Westbahnhof Railway

Vienna Westbahnhof (Wien Westbahnhof) is not just a vital transport hub, but also an architectural landmark of the district, located at the end of the famous shopping street Mariahilfer Straße. This terminal historically connects the capital with the western part of the country and Europe, serving routes to Salzburg, Munich, and Zurich, and also serves as the base for the private operator Westbahn. The modern complex combines the functions of a railway station and a large shopping mall, offering passengers a high level of comfort and service.

It is important for passengers to know that the station is integrated into the BahnhofCity Wien West shopping centre. The platforms are located on the upper level (first floor above ground), while ticket counters, metro access (lines U3 and U6), and shops are situated on the lower levels. Navigation inside the building is intuitive: simply follow the signs with train and metro symbols to quickly find the platform you need.

To plan your trip, check schedules, or request assistance services, please use the following contact details:

• Official Website: oebb.at (Austrian Federal Railways)
• Information Phone: +43 5 1717 (24/7 ÖBB hotline)
• Address: Europaplatz 2, 1150 Wien, Austria
• Opening Hours: The station building is open 24/7; ticket counters operate daily from 06:00 to 21:00.
• Luggage Storage: Automatic lockers are available 24/7, located in the main hall.
• Accessibility Information: The station is fully barrier-free, equipped with elevators, tactile paving, and induction loops; the ÖBB Mobility Service assistance is available.

Getting to Vienna Westbahnhof is easy from anywhere in the city thanks to excellent transport connections:

• Public Transport (Metro): The fastest way is the metro (U-Bahn). The Westbahnhof station is located at the intersection of the orange line U3 (direct connection to the city centre, 10 minutes from Stephansplatz) and the brown line U6.
• Trams: The stop is served by lines 5, 6, 9, 18, 52, and 60, which connect the station with the western and southern districts of Vienna.
• From the Airport: The direct Vienna Airport Lines (VAL 1) bus runs every 30 minutes, with a travel time of about 40 minutes.
• On Foot: You can walk from the Museum Quarter along the Mariahilfer Straße shopping street (about 25–30 minutes), enjoying some shopping along the way.
• Taxi: A taxi rank is located right at the main entrance on Europaplatz. A trip from the city centre will take 15–20 minutes.

The infrastructure of Vienna Westbahnhof is thought out to the smallest detail to make waiting for your train as comfortable as possible. In the BahnhofCity complex, passengers have access to:

• Waiting Areas: Spacious zones with seating at platform level, as well as the premium ÖBB Lounge for 1st class passengers.
• Ticket Services: Long-distance ticket counters, the ÖBB information bureau, and numerous self-service machines (red terminals) for quick ticket purchases.
• Connectivity and Charging: Free Wi-Fi (ÖBB-WiFi) is available throughout the station, and electrical outlets are provided in waiting areas for charging gadgets.
• Facilities: Paid toilets with high standards of cleanliness, mother and child rooms, as well as automatic luggage lockers of various sizes.
• Additional Services: ATMs, a post office, photo booths, and a police station.

It is impossible to stay hungry at Westbahnhof, as it is combined with a shopping centre. A wide selection of establishments is presented here:

• Quick Bites: At the food court, you will find popular global chains (McDonald's, Burger King, Vapiano), as well as kiosks serving kebabs, pizza, and Asian noodles. The average bill is 10–15 Euros.
• Coffee and Pastries: Traditional Austrian bakeries Anker, Ströck, and BackWerk offer fresh pastries and coffee from early morning. Ideal for breakfast on the go.
• Supermarkets: Supermarkets (Billa, Spar) operate on the lower level, where you can buy water, fresh fruit, and sandwiches at standard city prices. Many of them are open late and operate on weekends.

The history of Vienna Westbahnhof began in 1858 with the opening of the "Empress Elisabeth Railway" (Kaiserin Elisabeth-Bahn), linking Vienna with the western lands of the empire. The historic building was seriously damaged during World War II and was completely rebuilt in the early 1950s, becoming a monument to post-war functionalism.

A new era for the station arrived in 2011 following a massive reconstruction and the opening of the BahnhofCity complex. For a long time, it was the city's main railway hub, but after the Central Station (Hauptbahnhof) became operational in 2014–2015, it lost part of its international traffic. Nevertheless, it retains strategic importance for regional transport and private railway companies.

A few practical tips for passengers at Westbahnhof:

• Arrival Time: It is recommended to arrive 20–30 minutes before departure. The station is large, and getting from the metro to the platforms through the shopping arcades may take time.
• Tickets and Boarding: Tickets for ÖBB and Westbahn trains do not require validation (stamping) if purchased online or at a machine for a specific time. Tickets for Vienna public transport must be validated when entering the metro.
• Luggage: If you have time before your train, leave your belongings in the automatic lockers and take a walk through the shops.
• Safety: The station is safe, but please keep an eye on your personal belongings in crowded areas (food court, escalators).
• Night Time: The main waiting area closes for the night, but access to trains is maintained. Please note that most shops close after 21:00.