routes have appeared on various recent closure threat lists so must be at risk; those marked # are already mostly served by buses. In many cases private operation is being sought to avoid closure.
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]]


* 115: St. Pölten – Ober Grafendorf – Mariazell
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.
* 132: Waidhofen an der Ybbs – Gstadt
* 152: # Haiding – Aschach a d Donau
* 170: Bad Aussee – Stainach-Irdning
* 172: # Vöcklabruck – Kammer-Schörfling
* 410: (Garmisch-Partenkirchen) Ehrwald Zugspitzbahn – Schönbichl (Pfronten-Steinach)
* 620: # Zeltweg – Bad St. Leonhard, apparently closing on 31 July 2010
* 650: Villach – Feldkirchen – St Veit a d Glan
* 670: Arnoldstein – Kötschach-Mauthen
* 680: # Weizelsdorf – Rosenbach


Salzburger Lokalbahn has taken over the operation of the Zell am See – Krimml line on 1 July 2008.
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 Schneebergbahn, ÖBB's mountain rack railway, has been transferred to a company in which ÖBB and the local Province have an equal shareholding. ÖBB, in effect, continues to run the line, though it comes outside the standard fare system, and the operating loss is shared with the Provincial councils.
Because of storm damage, the Erzbergbahn has operated only between Vordernberg Markt and Erzberg (thence to Eisenerz out of service) since 2016.


The Schafbergbahn was transferred to Salzburg AG in April 2006, see above.
===Older Changes===
For details of older changes dating back to the year 2005 see [[Austria - Older General Information]].


The light rail line to Igls, operated as an extension of the Innsbruck tram system, has been threatened with closure, but still continues to operate.
==Special notes==


==Special notes==
Explanations in English of Austrian (and German) railway signalling can be found [http://mysite.du.edu/~jcalvert/railway/germaust.htm here].
ÖBB promotes a large number of rail excursions, some of which use freight only lines or visit places of railway interest. A brochure "Erlebnis Bahn & Schiff" is published annually and can be obtained at stations or from Verein Erlebnis Bahn & Schiff, Bahngasse 2, A-2721 Bad Fischau-Brunn, Austria, or from Austria Tourist Offices abroad. Excursions can be booked at principal ÖBB stations or through ÖBB Bahn-Totalservice, Wien Westbahnhof. Phone 01-5800-1700. Details can also be found at [http://www.erlebnis-bahn-schiff.at www.erlebnis-bahn-schiff.at] which includes an e-mail booking facility.


Explanations in English of Austrian (and German) railway signalling can be found at [http://mysite.du.edu/~jcalvert/railway/germaust.htm mysite.du.edu/~jcalvert/railway/germaust.htm].
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==
*[[Austria]]
{{Navbox Austria}}
*[[Austria - Lines with Obscure or Sparse passenger services]]

Revision as of 13:46, 30 April 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 was due to have been published in April 2020 but this has now been deferred until the Autumn.
  • 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

Right-hand running, but with a few exceptions. Most double track lines are signalled for reversible working. Many lines in the east of the country were left-hand running in the past, a hangover from the days of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

The Wien - Graz line was mainly left-hand running until Payerbach-Reichenau - Mürzzuschlag - Bruck a d Mur was converted to right-hand running in December 2019, in conjunction with the opening of the new Wien Hbf. 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 remain 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 2019 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). There will be no scheduled traffic in 2020 until further notice owing to refurbishment works.
  • 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.

Land Tirol has agreed to invest EUR 3.4m to renovate the track and rolling stock of the Achenseebahn metre-gauge rack line from Jenbach to Achensee. A new ownership structure will also be put in place. The line had been in grave danger of closure in 2020 owing to poor track condition. No trains will operate during 2020 whilst the line is being refurbished. Details of future plans for the line are due to be published in July 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 Eferding - Aschach section may be taken over by the Linzer Lokalbahn and services restarted at some point 'in the future'
  • 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 – Ried/Innkreis – Schärding

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

Arnoldstein to Hermagor was electrified from the December 2019 Timetable.

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