Austria's Silverstar runs first licensed train, plans Vienna–Salzkammergut route in 2027
What's the deal? Vienna startup Silverstar Railways ran its first train under its own operating licence on October 23, 2026, and plans to launch a Vienna–Salzkammergut passenger service in 2027. Founded in 2024 by former ÖBB locomotive driver Patrick Kröll, the company aims to challenge Austria's ÖBB–WestbahnDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → duopoly.
What's the endgame? Silverstar plans to run its STAR-Blue Train from May 2027, connecting Vienna with Bad Aussee in the Salzkammergut region. The initial schedule is modest: two round trips weekly from May to September, with onboard service and a journey deliberately longer than existing connections.
Why now? The company has cleared the key regulatory hurdles. Austria's rail regulator says Silverstar received a national operating licence in July and an EU safety certificate covering Austria and Germany in September — steps that move it from supplying rail staff and charter support toward running its own services.
The product: The STAR-Blue Train is a niche tourism offer rather than a direct challenge to ÖBB's high-frequency network. It promises a direct, scenic link to an alpine alternative to Hallstatt, pitched on onboard service over speed.
What could go wrong? Silverstar's significance depends on whether it can turn the licence and an attractive direct route into reliable, bookable service. With just two weekly round trips planned, the launch is an early test, not proof of a market shift.
The signal: Austria's rail market is becoming more competitive. Private operator Westbahn began Vienna–Villach services in March 2026 and expanded to five daily trains each way by May, while ÖBB adds services and international links — leaving room for new entrants targeting underserved routes.
Read more: brutkasten.com
Image credit: Generated with Gemini
