Should I choose ÖBB (Railjet), Westbahn or Regiojet?
Three different companies run trains in Austria, all competing with each other: state-operator ÖBB, private operator Westbahn and Czech private operator Regiojet. All three companies are available in the Happyrail planner! Compare timetables, ticket prices, and ticket conditions in our planner and select the best train for you.
ÖBB Railjet vs. Westbahn
These two companies compete on the following lines. All tickets can be bought in the Happyrail planner.
- Vienna - Linz - Salzburg
- Vienna - Salzburg - Munich
- Vienna - Salzburg - Innsbruck - Bregenz/Lindau
From mid-2026, Westbahn will also run trains on Vienna-Graz-Villach routes, competing with ÖBB.
Ultimately, both companies run with comfortable trains and are good travel options. Which company is best depends on which connection and price suits you best. The major differences are:
- ÖBB offers second, first and business classes. Westbahn offers second, second+ and first classes, with no business class available.However, all classes in both companies offer comfortable, adjustable seats.
- Both trains offer free wifi and power sockets. Both have no luggage restrictions.
- ÖBB Railjet tickets can be bought without reservations, and seat reservations can be booked for an extra fee, while every Westbahn ticket automatically comes with a seat reservation included in the price.
- ÖBB Railjets offer a full dining car, while Westbahn only offers coffee/snack machines. For short distances, e.g. to/from Munich or Salzburg, this matters less. It might be something worth considering when travelling from Lindau/Bregenz all the way to Vienna, and you want to east something on-board.
ÖBB Railjet vs. Regiojet
These two companies compete on the following lines. All tickets can be bought in the Happyrail planner.
- Prague - Vienna (via Brno)
- Vienna - Budapest
Both companies run excellent, comfortable trains. Which company is best depends on which connection and price suits you best. The major differences are:
- Regiojet is generally a bit more affordable, although advance-tickets for ÖBB can be cheap as well.
- ÖBB Railjet offers three classes: 2nd, 1st and Business. Regiojet offers four classes: low-cost, standard (equivalent to 2nd), Relax (equivalent to 1st) and Business. ÖBB Railjet has no 'low-cost' equivalent.
- Both trains offer free wifi in all classes. ÖBB has power sockets in all classes, Regiojet in all except low-cost. Both have no luggage restrictions.
- ÖBB Railjet tickets can be bought without reservations, and seat reservations can be booked for an extra fee, while every Regiojet ticket automatically comes with a seat reservation included in the price.
- ÖBB Railjet has a dining car accessible to everyone, with 1st and Business class passengers being able to order meals and drinks at their seats (not included in the fare). Regiojet has no dining car but options for delivering drinks and light meals in all classes except low-cost. A few drinks and/or snacks included for free depending on your travel class (coffee+water in standard/relax, hot drink+water+prossecco+juice+snack in business).
