Getting from Vienna to Passau by train

The most convenient way to travel between Vienna and Passau is to go by train. Regular trains that operate all year round take about 3 to 3 1/2 hours. The Austrian national railway company, ÖBB, sells tickets from about €40 per person. Train-specific tickets might be available and sell at lower prices. In any event, keep in mind that train tickets become available 92 days prior to departure.

Moreover, there is a so-called 'RadExpress Donau' train that goes from Vienna to Passau and return every day. The train operates between May and October. A place for your bicycle and a hot drink is included in the fare of approx. €26 one way (kids pay half price). The train starts in Vienna in the morning and arrives in Passau around mid-day. The return journey starts late afternoon (around 5pm). Important is that you book beforehand via e-mail (erlebnisbahn@oebb.at). You will find the train schedule here: RadExpress Donau

By the way: Vienna got several major train stations. Each one serves trains that come from or go into different directions. The most relevant stations are: Wien Westbahnhof, Wien Südbahnhof, Wien Praterstern, Franz-Josefs-Bahnhof, Wien Meidling and Wien Mitte-Landstraße. But no need to get confused. None of them is more than four miles away from the city center. A cab will always be happy getting you there. And in 2015 the new main station will open connecting all trains from the North, South, Easy and West.

One last thing: If you struggle with the ÖBB website, we recommend to use the service of Deutsch Bahn: bahn.com Their website is much more user friendly and you are even able to book the passage if it includes a train station within Germany. If you plan to bring your bicycle, click on 'change other data' and tick where it says 'carriage of bicycles required'.