Vienna To Graz By Rail
In September I will be travelling from the United States to Graz, Austria for business. From my location, flights to Vienna are objectively better than flights to Graz: More plentiful and either cheaper or more direct. I also rather like travelling by rail as it will allow me to see at least some of the scenery during an otherwise busy trip.
My question: How much extra time, hassle, risk, etc are incurred by flying into Vienna and taking a train for the last link?
By this, I don't mean the two hours, thirty minutes of the rail trip itself.
Rather, I mean what is an optimal way to get from Vienna International Airport to the rail station (I believe Wien meidling to Graz hbf is the correct route) for a jet-lagged language-impaired American, what is a reasonable amount of time to budget for this leg of travel, what are typical Austrian policies for rail tickets if flights are delayed, is this plan for some reason unwise, etc. (My travels out of the United States run literally 100% for both losing my luggage and several hour late arrivals.)
Best Answer
It's certainly doable.
There is a train station right in the airport. Best connection runs once an hour: Railjet to Wien Central Station and than another Railjet to Graz. You have 10 minutes to change trains in Wien Hauptbahnhof (Central Station) (Platform 7 to Platform 8).
Do NOT take the City Airport Train (CAT) to "Wien Mitte". It's heavily advertised but the wrong station for your purpose in Vienna.
You can buy the ticket upfront but you probably want a flex ticket so you can choose any train that day.
Language shouldn't be a problem. Most people in Austria speak good to excellent English and are happy to use it.
If you have an extra day or time: Vienna is a great city to visit and hang out. You can do some sightseeing and take stress out of travel. Schloss Belvedere is only a 15 minute walk from the central station. Subway, Tram and Uber are all good ways to get around.
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How much is the train ticket from Vienna to Graz?
Vienna to Graz by trainJourney timeFrom 2h 28mPriceFrom \u20ac9.90Distance91 miles (146 km)Frequency23 trains per dayFirst train06:055 more rowsHow do I get from Vienna to Graz?
The best way to get from Graz to Vienna is to bus which takes 2h 15m and costs \u20ac11 - \u20ac15. Alternatively, you can train, which costs \u20ac12 - \u20ac17 and takes 2h 48m, you could also fly, which costs \u20ac95 - \u20ac270 and takes 2h 30m.Does Eurostar go to Austria?
COVID-19 update: Trains are running between the UK & Austria. Eurostar is running a reduced service, but beyond Paris & Brussels, service is close to normal. Check online. See COVID-19 travel information.Is the train from Vienna to Salzburg scenic?
The scenery on the fast direct route between Vienna & Salzburg is pleasant, but not spectacular.Vienna to Graz via the Semmering Pass
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Answer 2
It is very much possible. As others have mentioned you can check/book tickets here: öbb tickets
There is a direct train from Vienna main train station to Graz every hour, starting from 05:58 in the morning till 20:58 in the evening.
If you start from the Airport you need to switch trains at the main station. There are direct trains from the airport to Graz (always at XX:33 for odd hours), and trains where you have to switch at the main train station. The whole trip will take you 3 hours in any case.
The train station is located under the airport, just a few minutes walk.
Do not take the advertised CAT (City Airport train), it is faster but more expensive and will take you to "Wien Mitte" and not to the main train station.
You should buy your ticket in advance or at the ticket mashines, since it will be a little bit more expensive at the counter or in the train (if this is even possible).
Train tickets are usually valid for the whole day, so you can use a later one if your flight is delayed. Exception are the so called "Sparschiene" tickets. They are cheaper but only valid for the specified train/time.
If you plan to travel more than 2 times per train, you might want to consider buying the "ÖBB Vorteilscard", which will give you 50% off train travel within Austria. Current price is 66€ and valid for one year.
For completeness there is also the Flixbus, which offers a direct Bus connection between Vienna Airport and Graz city center. The travel time is ~2,5 hours and costs between 12,50€ and 23€, depending on the available seats.
Also if you want to use public transport in Graz (Tram & Bus, also including the funicular to the "Schlossberg") they have a new mobile app for buying tickets, which currently offers 10% discount.
Source: I am from Graz and travel to Vienna regularly.
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