Liechtenstein's one railway line, theFeldkirch–Buchs railway, is operated byAustrian Federal Railways (ÖBB). As such, it represents an exception to the more usual Liechtenstein practice ofcooperating closely with Switzerland, as in the case of the principality's use of theSwiss franc as its currency and its membership of a common customs area with its western neighbour.
The railway line carries international services betweenAustria andSwitzerland, most of which run non-stop through the principality. Only one local train service stops at three of the four stations located in Liechtenstein. The S2 (or R2 when it skips the stops ofGisingen andTisis in Feldkirch) ofVorarlberg S-Bahn runs 11 times in each direction a day on Workdays (Monday to Friday excludingAustrian Holidays) connectingBuchs SG toFeldkirch. In addition, there are 9 long-distance international trains that pass through Liechtenstein without stopping (Railjet,EuroCity). The line is also used to transport freight.
Plans have been made to double-track this rail line, however, efforts have stalled after the loan to pay for its construction was rejected by a local referendum in 2020.[1] This would have allowed some long-distance international trains to stop atNendeln station.
The rail system ofLiechtenstein is small, consisting of one line connecting Austria and Switzerland through Liechtenstein of 9.5 km (5.9 mi). This line linksFeldkirch,Austria, andBuchs, Switzerland. It iselectrified using the standard system used in both Austria and Switzerland (15 kV withoverhead wiring).[citation needed]
Liechtenstein has only three railway stations currently[when?] in service on theFeldkirch-Buchs line and one station which is disused.
Currently in operation:
These stations are served by a limited number of stopping services betweenFeldkirch, Austria, andBuchs, Switzerland, provided by theS2 of Vorarlberg S-Bahn: four to five trains each way in the early morning and late afternoon on Mondays to Fridays only.[2] WhilstRailjet and other long-distance international trains also make use of the route, they do not call at the stations in Liechtenstein.
Disused:
The station opened in 1902. It was staffed until 1988. Over time the number of trains stopping at the station diminished considerably. From 2010 until 2012 only one train per day stopped here. From 2013 the station has no longer been served.
Most public transport in Liechtenstein is bus-operated, including links from Buchs andSargans railway stations in Switzerland toVaduz.Liechtenstein Bus is the main operator.
Media related toRail transport in Liechtenstein at Wikimedia Commons