vienna to ljubljana - train travel question ?

I've taken the train from Salzburg to Graz, Maribor, and on to Ljubljana. I think the direct train from Vienna to Ljubljana takes some of that same route. The part in Austria through the Alps is very scenic and beautiful. The part through Slovenia is nice in parts too - but the Austrian Alps part was the highlight for me.

I haven't trained via Villach so can't say how scenic that route might be. Check the Man in Seat 61 website or just message him and ask - he'll probably respond!

French and German trains have published schedules for after Dec 8. But it does not look as the Austrian and Slovenian trains are ready yet. Keep checking. No worries about the selling out, especially in 1st class.

Trains do not sell out. You could buy on the day of travel and still be fine. First class is wholly unnecessary. Both routes offer scenic views. I’d take the direct train.

thanks for the replies, its appreciated.

Keep in mind that the route connecting at Villach has only a 7 minute connecting time there, so if the train coming from Vienna is running only slightly behind and you miss this connection, it will mean a 4 hour wait for the next train to Ljubljana. Now since the train from Villach to Ljubljana originates in Villach, they could hold it for a short while to make the connection, but then you are at the mercy of the train controllers decision. So the direct train is safer.

Both routes use the Semmering rail line between Wiener Neustadt and Bruck an der Mur, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Build around 1850, first standard gauge mountain railway with many tunnels and stone viaducts.
https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/785

thanks sam, that information is great, just what I need.

If you do get "stuck" in Villach for 4 hours, not to worry!! It's a small but charming town. Due to train issues last year, we were left in Villach for 4 hours on our way from Munich to Ljubljana. We walked around for a bit, had a nice inexpensive lunch, and discovered a downtown market. We enjoyed our stop. It might even be worth a planned stop. We placed our bags in storage in the train station, which worked fine.

A few years back I did a day trip to Wiener Neustadt....an interesting place if you're into Austrian history, also a nice close place to take a breather from Vienna. Wiener Neustadt is on the route to Klagenfurt.