ÖBB

ÖBB Train Tickets And Schedules

ÖBB train routes

RoutesPrice(USD)
Stuttgart to Zagrebfrom$211
Düsseldorf to Amsterdamfrom$127
Frankfurt to Amsterdamfrom$302
Munich to Krakówfrom$120
Munich to Viennafrom$66
Berlin to Viennafrom$111
Munich to Florencefrom$111
Munich to Innsbruckfrom$154
Munich to Zürichfrom$265

Check out the most searched train routes and schedules by ÖBB passengers, including the most popular destinations and the main cities served by the company for leisure or work trips

ÖBB Reviews

The sentiment toward ÖBB is predominantly negative as highlighted by recurrent themes of poor customer service, frequent delays, and overbooking issues. Passengers consistently experience communication barriers, unhelpful staff, and inadequacies in resolving complaints, often compounded by a lack of multilingual support. There are complaints about the misleading ticket purchasing process, unjust fines, and uncompromising refund policies. Additionally, fare discrepancies, non-functional facilities on trains, and security concerns undermine the customer experience. However, a few positive mentions of punctuality and friendly booking experiences suggest isolated pockets of satisfactory service. Overall, significant improvements are necessary to enhance reliability and customer satisfaction.

Customer Experiences with ÖBB: A Mixed Bag of Efficiency and Discontent

Österreichische Bundesbahnen (ÖBB), Austria's national railway company, plays a crucial role in connecting the country and beyond through its extensive rail network. However, a recent examination of customer reviews reveals a spectrum of experiences, highlighting both commendable aspects of service and significant areas for improvement. This article delves into various themes expressed by passengers, capturing their sentiments about driver friendliness, ease of booking, delays, cleanliness, and safety concerns.

Key Strengths

Despite numerous criticisms, some passengers maintain positive views of ÖBB, especially regarding the booking process and pricing:

  • Booking Process: Many travelers found the online ticketing system efficient. "Very efficient & friendly service whilst booking tickets for a journey on the Nightjet train..." reflects a positive sentiment toward initial interactions with ÖBB.
  • Pricing: Passengers often appreciate the affordability of ÖBB services, contrasting them favorably with other European rail operators. "I thought I had taken the train that appears in the movies..." hints at perceived value despite other frustrations.
  • Helpful Staff: While experiences vary, some customers reported friendly and accommodating staff. "Friendly staff and always on time! That's all I need," demonstrates satisfaction with personnel interactions.

Areas of Concern

Several recurring themes emerged within customer reviews that suggest prominent issues within ÖBB's service provision:

  • Punctuality: A significant number of travelers expressed frustration with delays. One passenger lamented, "100% trains delayed by at least one hour," indicating a profound dissatisfaction with timeliness.
  • Cleanliness and Comfort: Passengers frequently noted issues regarding cleanliness in trains and terminals. Comments like, "no toilets working for 5 carriages..." portray a concerning picture of sanitation standards, particularly unsettling for those traveling in higher classes.
  • Customer Service: A vast array of reviews pointed to a systemic issue with customer service responsiveness and attitude. Instances of rudeness were documented, such as a customer who reported a staff member mocking non-German speakers: "Some of us doesn’t have German as our language, and were mocked when we didn’t understand..."
  • Overbooking and Misleading Ticketing: Multiple reviews referenced experiences of being overbooked, where passengers were left without available seats despite having purchased tickets in advance. One customer declared, "The company doesn't even want to refund us... Plain stealing."
  • Communication Issues: A lack of informational transparency was a common complaint, with one patron stating, "no communication, no breakfast..." regarding their Nightjet experience, underscoring deficits in effective communication during travel disruptions.

Customer Anecdotes

To illustrate the varied experiences of ÖBB passengers, here are notable quotes from their reviews:

"I feel sorry that many people don't have the same experience with this company. But in any circumstance, we should all be courteous to others despite all the mishaps that happened upon us during the journey."

"I’m raising my complaint with fma.gv.at. Don’t book with them. It’s obvious the company doesn’t care about their workers or customers at all."

"After talking to a person right next to us, we moved without her permission since it was easily possible... her rudeness was incredible."

Insights for Travelers

For travelers considering using ÖBB services, it is crucial to weigh both the positive attributes and the glaring drawbacks captured through customer experiences. While many passengers laud the ease of booking and affordability, persistent issues with punctuality, cleanliness, and customer service may present considerable setbacks. Additionally, travelers are advised to remain vigilant regarding ticket types and conditions, especially concerning refunds or changes to bookings.

The overarching customer feedback suggests that, despite its potential, ÖBB has substantial service quality improvements to pursue. Enhancing communication strategies, investing in staff training around customer interactions, and addressing cleanliness in both trains and terminals could significantly boost customer satisfaction levels, transforming challenging journeys into seamless travel experiences.

ÖBB Wordcloud

FAQ

Top passenger questions

Based on the main doubts and frequently asked questions from ÖBB passengers, we have compiled a complete list of answers to help you on your next trip. If you still have questions, please contact our support team.

Special Travel Needs and Services

Rewards, Affiliations, and Special Programs

International Travel

Pet Policy

Safety, Insurance, and Emergency Procedures

Customer Support and Feedback

Booking and Managing Your Journey

Luggage and Special Items Transport

Special Travel Options and Seasonal Services

Routes, Schedules, and Travel Planning

Travel Interruptions and Cancellations

Accessibility and Special Needs

On-Board Experience and Amenities

Pricing, Payment, and Tickets

Flexible Cancellations

Cancellation Policy

cancellation_policy policy

Österreichische Bundesbahnen (ÖBB) Cancellation Policy

  • Standard Tickets: Tickets can be returned and refunded free of charge until 15 minutes after purchase. After 15 minutes, a service fee is charged. As of the first day of validity, Standard Tickets are no longer refundable.
  • Sparschiene Tickets: These are completely non-refundable and non-exchangeable once they have been booked, regardless of the reason for cancellation.
  • Weekly and Monthly Tickets: The longer the ticket has been in your possession, the lower the amount that will be refunded. It is not possible to cancel or refund these tickets after half of their validity period has passed.
  • Fares for Groups: If the group's travel is cancelled completely, a cancellation fee will be charged, which is dependent upon the number of days before the planned journey the cancellation is made.
  • ÖBB Businesscard: If an annual ticket Businesscard holder cancels the card, a fee depending on the remaining term of validity will be charged.
  • Season and Annual Tickets: The refund amount will be calculated based on the period of use prior to cancellation. The unused months are refunded, after the deduction of a handling fee.
  • Compensation for Delays: In case your train is delayed by more than 60 minutes, regardless of the ticket type, you are entitled to compensation by ÖBB.
  • Place Reservation: Seat reservations are non-refundable, unless there is a delay or train cancellation by ÖBB itself.
  • Case of Sickness: In the event of illness preventing the journey, with a medical certificate, it is possible to apply for a partial refund depending on the ticket type.

    • Remember, in all cases, cancellation and refund applications must be made before the ticket’s first validity day.

Smooth Luggage

Luggage Policy

luggage_policy policy

Österreichische Bundesbahnen (ÖBB) Luggage Policy:

  • Passengers are permitted to bring hand luggage onto ÖBB trains free of charge. This must be able to be carried by a single person and must not obstruct other passengers.
  • Larger suitcases and bags must be stowed in the designated luggage areas, available in most carriages.
  • Certain items such as skis, bicycles, and baby prams may require pre-booking and might incur additional charges. It's recommended to check with the OBB customer service in advance.

Extra Taxes on Luggage:

  • Larger items such as bicycles may incur additional costs, these charges vary depending on the route and type of train. You should check this information with the ÖBB customer service before your journey.

Allowed and Prohibited Items:

  • Passengers are permitted to bring personal belongings, suitcases, backpacks, baby prams, small pets in containers, skis, and bicycles (with pre-booking and potential additional costs).
  • Prohibited items include any forms of weapons, dangerous substances, illegal goods, problematic substances or goods that could threaten the safety and comfort of other passengers.
  • All luggage must fit within the size and weight limits designated by ÖBB.

Please note all luggage items are carried at the risk of the passenger. It's always good to securely lock and label your personal belongings for safety. ÖBB is not liable for any lost, stolen, or damaged luggage.

Pet-Friendly Guidelines

Pet Policy

pet_policy policy

Österreichische Bundesbahnen (ÖBB) Pet Policy

  • Pets are generally allowed on OBB trains for free, as long as they are in a fully enclosed carrier or cage designed for transportation of small animals.
  • Larger dogs that cannot be transported in transportation cages or carriers must have a muzzle and short leash, and the passenger needs to buy a half-price ticket for them.
  • Guide and assistance dogs for visually or physically impaired passengers are allowed on trains for free, without a leash or muzzle.
  • Passengers are expected to ensure the safety of other passengers and staff by controlling their pet's behavior and cleanliness.
  • Dangerous animals, including poisonous and venomous pets, are not permitted on OBB trains.
  • The pet owner is responsible for any damage or soiling caused by their pet.

Types of Pets Allowed

  • Small pets that can be transported in carrying cages, such as small dogs, cats, rabbits, and small birds.
  • Larger dogs that are leashed and muzzled, unless they are guide and assistance dogs in which case they are exempt from leash and muzzle requirements.

Types of Pets Not Allowed

  • Dangerous or poisonous animals, including venomous snakes, large birds of prey, or aggressive dog breeds.
  • Large pets that cannot fit into a standard pet carrier.

Please note: Specific train lines or routes may have additional restrictions or policies related to pet travel. Always consult with Österreichische Bundesbahnen (OBB) before travelling with your pet. If an exact policy cannot be found, the general Austrian train pet policy should be used as a guide.

Address and Contact

Our team has prepared everything to make your experience on the website as simple, secure, and easy as possible. But if you still need to contact ÖBB, just use the most convenient channel for you!

Phone: +43 5 1717

Phone:ÖBB
+43 5 1717

Email: social-media@oebb.at

Location: Am Hauptbahnhof 2, Wien, Austria

Website: www.oebb.at

Website:ÖBB
www.oebb.at

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