Österreichischen Bundesbahnen or ÖBB (tel: (01) 930 000; website: www.oebb.at) operates the rail network in Austria. In addition to the usual onboard services (restaurant and bar cars, snack trolleys and telephones), ÖBB offers mini-office compartments (with power points for laptop computers) and women-only compartments for those seeking hassle-free travel.

Vienna's major rail stations and their U-Bahn connections are Westbahnhof, Europaplatz, on the U3 and U6, Südbahnhof, Südtirolerplatz, on the U1, Franz-Josefs-Bahnhof, Franz-Josefs Platz, on the U4, and Wien Mitte, Landstrasser Hauptstrasse 1, on the U3 and U4. Facilities at most main stations include lounges, left luggage offices, ATMs, food stalls and gift shops. Timetable information is available 24 hours a day (tel: 05 1717).

Rail services: Intercity trains within Austria follow the main eastbound route from Bregenz to Vienna (journey time - 8 to 9 hours) via Innsbruck, Salzburg and Linz, or travel north from Graz (journey time - 2 hours 30 minutes) or Klagenfurt (journey time - 4 hours 30 minutes), via Bruck an der Mur. There are departures to the major cities at least once every two hours. Domestic rail services pass through breathtaking Alpine scenery but unfortunately this is bypassed by the majority of international services. Travellers should watch out for the stunning view of the Melk Abbey on the main line approaching Vienna from the west.

There are international services from most Central and Eastern European capitals. Trains are available from most Western European countries, including Paris (journey time - 14 hours) and Berlin (journey time - 11 hours) and from as far east as Moscow (although this journey takes one and a half days). The service to Prague takes about four hours.