Villach Hbf train station is the main railway station in Villach, the second largest city in the Austrian state of Carinthia. It is an important railway junction. The medium-sized railway station serves many regional, long-distance and international trains.
The station was opened on 30 May 1864. The first railway line in Carinthia connects Mariborg and Villach via Bleiburg and Klagenfurt. From 1868 to 1909 the station was called Villach Südbahnhof. In 1909 the station was renamed to Villach. In 1938 was renamed again to Villach Hauptbahnhof. The station was renovated in 2011 and in 2023.
Villach Hbf train station is located close to the city centre, within walking distance from the main tourist attractions. Walk from the station to Old Town takes about 5 minutes.
The station has vehicle loading point. From December 10, 2023, cars and motorcycles will be loaded exclusively via loading point 2 (“Verladestelle 2” / ÖBB Terminal 2) at Udinestraße 4, 9500 Villach. Loading point 2 is located 1.2 kilometers east of the main train station. Previous vehicle loading point in Villach Hauptbahnhof (Zeidler von Görtz Straße / platform 1) was closed in December 2023. A shuttle bus service to the main station is available for customers of the ÖBB Villach -Feldkirch car train. The shuttle bus will take you from loading point 2 directly to the station once the loading work has been completed.
The station has 12 tracks. Access to the platforms via tunnel. Platforms are covered. There are escalators from main hall to the tunnel and lifts to the platforms. You can use also escalators from tunnel to some platforms.
Villach Hbf train station – facilities
– waiting room
– ticket offices
– ÖBB Reisebüro
– ticket vending machines
– luggage lockers
– toilets (in tunnel)
– electronic displays
– bakery
– food and drink vending machines
– cash dispenser
The station is generally clean and well-maintained but sometimes are problems with noisy groups of youths.
Villach Hbf train station – useful websites
Austrian Federal Railways – official website, journey planner and online shop
Train travel in Austria – a comprehensive guide
Trains between Austria and Germany – a comprehensive guide
Trains between Austria and Switzerland – a comprehensive guide
Trains between Austria and Italy – a comprehensive guide
Trains between Austria and Slovenia – a comprehensive guide
Villach – tourist attractions
Villach in my opinion is an average city good for short visit. The city is located on banks of the Drava river, so during walk from the station to the Old Town you can admire beautiful panorama of mountains.
Old Town is nice but small. The central square, Hauptplatz, is dominated by the impressive St. Jakob’s Church, with its towering spire offering panoramic views of the city and the surrounding mountains. The city is also home to several museums and cultural institutions, including the Museum of the City of Villach, which provides insights into the region’s history, art, and culture.
Villach hosts several annual festivals that celebrate its rich cultural heritage and community spirit. The Villacher Kirchtag, held every August, is Austria’s largest traditional folk festival, featuring parades, music, dancing, and traditional Carinthian cuisine. The Villach Carnival, another major event, is known for its lively atmosphere and colorful costumes.
Nearby, Lake Faak and Lake Ossiach offer a range of outdoor activities such as swimming, boating, and hiking.
