Private operator Westbahn has launched a new era of competition on Austria’s southern corridor, introducing high-speed SMILE trains between Vienna and Villach from March 1. For the first time, the operator is running services on the Südbahn, linking Wien Hauptbahnhof with Graz, Klagenfurt and Villach via the new Koralmbahn.
The new Stadler-built SMILE electric multiple units – capable of 250 km/h and known in Switzerland as the Giruno – offer 422 seats and are leased for six years. Journey time between Vienna and Villach is 3 hours 37 minutes, made possible by the opening of the Koralmbahn, which includes Austria’s longest railway tunnel and significantly reduces travel times between Styria and Carinthia.
Services are being introduced in stages. Since March 1, three daily return journeys have operated. From March 26, a demand-oriented timetable will see five return services on Fridays, weekends, public holidays and during holiday periods. From late May, five daily return services will run year-round.
Fares start at €18.99, undercutting ÖBB by one euro. Seat reservations are included, first class is available, and Austria’s Klimaticket is accepted, reinforcing Westbahn’s push for flexible, comfortable and competitive rail travel.
