New High-Speed Railjet between Vienna and Zurich
Fast Trains from Switzerland via Innsbruck and Salzburg to Austria
Nov 11, 2009
Austrian Railway’s high-speed Railjet (RJ) train closes an important gap in the West European fast railway network by connecting Vienna and Zurich via Salzburg and Innsbruck. This Austrian train operated in conjunction with Swiss Railways (SBB) will run mostly along the Alps with some spectacular scenery of the Swiss and Austrian mountains. More important for frequent travelers is the high-speed and the comfort options available on the fast, luxurious Railjet trains.
New High-Speed Railjet Trains from Vienna and Salzburg to Zurich
Railjet (RJ), the luxurious high-speed train operated by Austrian Railways (ÖBB), finally runs into Switzerland to connect Zurich with major Austrian cities. From mid-December 2009, two daily Railjet trains reach Zurich – one arrives in 5h20 minutes from Salzburg and a second in 8h00 from Vienna. (A second daily train from Vienna should operate from mid-2010.)
Railjet trains between Wien Westbahnhof and Zürich Hauptbahnhof stop en route at the following stations with approximate traveling times between stations:
- Wien Westbahnhof (Vienna West Train Station) – 0h40
- St Pölten – 0h50
- Linz – 1h10
- Salzburg – 1h50
- Innsbruck – 0h45
- Landeck-Zams – 0h40
- St Anton am Arlberg – 0h30
- Bludenz – 0h15
- Feldkirch – 0h20
- Buchs SG (Switzerland) – 0h15
- Sargans – 0h55
- Zürich Hauptbahnhof (Zurich Main Train Station)
Standard EuroCity (EC) trains continue to operate on the Zurich to Vienna route and by using the newly opened tracks run at the same eight-hour schedule as the luxury Railjet (RJ). Fares for the Railjet and Euro-City trains are similar and do not qualify for the Einfach-Raus local train discount ticket. Euro-Night (EN) sleeper trains are also a comfortable option for traveling between Vienna and Zurich.
Luxurious, High-Speed Railjet Trains Operated by Austrian Railways
Austrian Railways’ Railjet trains are more famous for its luxury than its speed. Although the Railjet train is no slouch, its operating top speed of 230 km/h is clearly slower than that of its German Inter-City-Express (ICE) and French Train à Grande Vitesse (TGV) rivals. The red and grey Railjet trains look less sleek and are largely based on cheaper technology used on regular Euro-City trains.
On Railjet trains, the emphasis is to a large extend on comfort and luxury rather than outright speed. In contrast to most European trains, three classes of service are offered:
- Premium Class passengers sit in the first coach in multiple adjustable leather seats, receive free newspapers and magazines, and are served free drinks and free meals prepared by famous Viennese caterer Meinl am Graben at their seats. The premium over a standard first class ticket is currently €25 or SFr40 per journey leg.
- First Class passengers also have leather seats, free magazines, and one free drink. Further drinks and meals are paid for but served at the seat.
- Economy Class passengers may use the bistro or enjoy drinks and snacks served at the seats from a bistro trolley.
On Railjet trains, Premium and First Class passengers have their own personal electrical outlets while Economy Class passengers have at least one outlet per every two seats. Railjet trains have special facilities for wheelchair users and a special section for travelers with smaller children.
Austrian Railways’ Railjet trains have already operated on the Munich via Vienna to Budapest route since 2008. The Vienna to Zurich route via Salzburg and Innsbruck operates from December 2009. Further routes to Italy are planned for the near future and will help to integrate high-speed railway travel in Europe across the Alps.
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