First class train questions

Consider taking a Westbahn train. Lower level is step-free. And they have lockable luggage storage on the lower level. Pay extra for 1st class if you like.
https://westbahn.at/en/news/our-three-classes-explained/
https://westbahn.at/en/news/taking-luggage-on-our-trains/

Some trains originate in Salzburg, so get there early and you will be among the first on board to grab luggage space in the locking rack. Other trains originate in other locations (like Munich or Innsbruck) and will already have people on board so you can avoid those ones. Generally, all the trains that depart Salzburg at 52 past the hour originate in Salzburg. The only exception is the 7:52 am train, but the 4 early morning trains before that one originate at Salzburg.

There is no bus service between Salzburg and Vienna as this would be a ride of at least 4 hours, compared to the train ride of 2:30 hours.

When you look at the Flixbus site, they show only Westbahn trains from Salzburg to Vienna, no buses.

I'm still lost at Salzburg being easy for people with mobility issues? But okay. As for the train, do first class as I suspect you will find it less stressful on all counts, luggage issues included. Besides, you deserve a little extra comfort.

The Westbahn website says a 50-cent or one-euro coin is required if you want to use one of the luggage locks.

I have just returned from Vienna and did several train trips with OBB. Because we (in our late 60s) also had larger suitcases, we were concerned about lack of luggage space, so we spent a bit extra and paid for Business class and were able to keep our suitcases next to our seats. Same for Trenitalia (Italian) - paid for Executive Class and no worries about luggage racks available. There are two configurations for Business Class on OBB, one with open seating and the other with private cubicles - both allow suitcases to remain with you so no killing yourself trying to lift them in overhead racks. The biggest issue for us with OBB was the rather large gap between the platform and he lowest step on the train. In Executive Class on OBB, the steward from the dining room will take your order and deliver any food or drink as needed.

Here's a Westbahn train video I recently posted, you can find others on the Youtube as well

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7HfLBsam1c

Look at the seat maps for your planned travel before you book. You should be able to see the number of luggage racks for both 1 & 2 class seats. If traveling at a busy time, such as a Friday evening, might be crowded with full racks. If going on a Wednesday AM, car should be nearly empty.

Thank you everyone for really informative replies. I am much more able to do this on the fly when its only my sister and me. I get a little nervous when I'm responsible for others! I've done a decent amount of train travel for work mainly in Belgium and Germany and in 2022 we trained from Vienna-Salzburg-Munich-Stuttgart-Strasbourg-Paris and did day trains to local Christmas markets. I truly never worried about my luggage. Witnessed 2 luggage problems on last trip to Paris- someone's either stolen or misplaced, and we had to stow our luggage in the next car so just a little wary. After watching some videos I remembered how easy the Salzburg train station is, so that helped. I think 15.00 more for business class will seal the deal for me. Thanks again everyone-you all are great.

hallettm, I am glad you found your happy place. What everyone should remember is that there is a world of difference between taking a holiday thousands of miles from home and daily travel. With the holiday comfort, enjoyment and a lack of stress are the main criteria and that’s going to be different because you aren’t practicing a routine like a local might be. Besides, while the local knows everything there is to know about everything, the visitor has no idea what he doesn’t know. So,

1. Buy conveniently early for better prices. It doesn’t matter that the locals by 5 minutes before boarding the train.
2. Reserve seats for peace of mind, even if those in the know, know that there are always empty seats … except when there aren’t and “everyone” knew that about “that” route.
3. Upgrade for comfort and peace of mind, it doesn’t matter if the locals don’t garner the same peace of mind by doing the same because they do this trip every day. And $15 more on a $34,864 holiday is cheap comfort.
   
4. Lock your luggage to the rail if you will worry or stress by not doing it. No, its not illegal and no, the conductor will not track you down and file charges against you. Thats goofy-speak.