Austria - General Information: Difference between revisions

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==Language==
==Language==
German, which differs in certain respects from the version spoken in Germany.
German, which differs in certain respects from the version spoken in Germany. One notable difference which can often be seen in timetables is that the month of January is ''Jänner'' rather than standard German ''Januar''.


== Currency ==
== Currency ==
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== Timetable ==
== Timetable ==
===Journey Planner===
===Journey Planner===
[http://fahrplan.oebb.at/bin/query.exe/en? ÖBB 'Scotty' Journey Planner]
[https://fahrplan.oebb.at/webapp ÖBB 'Scotty' Journey Planner]
 
===Actual Train Times===
[https://fahrplan.oebb.at/webapp/#!P|HimSearch ÖBB Train radar]


===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/informationen-und-mehr/baustellen-und-anrainer-information This page] provides a pictorial map for each month by Region 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].
 
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.
In the summer months many sections of line can be closed, with bus replacement services operating, for several weeks: it pays to check [https://fahrplan.oebb.at/webapp the ÖBB 'Scotty' Journey Planner] 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 [https://fahrplan.oebb.at/webapp ÖBB 'Scotty' Journey Planner] can also be used to plan bus journeys. The Journey Planner provides a complete database of all means of public transport in Austria.
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.  
*[[Printed Maps#SW-AT | Eisenbahnatlas Österreich]] by Schweers + Wall.
*European Railway Atlas: Denmark, Germany, Austria, Switzerland by M.G. Ball (1993) (ISBN 0-7110-2116-3)
*[[Printed Maps#ERA-E | European Railway Atlas (All-Europe Edition)]] by M.G. Ball.
*[http://www.europeanrailwayatlas.com European Railway Atlas] by M.G. Ball (2008 onwards)
*[[Printed Maps#ERA-R-AT | European Railway Atlas (Regional Series - Austria)]] by M.G. Ball.


===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 maps of Austria [https://websites.umich.edu/~yopopov/rrt/railroadmaps/austria.html] and Vienna[https://websites.umich.edu/~yopopov/rrt/railroadmaps/vienna_bratislava.html]. Both updated December 2022
*[[Maps and Plans#Austria|Maps and Plans - Austria]]
*[[Maps and Plans#Austria|Maps and Plans - Austria]]


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===Network Statement===
===Network Statement===
The [http://www.oebb.at/infrastruktur/en/_p_Network_Access/NetworkStatement/index.jsp Network Statement] page gives access to the latest network statements.
The [https://infrastruktur.oebb.at/en/partners/rail-network/network-statement Network Statement] page gives access to the latest network statements.


===Gauge===
===Gauge===
Line 67: Line 65:


===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.
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.


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 - Graz line was left-hand running, but after Payerbach-Reichenau - Mürzzuschlag - Bruck a d Mur was converted to right-hand running at the December 2019 timetable change, only Bruck a d Mur - Graz - Leibnitz remains and ÖBB intends to convert this by the time the <i>Koralmbahn</i> opens in full. The only other line with left-hand running is Wien FJB - Tulln an der Donau - Absdorf-Hippersdorf, an isolated section of double track which will probably remain left-hand running.


===Distances===
===Distances===
Line 75: Line 73:


==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)  
*[https://www.gkb.at Graz-Köflacher Eisenbahn]: Graz Hbf – Köflach and Wies-Eibiswald (550 not shown)  


*[http://www.montafonerbahn.at/verkehr/fahrplan_bahn.shtml Montafonerbahn AG]: Bludenz – Schruns (420). Electrified 15 kV 16.7 Hz
*[https://www.montafonerbahn.at 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]).
*[https://www.niederoesterreichbahnen.at/en Niederösterreich Bahnen]   
**St Polten Hauptbahnhof – Mariazell <i>Mariazellerbahn</i> (115) (760mm gauge) Electrified at 6.6 kV 25 Hz.  
**St. Polten Hbf – Mariazell [https://www.mariazellerbahn.at ''Mariazellerbahn''] (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 Bahnhof – Waidhofen an der Ybbs Pestalozzistraße [https://www.citybahn.at ''Citybahn Waidhofen''] (132) (760mm gauge)  
**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)
**Puchberg am Schneeberg – Hochschneeberg [https://www.schneebergbahn.at <i>Schneebergbahn</i>] (523) (Metre gauge, rack operated)
**Gmünd NÖ – Litschau and Heidenreichstein <i>Waldviertelbahn</i> (802) (760mm gauge)
**Gmünd NÖ – Groß Gerungs [https://www.waldviertelbahn.at <i>Waldviertelbahn</i>] (801) (760mm gauge)
**Krems an der Donau - Emmersdorf an der Donau <i>Wachaubahn</i> (811)
**Gmünd NÖ – Litschau and Heidenreichstein [https://www.waldviertelbahn.at <i>Waldviertelbahn</i>] (802) (760mm gauge)
**Retz - Drosendorf <i>Reblaus Express</i> (941)
**Krems an der Donau Emmersdorf an der Donau <i>Wachaubahn</i> (811)
**Retz Drosendorf <i>Reblaus Express</i> (941)


*[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.  
*[https://www.raaberbahn.at Raab-Oedenburg-Ebenfurter Eisenbahn AG]: An international railway in joint Austrian and Hungarian ownership, better-known by its Hungarian name, Győr-Sopron Ebenfurti Vasút (GySEV). Raab and Oedenburg are the German names for Győr and Sopron respectively. The line from Ebenfurth to Sopron is electrified at 25 kV 50 Hz and used by dual-frequency GySEV trains between Sopron and Wien Hbf. GySEV also owns the line between Sopron and Győr, which is entirely in Hungary and electrified at 25 kV 50 Hz.  
**Ebenfurth – Sopron (512)
**[Wien Hbf –] Ebenfurth – Sopron [– Deutschkreutz] (512)
**Neusiedl am See – Fertószentmiklós (731).  
**GySEV also operated the line from Neusiedl am See to Fertőszentmiklós (731) until December 2020 when ÖBB took over operation of this line, which is owned by Neusiedler Seebahn GmbH (NSB). This was in exchange for GySEV becoming the sole operator on Wien – Ebenfurth – Sopron instead of sharing operation with ÖBB.


*[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 [https://www.5schaetze.at/en/schafbergbahn.html <i>Schafbergbahn</i> (Salzkammergutbahn GmbH)] (173 ''not shown'') (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 Hbf (platforms 11 and 12) Lamprechtshausen [https://www.salzburg-ag.at/bus-bahn/regionalverkehr/salzburger-lokalbahn.html <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 [https://www.salzburg-ag.at/bus-bahn/regionalverkehr/salzburger-lokalbahn.html <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 [https://www.pinzgauerlokalbahn.at/content/website_pinzgauerlokalbahn/en_uk.html <i>Pinzgauerbahn</i>] (230) (760 mm gauge) Partly out of use owing to flood damage - see '''Temporary closures''' below


*[http://www.stlb.at Steiermärkische Landesbahnen (STLB)]:
*[https://www.steiermarkbahn.at Steiermarkbahn (StB) (Steiermarkbahn und Bus GmbH)]:
**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 1800 V dc. A daily service ran until 31 December 2020; a weekend-only service continues to run in summer, autumn and over the Christmas/New Year period.
**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>Plans to convert this line to standard gauge have been abandoned, but see ​"Projects under way or planned", below.</i>.
**Unzmarkt – Tamsweg <i>Murtalbahn</i> (630) (760 mm gauge)  
**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 RHI Magnesita N.V., but managed by StB. Occasional special passenger trains operate.
**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.]:  
*[https://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
**Linz Hbf – Peuerbach and Neumarkt-Kallham <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).


*[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.  
*[https://www.ivb.at ''Stubaitalbahn'' (Innsbrucker Kommunalbetriebe AG)]: Innsbruck – Fulpmes (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'' (Westbahn Management GmbH)]: Wien Westbahnhof – Salzburg Hbf – München Hbf / Innsbruck Hbf (100, 101). The first open access operator in Austria; runs a generally half-hourly semi-fast service between Wien and Salzburg, with certain trains extended to München and Innsbruck. From December 2023, one train pair is extended to Bregenz.


*[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
*[https://www.wlb.at Wiener Lokalbahnen AG]: Wien Oper – Baden Josefsplatz 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)
*[https://www.zillertalbahn.at/page.cfm?vpath=bahn ''Zillertalbahn'' (Zillertaler Verkehrsbetriebe AG)]: Jenbach – Mayrhofen im Zillertal (310) (760 mm gauge).


==Tourist Lines==
==Tourist Lines==
Listing current at September 2016
Listing current at August 2022.


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.


<!---
*[https://www.abenteuer-erzberg.at/en ''Abenteuer Erzberg''] (900 mm gauge, underground mine railway) (note: can be reached by Erzbergbahn)
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.
*[https://www.achenseebahn.at Achenseebahn AG]: Jenbach – Achensee Seespitz (metre gauge, rack operated).
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.mh6.at/de/ ''Eisenbahnclub Mh.6'']: Ober Grafendorf - Haag-Kleinsierning (760 mm gauge). A short section of the former line to Mank, reopened in 2021-22.
--->
*[https://www.erzbergbahn.at ''Erzbergbahn''] (Verein Erzbergbahn): Vordernberg Markt – Erzberg (Erzberg - Eisenerz out of service since 2010 because of storm damage)
*[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)
*[https://www.feistritztalbahn.at ''Feistritztalbahn''] (Feistritztalbahn Betriebsges.m.b.H.) : Birkfeld – Anger – [closed onwards at present to] - Weiz (760 mm gauge)  <i>Operated in conjunction with [http://club-u44.at Club U44]</i>. See also Recent Changes, below.
*[http://www.achenseebahn.at Achenseebahn AG]: Jenbach Achenseebf – Achensee Schiffstation (metre gauge, rack operated)  
*[http://www.gurkthalbahn.at ''Gurkthalbahn'']: Treibach-Althofen – Pöckstein-Zwischenwässern (760 mm gauge)  
*[http://www.erzbergbahn.at Erzbergbahn] (Verein Erzbergbahn): Vordernberg Markt – Erzberg (Erzberg - Eisenerz out of service since 2016 because of storm damage)
*[https://www.lokalbahnen.at/hoellentalbahn/ ''Höllentalbahn''] (Österreichische Gesellschaft für Lokalbahnen): Payerbach Lokalbahn – Hirschwang (760 mm gauge)   
*[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.
*[https://www.nostalgiebahn.at/lendcanaltramway.html Klagenfurt museum tramway (''Lendcanaltramway Klagenfurt'')] (Nostalgiebahnen in Kärnten): (metre gauge)
*[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.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.gurkthalbahn.at Gurkthalbahn]: Treibach-Althofen – Pöckstein-Zwischenwässern (760 mm gauge)  
*[https://www.oegeg.at/normalspur/lokpark-ampflwang/museumsbahn ''Museumsbahn Ampflwang-Timelkam''] (Österreichische Gesellschaft für Eisenbahngeschichte (ÖGEG)): Ampflwang – Timelkam  
*[http://www.lokalbahnen.at/hoellentalbahn/timetable-e.html Höllentalbahn] (Österreichische Gesellschaft für Lokalbahnen): Payerbach Ort – Hirschwang (760 mm gauge)   
*[http://www.lokalbahnverein.at/deutsch/index.php ''Museums-Lokalbahnverein Zwettl'']: Zwettl – Schwarzenau  
*[http://www.nostalgiebahn.at/lendcanaltramway.html Klagenfurt museum tramway (Lendcanaltramway Klagenfurt)] (Nostalgiebahnen in Kärnten): (metre gauge)
*[https://www.museumsbahn.at/ ''Museumsbahn Weinviertel'']: Bad Pirawarth – Sulz-Nexing
*[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.
*[https://museumstramway.at/ ''Museumstramway Mariazell-Erlaufsee'']: Mariazell – Erlaufsee  
*[http://www.oegeg.at/normalspur/museumsbahn/ Museumsbahn Ampflwang-Timelkam] (Österreichischen Gesellschaft für Eisenbahngeschichte (ÖGEG)): Ampflwang – Timelkam  
*[https://www.pferdeeisenbahn.at ''Pferde-Eisenbahn''] (Pferdeeisenbahn Museum & Gaststätte, Rainbach i.M.): (1106mm gauge; short horse-drawn tramway)
*[http://www.lokalbahnverein.at/englisch/index_e.php Museums-Lokalbahnverein Zwettl]: Zwettl – Schwarzenau  
*[https://regiobahn.at/ausflugsfahrten/ Regiobahn]: [Wien Praterstern ] Korneuburg – Ernstbrunn  
*[http://www.museumstramway.at Museumstramway Mariazell-Erlaufsee]: Mariazell – Erlaufsee  
*[https://www.rheinschauen.at/museum-baehnle/rheinbaehnle ''Rheinbähnle''] (Rhein-Schauen Museum und Rheinbähnle): Rheinmündung Lustenau (750mm gauge, 750V dc) (see [https://www.rheinschauen.at/images/Streckenplan.jpg route map] former maintenance railway of ''Internationale Rheinregulierung'')
*[http://www.pferdeeisenbahn.at/index.php?page=zeit-preise-kontakt Pferde-Eisenbahn] (Pferdeeisenbahn Museum & Gaststätte, Rainbach i.M.): (1106mm gauge; short horse-drawn tramway)
*[https://www.nostalgiebahn.at/rosentaler-dampfzuege.html ''Rosenthaler Dampfzüge''] (Nostalgiebahnen in Kärnten): [Rosenbach –] Weizelsdorf – Ferlach  
<!---*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])--->
*[https://kupferplatte.at/en ''Schaubergwerke Kupferplatte'']: Jochberg, Kitzbühel (600 mm gauge, underground mine railway)
*[http://regiobahn.at/event/nostalgieexpress-leiser-berge/ Regiobahn]: [Wien Praterstern - ] Korneuburg – Ernstbrunn  
*[https://www.silberbergwerk.at/en ''Schwazer Silberbergwerk''] (Schwazer Silberbergwerk Besucherführung GmbH): Schwaz/Tirol (narrow gauge, underground mine railway - <i>Die Grubenbahn</i>)  
*[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.flascherlzug.at ''Stainzer Flascherlzug'']: Stainz – Preding-Wieselsdorf (760 mm gauge)
*[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.steyrtalbahn.at ''Steyrtalbahn''] (Österreichische Gesellschaft für Eisenbahngeschichte (ÖGEG)): Grünburg – Steyr Lokalbf (760 mm gauge)
*[http://www.nostalgiebahn.at/rosentaler-dampfzuege.html Rosenthaler Dampfzüge] (Nostalgiebahnen in Kärnten): Weizelsdorf – Ferlach  
*[https://www.taurachbahn.eu ''Taurachbahn'']: Mauterndorf – St Andrä Andlwirt (760 mm gauge)  
*[http://kupferplatte.at/en/ Schaubergwerke Kupferplatte]: Jochberg, Kitzbühl (600 mm gauge, underground mine railway)
*[https://waelderbaehnle.at ''Wälderbähnle''] (Bregenzerwaldbahn-Museumsbahn Betriebsges.m.b.H): Bezau – Schwarzenberg (760 mm gauge)
*[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>)  
*[https://www.lokalbahnen.at/bergstrecke/ ''Ybbstalbahn Bergstrecke''] (Niederösterreichische Lokalbahnen Betriebsges.m.b.H. (NÖLB)): Kienberg-Gaming – Lunz am See [- Göstling an der Ybbs] (760 mm gauge)  
*[http://www.stainz.at/tourismus-und-freizeit/flascherlzug/ Stainzer Flascherlzug]: Stainz – Preding-Wieselsdorf (760 mm gauge)
*[https://www.landesbahn.at/ ''Zayatalbahn''] (Verein Neue Landesbahn): Mistelbach – Hohenau; the section between Prinzendorf and Neusiedl-St. Ulrich (7.5 km) is currently closed but intended to be reopened.
*[http://www.steyrtalbahn.at Steyrtalbahn] (Österreichischen Gesellschaft für Eisenbahngeschichte (ÖGEG)): Grünburg – Steyr Lokalbf (760 mm gauge)
*[https://www.landesbahn.at/schienentaxi/ ''Zayataler Schienentaxi''] (Verein Neue Landesbahn): Mistelbach Interspar Asparn an der Zaya – Grafensulz. The line between Asparn and Grafensulz is also used by the ''Weinvierteldraisine'' - see below
*[http://www.club760.at/html/fahrplanE.htm Taurachbahn] (Club 760): Mautendorf – St Andrä (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:
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'']: Lunz am See – Klein Großau (760 mm) (relocated from Ruprechtshofen Wieselburg an der Erlauf in 2019. Now connects with ''Ybbstalbahn Bergstrecke'' - see above)
*[http://www.mostviertler-schienenradl.at Mostviertler Schienenradl]: Ruprechtshofen - Wieselburg an der Erlauf (760 mm)  
*[https://www.draisinentour.at ''Sonnenland Draisinentour'']: Neckenmarkt-Horitschon – Oberpullendorf  
*[http://www.draisinentour.at Sonnenland Draisinentour]: Horitschon/Neckenmarkt - Oberpullendorf  
*[https://www.weinvierteldraisine.at ''Weinvierteldraisine'']: Ernstbrunn – Grafensulz – Asparn an der Zaya. The line between Grafensulz and Asparn an der Zaya is also used by the ''Zayataler Schienentaxi'' – see above)
*[http://www.weinvierteldraisine.at Weinvierteldraisine]: Ernstbrunn - Asparn an der Zaya (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. A track plan is available on the [http://www.gleisplanweb.eu/Map.php?Map=Wien Gleisplanweb site].
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 [https://www.gleisplanweb.eu/Map.php?Map=Wien Gleisplanweb site].


==Trams==
== Trams/LRT-Systems ==
[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.
[https://www.stern-verkehr.at Gmunden], [https://www.holding-graz.at/en/mobility/ Graz], [https://www.ivb.at Innsbruck],  [https://www.linzag.at/portal/de/home Linz], [https://www.wienerlinien.at/ Wien] (which extends via the Wiener Lokalbahnen into Baden). The Wien system was the largest European network outside Russia but has now been overtaken by Berlin. As of December 2023 Wien has 176.9 route km and Berlin 198.5


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 Gmunden, Graz, Linz, Innsbruck and Wien are available on the [https://www.gleisplanweb.eu/ Gleisplanweb site].  


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]]


==Recent and future changes==
==Recent and Future Changes==
 
===Recent changes===


===Projects under way or planned===
====Openings====
Electrification of the Gailtalbahn (Arnoldstein - Hermagor) commenced in July 2018 with a planned completion for December 2019; Hermagor – Kötschach-Mauthen closed to passengers in December 2016. Of note are two lengthy closures with bus substitution; between 9 July and 11 November 2018, and from 9 July to 14 December 2019. The Kärnten Land government envisages that all remaining lines in Kärnten will be electrified by 2025.


Wien ''U-Bahn'' Line U4 is to be closed between Längenfeldgasse and Karlsplatz in July and August 2019 for modernisation.  Preliminary work has started on rerouting line U2 and transferring part to a new line U5 - see [http://www.wienerlinien.at/media/img/2016/image_178729_w800.jpg plan here] - with target date for implementation of 2023.
The following lines (re-)opened on 10 December 2023


[http://regiobahn.at/zukunftsprojekt Regiobahn] have aspirations to restore regular all-year service to the Korneuburg Ernstbrunn branch.
{| class="osstable3"
| 511
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.
| Münchendorf – Wampersdorf (''Pottendorfer Linie'')
| New Ebreichsdorf bypass, replacing original route
|-
| 620
| [Klagenfurt –] Grafenstein – Wolfsberg via the ''Koralmbahn''
| Mainly brand new line with some reopened sections of existing and new route, closed since 2 April 2023
|-
| 620
| Mittlern – Bleiburg Wiederndorf-Aich
| Reopened section of original line, forming a loop through Bleiburg, with new connection at the north end. Original line closed since 11 December 2022
|}


Electrification of Gänserndorf - Marchegg is part of an upgrade of the Wien - Bernhardstal - [Breclav] line to be completed by 2026.
The following line opened on 13 December 2021


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.
{| class="osstable3"
| 401
| Hard-Fussach (Abzw Lauterach West) – Wolfurt (Abzw Lauterach Süd)
| Four SSuX peak-hour train pairs between Feldkirch or Dornbirn and Lustenau. On 12 December 2022 this was increased to six pairs and trains extended to St. Margrethen (CH).
|}


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 has been rebuilt, providing a through route between Gmunden Bahnhof and Vorchdorf-Eggenberg, which opened on 1 September 2018. A [http://tinyurl.com/ppcoq39 sketch map] is available.
The following line opened on 7 September 2020


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.
{| class="osstable3"
| 620
| Völkermarkt-Kühnsdorf – St Michael ob Bleiburg
| A section of the future ''Koralmbahn'' replacing part of the existing ''Drautalbahn'' route, with temporary connection to the old line at its east end
|}


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''.
'''in the "heritage/museum" sector:'''


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].
On 24 March 2023 the [https://www.landesbahn.at/ ''Verein Neue Landesbahn''] ran the first passenger train on the reopened ''Zayatalbahn'' from Mistelbach Lokalbahnhof as far as Bullendorf and on 30 September 2023 the first train will run to Prinzendorf. At the other end of the line, freight trains have run from Hohenau as far as Neusiedl-St. Urich since 1 July 2022. The society intends to open the remaining middle section of the line (7.5 km) which will allow trains to run throughout.


'''Threatened passenger lines''' (position at September 2016 with updates)
Following a EUR 5 million investment by ''Land'' Tirol, the ''Achenseebahn'' metre-gauge rack line from Jenbach to Achensee reopened on 30 April 2022. The line had been at serious risk of closure and had not operated since the end of the 2019 season.


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.
A heritage operation run by [http://www.mh6.at/de/ ''Eisenbahnclub Mh.6''] commenced running on 7 August 2021 on a 1.3 km-long section of the 760 mm gauge Ober Grafendorf to Mank line, known as the ''Krumpe'', between St. Margarethen-Rammersdorf and Haag-Kleinsierning. From 7 May 2022 public services started running through on certain dates from the depot ''"Heizhaus"'' in Ober Grafendorf via Ober Grafendorf station to Haag-Kleinsierning.


*133 Sarmingstein – St Nikola (service very limited)
The ''Eisenbahnmuseum Strasshof'' has reopened the 8.8 km line between Bad Pirawarth and Sulz-Nexing (the former Sulz Museumsdorf station) as a heritage railway. Services run on Saturdays and Sundays during the season. The first day of service was 1 August 2021.
*142 Rottenegg – Aigen–Schlägl (see comment below)
*153 Wels – Grünau *
*171 Attnang-Puchheim – Reid/Innkreis – Schärding *
*502    Spielfeld-Strass – Bad Radkersburg
*521 Pernitz-Muggendorf – Gutenstein
*522 Bad Fischau – Puchberg
*524 Deutschkreutz –  Neckenmarkt-Horitschon (service since withdrawn)
*(620)  Bleiburg – Holmec (Slovenia) - Prevalje (operated by SŽ diesel railcars. Formerly Mondays to Fridays only, this line gained two train pairs on summer Saturdays in 2018. Local press reports say that there will be 11 additional daily cross-border train pairs from December 2019, so the future of this line now appears secure)
*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
*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.  
Weizelsdorf to Rosenbach, which latterly had one very early morning train in one direction only, was closed in December 2016. It was purchased by ''Land'' Kärnten in 2020, and trains are now permitted to run through to and from ÖBB tracks at both ends. Occasional special trains started to operate from July 2021, and a motor-draisine operation known as [https://www.nostalgiebahn.at/carnica-draisinenexpress.html ''Carnica Draisinenexpress''] started to run between Ferlach, Weizelsdorf and Feistritz im Rosental in July 2023.


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.
====Permanent closures====


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 line closed on 10 December 2023


*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.
{| class="osstable3"
*170  Bad Aussee – Stainach-Irdning
| 512
*172  Vöcklabruck – Kammer-Schörfling
| Gramatneusiedl Wampersdorf
*410  [Garmisch-Partenkirchen -] Ehrwald Zugspitzbahn – Schönbichl [- Pfronten-Steinach] Electrification of Reutte in Tirol - Pfronten-Steinach [- Kempten] agreed, to be completed by 2020, so it would appear that this line is now secure)
| The three evening ''REX'' services to Deutschkreutz that ran this way no longer run so the line reverts to being diversionary only
*651  Villach – Feldkirchen – St Veit an der Glan
|}
*720  [Wien Hbf -] Kledering - Sollenau (Mondays to Fridays only, with very poor loadings)


<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.
The following line closed on 1 July 2023


===Recent changes===
{| class="osstable3"
| 511
| Münchendorf – Wampersdorf (''Pottendorfer Linie'')
| Replaced by new Ebreichsdorf bypass line in December 2023
|}


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 line closed on 2 April 2023


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.
{| class="osstable3"
| 620
| Grafenstein – Mittlern (''Drautalbahn'')
| Remaining section of old route, replaced by the ''Koralmbahn'' in December 2023. Closure includes temporary connection to ''Koralmbahn'', opened on 2 September 2020
|}


Reißeckbahn, a funicular and narrow gauge railway from Kolbnitz, was initially to be closed for summer 2016 season to enable engineering work on local hydro power plant, but it now seems possible the line will not reopen. The nearby Kreuzeckbahn may be under some threat, too. See  [http://www.kleinezeitung.at/kaernten/oberkaernten/peak_oberkaernten/4822185/Reisseck_2016_Kein-Sommerbetrieb-der-Reisseckbahn 2015 press report] and [http://www.kleinezeitung.at/kaernten/oberkaernten/5020340/Reisseck-Muhldorf_Reisseckbahn-und-Kreuzeckbahn-stehen-vor-dem-Aus later 2016 press report] (both in German)
The following line closed on 12 December 2022


Because of storm damage, the Erzbergbahn operated only between Vordernberg Markt and Erzberg (thence to Eisenerz out of service) during 2016.
{| class="osstable3"
| 620
| [Bleiburg –] Bleiburg Stadt – St. Paul im Lavanttal - St. Paul (site of new station)
| Replaced by a connection between Bleiburg Stadt and the ''Koralmbahn'' in December 2023
|}


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).
The following line closed on 1 January 2021


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).
{| class="osstable3"
| 532
| Feldbach – Bad Gleichenberg (''Steiermarkbahn'')
| A weekend-only service continues to run in summer and autumn, also over the Christmas/New Year period
|}


A 2.8 km extension of the <i>Salzburger Lokalbahn</i> (SLB) from Trimmelkam to Ostermeithing was inaugurated on 12 December 2014.
The following line closed on 13 December 2020


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.  
{| class="osstable3"
| 132
| Waidhofen an der Ybbs Pestalozzistraße – Gstadt
| A further cutback of the rump of the narrow-gauge ''Ybbstalbahn'', now known as the ''Citybahn''. The new terminus of Pestalozzistraße is a new station about 300 m beyond the existing Vogelsang station.
|}


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.
The following line closed on 24 August 2020


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.
{| class="osstable3"
| 620
| Völkermarkt-Kühnsdorf St Michael ob Bleiburg
| Replaced by a section of the future ''Koralmbahn''
|}


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 following lines closed on 14 December 2019


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.
{| class="osstable3"
| 133
| Sarmingstein – St Nikola-Struden
|
|-
| 152
| Haiding – Aschach an der Donau
| Services are intended to resume over the Eferding Aschach section. See '''Planned (re-)openings''' below.
|-
| 912
| Gänserndorf/Obersdorf – Groß Schweinbarth – Bad Pirawarth
|
|}


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.
====Temporary closures====


The Wien Liesing – Waldmühle branch, which had no booked traffic other than excursions operated by [https://www.kaltenleutgebnerbahn.at/clubdesk/www Verein Pro Kaltenleutgebnerbahn], was legally closed in January 2014 but the preservation organisation have resumed services, including some through trips to and from central Wien, since 3 September 2017.  
The Tauerntunnel (Böckstein to Mallnitz) on the Schwarzach St Veit to Villach line will be closed for engineering work from 18.11.2024 until 04.07.2025


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.
The ''Pinzgauer Lokalbahn'' between Zell am See and Krimml was seriously damaged by flooding on 16 July 2021 and the section between Niedernsill and Krimml is unusable. Trains continue to run to the normal timetable between Zell am See and Niedernsill, with bus replacement beyond there. Niedernsill to  Mittersill was due to reopen on 12 December 2023; however further flooding on 29 August 2023 between Niedernsill and Uttendorf has delayed this reopening until May 1 2024. Work is on target to reopen to Krimml in December 2025


[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.
'''In the "heritage/museum" sector:'''


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:
The Weiz Oberfeistritz – Birkfeld tourist line (''Feistritztalbahn'') was temporarily cut back from the beginning of 2020 to Krottendorfer Hauptstraße (about 1 km from Weiz) to allow construction of a new bypass road. Since then services have only operated on short sections south of Birkfeld. In the 2023 season, trains ran between Birkfeld and Anger. A date for further reopening is not known. When the line does reopen throughout, the ''Feistritztalbahn'' station will be on the east side of Weiz Bahnhof, rather than in the forecourt on the west side as previously.
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.
====Other changes====


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].
Electric services between Klagenfurt and Weizelsdorf commenced on 11 December 2022.
The Gänserndorf to Marchegg line was electrified in 2020. From the December 2020 timetable change, one of the two ''S1'' services per hour from Wien Meidling to Gänserndorf has run through to Marchegg via this route, replacing the local shuttle service which was operated by a diesel railcar.


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.
Arnoldstein to Hermagor was electrified from the December 2019 timetable.  


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.
Reutte in Tirol to the German border was electrified from the December 2019 timetable, and the 2 km from the border to Pfronten-Steinach was completed by the end of 2021.


===Older Changes===
===Older Changes===
For details of older changes dating back to the year 2005 see [[Austria - Older General Information]].
For details of older changes dating back to the year 2005 see [[Austria - Older General Information]].
===Projects under way or planned===
====Planned (re-)openings====
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], was due for completion in 2026.
<p style="margin-left: 21px"> However, the planned opening of the <i>Semmering-Basistunnel</i> between Gloggnitz and Mürzzuschlag has been postponed to 2030 following an evaluation of geological, structural and technical issues connected with the Grassberg fault zone. The estimated cost has also increased from €3·5bn to €3·9bn. As at April 2022 about 23 km of the 27·3 km twin-tube tunnel has been bored, and 7 km lined with a concrete inner shell.<br>
Work continues on the <i>Koralmbahn</i> element, to link Klagenfurt and Graz. This section of line is expected to be open fully in December 2025, when the 32.8 km ''Koralmtunnel'' section is opened for traffic. The two tunnel bores were broken through in 2018 (south) and 2020 (north) respectively, and the first test train ran on 12 June 2023.</p>
Preliminary work has started on quadrupling the main line between Linz and Wels. This will involve a deviation and a station at Linz airport. Completion is due in 2026 at which point there will be two 230 km/h fast lines and two 160 km/h slow lines between Linz and Wels, all equipped with ETCS Level 2 in-cab signalling.
<p style="margin-left: 21px"> The current line from Oftering through Hörsching and Pasching stations will close. Hörsching station will not be replaced but there may be a new Pasching station on the new alignment. There will be a flyover in the vicinity of Marchtrenk station taking the slow lines over the fast lines. Marchtrenk station will be rebuilt slightly nearer to Wels. The Linzer Lokalbahn's parallel line will have to be relocated in the Leonding area. These works have fallen behind schedule, not least because of court cases challenging planning permission for the works, all now resolved. The works will now be completed in three stages:<br>
* December 2026 remodelling of west end of Linz Hbf complete.
* Marchtrenk to Wels will be completed in December 2027 although the relocated Marchtrenk station is planned to open with the timetable change on 10 December 2023.
* Linz to Marchtrenk including the airport station will not be finished until 2031.
</p>
Work has started on rerouting and extending Wien ''U-Bahn'' Line U2 and transferring part to a new line U5. Details of the project (in German) are [https://www.wienerlinien.at/news/startschuss-fuer-u5-verlaengerung-bis-hernals#:~:text=Der%20Baustart%20f%C3%BCr%20die%202,Hernalser%20Hauptstra%C3%9Fe%20%E2%80%93%20zur%20Station%20Hernals here]. Line U2 will be extended from the existing Schottentor station via Pilgramgasse to Matzleinsdorfer Platz ''S-Bahn'' station by 2028, and to a new terminus at Wienerberg between 2032 and 2035. Line U5 will take over the existing section of Line U2 between Karlsplatz and Rathaus by 2026, including a one-stop extension to Frankhplatz. By 2035, the U5 will be extended to Hernals, where it will connect with the S45 ''Vorortelinie'' service.
On 1 January 2024, Schiene OÖ GmbH took over operation of the Haiding – Aschach a d Donau line from ÖBB. This line was closed to passengers in December 2019 but is still used for freight. It is planned to electrify the 8 km section from Eferding to Aschach, which will enable the introduction of regular-interval ''S-Bahn'' services, operated by ''Linzer Lokalbahn'' ("LiLo"). This will give Aschach an infinitely better service than the extremely sparse service of one or two trains per day that it had latterly under ÖBB.
In 2020 ÖBB announced plans to electrify the lines from St Pölten via Traisen to Hainfeld and Freiland. This includes reopening to passengers of the section from Schrambach to Freiland, where a new rail/bus interchange for services up the two valleys beyond Freiland to Türnitz and St Aegyd am Neuwalde/Kernhof will be constructed.
A letter of intent was signed in March 2019 by the Ministry of Transport to extend the ''Salzburger Lokalbahn'' into the city centre (Mirabellplatz). Construction work is due to start in 2023.
====Other projects====
It was decided in February 2020 to electrify the privately operated 760 mm narrow gauge [http://www.pinzgauerlokalbahn.at/content/website_pinzgauerlokalbahn/en_uk.html <i>Pinzgaubahn</i>] (Zell am See – Krimml). This project has been delayed by the flood damage sustained by the line in July 2021 — see '''Temporary closures''' above.
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 2025-2028 and Murau - Tamsweg in 2028-2030.
Electrification of the Graz-Köflacher Bahn (GKB) is planned: Wettmannstätten – Wies-Eibiswald by 2025/26, to support electric services on the ''Koralmbahn'', and by 2028 for the remainder.
Following the abandonment of plans to convert part of the isolated Linz Urfahr – Rottenegg – Aigen-Schlägl line as far as Rohrbach to tram-train operation, it is now planned to retain the whole line and link it to Linz Hbf by a new heavy-rail ''S-Bahn'' line, although no progress has been made on this proposal.
In 2020 ÖBB published plans to electrify 500 route-km of lines by 2030. Those not mentioned above are:
Likely to go ahead:
*112 Herzogenburg – Krems a d Donau
*120 Pöchlarn – Scheibbs
*130 St. Valentin – St. Nikola-Struden    ''' scheduled to be completed for the December 2027 timetable '''
*151 Neumarkt-Kallham – Abzweigung Mining (Braunau am Inn)  ''' scheduled to be completed for the December 2027 timetable '''
*190 Steindorf – Braunau am Inn  (Simbach)          ''' scheduled to be completed for the December 2025 timetable '''
 
May go ahead:
*530 Graz Ostbahnhof – Szentgotthárd (HU)
Less likely to go ahead:
*524 Wiener Neustadt – Loipersbach-Schattendorf [– Sopron (HU)]
Freight only:
*Zeltweg – Pöls
====Threatened passenger lines====
The 49.9 km Fehring to Hartberg section of the ''Thermenbahn'' to Friedberg, connecting through to Wiener Neustadt (KBS 520) is planned for closure to passengers by 2026 or 2027.


==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].


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.
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.
Line 288: Line 387:
==See also==
==See also==
{{Navbox Austria}}
{{Navbox Austria}}
[[Category:General Information]]

Latest revision as of 19:58, 11 March 2024

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. One notable difference which can often be seen in timetables is that the month of January is Jänner rather than standard German Januar.

Currency

Euro

UIC code

numeric 81; alpha A.

Timetable

Journey Planner

ÖBB 'Scotty' Journey Planner

Actual Train Times

ÖBB Train radar

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 by Region 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 ÖBB 'Scotty' Journey Planner carefully.

Bus Information

The ÖBB 'Scotty' Journey Planner can also be used to plan bus journeys. The Journey Planner provides a complete database of all means of public transport in Austria.

Maps

Printed Maps

Web-based Maps

  • An overall system map is provided at ÖBB Netzkarte.
  • 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 maps of Austria [1] and Vienna[2]. Both updated December 2022
  • Maps and Plans - Austria

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 left-hand running, but after Payerbach-Reichenau - Mürzzuschlag - Bruck a d Mur was converted to right-hand running at the December 2019 timetable change, only Bruck a d Mur - Graz - Leibnitz remains and ÖBB intends to convert this by the time the Koralmbahn opens in full. The only other line with left-hand running is Wien FJB - Tulln an der Donau - 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.

  • Niederösterreich Bahnen
    • St. Polten Hbf – Mariazell Mariazellerbahn (115) (760mm gauge) Electrified at 6.6 kV 25 Hz.
    • Waidhofen an der Ybbs Bahnhof – Waidhofen an der Ybbs Pestalozzistraße 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, Győr-Sopron Ebenfurti Vasút (GySEV). Raab and Oedenburg are the German names for Győr and Sopron respectively. The line from Ebenfurth to Sopron is electrified at 25 kV 50 Hz and used by dual-frequency GySEV trains between Sopron and Wien Hbf. GySEV also owns the line between Sopron and Győr, which is entirely in Hungary and electrified at 25 kV 50 Hz.
    • [Wien Hbf –] Ebenfurth – Sopron [– Deutschkreutz] (512)
    • GySEV also operated the line from Neusiedl am See to Fertőszentmiklós (731) until December 2020 when ÖBB took over operation of this line, which is owned by Neusiedler Seebahn GmbH (NSB). This was in exchange for GySEV becoming the sole operator on Wien – Ebenfurth – Sopron instead of sharing operation with ÖBB.
  • Steiermarkbahn (StB) (Steiermarkbahn und Bus GmbH):
    • Gleisdorf – Weiz Nord (531)
    • Feldbach – Bad Gleichenberg (532) Electrified 1800 V dc. A daily service ran until 31 December 2020; a weekend-only service continues to run in summer, autumn and over the Christmas/New Year period.
    • Peggau-Deutschfelstritz – Übelbach (540) Electrified 15 kV 16.7 Hz
    • Unzmarkt – Tamsweg Murtalbahn (630) (760 mm gauge)
    • Mixnitz – St Erhard (760 mm gauge) Electrified 800 V dc. This line is owned by RHI Magnesita N.V., but managed by StB. Occasional special passenger trains operate.
  • Stern & Hafferl Verkehrsgesellschaft m.b.H.:
    • Linz Hbf – Peuerbach and Neumarkt-Kallham 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
  • Westbahn (Westbahn Management GmbH): Wien Westbahnhof – Salzburg Hbf – München Hbf / Innsbruck Hbf (100, 101). The first open access operator in Austria; runs a generally half-hourly semi-fast service between Wien and Salzburg, with certain trains extended to München and Innsbruck. From December 2023, one train pair is extended to Bregenz.
  • Wiener Lokalbahnen AG: Wien Oper – Baden Josefsplatz 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 August 2022.

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).
  • Eisenbahnclub Mh.6: Ober Grafendorf - Haag-Kleinsierning (760 mm gauge). A short section of the former line to Mank, reopened in 2021-22.
  • Erzbergbahn (Verein Erzbergbahn): Vordernberg Markt – Erzberg (Erzberg - Eisenerz out of service since 2010 because of storm damage)
  • Feistritztalbahn (Feistritztalbahn Betriebsges.m.b.H.) : Birkfeld – Anger – [closed onwards at present to] - 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 (Österreichische Gesellschaft für Eisenbahngeschichte (ÖGEG)): Ampflwang – Timelkam
  • Museums-Lokalbahnverein Zwettl: Zwettl – Schwarzenau
  • Museumsbahn Weinviertel: Bad Pirawarth – Sulz-Nexing
  • 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 (750mm gauge, 750V dc) (see route map – former maintenance railway of Internationale Rheinregulierung)
  • Rosenthaler Dampfzüge (Nostalgiebahnen in Kärnten): [Rosenbach –] Weizelsdorf – Ferlach
  • Schaubergwerke Kupferplatte: Jochberg, Kitzbühel (600 mm gauge, underground mine railway)
  • Schwazer Silberbergwerk (Schwazer Silberbergwerk Besucherführung GmbH): 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: Mauterndorf – St Andrä Andlwirt (760 mm gauge)
  • Wälderbähnle (Bregenzerwaldbahn-Museumsbahn Betriebsges.m.b.H): Bezau – Schwarzenberg (760 mm gauge)
  • Ybbstalbahn Bergstrecke (Niederösterreichische Lokalbahnen Betriebsges.m.b.H. (NÖLB)): Kienberg-Gaming – Lunz am See [- Göstling an der Ybbs] (760 mm gauge)
  • Zayatalbahn (Verein Neue Landesbahn): Mistelbach – Hohenau; the section between Prinzendorf and Neusiedl-St. Ulrich (7.5 km) is currently closed but intended to be reopened.
  • Zayataler Schienentaxi (Verein Neue Landesbahn): Mistelbach Interspar – Asparn an der Zaya – Grafensulz. The line between Asparn and Grafensulz is also used by the Weinvierteldraisine - see below

Rail cycling is possible on a number of lines:

  • Mostviertler Schienenradl: Lunz am See – Klein Großau (760 mm) (relocated from Ruprechtshofen – Wieselburg an der Erlauf in 2019. Now connects with Ybbstalbahn Bergstrecke - see above)
  • Sonnenland Draisinentour: Neckenmarkt-Horitschon – Oberpullendorf
  • Weinvierteldraisine: Ernstbrunn – Grafensulz – Asparn an der Zaya. The line between Grafensulz and Asparn an der Zaya is also used by the Zayataler Schienentaxi – see above)

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/LRT-Systems

Gmunden, Graz, Innsbruck, Linz, Wien (which extends via the Wiener Lokalbahnen into Baden). The Wien system was the largest European network outside Russia but has now been overtaken by Berlin. As of December 2023 Wien has 176.9 route km and Berlin 198.5

Track plans for the systems of Gmunden, Graz, Linz, Innsbruck and Wien are available on the Gleisplanweb site.

See also Austria - Tram services over obscure routes

Recent and Future Changes

Recent changes

Openings

The following lines (re-)opened on 10 December 2023

511 Münchendorf – Wampersdorf (Pottendorfer Linie) New Ebreichsdorf bypass, replacing original route
620 [Klagenfurt –] Grafenstein – Wolfsberg via the Koralmbahn Mainly brand new line with some reopened sections of existing and new route, closed since 2 April 2023
620 Mittlern – Bleiburg – Wiederndorf-Aich Reopened section of original line, forming a loop through Bleiburg, with new connection at the north end. Original line closed since 11 December 2022

The following line opened on 13 December 2021

401 Hard-Fussach (Abzw Lauterach West) – Wolfurt (Abzw Lauterach Süd) Four SSuX peak-hour train pairs between Feldkirch or Dornbirn and Lustenau. On 12 December 2022 this was increased to six pairs and trains extended to St. Margrethen (CH).

The following line opened on 7 September 2020

620 Völkermarkt-Kühnsdorf – St Michael ob Bleiburg A section of the future Koralmbahn replacing part of the existing Drautalbahn route, with temporary connection to the old line at its east end

in the "heritage/museum" sector:

On 24 March 2023 the Verein Neue Landesbahn ran the first passenger train on the reopened Zayatalbahn from Mistelbach Lokalbahnhof as far as Bullendorf and on 30 September 2023 the first train will run to Prinzendorf. At the other end of the line, freight trains have run from Hohenau as far as Neusiedl-St. Urich since 1 July 2022. The society intends to open the remaining middle section of the line (7.5 km) which will allow trains to run throughout.

Following a EUR 5 million investment by Land Tirol, the Achenseebahn metre-gauge rack line from Jenbach to Achensee reopened on 30 April 2022. The line had been at serious risk of closure and had not operated since the end of the 2019 season.

A heritage operation run by Eisenbahnclub Mh.6 commenced running on 7 August 2021 on a 1.3 km-long section of the 760 mm gauge Ober Grafendorf to Mank line, known as the Krumpe, between St. Margarethen-Rammersdorf and Haag-Kleinsierning. From 7 May 2022 public services started running through on certain dates from the depot "Heizhaus" in Ober Grafendorf via Ober Grafendorf station to Haag-Kleinsierning.

The Eisenbahnmuseum Strasshof has reopened the 8.8 km line between Bad Pirawarth and Sulz-Nexing (the former Sulz Museumsdorf station) as a heritage railway. Services run on Saturdays and Sundays during the season. The first day of service was 1 August 2021.

Weizelsdorf to Rosenbach, which latterly had one very early morning train in one direction only, was closed in December 2016. It was purchased by Land Kärnten in 2020, and trains are now permitted to run through to and from ÖBB tracks at both ends. Occasional special trains started to operate from July 2021, and a motor-draisine operation known as Carnica Draisinenexpress started to run between Ferlach, Weizelsdorf and Feistritz im Rosental in July 2023.

Permanent closures

The following line closed on 10 December 2023

512 Gramatneusiedl – Wampersdorf The three evening REX services to Deutschkreutz that ran this way no longer run so the line reverts to being diversionary only

The following line closed on 1 July 2023

511 Münchendorf – Wampersdorf (Pottendorfer Linie) Replaced by new Ebreichsdorf bypass line in December 2023

The following line closed on 2 April 2023

620 Grafenstein – Mittlern (Drautalbahn) Remaining section of old route, replaced by the Koralmbahn in December 2023. Closure includes temporary connection to Koralmbahn, opened on 2 September 2020

The following line closed on 12 December 2022

620 [Bleiburg –] Bleiburg Stadt – St. Paul im Lavanttal - St. Paul (site of new station) Replaced by a connection between Bleiburg Stadt and the Koralmbahn in December 2023

The following line closed on 1 January 2021

532 Feldbach – Bad Gleichenberg (Steiermarkbahn) A weekend-only service continues to run in summer and autumn, also over the Christmas/New Year period

The following line closed on 13 December 2020

132 Waidhofen an der Ybbs Pestalozzistraße – Gstadt A further cutback of the rump of the narrow-gauge Ybbstalbahn, now known as the Citybahn. The new terminus of Pestalozzistraße is a new station about 300 m beyond the existing Vogelsang station.

The following line closed on 24 August 2020

620 Völkermarkt-Kühnsdorf – St Michael ob Bleiburg Replaced by a section of the future Koralmbahn

The following lines closed on 14 December 2019

133 Sarmingstein – St Nikola-Struden
152 Haiding – Aschach an der Donau Services are intended to resume over the Eferding – Aschach section. See Planned (re-)openings below.
912 Gänserndorf/Obersdorf – Groß Schweinbarth – Bad Pirawarth

Temporary closures

The Tauerntunnel (Böckstein to Mallnitz) on the Schwarzach St Veit to Villach line will be closed for engineering work from 18.11.2024 until 04.07.2025

The Pinzgauer Lokalbahn between Zell am See and Krimml was seriously damaged by flooding on 16 July 2021 and the section between Niedernsill and Krimml is unusable. Trains continue to run to the normal timetable between Zell am See and Niedernsill, with bus replacement beyond there. Niedernsill to Mittersill was due to reopen on 12 December 2023; however further flooding on 29 August 2023 between Niedernsill and Uttendorf has delayed this reopening until May 1 2024. Work is on target to reopen to Krimml in December 2025

In the "heritage/museum" sector:

The Weiz – Oberfeistritz – Birkfeld tourist line (Feistritztalbahn) was temporarily cut back from the beginning of 2020 to Krottendorfer Hauptstraße (about 1 km from Weiz) to allow construction of a new bypass road. Since then services have only operated on short sections south of Birkfeld. In the 2023 season, trains ran between Birkfeld and Anger. A date for further reopening is not known. When the line does reopen throughout, the Feistritztalbahn station will be on the east side of Weiz Bahnhof, rather than in the forecourt on the west side as previously.

Other changes

Electric services between Klagenfurt and Weizelsdorf commenced on 11 December 2022.

The Gänserndorf to Marchegg line was electrified in 2020. From the December 2020 timetable change, one of the two S1 services per hour from Wien Meidling to Gänserndorf has run through to Marchegg via this route, replacing the local shuttle service which was operated by a diesel railcar.

Arnoldstein to Hermagor was electrified from the December 2019 timetable.

Reutte in Tirol to the German border was electrified from the December 2019 timetable, and the 2 km from the border to Pfronten-Steinach was completed by the end of 2021.

Older Changes

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

Projects under way or planned

Planned (re-)openings

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, was due for completion in 2026.

However, the planned opening of the Semmering-Basistunnel between Gloggnitz and Mürzzuschlag has been postponed to 2030 following an evaluation of geological, structural and technical issues connected with the Grassberg fault zone. The estimated cost has also increased from €3·5bn to €3·9bn. As at April 2022 about 23 km of the 27·3 km twin-tube tunnel has been bored, and 7 km lined with a concrete inner shell.
Work continues on the Koralmbahn element, to link Klagenfurt and Graz. This section of line is expected to be open fully in December 2025, when the 32.8 km Koralmtunnel section is opened for traffic. The two tunnel bores were broken through in 2018 (south) and 2020 (north) respectively, and the first test train ran on 12 June 2023.

Preliminary work has started on quadrupling the main line between Linz and Wels. This will involve a deviation and a station at Linz airport. Completion is due in 2026 at which point there will be two 230 km/h fast lines and two 160 km/h slow lines between Linz and Wels, all equipped with ETCS Level 2 in-cab signalling.

The current line from Oftering through Hörsching and Pasching stations will close. Hörsching station will not be replaced but there may be a new Pasching station on the new alignment. There will be a flyover in the vicinity of Marchtrenk station taking the slow lines over the fast lines. Marchtrenk station will be rebuilt slightly nearer to Wels. The Linzer Lokalbahn's parallel line will have to be relocated in the Leonding area. These works have fallen behind schedule, not least because of court cases challenging planning permission for the works, all now resolved. The works will now be completed in three stages:

  • December 2026 remodelling of west end of Linz Hbf complete.
  • Marchtrenk to Wels will be completed in December 2027 although the relocated Marchtrenk station is planned to open with the timetable change on 10 December 2023.
  • Linz to Marchtrenk including the airport station will not be finished until 2031.

Work has started on rerouting and extending Wien U-Bahn Line U2 and transferring part to a new line U5. Details of the project (in German) are here. Line U2 will be extended from the existing Schottentor station via Pilgramgasse to Matzleinsdorfer Platz S-Bahn station by 2028, and to a new terminus at Wienerberg between 2032 and 2035. Line U5 will take over the existing section of Line U2 between Karlsplatz and Rathaus by 2026, including a one-stop extension to Frankhplatz. By 2035, the U5 will be extended to Hernals, where it will connect with the S45 Vorortelinie service.

On 1 January 2024, Schiene OÖ GmbH took over operation of the Haiding – Aschach a d Donau line from ÖBB. This line was closed to passengers in December 2019 but is still used for freight. It is planned to electrify the 8 km section from Eferding to Aschach, which will enable the introduction of regular-interval S-Bahn services, operated by Linzer Lokalbahn ("LiLo"). This will give Aschach an infinitely better service than the extremely sparse service of one or two trains per day that it had latterly under ÖBB.

In 2020 ÖBB announced plans to electrify the lines from St Pölten via Traisen to Hainfeld and Freiland. This includes reopening to passengers of the section from Schrambach to Freiland, where a new rail/bus interchange for services up the two valleys beyond Freiland to Türnitz and St Aegyd am Neuwalde/Kernhof will be constructed.

A letter of intent was signed in March 2019 by the Ministry of Transport to extend the Salzburger Lokalbahn into the city centre (Mirabellplatz). Construction work is due to start in 2023.

Other projects

It was decided in February 2020 to electrify the privately operated 760 mm narrow gauge Pinzgaubahn (Zell am See – Krimml). This project has been delayed by the flood damage sustained by the line in July 2021 — see Temporary closures above.

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 2025-2028 and Murau - Tamsweg in 2028-2030.

Electrification of the Graz-Köflacher Bahn (GKB) is planned: Wettmannstätten – Wies-Eibiswald by 2025/26, to support electric services on the Koralmbahn, and by 2028 for the remainder.

Following the abandonment of plans to convert part of the isolated Linz Urfahr – Rottenegg – Aigen-Schlägl line as far as Rohrbach to tram-train operation, it is now planned to retain the whole line and link it to Linz Hbf by a new heavy-rail S-Bahn line, although no progress has been made on this proposal.

In 2020 ÖBB published plans to electrify 500 route-km of lines by 2030. Those not mentioned above are:

Likely to go ahead:

  • 112 Herzogenburg – Krems a d Donau
  • 120 Pöchlarn – Scheibbs
  • 130 St. Valentin – St. Nikola-Struden scheduled to be completed for the December 2027 timetable
  • 151 Neumarkt-Kallham – Abzweigung Mining (Braunau am Inn) scheduled to be completed for the December 2027 timetable
  • 190 Steindorf – Braunau am Inn (Simbach) scheduled to be completed for the December 2025 timetable

May go ahead:

  • 530 Graz Ostbahnhof – Szentgotthárd (HU)

Less likely to go ahead:

  • 524 Wiener Neustadt – Loipersbach-Schattendorf [– Sopron (HU)]

Freight only:

  • Zeltweg – Pöls

Threatened passenger lines

The 49.9 km Fehring to Hartberg section of the Thermenbahn to Friedberg, connecting through to Wiener Neustadt (KBS 520) is planned for closure to passengers by 2026 or 2027.

Special notes

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