When the epic Semmering Base Tunnel opens in 2027 the journey by train from Wien/Vienna to Graz will be transformed, but until then trains will be taking one of the most scenic rail routes between two European cities
Final Destination: Graz (or Ljubljana or Zagreb)
All but two of the direct trains between Wien/Vienna and Graz are Railjets; these are the trains which are terminating at Graz.
Some of the Railjets on this route are the Czech version and not the Austrian (they will have travelled from Prague), but they're more or less the same train internally.
The EC trains continue on beyond Graz to Ljubljana or Zagreb.
Departing from Wien/Vienna:
If your journey in Vienna is commencing in the south west corner of the city, or the area on the ring road around the Opera House - then it's likely that you'll have a faster and more convenient journey if you join the train at Wien-Meidling station.
Wien Meidling is connected to line U6 of the Vienna Metro, which serves the western side of the city centre.
Every two hours (in the odd hours) these trains commence their journeys at Wien Flufghagen/Vienna Airport station.
1 x train per hour
Book early and save: Yes
Online bookings open: 6 months ahead of the travel date
The discounted tickets are the 'Sparscheine' tickets and they can be booked online up until the day of departure, but they CAN'T be booked at stations, so booking last minute at the station is always more expensive.
Though you'll usually need to book the 'Sparscheine' tickets at least a couple of days ahead to obtain them at the cheapest possible price.
Trains departing at different times can also be cheaper than others leaving on the same day, so you may need to look through the day's departures to find the cheapest fares
Ticket Provider | Approximate Cost | |
---|---|---|
OBB | from €9 | |
Trainline | from €9 | |
Happy rail | from €9 |
This journey includes the passage over the fabulous Semmering Pass, so wonderful that it's a U.N.E.S.C.O. World Heritage Site, though that's partially due to the construction methods and not just because of the scenery.
Though aside from when the train is travelling over the numerous viaducts, the trees tend to obscure the views, particularly in the summer.
The best views can be seen from the left of the train (when facing the direction of travel) between Wiener Neustadt and Murzzuschlag.
This video gives a sense of the journey experience, on a grey day, it was filmed travelling in the opposite direction, towards Wien/Vienna.
The part of the journey south of Wiener Neustadt has been included on Go Go Places' list of Europe's Most Scenic Train Rides AND on Far And Wide's list of the Most Remarkable Train Journeys in Europe.
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This is one of more than 100 train travel guides available on ShowMeTheJourney, which will make it easier to take the train journeys you want or need to make. As always, all images were captured on trips taken by ShowMeTheJourney.