🇦🇹 Austria

OBB Nightjet is Austria's overnight train brand, operating one of Europe's largest night train networks. Key routes include Vienna/Innsbruck to Rome, Vienna to Paris, Vienna to Hamburg/Berlin, Vienna to Amsterdam, and Zurich to Berlin. Accommodation options include seat, couchette (6-berth), and private sleeping compartments. Booking opens 6 months in advance at oebb.at.

Railjet is OBB's premium intercity trainset, operating on main Austrian routes and internationally to Germany, Switzerland, Hungary, and Czech Republic. It reaches 230 km/h and offers three classes: Business (1st class with catering), First Class, and Economy. Business class includes at-seat food and drink service.

The Semmering Railway (1848-1854) was the world's first mountain railway built by steam locomotives and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It crosses the Semmering Pass between Gloggnitz and Murzzuschlag with 14 tunnels and 16 viaducts. Regular regional trains still use this historic route today.

The Vorteilscard gives 50% off all OBB domestic fares for one year (EUR 66). It pays for itself after just 2-3 long-jarak journeys. However, it requires a photo ID and is better suited to those spending 2+ weeks in Austria or making multiple train trips. Eurail/Interpas keretaes may be more practical for shorter visits.

The Semmering Railway through the Vienna Alps is a UNESCO-listed journey. The Arlberg route connecting Innsbruck to Bregenz passes through dramatic Alpine scenery and the Arlberg Tunnel. The Schafbergbahn rack railway near St. Wolfgang and the Achenseebahn steam railway in Tyrol are beloved heritage lines.