Villach (Railway Station)

Villach Central Station (Villach Hauptbahnhof) is not just a transport hub, but a true gateway to southern Austria, Slovenia, and Italy. Located in the picturesque region of Carinthia, this modern terminal serves thousands of tourists and locals daily, offering a high level of comfort and efficiency. The station building combines functionality with simple navigation, making it a convenient starting point for trips to Alpine lakes or historic cities on the Adriatic coast.

It is important for passengers to know that the station has a clear structure with a central underground passage connecting all platforms. The station is equipped with 12 tracks, and thanks to electronic displays and clear signage, navigating here is easy even on your first visit. The main entrance leads directly into a spacious hall where ticket counters and information desks are located, while access to the platforms (Gleis) is equipped with lifts and escalators for the convenience of travellers with luggage.

To plan your trip and clarify details, please use the following contact information:

• Official website: oebb.at (website of the Austrian Federal Railways).
• Information phone: +43 5 1717 (ÖBB hotline, operates 24/7).
• Address: Bahnhofplatz 1, 9500 Villach, Austria.
• Opening hours: The station building is open 24/7; ticket counters usually operate from 06:00 to 21:00.
• Luggage storage: Automatic lockers are available 24/7 within the station building.
• Accessibility: The station is fully equipped for passengers with reduced mobility (lifts, tactile paving), and the ÖBB Mobility Service is available (requires advance booking).

Getting to Villach Central Station is very simple, as it is the heart of the city's transport system.

On foot: The station is located just a 10–15 minute walk from the historic city centre (Hauptplatz). The route crosses a bridge over the Drava River, offering pleasant views of the surroundings.

Public transport: Directly in front of the station building is the bus station (Busbahnhof), where city and regional buses arrive. The S-Bahn city trains also stop here, connecting Villach with the surrounding resorts.

Taxi and Car: A taxi stand is located immediately at the main exit. For private vehicles, there is underground parking and Kiss & Ride zones for quick passenger drop-offs.

The station offers a wide range of services for a comfortable wait for your train. In the central hall, you will find ticket counters and numerous red ÖBB self-service machines for quick ticket purchases.

For the convenience of passengers, the following are provided:

• Wi-Fi: Free access to the ÖBB WiFi network throughout the station.
• Waiting room: A comfortable area with seating (heated during winter).
• Luggage: Automatic storage lockers of various sizes for bags and suitcases.
• Sanitary zones: Clean restrooms, including cabins for people with disabilities and baby changing tables.
• ATMs and Photo booths: Located in the main passageway.

It is difficult to go hungry at the station and in its vicinity. Inside the building itself, there is a SPAR supermarket, which typically stays open longer than regular shops and offers a wide selection of ready-made food, sandwiches, and beverages at affordable prices. This is an excellent option for a budget-friendly snack for the journey.

For lovers of coffee and fresh pastries, there is a bakery (usually the Resch&Frisch chain or similar), where you can have a quick breakfast. If you have about an hour to spare, directly opposite the station is the traditional restaurant Villacher Brauhof, where you can try authentic local Carinthian cuisine and famous beer. The average bill for coffee with a pastry is about 5–7 Euros, while a full lunch in the restaurant ranges from 15 to 25 Euros.

The history of railway communication in Villach began back in the mid-19th century. Since its opening, the station became a crucial hub of the Southern Railway (Südbahn), connecting Vienna with Trieste. Its strategic position at the junction of routes to Italy and Slovenia determined the city's destiny as a major transport centre.

The building has been rebuilt and expanded multiple times, especially after the destruction of the Second World War. The station acquired its modern look during large-scale renovations in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Today, it is a high-tech hub that has preserved its historical significance, serving as a key point on the Tauernbahn and Drautalbahn routes.

To ensure your journey goes smoothly, we recommend arriving at the station 20 minutes before your train departs, especially if you need to buy a ticket at the counter. Villach is a popular transfer station for international trains to Venice, Ljubljana, or Zagreb. Transfers usually take 10–15 minutes; watch the display boards carefully, as platforms may change.

Safety: The station is generally very safe and well-lit; however, as in any busy place, do not leave your luggage unattended. At night, it is best to wait for your train in the main hall or in a 24-hour café if one is open.

If you are travelling with a bicycle, use the special ramps and lifts, as Carinthia is a popular region for cycling tourism, and the station is fully adapted for such passengers.