Wels Hauptbahnhof

Wels Hauptbahnhof stands in the north of Austria, on the edge of the city centre. It is the second largest station in Upper Austria and has been in operation since 1851. The station links four lines: the Western Railway, the Wels–Passau railway, the Alm Valley railway and the Aschach railway. Its location in Bahnhofstraße makes it easy to reach from the city. The building itself is a fine example of Romantic style architecture from the 19th century.

The station’s history began in 1835 with the Budweis–Linz–Gmunden horse-drawn railway. Steam locomotives replaced horses by 1855, and the station grew in importance when the Passau line chose Wels as its terminus in 1860. Further lines followed: the Aschach railway in 1886 and the Alm Valley railway in 1893. Expansion continued through the 20th century, including a rebuilt signal box in 1992 and a major renovation completed in 2005.

Inside the station there are three levels. The ground floor has a post office, flower shop, café and ticket machines. The first floor offers a mobile phone shop, bakery, restaurant and travel centre. The second floor provides toilets and a bridge across the platforms. Seven through tracks and four bay platforms serve long-distance and regional trains. A bus terminal outside connects the station with local and Postbus services.