VILLACH IS WAITING

OFF TO THE SOUTH!

WESTBAHN LAUNCHES ITS FIRST SERVICES TO SOUTHERN AUSTRIA

With the opening of the Koralm Tunnel, rail travel in Austria has undergone a fundamental transformation. Travel time from Graz to Villach has been significantly reduced, and Vienna is now closer than ever to the south. Alongside the new Koralm Railway, which has been operating at full capacity since mid-December, Westbahn is now launching its first-ever services on the Southern Line, connecting northern and southern Austria and bringing fresh momentum to rail travel between Vienna, Graz, and Villach.

Villach, the charming gateway to the south and Carinthia’s main railway station, is gaining even greater importance as a mobility hub. Yet the city on the River Drau is much more than a key junction in Austrian and European long-distance rail travel: it is a place where career opportunities, nature, culture, and quality of life come together.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS:

From March 2026, Westbahn will operate on the Southern Line for the first time, extending services to Villach.
Daily direct connections between Vienna – Graz – Klagenfurt – Villach.
Services will be gradually expanded through May 29th, 2026.
Villach’s role as a major Austrian and European rail hub will be further strengthened.
A wide range of leisure activities, exciting events, and attractive career opportunities await in southern Austria and in Villach.

A NEW CHAPTER FOR THE SOUTH

The launch of Westbahn services on the Southern Line marks a new chapter in Austrian mobility. Increased competition, greater comfort, and more connections will strengthen not only Villach, but the entire southern region.

This development has been made possible by the 33-kilometer Koralm Tunnel, which for the first time creates a direct rail link between the provincial capitals of Carinthia and Styria. Travel time between Vienna and Villach was reduced to around three and a half hours – a true milestone for commuters, business travelers, and day-trippers alike.

Previously operating exclusively on the Vienna–Salzburg route, Westbahn will celebrate a special premiere from March 2026: for the first time, the private rail company will also operate on the Southern Line, directly connecting Vienna and Villach. The occasion will be marked with an exclusive inaugural journey and free introductory rides between Villach and Kühnsdorf at Lake Klopein during the “Westbahn Open Day” on February 28th.

Westbahn with the sign "Carinthia's Main Railway Station"

WESTBAHN EXPANDS ITS NETWORK

The expansion of Westbahn services on the Southern Line will take place step by step. At launch, three daily connections per direction will be offered. In addition to the main stops in Vienna, Graz, Klagenfurt, and Villach, trains will also stop in Vienna Meidling, Wiener Neustadt, Payerbach-Reichenau, Bruck an der Mur, Kühnsdorf, and Pörtschach.

From March 26th onward, services will be expanded: on weekends (Friday through Sunday), around public holidays, and during vacation periods, five connections per direction will already be available. The full increase to five daily direct services between Vienna and Villach will take effect on May 29th, 2026. From that date, the stop at Semmering will replace Payerbach-Reichenau.

Modern SMILE high-speed trains from the Swiss manufacturer Stadler will be in operation. With a top speed of up to 250 km/h, they make travel on the Southern Line not only exceptionally fast but also highly comfortable. The eleven-car trains, measuring 202 meters in length, offer 422 comfortable seats, power outlets at every seat, free Wi-Fi, step-free access, and a sleek, modern design. Tickets are already available at attractive prices, with additional discounts for seniors and travelers holding advantage cards. An online seat reservation is automatically included in the ticket price at no extra charge.

VILLACH – THE MOBILITY HUB OF THE SOUTH

Villach established itself as a major transport hub long before the opening of its main station (then known as the Südbahnhof) in 1864. The city on the River Drau has always been an important link between northern and southern Europe – between the Alpine passes in northwestern Austria and the Italian port city of Venice.

Today, alongside Vienna and Salzburg, Villach is one of Austria’s most important railway hubs for European long-distance travel. This is where the Southern Line (Vienna–Villach) and the Tauern Line (Salzburg–Villach) converge. As a result, the Villach junction forms an indispensable strategic hub for rail traffic between Germany, Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia. With Westbahn’s expansion into the south, this role will be further reinforced.

View onto Villach's Downtown and rail line

VILLACH IS WAITING FOR YOU

Villach is far more than just an important interchange for transit passengers – it is a place to arrive and stay.

As a center for innovative companies such as Infineon Austria and the tpv Technologiepark Villach, as well as practice-oriented educational institutions like Carinthia University of Applied Sciences, Villach offers outstanding career and educational prospects. The new rail connection opens up attractive opportunities, particularly for commuters from Styria.

But Villach is also a year-round destination. Surrounded by lakes and mountains, the region invites visitors to enjoy a wide range of outdoor adventures – from relaxing swims to challenging hikes and winter sports. Cultural highlights and major seasonal events such as the Villacher Fasching and the Villacher Kirchtag are now even easier to reach thanks to convenient and sustainable rail travel.

Crowded Rathausplatz at Villacher Kirchtag

Villach’s status as a vibrant cultural city within Carinthia is also reflected in the design of the three Westbahn train sets operating on the Southern Line. Under the motto “Art and Culture on Rails in Carinthia / Koroška,” striking exterior designs showcase the diverse cultural offerings of Austria’s southernmost province, including Carinthian Summer, Ensemble Porcia, the Artists’ Town of Gmünd, the Museum of Modern Art Carinthia, the Ingeborg Bachmann House, and the Liaunig Museum in Neuhaus/Suha.

With its strong economic momentum, attractive location, and remarkable cultural diversity, Villach stands out as a compelling destination. The city on the Drau offers a wealth of leisure opportunities, events, and career prospects for everyone ready to head south.