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Introducing Austrian Railways'

RailJet  trains . . .

Travel by RailJet train

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What is RailJet?

RailJet is Austrian Railways (OBB's) high-speed train, capable of 230 km/h (143 mph) where the route allows this speed.  RailJet trains are now entering service on the Munich-Salzburg-Vienna-Budapest route, and are also operating on the Zurich-Innsbruck-Salzburg-Vienna route from December 2009.  Later they may operate on the Vienna-Graz-Venice & Vienna-Graz-Zagreb routes.  At present, they run at up to 200 km/h (125 mph) on sections of upgraded track, and at lower speeds on more curvaceous (and usually more scenic!) sections of line.

The morning RailJet train about to leave Munich   RailJet just arrived in Budapest
All aboard!  The morning RailJet about to leave Munich for Vienna & Budapest.  Munich Hauptbahnhof is just 15 minutes walk from Munich's famous Dom & Marienplatz.   The RailJet has landed...  The RailJet has arrived spot on time in Budapest's historic Keleti station, built 1881-1884.

What's it like on board RailJet?

RailJet is unusual in having three classes, Economy, First & Premium.  Premium class costs 25 euro more than the normal 1st class, and features comfortable leather armchairs in a unique arrangement of intimate semi-partitioned 2, 3 or 4 seat compartments.  Snacks & soft drinks are included in the premium class fare.  The train is all non-smoking, though station stops at Salzburg & Vienna are long enough for a smoke!  Wheelchair-accessible toilets and several wheelchair spaces are available in each train.  For more information for travellers with disabilities, see the Europe page.

RailJet premium class   RailJet first class   RailJet economy class
Premium class consists of spacious 2, 3 & 4 seat semi-compartments with reclining leather armchairs with footrests.  

First class consists of reclining leather seats, some around tables for 2 or 4 people, some unidirectional.  A welcome drink of fruit juice is included.  As in Premium class, meals & drinks can be served at your seat for an extra charge.  There are power sockets at all seats.

  Economy class (2nd class) consists of comfortable seating with good legroom, some around tables for 4, most unidirectional.  A trolley service serves drinks and snacks, or you can go to the bistro car for meals.  Power sockets at all seats.
RailJet bistro car   Meal & drinks are served at seat in first & premium classes   Children's TV screen, in the end economy class car.
Bistro car serving snacks, drinks, beer, wine, hot & cold dishes.  The Budweiser (Czech, not American!) & Paulaner beers are very good...   Meals & drinks are served at your seat in both first & premium class using proper china & glasses (meals & drinks are not included in the fare).  You order from the menu as the steward comes by...  

The end economy class car has a children's TV screen with cartoons to keep them entertained...

What's the RailJet journey like from Munich to Vienna & Budapest ?

 The train soon leaves the Munich suburbs behind and snakes through pretty Bavarian countryside, past tiny villages nestling in green valleys, picturesque chalets and Bavarian churches with tall, slender spires.  Approaching Salzburg the Alps come into view, making a great backdrop to your train ride, often with snow on the highest peaks even in June.  Just before arriving at Salzburg the train crosses the Salzach river - look to the right for great views of Salzburg's citadel & castle (see the photo below).  Soon after Salzburg the train leaves the Alps behind and snakes through hilly Austrian scenery, past Austrian churches with their bulbous spires, so different from those in Bavaria.  The train calls at Linz before reaching its maximum 200 km/h (125mph) speed on the fastest part of the journey, then it slows down again through more green hilly countryside into Vienna Westbahnhof, where the train reverses.  The train spends ten minutes in Vienna and you can stretch your legs if you like.  From Vienna to Budapest the landscape is flat, wide open farmland, now sporting more wind turbines that you've ever seen before, allegedly over 200.  Just before arriving in Budapest the train crosses the Danube, although a modern road bridge obscures the view along the river.  The train normally keeps good time, so expect an on-time arrival into Budapest's historic Keleti station, built 1881-1884.  Travel tip:  For breakfast in Munich before boarding the RailJet to Vienna or Budapest, try the typically Bavarian Mongdratzerl restaurant, located in the hauptbahnhof itself.  It's also good for an evening meal between the RailJet arriving from Budapest & Vienna and the City Night Line sleeper departing for Paris.

View of Salzburg from the train   TV screen showing the train's location   TV screen showing speed
The view from the train:  This is the view of Salzburg as the RailJet crosses the Salzach river approaching Salzburg station...   TV screens show the arrival times at the next station stops, the train's current speed, and maps show your current location...

How to buy tickets...

  • If you book in advance, you can find airline-beating cheap deals on these RailJet trains, from as little as 39 euro from Munich to either Vienna or Budapest.

  • The best place to find these cheap deals is www.bahn.de (English button top right).

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