In a groundbreaking move set to redefine intermodal travel, Star Alliance has announced a strategic partnership with Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB). This partnership allows passengers to seamlessly connect flights with high-speed Railjet services across Austria. This collaboration strengthens Star Alliance’s global mobility vision, enabling travellers to book combined air-rail tickets for smooth and sustainable travel between Graz, Linz, Salzburg, Innsbruck, and Vienna International Airport.

The initiative marks another milestone in modern travel by bridging airline and railway networks, significantly enhancing connectivity for both business and leisure travellers.

A Visionary Step in Mobility

Federal Minister for Innovation, Mobility, and Infrastructure Peter Hanke lauded the alliance as a crucial step toward solving contemporary transportation challenges:

“Cooperation between transport providers is vital in shaping the future of mobility. The partnership between ÖBB, Austrian Airlines, and Star Alliance perfectly aligns with my vision of fostering seamless, integrated travel. A robust infrastructure is essential not only for a country’s economy but also for tourism and society as a whole.”

A Seamless, Sustainable Travel Experience

Under the new agreement, travellers can now book a single ticket combining air and rail travel, making transfers at Vienna Airport smoother than ever.

Star Alliance CEO Theo Panagiotoulias emphasized the benefits of this collaboration:

“Rail and air travel have long complemented one another, and we are proud to welcome ÖBB into the Star Alliance family. This partnership enhances the customer experience by offering seamless journeys—imagine flying from Singapore to Salzburg with just one ticket, switching effortlessly from a flight to Railjet at Vienna Airport. This is the future of global travel.”

ÖBB CEO Andreas Matthä also celebrated the partnership’s advantages:

“Passengers can now travel from major Austrian cities to global destinations with ease. Our collaboration with Star Alliance ensures a completely car-free, eco-friendly travel experience, further cementing rail travel as an integral part of modern aviation.”

How the Star Alliance-ÖBB Partnership Works

The initiative builds on the successful AIRail program ÖBB and Austrian Airlines launched in 2014. With Star Alliance’s full backing, intermodal travel reaches new heights by combining railway, airline, and loyalty programs into one integrated experience.

Key Benefits for Travelers:

• One-Stop Booking – Customers receive a single ticket covering flight and train segments, including seat reservations.
• Effortless Check-in – Travelers can check in online or at designated ÖBB Travel Centers in Graz, Linz, Salzburg, and Innsbruck, receiving boarding passes for both train and flight.
• Greater Flexibility – More options for travel schedules, pricing, and connectivity.
• Frequent Flyer Rewards – Earn miles or points for train journeys through Star Alliance airline loyalty programs.

The Future of Intermodal Travel

The Star Alliance Intermodal Partnership Model, first introduced with Deutsche Bahn in 2022, continues to transform travel. By linking airlines with rail, ferry, and bus services, the model aims to streamline airport-station-port connections while enhancing sustainability and customer convenience.

As Austrian Airlines prepares to celebrate its 25th anniversary with Star Alliance in March 2025, the timing of this ÖBB partnership underscores a renewed focus on innovation and sustainability in global travel.

Currently, 16 Star Alliance airlines operate at Vienna Airport, offering over 1,300 weekly flights to 135 destinations worldwide. With the inclusion of ÖBB, Austria’s travel infrastructure takes a significant leap forward, setting a new benchmark for integrated, eco-conscious mobility.

 

 

 

Written by: Christine Nguyen

 

 

 

 

 

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