Linz Hauptbahnhof

How to Get to Linz Hauptbahnhof

Linz Hauptbahnhof is the central hub for Upper Austria. Whether you are arriving by air or traveling from the city center, here is how to reach the station efficiently.

From Linz Airport (LNZ)

• Bus 601: This is the most direct public transport option. It runs between the airport terminal and the station.
  • Journey Time: Approximately 25–29 minutes.
  • Cost: €4.10.
  • Payment: Tickets can be purchased directly from the driver (cash and card are accepted).
• Train (via Hörsching Station): You can take a free shuttle bus from the airport to the nearby Hörsching train station, then catch a regional train to Linz Hauptbahnhof.
  • Journey Time: Approximately 10–11 minutes by train (plus shuttle time).
  • Cost: €3.50.
  • Payment: Purchase tickets via the ÖBB (Austrian Railways) website or app; English language options are available.

From City Center

• Tram Lines 1, 2, 3, and 4: These are the most frequent and convenient options connecting the city center (Hauptplatz) to the station.
  • Journey Time: Approximately 7 minutes.
  • Frequency: Trams run every few minutes.
• Bus Line 27: An alternative route if you are departing from areas like Klammstraße.
  • Journey Time: Approximately 14 minutes.
• Tickets: Purchase at ticket machines located at most stops or via the LinzMobil app. Always validate your paper ticket upon boarding if it is not already time-stamped.

By Taxi

• Journey Time: 12–15 minutes from the airport (depending on traffic); 5 minutes from the city center.
• Cost: Expect to pay approximately €35 from the airport and €11–€14 from the city center.
• Note: Taxis are readily available at designated ranks. While some accept cards, it is always wise to carry some cash. Ride-sharing apps like Uber are not standard in Linz.

Welcome to Linz Hauptbahnhof, the bustling heart of Upper Austria’s rail network. While the station is large and busy, its layout is designed with modern efficiency in mind. Think of the station as a three-layered sandwich: the basement handles local tram connections, the ground floor serves as the main entrance and bus terminal area, and the intermediate level is where you will find the railway platforms.

The station features 14 platforms in total, all of which are through-tracks, meaning they are not dead-ends. You can navigate between these platforms easily via a wide, central passage. Because the layout is straightforward and compact, you will not need to sprint across the station; even with luggage, you can comfortably reach any platform from the main hall in about 5 to 7 minutes. All platforms are fully accessible via elevators and escalators, which are clearly marked throughout the station.

One detail that often confuses first-time visitors is the platform labeling. Each of the 14 platforms is divided into lettered zones (such as A, B, C, or D). When you check your departure board, it will often specify not just the platform number, but also the zone where your train carriage will stop. This is a helpful feature designed to save you from walking the entire length of the platform once you arrive. Simply follow the overhead signs to your designated zone to find your boarding point.

If you are transferring to local transport, the tram station is conveniently located directly beneath the main building. You do not need to go outside or navigate complex street crossings; follow the signs for "Tram" or "Straßenbahn" to descend into the basement level.

For the most stress-free experience, I recommend arriving at the station about 15 minutes before your train’s departure. This gives you plenty of time to grab a coffee or a snack at one of the many shops in the central hall, check the departure boards one last time, and take the escalator up to your platform without feeling rushed. If you have any trouble, the information desk in the main hall is very helpful and easy to locate.

Linz Hauptbahnhof is a modern, efficient hub, but navigating it for the first time can be daunting. I wish someone had told me these tips before my first visit to ensure a stress-free arrival.

Before You Arrive

• Download the ÖBB Tickets app: This is essential for buying tickets and tracking your journey. It is far better than relying on machines, as it stores your digital ticket and provides real-time updates directly to your phone.
• Book online in advance: Purchasing your tickets via the app or the ÖBB website beforehand usually saves money compared to buying them at the station, and it helps you avoid potential queues at ticket machines during busy travel times.
• Understand the station layout: Don’t worry, the station is well-organized and fully accessible. It features elevators and escalators to all platforms, making it manageable even with heavy luggage.

At the Station

• Stay connected: Use the free "ÖBB-WiFi" available throughout the station premises to check your platform or look up local transit info.
• Food and supplies: For cheaper, reliable snacks or essentials, head to the SPAR supermarket located inside the station building; it often has better prices than the kiosks and typically stays open late.
• Facilities: Clean toilets are available within the station. Keep in mind that you will need coins for payment, as they do not always accept cards.
• ATMs: You will find several ATMs available in the main hall if you need local currency.

Common Mistakes

• Don’t trust your initial platform: This is the biggest mistake travelers make. Platforms in Europe can change, sometimes minutes before departure. Check the departure boards again 20–30 minutes before your train leaves—don’t assume the platform on your ticket or app is final.
• Payment pitfalls: Avoid using the older ticket machines if you are paying by card, as some only accept cash or specific local bank cards. Look for the modern red ÖBB ticket machines in the main hall, which are English-friendly and accept major international credit cards like Visa and Mastercard.

Through station serving Linz, Austria. Opened in 1858, the station has undergone several significant expansions and modernizations, most recently as part of the Austrian Federal Railways' comprehensive station upgrade program. It functions as the primary rail hub for Upper Austria, connecting major national corridors with regional lines and local transport. With over 44,000 passengers passing through daily, it is one of the most frequently used stations in the country.

For first-time visitors, the station features a modern, straightforward layout with 14 platform tracks, including dedicated access for local and regional services. You will find it well-signposted with clear, English-friendly digital displays throughout the main hall and concourse. While the station is a busy transit point, the navigation is intuitive; however, it is standard practice in Austria for specific platform assignments to be finalized 30 to 60 minutes before departure. We recommend arriving with enough time to check the overhead departure boards, which will confirm your track and any potential delays. The station is fully accessible, featuring elevators and escalators to all platforms, and connects seamlessly to the city’s underground tram and bus network for onward travel.