Austria Rail Tours
Through our rail tours of Austria, you’ll be able to admire the scenic Rhine Valley route, experience the Railjet service through the Arlberg, and stay in the picturesque town of Steyr. Visit the monastery town of Melk, cruise along the beautiful Danube, ride behind steam trains through romantic villages, and journey high into the mountains on the narrow-gauge Mariazellerbahn.
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Danube The River of Kings - 2027
Embark on an elegant journey along the Danube including a luxurious seven-night river cruise through historic cities and scenic landscapes. Immerse yourself in European culture from the musical heritage of Vienna to the grand architecture of Budapest, tour medieval towns, and explore fascinating stories on this small group tour.
Departure Dates
9th September 202710 Days from
£3,855 Per person
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best train journeys in Austria?
Austria is renowned for its mountain railways and long-distance routes that traverse some of the country’s most breathtaking Alpine scenery, including the climb up the Arlberg Pass through the mountains at over 1,300 metres. Well-known journeys include the Railjet route through the Arlberg Pass between Innsbruck and western Austria, as well as rail routes through the Tyrol and Danube regions. Railtrail’s Austria tours also feature steam railways, river cruises and historic towns such as Melk and Steyr.
Is Austria good for rail holidays?
Yes. Austria’s rail network is reliable, comfortable and well connected, making it easy to travel between cities, mountain regions and smaller towns without driving. Modern Railjet services link destinations including Vienna, Salzburg and Innsbruck, while regional railways reach Alpine valleys and lakeside areas that are difficult to explore by car alone.
Can you travel around Austria by train?
Austria is particularly well suited to touring by rail because many of its most scenic regions are connected by direct rail routes. Escorted rail holidays can simplify the experience by combining rail travel, accommodation and excursions within one itinerary, with support from an experienced Tour Manager throughout the journey. Railtrail’s Austria holidays include First Class rail travel in Europe where available.
What is the most scenic train route in Austria?
The Arlberg railway route through western Austria is widely regarded as one of the country’s finest rail journeys, crossing mountain landscapes between Innsbruck and Vorarlberg. Other scenic highlights include the Mariazellerbahn narrow-gauge railway and routes through the Tyrol and Danube Valley, where mountain views, forests and riverside towns form part of the journey itself.
What is the best time of year to visit Austria by train?
Austria can be enjoyed throughout the year, although the experience changes noticeably by season. Spring and summer bring greener valleys, open mountain railways and longer daylight hours, while autumn offers seasonal colours across Alpine regions. Winter rail holidays are popular for festive markets, snow-covered mountain scenery and seasonal steam journeys in the Tyrol and Danube regions.
Do Railtrail Austria tours include rail travel from the UK?
Many Railtrail Austria holidays include rail travel from London St Pancras via Eurostar and onward continental rail connections, with First Class rail included on selected itineraries. Some tours travel through Cologne, Basel and Zurich before continuing into Austria on Railjet services through the Alps. Full travel arrangements vary depending on the tour booked.
Are Austria rail holidays suitable for solo travellers?
Yes. Escorted rail holidays can work particularly well for solo travellers because much of the planning and travel coordination is handled for you. Shared rail journeys, excursions and group meals create a sociable atmosphere, while experienced Railtrail Tour Managers remain available throughout the tour for guidance and support.
Train Holidays in Austria
Austria’s railways connect Vienna, Salzburg and Innsbruck along a single main corridor, then branch into the Alps on some of Europe’s most celebrated mountain lines. A Railtrail escorted rail holiday to Austria is built around this network: reserved rail travel, a Tour Manager travelling with the group, and an itinerary planned before you leave home.
Your fare, hotels and Tour Manager support are arranged in advance. Any train missed through no fault of your own is covered under Railtrail’s standard fare protection. Tours typically combine one or two base towns with rail excursions into the surrounding countryside, whether that means Vienna and Salzburg’s cities, the Alps, the Danube valley, or a heritage line such as the Semmering Railway.
Railtrail has been operating escorted rail holidays for over 45 years. Places are limited on each departure, so early booking secures your preferred date.
Scenic Rail Journeys Across Austria
The Semmering Railway climbs south from Gloggnitz to Mürzzuschlag, crossing sixteen viaducts and fifteen tunnels on a route completed in 1854. It remains a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the first mountain railways built anywhere in Europe. Our steam train holidays Europe programme covers routes in a similar spirit further afield.
West of Innsbruck, the Arlberg line runs through Vorarlberg towards Bregenz. Opened in 1884, it still carries trains through the same long Alpine tunnels. Our Switzerland rail holidays cover similar mountain scenery just across the border. North of the mountains, the Danube offers a gentler route: the Wachau valley between Krems and Melk, past vineyards, Dürnstein and Melk Abbey.
The Salzkammergut lake district connects Salzburg with Gmunden, Bad Ischl and St Wolfgang by rail, with boats picking up where the lines stop. For something slower still, the narrow-gauge Mariazellerbahn runs from St Pölten to Mariazell through forested valleys.
All Inclusive Austrian Rail Holidays
Many of our Austria tours include reserved rail travel, hotel accommodation, selected meals and guided excursions, with a Tour Manager supporting the group throughout. Where the itinerary includes UK-station rail as part of the package, this is confirmed on the individual tour page rather than assumed across the whole programme, as not every departure is structured the same way.
Ground-only European tours are protected by ABTOT (member no. 5577). Where a tour includes flights, ATOL protection (licence 9056) applies instead, and the relevant tour page states which scheme covers your booking. Full details of our fare structure are on our tour fares explained page.
Railtrail is rated Excellent on Trustpilot. Booking starts with a small deposit from £75pp.
Escorted Rail Tours for Every Traveller
Railtrail’s Austria tours require reasonable fitness and unaided mobility: carrying your own luggage between stations and hotels, walking at a group pace, and managing steps where a station or excursion calls for it. Your Tour Manager travels with the group each day, and most tours run as small groups rather than full coach parties.
Solo travellers are welcome on every departure, and single or twin rooms are available depending on the tour. The Tour Manager handles tickets, transfers and day-to-day logistics. If Germany is also on your list, our German rail holidays cover a similar range of city and scenic options.
Places on Austria tours are limited, and dates fill according to demand rather than a fixed release schedule.
