ÖBB Reports Historic Booking Record for New Year Weekend as Trains Reach Full Capacity

Traveling across Austria this New Year’s weekend? You might want to double-check your seat reservation. The Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) has officially announced a historic booking record for the period between December 29, 2025, and January 2, 2026. With more people than ever opting for rail travel to ring in the New Year, the network is stretched to its absolute limit.

Unprecedented Demand for Rail Travel

The year 2025 is ending on a high note for public transport. According to recent data from ÖBB, seat reservation numbers have surpassed all previous years, including pre-pandemic highs. A combination of heavy snowfall in the Alps and a growing preference for sustainable travel has pushed thousands of travelers onto the tracks.

“We are seeing a level of demand that is truly unprecedented,” an ÖBB spokesperson stated on Monday. “While we have added extra carriages and special relief trains where possible, the sheer volume of travelers means that many of our main lines are operating at 100% capacity.”

Critical Bottlenecks: Western Austria at a Standstill

The most significant pressure is being felt on the Weststrecke (Western Line). Trains traveling from Vienna toward Salzburg, Tyrol, and Vorarlberg are effectively sold out for peak afternoon and morning slots.

Why the West is Sold Out

The surge is largely attributed to the “Neuschnee” (fresh snow) in the Southern Alps, which has drawn thousands of skiers and winter sports enthusiasts to regions like the Arlberg and the Zillertal. Additionally, New Year’s Eve festivities in Innsbruck and Salzburg are major draws for domestic and international tourists alike.

ÖBB warns that without a valid seat reservation, passengers on high-occupancy Railjet trains may be asked to disembark if the train becomes dangerously overcrowded, a measure taken to ensure passenger safety.

How to Navigate the Holiday Rush

If you haven’t booked your ticket yet, don’t panic—but you do need to be strategic. Here are the essential tips for traveling through Austria this weekend:

• Avoid Peak Hours: If possible, travel during the early morning (before 7:00 AM) or late evening (after 8:00 PM). Mid-day trains are currently the most congested.
• Use the ÖBB App: Check the “Occupancy Indicator” in the ÖBB Scotty app. It uses a color-coded system (Green, Yellow, Red) to show how full a train is likely to be.
• Consider Alternative Routes: While the main Railjet lines are packed, regional express trains (REX) may have more breathing room, though they will take longer to reach your destination.
• Mandatory Reservations: For certain peak-time international connections to Germany or Switzerland, reservations may be mandatory. Check your specific connection status online.