Train travel from Switzerland to Austria is a convienient affair with comfortable, high-speed international trains. These depart frequently and serving major cities, as well as towns and villages en-route.
We have already covered the most popular train that operates most of the departures between the two countries and beyond. This is the flagship train of the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) – the RailJet. You can read all about it here (opens in a new tab).
The ÖBB RailJet could be considered to be the best way to travel across this part of the Alps. It offers three types of accommodation, an onboard restaurant and at-seat service in First Class.
However, those in the know would likely say that there is a better option. Departing once-a-day is the EuroCity ‘Transalpin’, the ‘EC 163’ eastbound or the ‘EC 164’ westbound. This takes a similar route but starts and ends in Graz rather than Vienna as the ÖBB RailJet tends to. The EC 163/164 train could easily be missed from timetable searches when looking for the most convienient departure time or searching for the lowest prices. For scenery seekers, the value of this experience is much more.
The EuroCity ‘Transalpin’ train strikes the balance between a public service, with mostly attractive fares, and the hype of a tourist train, offering an array of amentities onboard. The best way to travel by train on this alpine route? I think so.
The EC 163 typically departs Zurich at 08:40, arriving into Austria’s second largest city of Graz at 18:14. In the opposite direction, the EC 164 departs Graz at 09:45, arriving into Zurich for 19:20. It is possible to connect to/from Vienna in the same day via the famous Semmering railway. I’d recommend leaving plenty of buffer time for an important connection in case of a delay, however.
Myself and a friend took this train as part of a trip from the UK to Türkiye. We travelled from Zurich as far as Bischofshofen in the heart of the Austrian Central Alps en-route to Villach. From here, we took the excellent seasonal Optima Express train all the way to Türkiye. If you haven’t seen it yet you can read about that here (opens in a new tab).
Here’s the all important route map of the full journey of the EuroCity ‘Transalpin’, EC 163 / 164.
Departure from Zurich HB
On a bright and early May morning, we headed to Zurich’s main station, or ‘Hauptbahnhof’. The station is vast with a large number of eateries, supermarkets and bars. There’s also a ticket office and machines, left luggage lockers and toilet facilities.
The main concourse at street level often hosts events. This time, there was a street food market with live music – which we visited the evening before.
As well as modern electronic boards showing departures and platforms with live updates, the Swiss railways also maintained the traditional printed timetable. This, on yellow paper for departures, includes a detailed train calling-point list with a summary of train facilities.
The electronic departure board and the printed timetable agreed that Platform 6 would be where the EuroCity ‘Transalpin’ would be the starting point for our epic adventure. We arrived at the platform in plenty of time, however, there was no sign of the train at ten minutes before departure. The platform was getting busier and an anxious wait occured, particularly with the desire to document the trip and eleven carriages to include. The train reversed into the bay platform at a cool five minutes prior. Casual efficiency from the Swiss Railways on this occassion.
I took some quick pictures of a selection of the eleven carriages in reach before the train set off. Then we jumped onboard to find our seats. On this trip we had treated ourselves to First Class – and specifically an accompanying reservation in coach 309. An important carriage on the EuroCity ‘Transalpin’!
Onboard the EuroCity ‘Transalpin’
Traditional cross-border EuroCity trains utilise carriages from the national railway providers, often resulting in a colourful mix with their individual branded liveries. The EuroCity Translpin is no exception. You’ll find a hotch-potch mix from both the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) and the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB). This inconsistency also offers applies on the inside, with a variety of accommodation onboard to choose from.
First Class accommodation
There are two carriages designated as First Class accommodation on the EuroCity Transalpin. One from the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) and the other from the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB).
On this train, there is a crucial difference in the experience between the two carriages, however, both are available to anyone with a First Class ticket.
One of the First Class carriages is a panorama wagon, famous for being exclusively a Swiss contribution on select international trains. I’ve already had the pleasure of travelling in one of these before as detailed here (opens in a new tab). I was hungry for this experience again, so made sure at the point of booking that this was the carriage we had booked.
The unique selling point of the Swiss panorama wagon is the large curved windows stretching up to the ceiling. This brings the outside in to aid enjoyment of the views, and this is a route where this carriage is a great addition.
Looking at the panorama wagon from the exterior, you might think this exists on a premium Swiss tourist train.
Built for the Gotthard Panorama Express route from Lugano to Arth Goldau as the eagle eyed can see the name on the side of the carriage, you could be easily fooled that you’re on the wrong train. A simple First Class ticket grants access to this carriage on the EuroCity ‘Transalpin’.
Seating in the Swiss panorama wagon is around bays of four and two seats with three seats abreast in a 2+1 configuration. There’s also some not-so-unique but highly useful amentities. These include air conditioning, power sockets, window blinds, a small table by the windows and comfortable recline on the seats with a slight winged headrest on one side – ideal for snoozing. Legroom is also ample, although subject to who is sitting opposite you!
The seats were very comfortable, even five hours into the journey and we didn’t want to get off.
The other First Class carriage option is provided by the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB). This carriage has seating around bays of four, two and one, with fold-out tables at most of the tables of four. The carriage also includes a ‘guard’s van’ section to convey large goods such as the annual Christmas tree to the European parliament in Brussels! Yes that is a thing.
The seating is comfortable enough and full-sized tables are provided at some of the seats unlike the Swiss panorama wagon. On other routes, this accommodation would feel premium with its leather seats. On this train, it did feel underwhelming, however, compared to its Swiss counterpart.
Both carriages were pretty much fully occupied on this train on the day. I’m sure if some of the passengers in the Austrian carriage knew what they could’ve had for the same ticket, they would have been disappointed!
Onboard the EuroCity ‘Transalpin’, the Swiss panorama wagon is car 309, while the Austrian carriage is car 310. Often you can select ‘Panorama wagon’ when making the reservation to get that reservation in the Panorama wagon.
Second Class accommodation
The majority of the carriages on the EuroCity Transalpin are for Second Class ticket holders with seven provided in total. A choice is granted here as well, again in a mix of carriages provided by the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) and the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB). These are all included with the same Second Class reservation fee.
Firstly, all five of the SBB Swiss carriages are exclusively open saloons with seating around bays of four seats and seats across the carriage in a 2+2 configuration. These provide air conditioning, reclining seats, window blinds, power sockets and small tables at the windows.
Of the carriages provided by the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB), there is one open saloon carriage and one compartment carriage with seating for up to six per compartment. Both come with the same amenities and the latter is ideal for groups.
If I travelled again on this train in Second Class, I would opt for one of the Austrian carriages if possible, with a slightly higher seat comfort.
Car numbers 304-308 are scheduled to be SBB open plan Second Class carriages, while car 303 is scheduled to be an ÖBB open plan carriage. Car 312 is scheduled to be an ÖBB compartment carriage. More information can be found on vagonWEB (opens in a new tab).
Onboard Restaurant
The EuroCity ‘Transalpin’ comes with an onboard restaurant. This is provided by the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) and supplied by DoN’s, who also manage the catering on the ÖBB RailJets. The menu is exactly the same. The only difference is the restaurant ambiance and the size. It’s much larger and the tables are adorned in tablecloths for that traditional premium feeling.
We took advantage of the restaurant carriage menu on two occassions on this leg of the trip. Firstly, for coffee and Linzer Torte for a breakfast (why not?). Then, we returned for lunch to enjoy Wiener Schinitzel and Apple Strudel (when in Austria…). We commented on the views to the host and said how lovely it must be to work while passing through such scenery. She responded with “It’s not so impressive, perhaps as I am from Austria”.
Scenery
As a non-Austrian, the scenery on this route was a true feast for the eyes. On departure from Zürich, the train ran along two lakes, Zürichsee and Walensee. Then we started the ascent to the stunning Arlberg Pass – a modest 1,310 metres above sea level.
The train travelled through the short Arlberg Tunnel before descending into Innsbruck. Then there was more river scenery with a mountain dropback for the remaining leg to Bischofshofen.
Scenery Showcase Video
Enjoy the sights and sounds of the train with our Scenery Showcase video below – no voiceover, just the authentic experience of the tracks.
Arrival at Bischofshofen
We had arrived at Bischofshofen bang on time, six or so hours since leaving Zurich. From here, it was straight onto a replacement bus to Spittal station before connecting by train to Villach.
How to book the EuroCity ‘Transalpin’?
Prices for travel on the EuroCity ‘Transalpin’ are dynamic meaning that they tend to rise the closer to departure you book. Booking early is highly recommended.
| Journey Leg | First Class (including panorama car) | Second Class |
| Zurich to Graz | from €59,90 each way + €3.00 optional seat reservation | from €39,90 each way + €3.00 optional seat reservation |
You can book this trip via the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) or the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) websites. Alternatively, book with Omio at the link below and help keep Rail-Away alive with the running costs of the site.
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Conclusion
The once-a-day EuroCity Transalpin is highly recommended as the best way to travel by train from Zurich towards Austria. The train offers a choice of accommodation and onboard amentities. It’s unique selling point is the stunning panorama wagon provided by the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB). This is a rare find on international rail routes. This experience is available for only the cost of a normal First Class ticket – a true bargain if you book early.
As a bonus, when you leave the train you might just have the opportunity to take a selfie with the train driver…
This travel report was first published in August 2025.
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Please get in touch if you have any feedback on this travel report by liking and sharing your thoughts below in the comments section. Have you made a similar trip? Please do share your own experiences on the rails.
Excellent travel report as always Gareth!
Tom.