Linz (Hauptbahnhof Rail Stn)

Linz Hauptbahnhof is not merely a transport hub, but a true architectural masterpiece and one of the most modern railway stations in Austria. Located in the capital of the federal state of Upper Austria, it has repeatedly been recognised as the most beautiful and convenient station in the country, thanks to its bright design and intuitive navigation. Every day, hundreds of trains pass through its platforms, connecting the city with Vienna, Salzburg, Munich, and Prague. The spacious atrium and high glass ceilings create a sense of lightness, turning the wait for a train into a pleasant part of your journey.

It is important for passengers to know that the station is arranged very logically: all 14 platforms are accessible via a wide underground passage equipped with escalators and lifts. The main entrance leads to the central hall, where information boards and ticket counters are located. To transfer to urban transport, there is no need to go outside: the tram station is located directly beneath the station building, on the underground level.

• Official website: oebb.at (Austrian Federal Railways)
• ÖBB Helpline: +43 5 1717 (24 hours)
• Address: Bahnhofplatz 3-6, 4020 Linz, Austria
• Station Opening Hours: The building is open 24/7; ticket counters (Reisezentrum) are usually open from 06:00 to 21:00.
• Luggage Storage: Automatic lockers are available 24/7 in the passageway area.
• Accessibility: The ÖBB Mobility Service operates to assist passengers with reduced mobility (booking 12–24 hours in advance is recommended).

Getting to Linz Hauptbahnhof is very easy, as it serves as the hub of the city's transport system. The most convenient method is to use the tram (Strassenbahn). Lines 1, 2, 3, and 4 stop at the underground station directly beneath the terminal (stop Hauptbahnhof). The journey from the very centre, from the Hauptplatz, will take just about 7–10 minutes.

Numerous bus and trolleybus routes also serve the station (for example, lines 12, 17, 19), with their terminal located in the square in front of the building. If you are travelling from the Blue Danube Airport Linz, take bus No. 601, which will take you directly to the station in approximately 20 minutes.

For those who prefer walking, the route from the main shopping street, Landstraße, takes about 15 minutes at a leisurely pace. A taxi rank is located immediately outside the exit of the main hall on the ground level.

Linz Station offers a full range of services for a comfortable journey. In the central hall, you will find the ÖBB Reisezentrum customer service centre, where you can purchase tickets and receive advice, as well as numerous red self-service ticket machines. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the station premises (network ÖBB-WiFi).

Benches are provided for waiting in the main hall and on the platforms, along with heated waiting areas featuring glass walls. Passengers with 1st class tickets can utilise the comfortable ÖBB Lounge. The building features paid restrooms equipped for people with disabilities, as well as baby changing rooms.

Of particular convenience are the automatic luggage lockers (Schließfächer) in various sizes, which accept coins and cards. There is also a police station, ATMs, and photo booths at the station.

It is impossible to stay hungry at Linz Hauptbahnhof. The building functions as a BahnhofCity shopping centre, where numerous dining outlets are located on the lower and ground levels. For a quick bite, bakeries such as Resch&Frisch or BackWerk are excellent choices, always offering fresh pastries and sandwiches.

If you require something more substantial, popular fast-food chains (McDonald's, Burger King) and Asian eateries operate here. An excellent option for the budget-conscious traveller is the SPAR supermarket, which stays open late (often until 23:00) and even on Sundays, which is rare for Austria. There, you can purchase ready-made salads, beverages, and groceries at standard city prices. The average cost for a coffee and a pastry is around 5–7 Euros.

The history of railway transport in Linz dates back to the mid-19th century. The first station on this site was opened in 1858 as part of the construction of the Empress Elisabeth Railway (Westbahn), connecting Vienna and Linz. The historic building, designed in the style of Romantic Historicism, served until the Second World War, during which it was completely destroyed.

After the war, in the early 1950s, a new building was erected in the Brutalist style characteristic of that era, which stood for half a century. However, by the beginning of the 21st century, it ceased to meet modern requirements. A large-scale reconstruction, completed in 2004 based on the design of architect Wilhelm Holzbauer, gifted the city its current modern terminal. The tall clock tower and the immense glass roof have become the new symbols of Linz's transport system.

Arrive at the station at least 15–20 minutes before your train departs, especially if you need to buy a ticket at the counter, as there can be queues. Tickets from machines or via the ÖBB app cost the same but save time. Please note that there are no turnstiles on the platforms — entry is open, but ticket inspections are carried out on board the train. Fines for travelling without a valid ticket in Austria are very high.

The station is considered a safe place; however, as in any busy area, keep an eye on your luggage. If you have a long layover, you can leave your belongings in the luggage lockers and take a walk to the Volksgarten park, which is just a 5-minute walk away. The station is open for overnight waits, but most shops close after 21:00–22:00, so it is advisable to stock up on water and food in advance.