Starting today, March 1st, Westbahn is launching service on the Southern Route, aiming to provide more trains, faster service, and greater choice for the region of Styria. The private railway company now directly connects Vienna with Graz, Klagenfurt, and Villach, adding capacity and competition to one of the country’s most crucial rail lines.
Three Daily Connections, Expansion to Follow
Initially, Westbahn will offer three daily connections in each direction between Vienna Central Station and Villach. The service will expand in the coming weeks: starting March 26th, trains will run five times daily in each direction on weekends (Friday to Sunday), around public holidays, and during school vacations. By May 29th, this five-train schedule will be in effect daily, Monday through Sunday.
Trains between Vienna and Villach will stop in locations including Vienna Meidling, Wiener Neustadt, Bruck an der Mur, Graz, Kühnsdorf-Klopeiner Spot, Klagenfurt, and Pörtschach am Wörthersee. Commuters from Upper Styria will particularly benefit from the additional fast connection to the state capital with the stop in Bruck an der Mur. Until the complete of May, a stop will be made in Payerbach-Reichenau, after which the stop will be directly in Semmering in the Semmering region.
250 km/h and 422 Leather Seats
Three new “SMILE” high-speed trains from Swiss manufacturer Stadler will operate on the route. The single-deck trains have 422 leather-upholstered seats, free WLAN, power outlets at every seat, barrier-free access, and generous luggage areas.
Westbahn also offers familiar service features such as “Relax Check-in” directly at the seat and a free seat reservation (“WestFixplatz”) when booking online up to three hours before departure.
Benefits for Climate Ticket and Advantage Card Holders
Holders of an Austrian Climate Ticket can also use the new connections. Seat reservation is included, and the Comfort Class can be used without an additional fee. WestVorteilspreise are available with personalized discount cards such as the ÖBB-Vorteilscard or the DB-BahnCard. A reduced senior price is available for travelers aged 65 and over.
With Westbahn’s entry onto the Southern Route, the range of long-distance transport is growing significantly. For Styria, this means additional direct connections to Vienna and Carinthia, modern train fleets, and more choice for travelers.
The Southern Route – with Graz as a central hub – is thus being further upgraded and gaining importance as a mobility axis between eastern and southern Austria. The launch was also attended by prominent political figures, including Deputy Governor Manuela Khom and Transport Regional Councilor Claudia Holzer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What cities will the Westbahn connect on the Southern Route?
The Westbahn will directly connect Vienna, Graz, Klagenfurt, and Villach.
When will the full schedule of five trains per direction be in effect daily?
The full schedule of five trains per direction will be in effect daily starting May 29th.
What amenities are available on the new “SMILE” trains?
The trains offer 422 leather-upholstered seats, free WLAN, power outlets at every seat, barrier-free access, and generous luggage areas.
As Westbahn expands its service on the Southern Route, how might this impact travel options for residents and visitors in the region?