An interesting point to make, is, that Westbahn only operates on the most profitable route in Austria. Once the public has invested tens of billions of euros into the Südbahn, they will start running there too. Of course they can sell cheaper tickets, when they don't have to operate any small commuter trains. I know that ÖBB gets compensated by the state for running them and this is what competiontion is for, but it is still more expensive to run an extensive network of trains all over the country.
it is not or at least shouldnt be because according to european law all the costs pertaining to tendered services should be routed through a separate company, so railjets shouldn't share a company with cityjets (even if they are oth called obb, for example in spain ave is run by renfe commercial services, regional trains by renfe public service, which share branding etc but from an accounting perspective are different
öBB has to run the unprofitable trains because they have a contract with the state. They pay the same to use the infrastructure as Westbahn. That's at least how the framework should work
@@hypernewlapse There is only one ÖBB passenger rail company, operating all trains from highspeed ICE/RJ down to Regional and S-Bahn. They are however by law not allowed to cross-finance between cost-covering routes (like the Western line) and subsidized/compensated regional & intercity routes (all except the Western line) - which is kinda silly IMHO, because in the end they still have to cover the overhead from the non-profitable lines anyways. It's telling that Westbahn corporation has never participated in tenders for those other routes, and is only now thinking about expansion onto the Southern line, when all the (publicly funded) improvements there (Semmering and Koralm base tunnels) are about to get finished (which will most likely enable cost-covering service there as well). PS. I actually don't like the word "subsidized" in this context. ÖBB are (by law) not even allowed to run non-profitable services, even if they wanted to. And since they are (again, by law) not allowed to cross-finance between lines this means that the state has to put in orders for (and logically pay for) services it _wants_ to have operated regardless of profitability.
In terms of expansion Westbahn also wants to operate on the Southern Railway (line south of Vienna) to Graz, Klagenfurt and maybe beyond in the future. After completion of the Koralm Railway (projected for the 2026 timetable) service from Vienna to Klagenfurt via Graz would be possible. Although initially for Westbahn not with their current rolling stock (only double-decker trains). They would need to either acquire a separate single deck train fleet or wait until the Semmering Base Tunnel is complete (projected for 2030) to operate the route with more double-deckers. When they expand to the Southern Railway it will also be interesting how they plan to connect the two services together. Maybe they will bring back the service over the S-Bahn Mainline in Vienna formerly known as WESTblue.
Don’t think that the return to the ‘Stammstrecke’ is happening anytime soon because they found/discovered a fitting ‘home base’ for themselves with the Westbahnhof. And I’m excited for what the future is going to bring for the Westbahn (like the planned expansion to Stuttgart and to Hungary)
@@stefan25769Furthermore, stammstrecke will be overhauled in the next years… so they would have to deal often with Railway Replacement (bus) services if they bring back West blue
That's exactly what I wanted to comment! I'm really curious about what they do, single-decker Westbahn trains to Villach via Graz and Klagenfurt would be quite interesting. But I'm not sure it will happen soon, I think they will just wait until the Semmering Basistunnel is completed (IF they ever expand to the south)
Correct me if I’m wrong please, but isn’t it already possible to operate direct services between Wiener Neustadt and Wien Wbf? Or there’s not such track yet to make it possible? Because as mentioned above, Wien Wbf is their main base and I’m sure they want to stick to that rather than relaunching WESTblue and using Wien Hbf or the S-Bahn Mainline in general again
There are a few things not mentioned here that make the Westbahn service better for me in comparison to ÖBB: 1. if you have the „Klimaticket“ (An annual pass for all public transport in austria) you can use the Comfort Class at no extra cost and you get free seat reservations(!) (öbb charges 3€/reservation) 2. if you „check in“ yourself at the seat (if you have bought the ticket in advance or have the klimaticket, you can scan a QR code at your seat in the app. This way your ticket doesn’t need to be checked by the train attendant), you get „westpoints“. You can use them to buy tickets or food at the self service cafe (1 point equals 0,10€ of value, a ride from Innsbruck to vienna awards you 40 points)
@1:20 there is actually a Store that sells Modell railways! It’s on the ground floor next to the lockers. (0:55 go in the direction you’re looking here and it is on the left side)
Probably Westbahns biggest asset is that it offers fee reservation, also to people with tickets that are valid for a certain amount of time. This is especially convenient on this line, as trains tend to be regularly overcrowded
I love Westbahn. Regarding the second class, the seats are awesome and with great legroom - that on a modern train with affordable tickets. I‘d love to see something similar in Germany, as Flixtrain is not on the same level comfort wise, even though they do travel longer distances.
Regarding the price. In Austria there is a really cheap half fare card called Vorteilscard. For only 80€ per year, you only pay half the price on ÖBB tickets. So the prices actually much more similar for most people. But for occasional travelers, Westbahn is more recommended.
Oh cool. Next to the Lego store is am Holland unit price company Amsterdam store (HEMA). I love the stores they have in stations here in the Netherlands pretty good sandwiches, amazing smoked sausages and iced coffee as well as super convenient hotdogs. Do they sell the to go foods there or is it a HEMA like I have seen in Germany with only clothing and stationary with a small section of snacks?
I doubt they sell smoked sausage in Vienna but HEMA is the Dutch knock off of Marks and Spencer. They sell great snacks for on the train. HEMA stands for Hollandsche Eenheidsprijzen Maatschappij Amsterdam (Dutch Unity price Company Amsterdam)
I would like to see them on the Passauer Bahn (Linz)-Wels-Passau. The only high-speed service I saw there was the ICE. I think some competion could be good there ^^
Dang, I was meant to ride Westbahn from Munich to Vienna last week but for whatever reason the fares for the midday train I needed were astronomical. Ended up catching a DB ICE from Regensburg instead for a nice 39€ First class Sparpreis which was ok, but just that, nothing more. Guess I'll have to schedule another try.
That's very interesting, normally I find Westbahn to be cheaper closer to departure. Definitely worth a try when you get a chance and makes sense price wise
10:43 everyone who travels on a regular basis has an ÖBB Vorteilscard to get 50% off on all prices or has a 1095€ per year Klimaticket where every ÖBB AND Westbahn train is free of charge .
It’s actually interesting that the English language does that. Impose other names on things. I know from very old Photographs that it used to be that in German where they used to say „Neu York mit Fräulein Freiheit“ (Lady Liberty) but we wouldn’t use that in local context these days. So I think it’s a nice gesture that he calls Vienna Wien.
A good video. Last year I went on Westbahn from Salzburg to Innsbruck. I was using a Eurail /Interail First class pass. But the conductor made me move from First to Second + class. Even though there were no other First Class passengers? Has anyone else had this happen?
Westbahn is a bit weird for Interrail. Even with a first-class pass, you don't actually get to sit in first class-only in second class. For first class, you need to pay for a separate seat reservation and upgrade.
Westbahn seems to offer a really good product. It proves that you can offer a good travel experience for a low price. I wish other budget carriers like FlixTrain were like this. I would also appreciate if some of the trains were extended to Bratislava through Wien hbf (The line between Wien hbf and Bratislava main station is being newly electrified so it'd be possible and Westbahn's trains departing from hbf would unlock many more connections)
@@czechmatebro No they can't. Maybe it was a option by Stadler. Fact is the Kiss of WESTbahn can only use 15 kV, 16,7 Hz ~. Besides that they would need a Permit to drive in Slovakia which they ofc don't have either.
Well, i have checked how much cost first Claas ticket from München Hbf to Vienna and Westbahn isn't the cheapest solution... WB-74e, ÖBB-29e, PKP -29e but in second class... DB has no direct connections with Vienna😢
Probably depends when you book. I've seen Westbahn as low as 28€ euro if booked more than a month in advance. In general i think Westbahn sells most of their tickets around the 40-60€ range while ÖBB sells a chunk at 29-59€ range and close to departure around 100-120€
Seems like a great service with a good carrier for a good price. I just really like the rise of low cost options that has come with open access operators like Westbahn. Whether it be Flixtrain, Snälltåget, Lumo, Ouigo, RegioJet, or anyone else.
For passenger rights it's better to have a system like OneTicket in Czechia though. I really don't like the idea of missing a train and not being able to get on the next one because it's a competitor.
Great video. I take Westbahn every week between Wels and Vöcklabruck. We also take Westbahn anytime we want to go to Salzburg, Linz, or Wien. The view from the upper deck is great for young travelers. You forgot the biggest difference between Westbahn and OBB. If you board an OBB train without a ticket, you get a massive fine. If you board Westbahn without a ticket, you have to buy a ticket on the train without penalty. They have a much more modern character with staff and all. I take Westbahn any day.
Ah yeah thats true! I kinda mentioned it with that you dont need a reservation prior to boarding, but i could have expanded on that! Its a great service
I like the gender-separated toilets. Most men seem to be unable to urinate without making a mess, i.e. sit down to pee, which is just rude in a shared toilet in my opinion.
everyone and his dog has a train travel channel nowadays, the novelty is long gone. Couldn't you consider a Bodø to Bari challenge and to spice it all up, board all the trains without a ticket to see what happens. Too many channels are doing the exact same thing to the point that it is not original anymore.
Yes great idea, let me commit a crime several times on camera for your entertainment. I get what you're saying but unfortunately those kind of videos while fun and intresting takes longer to make, cost more and it does not necessarily preform better, so its not something that i'd be motivated to do regulary.
An interesting point to make, is, that Westbahn only operates on the most profitable route in Austria. Once the public has invested tens of billions of euros into the Südbahn, they will start running there too. Of course they can sell cheaper tickets, when they don't have to operate any small commuter trains. I know that ÖBB gets compensated by the state for running them and this is what competiontion is for, but it is still more expensive to run an extensive network of trains all over the country.
it is not or at least shouldnt be because according to european law all the costs pertaining to tendered services should be routed through a separate company, so railjets shouldn't share a company with cityjets (even if they are oth called obb, for example in spain ave is run by renfe commercial services, regional trains by renfe public service, which share branding etc but from an accounting perspective are different
öBB has to run the unprofitable trains because they have a contract with the state. They pay the same to use the infrastructure as Westbahn. That's at least how the framework should work
@@hypernewlapse There is only one ÖBB passenger rail company, operating all trains from highspeed ICE/RJ down to Regional and S-Bahn. They are however by law not allowed to cross-finance between cost-covering routes (like the Western line) and subsidized/compensated regional & intercity routes (all except the Western line) - which is kinda silly IMHO, because in the end they still have to cover the overhead from the non-profitable lines anyways.
It's telling that Westbahn corporation has never participated in tenders for those other routes, and is only now thinking about expansion onto the Southern line, when all the (publicly funded) improvements there (Semmering and Koralm base tunnels) are about to get finished (which will most likely enable cost-covering service there as well).
PS. I actually don't like the word "subsidized" in this context. ÖBB are (by law) not even allowed to run non-profitable services, even if they wanted to. And since they are (again, by law) not allowed to cross-finance between lines this means that the state has to put in orders for (and logically pay for) services it _wants_ to have operated regardless of profitability.
In terms of expansion Westbahn also wants to operate on the Southern Railway (line south of Vienna) to Graz, Klagenfurt and maybe beyond in the future. After completion of the Koralm Railway (projected for the 2026 timetable) service from Vienna to Klagenfurt via Graz would be possible. Although initially for Westbahn not with their current rolling stock (only double-decker trains). They would need to either acquire a separate single deck train fleet or wait until the Semmering Base Tunnel is complete (projected for 2030) to operate the route with more double-deckers. When they expand to the Southern Railway it will also be interesting how they plan to connect the two services together. Maybe they will bring back the service over the S-Bahn Mainline in Vienna formerly known as WESTblue.
Don’t think that the return to the ‘Stammstrecke’ is happening anytime soon because they found/discovered a fitting ‘home base’ for themselves with the Westbahnhof.
And I’m excited for what the future is going to bring for the Westbahn (like the planned expansion to Stuttgart and to Hungary)
@@stefan25769Furthermore, stammstrecke will be overhauled in the next years… so they would have to deal often with Railway Replacement (bus) services if they bring back West blue
Certainly lots of cool options for them to look into
That's exactly what I wanted to comment! I'm really curious about what they do, single-decker Westbahn trains to Villach via Graz and Klagenfurt would be quite interesting. But I'm not sure it will happen soon, I think they will just wait until the Semmering Basistunnel is completed (IF they ever expand to the south)
Correct me if I’m wrong please, but isn’t it already possible to operate direct services between Wiener Neustadt and Wien Wbf? Or there’s not such track yet to make it possible? Because as mentioned above, Wien Wbf is their main base and I’m sure they want to stick to that rather than relaunching WESTblue and using Wien Hbf or the S-Bahn Mainline in general again
There are a few things not mentioned here that make the Westbahn service better for me in comparison to ÖBB:
1. if you have the „Klimaticket“ (An annual pass for all public transport in austria) you can use the Comfort Class at no extra cost and you get free seat reservations(!) (öbb charges 3€/reservation)
2. if you „check in“ yourself at the seat (if you have bought the ticket in advance or have the klimaticket, you can scan a QR code at your seat in the app. This way your ticket doesn’t need to be checked by the train attendant), you get „westpoints“. You can use them to buy tickets or food at the self service cafe (1 point equals 0,10€ of value, a ride from Innsbruck to vienna awards you 40 points)
Great video as always 👍
Thanks again!
@1:20 there is actually a Store that sells Modell railways! It’s on the ground floor next to the lockers. (0:55 go in the direction you’re looking here and it is on the left side)
Ah cool, now I know for next time!
Probably Westbahns biggest asset is that it offers fee reservation, also to people with tickets that are valid for a certain amount of time. This is especially convenient on this line, as trains tend to be regularly overcrowded
I love Westbahn. Regarding the second class, the seats are awesome and with great legroom - that on a modern train with affordable tickets. I‘d love to see something similar in Germany, as Flixtrain is not on the same level comfort wise, even though they do travel longer distances.
Agreed totally! Flix is just not as good, while only being slighly cheaper.
Regarding the price. In Austria there is a really cheap half fare card called Vorteilscard.
For only 80€ per year, you only pay half the price on ÖBB tickets. So the prices actually much more similar for most people. But for occasional travelers, Westbahn is more recommended.
This route was my first ever continental train in 1971
Oh cool. Next to the Lego store is am Holland unit price company Amsterdam store (HEMA). I love the stores they have in stations here in the Netherlands pretty good sandwiches, amazing smoked sausages and iced coffee as well as super convenient hotdogs. Do they sell the to go foods there or is it a HEMA like I have seen in Germany with only clothing and stationary with a small section of snacks?
I doubt they sell smoked sausage in Vienna but HEMA is the Dutch knock off of Marks and Spencer. They sell great snacks for on the train.
HEMA stands for Hollandsche Eenheidsprijzen Maatschappij Amsterdam (Dutch Unity price Company Amsterdam)
@@adema1978 whoops, spelling mistake. I wouldn't really call them a knock off but rather more of an equivalent.
I would like to see them on the Passauer Bahn (Linz)-Wels-Passau. The only high-speed service I saw there was the ICE. I think some competion could be good there ^^
Dang, I was meant to ride Westbahn from Munich to Vienna last week but for whatever reason the fares for the midday train I needed were astronomical. Ended up catching a DB ICE from Regensburg instead for a nice 39€ First class Sparpreis which was ok, but just that, nothing more.
Guess I'll have to schedule another try.
That's very interesting, normally I find Westbahn to be cheaper closer to departure. Definitely worth a try when you get a chance and makes sense price wise
10:43 everyone who travels on a regular basis has an ÖBB Vorteilscard to get 50% off on all prices or has a 1095€ per year Klimaticket where every ÖBB AND Westbahn train is free of charge .
0:27 We know it's Wien in German but Simon it's Vienna in English.
Even in english the name of the city is Wien and not this stupid Vienna.
It’s actually interesting that the English language does that. Impose other names on things. I know from very old Photographs that it used to be that in German where they used to say „Neu York mit Fräulein Freiheit“ (Lady Liberty) but we wouldn’t use that in local context these days.
So I think it’s a nice gesture that he calls Vienna Wien.
Pro Tip: Westbahn gives you a 50% discount with any of the European rail discount cards. They really don't care if it's from Bulgaria or the UK.
A good video. Last year I went on Westbahn from Salzburg to Innsbruck. I was using a Eurail /Interail First class pass. But the conductor made me move from First to Second + class. Even though there were no other First Class passengers? Has anyone else had this happen?
Westbahn is a bit weird for Interrail. Even with a first-class pass, you don't actually get to sit in first class-only in second class. For first class, you need to pay for a separate seat reservation and upgrade.
Westbahn seems to offer a really good product. It proves that you can offer a good travel experience for a low price. I wish other budget carriers like FlixTrain were like this. I would also appreciate if some of the trains were extended to Bratislava through Wien hbf (The line between Wien hbf and Bratislava main station is being newly electrified so it'd be possible and Westbahn's trains departing from hbf would unlock many more connections)
They can't go to Bratislava hlavna stanica because of the different electrification in Slovakia.
@@Franjo5000 really? I thought they could also run under a different electrification system
@@czechmatebro No they can't. Maybe it was a option by Stadler.
Fact is the Kiss of WESTbahn can only use 15 kV, 16,7 Hz ~.
Besides that they would need a Permit to drive in Slovakia which they ofc don't have either.
aaaw, you missed the cut to Schönbrunn right in the beginning
aaa thats unlucky !
Well, i have checked how much cost first Claas ticket from München Hbf to Vienna and Westbahn isn't the cheapest solution... WB-74e, ÖBB-29e, PKP -29e but in second class... DB has no direct connections with Vienna😢
Probably depends when you book. I've seen Westbahn as low as 28€ euro if booked more than a month in advance. In general i think Westbahn sells most of their tickets around the 40-60€ range while ÖBB sells a chunk at 29-59€ range and close to departure around 100-120€
I would not use this train as I would not be able to use the vending machines due to my vision. Staffed buffet for me
Seems like a great service with a good carrier for a good price. I just really like the rise of low cost options that has come with open access operators like Westbahn. Whether it be Flixtrain, Snälltåget, Lumo, Ouigo, RegioJet, or anyone else.
For passenger rights it's better to have a system like OneTicket in Czechia though. I really don't like the idea of missing a train and not being able to get on the next one because it's a competitor.
Great video. I take Westbahn every week between Wels and Vöcklabruck. We also take Westbahn anytime we want to go to Salzburg, Linz, or Wien. The view from the upper deck is great for young travelers. You forgot the biggest difference between Westbahn and OBB. If you board an OBB train without a ticket, you get a massive fine. If you board Westbahn without a ticket, you have to buy a ticket on the train without penalty. They have a much more modern character with staff and all. I take Westbahn any day.
Ah yeah thats true! I kinda mentioned it with that you dont need a reservation prior to boarding, but i could have expanded on that! Its a great service
The fine by ÖBB is only on regional trains (S-Bahn, R, REX, CJX)
Westbahn is a great and cheaper alternative than Railjet. And if the ride is only 2,5 hours do you really need a dining car?
Probably not, but it's still a nice feature on the longer routes
@@Simon-Andersen That I can't deny
Интересно
Would be great to see Westbahn in Frankfurt 😊
I like the gender-separated toilets. Most men seem to be unable to urinate without making a mess, i.e. sit down to pee, which is just rude in a shared toilet in my opinion.
I had not considered that
do paris to lyon or barcelona
Probably not, Paris is a place i have no desire to re-visit at the moment tbh
UA-cam vloggers rarely get a seat with a full window view.
everyone and his dog has a train travel channel nowadays, the novelty is long gone. Couldn't you consider a Bodø to Bari challenge and to spice it all up, board all the trains without a ticket to see what happens. Too many channels are doing the exact same thing to the point that it is not original anymore.
Yes great idea, let me commit a crime several times on camera for your entertainment. I get what you're saying but unfortunately those kind of videos while fun and intresting takes longer to make, cost more and it does not necessarily preform better, so its not something that i'd be motivated to do regulary.
@@Simon-Andersen I love your "regular" content.
Just do your reviews as usual.
Maybe for you and if that’s the case, just keep scrolling then. It was a great video and very helpful.