St Poelten (Railway Station)

St. Pölten Hauptbahnhof is the key transport hub of Lower Austria, situated on the busy Westbahn railway line. The station harmoniously combines modern architectural solutions with historical heritage, ensuring a high level of comfort for passengers. Thanks to recent modernisation, the station has become bright, spacious, and convenient for transit between Vienna and the western regions of the country.

It is important for passengers to know that the station features intuitively clear navigation. A central underground passage connects the station building to all platforms, which are equipped with elevators and escalators. Particular attention should be paid to the fact that trains of the local narrow-gauge Mariazellerbahn depart from separate tracks, often designated as Alpenbahnhof, so please allow sufficient time for the transfer.

• Official website: oebb.at (Austrian Federal Railways)
• Helpline: +43 5 1717 (ÖBB hotline)
• Address: Bahnhofplatz 1, 3100 St. Pölten, Austria
• Opening hours: the station is open 24/7; ticket counters operate daily from 05:45 to 20:20 (hours may vary on public holidays).
• Luggage storage inquiries: automated lockers are available 24/7 in the passageway area.
• Accessibility information: the station is completely barrier-free (Barrierefrei), featuring tactile guidance systems and a mobility service to assist with boarding.

Getting to St. Pölten Hauptbahnhof is very easy, as it is located practically in the city centre. From the main square Rathausplatz and the pedestrian zone of the old town, you can reach it on foot in just 5–7 minutes. This makes the station an excellent starting point for sightseeing.

For journeys from other districts, it is convenient to use the LUP city bus network, most routes of which converge at the station square (Bahnhofplatz). The taxi stand is located directly at the main exit; a trip within the city usually takes 10–15 minutes. For motorists, a spacious Park & Ride facility is provided near the station.

St. Pölten Hauptbahnhof offers a full range of services for travellers. The central hall and passageways are equipped with modern ticket machines featuring touch screens, and there are also staffed counters for complex itineraries. Free Wi-Fi from ÖBB is available throughout the station area.

For passenger convenience, there are automated luggage lockers of various sizes, paid restrooms maintained in a clean condition, and waiting rooms. The station is fully adapted for passengers with reduced mobility: there are elevators to every platform and specialised sanitary rooms. ATMs and photo booths can also be found within the building.

There are excellent options for a light meal at the station and in its vicinity. Directly inside the building, there is a SPAR supermarket which operates longer than standard shops and is open on Sundays — here you can purchase ready-made sandwiches, salads, and beverages at affordable prices (average bill 5–8 Euros).

For a quick breakfast or coffee break, chain bakeries (such as Anker or BackWerk) offering fresh pastries are suitable. If you have time for a full lunch, it is worth stepping out onto the station square, where several cafes and restaurants serving hot meals are located. For night-time passengers, vending machines with snacks and coffee are available inside the station.

The history of the station is inextricably linked to the opening of the legendary Western Railway (Westbahn) of Empress Elisabeth in 1858. Initially a modest station, it grew and developed in parallel with St. Pölten's transformation into an important industrial centre. The building has undergone several reconstructions, being restored after the destruction of the Second World War.

A key stage in its recent history was the Bahnhofsoffensive project in the early 2000s. During this large-scale modernisation, the station received a modern glass design, new platforms, and underground passages, becoming a vital hub for high-speed Railjet trains. Today, it is one of the most modern transport hubs in Austria.

When planning a trip via St. Pölten Hauptbahnhof, try to arrive 15–20 minutes before departure. The station is safe and well-lit, but it can be crowded during peak hours. Please keep an eye on your belongings and do not leave luggage unattended.

An important detail regarding tickets: if you purchase a ticket from a machine and it does not specify a specific time, it must be validated in the blue validator before accessing the platform. When waiting for a train at night, keep in mind that most shops close after 20:00–21:00, so it is best to stock up on water and food in advance. For transfers to regional trains, watch the information boards carefully: platform numbers may change.