Vienna to Hallstatt train with Westbahn

From Vienna to Hallstatt by Train: A Scenic Journey Through Austria’s Salzkammergut Region

Introduction

As a resident of Vienna, I love exploring Austria’s beautiful countryside by train. The train from Vienna to Hallstatt is a stunning journey through the Salzkammergut region, one of the most scenic and culturally rich parts of Austria. In this guide, I’ll share my own experience and offer practical tips to help you plan your trip with ease.  

Route Overview

Traveling from Vienna to Hallstatt by train takes between 3 hours and 10 minutes and 3 hours and 50 minutes, depending on which service you take. The most common option is to take the ÖBB Railjet from Wien Hauptbahnhof to Attnang-Puchheim and then change to a regional train bound for Hallstatt.

However, when I recently traveled there, I chose a different option: a direct train from Wien Westbahnhof to Hallstatt, which is the fastest and most convenient way to get there.

Note: The direct train has fewer onboard amenities than the ÖBB Railjet (no Wi-Fi or bistro car), but it’s perfect for travelers looking for a direct, no-hassle connection.

Transportation Experience

Booking my Vienna to Hallstatt train ticket via Omio was simple, and the mobile ticket was sent directly to my phone. To find the direct connection I took, be sure to enter Wien Westbahnhof as your departure station on Omio.

The route is popular, so consider booking early to get the best prices. If you’ve been to Hallstatt before, you’ll know parking there can be a nightmare, especially in the summer months, so taking the train is definitely the best way to get from Vienna to Hallstatt. What’s more, you can enjoy magnificent scenery along the way.  

Route Details

Unlike most long-distance trains departing Vienna, the direct train to Hallstatt runs from Wien Westbahnhof. The station is easy to reach by the U3 and U6 subway lines. Inside, there are plenty of shops, cafés, and bakeries to grab a snack before boarding, which is helpful since there’s no food on board the train.

The train departs Wien Westbahnhof at 8:45 am and arrives in Hallstatt at 11:54 am, just in time for lunch. There’s only one direct train per day, so plan accordingly. Otherwise, you can opt for the more frequent train, with a change at Attnang-Puchheim, as mentioned above.

Once you arrive at Hallstatt Bahnhof, you’ll need to take a short 7-minute ferry ride across the lake to the village. Honestly, this ferry ride is one of the highlights of the entire journey!

Onboard Experience & Services

While the train from Vienna to Hallstatt was a bit older than what I’m used to on the ÖBB Railjet, it was still comfortable, clean, and well-maintained. The coaches feature air-conditioning and well-cushioned reclining seats. Some also feature six-seat compartments, which are perfect for groups or families. There are no official size or weight limits for luggage on the train from Wien Westbahnhof to Hallstatt. Power sockets are available at some seats, though not all, and there’s no Wi-Fi available on the train.

On the latter part of the journey, as you enter the Salzkammergut region, the views become absolutely spectacular, especially when passing Lake Traunsee.

Ticketing Advice & Budget Breakdown

To secure the best price, I recommend booking train tickets on Omio at least a week in advance. Prices typically range from around €20 when booked several months ahead to about €62 if purchased last minute. Keep in mind that the ferry from Hallstatt Bahnhof to the village isn’t included. The ferry costs around €3 and must be paid in cash when boarding.

If you have an ÖBB Vorteilscard (discount card), you can get 50% off standard fares. This can easily pay off if you’re planning to do several train journeys around Austria during your stay.

Top Tips & Personal Recommendations

• Bring cash for the ferry ride: Cards are not accepted.
• Download your ticket offline before boarding the train: There’s no Wi-Fi available on the train.
• Pack snacks ahead of time: There's no food service on the direct train from Wien Westbahnhof.
• Not all seats have power sockets: Take a power bank with you to be on the safe side.
• Visit weekdays or outside peak summer months: This is when you can avoid crowds and enjoy Hallstatt at its best.

Conclusion

If you’re visiting Vienna and want to experience some of Austria’s stunning countryside, I highly recommend taking the train from Vienna to Hallstatt. It’s a relaxing and scenic way to explore one of Austria’s most iconic destinations without the stress of driving or parking. Ready to go? Plan and book your journey on Omio today.

About the Author: Tobias Shiner-Fuchs

• Job Title: Transport Content Creator

• Bio: Public transport enthusiast and YouTuber based in Vienna, Austria. I document unique railway lines, stations, and transport projects—mainly in Austria and Central Europe—through short, story-driven videos.