Vienna International Rail Industry News

Greens Launch Petition for the Preservation of the Climate Ticket

The Greens have today launched a petition to preserve the climate ticket in its current form. The background to this is speculation that a possible FPÖ-ÖVP coalition is planning to cancel or restrict the annual ticket for Austria's public transport system.

January 15, 2025

Westbahn Expands Offer: New Overnight Connection from Vienna to Salzburg

With the timetable change on December 15, 2024, the Westbahn is introducing a significant innovation: a daily night connection from Vienna to Salzburg. This additional late-night connection is aimed in particular at commuters, night owls, and travelers who want to travel comfortably from Vienna to the West even late at night.

December 16, 2024

ÖBB Increases Ticket Prices by 4.9 Percent

ÖBB announced that prices for standard tickets will increase by an average of 4.9 percent from December 15, 2024, in parallel with the winter timetable. This is the first price increase in 18 months. However, numerous tickets, including the popular Sparschiene tickets and seat reservations, will remain unaffected by the price adjustment.

October 17, 2024

Subway Lines in Vienna Back in Operation after Flooding - Delays with U6

Following the massive flooding and flood protection measures in Vienna, subway services are slowly returning to normal. From Wednesday morning, September 18, 2024, the U2, U3, and U4 lines will be fully operational again. However, there are still restrictions on the U6, as the line between Längenfeldgasse and Niederhofstraße is impaired due to water ingress.

September 17, 2024

Brenner Transit Dispute: Austria and Italy Go to European Court

The long-running dispute over the anti-transit measures on the Brenner route between Austria and Italy continues to escalate: the European Commission has cleared the way for Italy to take Austria to the European Court of Justice (ECJ).

May 16, 2024

Westbahn Maintains Service Between Vienna and Munich During GDL Strike

Despite the announced three-day strike by the German Train Drivers' Union (GDL), which will take place from Wednesday, January 10 to Friday, January 12, 2024, WESTbahn confirms that its train services to and from Rosenheim and Munich will continue to run as planned.

January 9, 2024

Construction Stop of "High Speed 2" in Northern England: Austrian Companies Affected

The surprising halt to the construction of part of the major British project, the "High Speed 2" (HS2) high-speed rail line, is causing discussion among the companies involved. Austrian companies in particular, which are involved in the rail project worth billions, could be affected.

October 5, 2023

Timetable Chaos for Rail Travel in Europe: A Step Backwards

The idea of cross-border rail travel across Europe sounds tempting, but the reality is often different. Despite the expansion of night trains, the situation for rail travelers in 2023 has not improved as hoped.

August 22, 2023

Ukraine Secures Grain Export through Croatian Adriatic Ports

Ukraine has reached an agreement with Croatia to export grain through ports on the Adriatic Sea. The agricultural goods are to be shipped to Croatia via the Danube and from there they will be transported further to the Adriatic coast.

August 1, 2023

Austria Shows Interest in Developing the Railroad Infrastructure to the Slovenian Port of Koper

Despite expansion projects, rail capacity remains limited compared to road. The seaport in Koper, Slovenia, which is important for Austria, is an example of current efforts in rail expansion, but at the same time shows the limits of rail-bound freight transport. With regard to Koper, Austrian experts emphasized the importance of an efficient rail connection for freight traffic.

May 24, 2023

Wien Energie and Wiener Linien Continue Photovoltaic Offensive

Exactly 1,369 photovoltaic modules will make Vienna's public transport even greener with immediate effect, as part of the City of Vienna's plan to drive forward climate-friendly energy policies.

February 19, 2023

How China's Global Infrastructure Strategy Undermines European Integration in the Western Balkans and Beyond

The accession of the Western Balkans countries into the European Union continues to be a topic of debate amongst the EU Member States. Read how China's global infrastructure strategy may be undermining these countries' aspirations for EU membership.

May 19, 2022

New "United Cities of Tourism" Campaign Aims to Strengthen City Tourism Across Europe

With a new campaign, the city tourism in Europe, which has suffered extremely by the Covid-19 pandemic, should be stimulated again. Several destinations across Europe will participate and the goal is to support each other in strengthening tourism. Read on if you want to know more about this interesting campaign.

May 4, 2022

Trip to Israel: Market Exploratory Mission to Promote Austrian-Israeli Economic Relations

The Israeli-Austrian economic partnership is becoming increasingly important. Now Foreign Minister Schallenberg and Economics Minister Schramböck visited the Israeli state to intensify economic relations and to attend the opening of a major infrastructure project with Austrian participation.

March 31, 2022

Putin's People in Austria and Beyond

Following Putin's invasion of eastern Ukraine with the aim of regaining former Soviet territory, two former European prime ministers from Italy and Finland have already resigned from the supervisory boards of two Russian companies. However, some Austrian and German politicians see no reason to resign their mandates. In the following some explanations why.

February 25, 2022 · Updated: February 25, 2022; 11:23

Expats Rank Vienna Last in Terms of "Local Friendliness"

The results of the "Expat Insider 2021" survey are in, and Vienna earned the top spot in quality of life but took last place in terms of the friendliness of the people. Read why Vienna simultaneously ranked so high and so low.

December 16, 2021

These Covid Rules Apply After the Lockdown for Vienna and Surroundings

The Austria-wide lockdown ended yesterday and applies to vaccinated and recovered individuals (2G). For the unvaccinated, the lockdown continues to be in effect. What new rules now apply at the federal level and in Vienna and the province of Lower Austria (Wien und Umgebung)?

December 13, 2021

Nightjet: Connecting the City of Music with the City of Love

Austrian Railways (ÖBB) is offering a new Nightjet connection from Vienna to Paris from December 13, 2021. Learn more about this new offer.

November 16, 2021

Schallenberg at UN Climate Conference: "We can only overcome a global crisis together"

Chancellor Schallenberg recently spoke at the 2021 UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow. The Austrian chancellor stressed the need for international cooperation to fight climate change. Read some of Austria's climate goals, what steps it is taking to achieve these, and what the chancellor said still needs to be done.

November 2, 2021

Greenpeace: 80% of Austrian Short-haul EU Flights are Substitutable by Train

According to a Greenpeace report, 80 percent of Austria's short-haul flights can be replaced by rail travel. For 53 percent of all top-30 short-haul flights within the EU, there are direct overnight train connections, the report states.

October 27, 2021

ÖBB Austrian Railways to Improve and Expand Local and Long-Distance Travel Services in 2022

Starting on December 12, 2021, ÖBB - Austrian Federal Railways will change its annual timetable, which will bring a number of improvements and expansions to local and long-distance services for the rail year 2022. In total, ÖBB Austrian Railways is investing over 4.1 billion euros in modern trains by 2027. Find out about international and domestic connection extensions.

October 26, 2021

Opening of the Memorial Exhibition "80 Years of Deportations Vienna-Riga"

Vienna Mayor Michael Ludwig recently opened a new memorial exhibition entitled "80 Years of Deportations Vienna-Riga" at Vienna's central train station. The exhibition is intended to remind the public about the horrors of the Shoah and to commemorate the victims. Learn more about the new exhibition.

October 19, 2021

Vienna's Praterstern to Be Transformed into a Greened and Cooled Lounge Oasis

Vienna's Praterstern is beginning its transformation into a greened and cooled lounge oasis and should be finished by the summer of 2022. Read about the specifics of the revitalization of Praterstern and view some projections of what the area will look like once it is complete.

October 14, 2021

Vienna's "Traincademy" Uses Modern Simulators and VR for Driver and Rail Jobs Training

The new Traincademy in Vienna offers training courses for train drivers and other rail jobs using modern simulators and VR technology. With some estimating that thousands of rail employees will be needed in the coming years in Austria alone, the Traincademy wants to offer high-quality training to those looking for careers in the industry. Read more about the new Traincademy and the future of the rail industry.

October 13, 2021

Are "Green Bonds" also Coming to Austria?

At the European Forum Alpbach, Austrian Finance Minister Gernot Blümel announced that Austria wants to issue a so-called "green bond" in the first half of 2022. The Ministry of Finance and Federal Financing Agency (OeBFA) have already completed the necessary technical work to issue the bonds. Read more about "green bonds" and Austria's plans to begin issuing them.

September 1, 2021

Economic Opportunity: Malaysian-Austrian Joint Statement on Cooperation

Malaysian Minister of International Trade and Industry Mohamed Azmin Ali met with the Austrian Minister of the Economy Margarete Schramböck. The pair discussed cooperation in the high-tech industry, education and more. The two ministers also signed a joint statement, affirming Malaysia and Austria's intention of further economic cooperation.

August 3, 2021

The Future of Tourism in Vienna Lies in Overseas Guests

Vienna International Airport and Vienna Tourist Board have extended their cooperation with the aim of acquiring international long-haul connections. They believe the future of the tourism industry in Vienna, especially coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic, depends on attracting more overseas guests. Find out why.

July 21, 2021

Public Transport in Austria: When and How Will the Low-Cost Flat-Rate "1-2-3-Ticket" Be Introduced?

Before the end of 2021, it is to become possible to use all means of public transport throughout Austria for three Euros a day, as part of an annual ticket for 1,095 Euros. While six federal states have signed an "implementation agreement," the states of Vienna, Lower Austria and Burgenland are still missing. What is the next step and when can the ticket be expected?

July 14, 2021

Austria's Latest COVID-19 Entry Requirements

Entry into Austria is becoming possible for more people, but there are still requirements that must be met first. Learn more about them.

July 7, 2021

International Nightjet Connections to Vienna Back in Service: Now Also Amsterdam

Effective immediately, the Nightjets of Austrian Railways (ÖBB - Österreichische Bundesbahnen) are once again in operation. In addition to the 18 known night train connections, for the first time there is also a daily night train from Amsterdam via Linz to Vienna or via Munich to Innsbruck. Paris and Strasbourg are being planned.

May 31, 2021

2025: Rail Connection Vienna - Bratislava in 45 Minutes

Cutting the travel time between Vienna and Bratislava short by 15 minutes is the goal of the planned double-track expansion between the EU capitals. Read more about the implementation and the benefits of the construction works.

May 28, 2021

Berlin - Prague - Vienna: Plan of 4 Hour Rail Connection

Berlin to Prague to Vienna in four hours? A travel time that is now only possible via plane will become reality via a rail connection. A memorandum to this effect was signed by Germany, the Czech Republic and Austria.

May 19, 2021

Austrian Railways Relaunch International Connections

It is now once again possible to travel to European metropolises with the Austrian Railways (ÖBB). With the opening steps in the various areas of public life in Austria on May 19, the ÖBB has also revealed some changes to its schedules.

May 17, 2021

Vienna's Subway U2 Will Stop Operation in City Center

As part of the construction works for the new subway line U5, the U2 will stop its operation between the stations Rathaus and Karlsplatz until fall 2023. Read below to find out about the details of the construction work and the alternative routes available.

May 17, 2021

Rail Connection Vienna - Salzburg Maintains Regular Intervals

The Austrian Climate Protection Ministry has once again ensured regular intervals for the rail connection between Vienna and Salzburg. The important connection, which is offered by the Austrian Railways (ÖBB) and Westbahn, is one of the most important rail connection in Austria and will thus be offered in regular intervals until July 4 due to an emergency award.

April 9, 2021

New Train Connection Between Prague and Vienna

The former, so-called "Vindobona" train connection between Vienna and Prague could be soon reinstated again. Talks between Austrian and Czech politicians have been positive for a connection between the two countries' capital cities, which would especially benefit Austrians from the Waldviertel, a region in the northwest of Lower Austria.

April 7, 2021

European Year of Rail: Austria's Gewessler Attends Kick-Off Event

The Portuguese Council of the EU Presidency has a strong focus on railroads with the European Year of Rail. At the kick-off event, which was attended by the EU Transport Ministers, Austria's Leonore Gewessler looked forward to the investments into the railway system and hoped for promotion of the mobility revolution.

March 30, 2021

ÖBB Is Internationally Recognized for Sustainability

The international rating agency ISS has awarded ÖBB-Infrastruktur AG the first place out of 55 international transport companies for its commitment to sustainability, climate protection and eco-efficiency. Austria's Climate Protection Minister Gewessler is delighted about the international recognition for ÖBB and emphasizes that climate protection is the right path for the future.

February 19, 2021

Vienna - Salzburg: Frequent Intervals Will Be Maintained

The important rail connection between Vienna and Salzburg will keep having regular intervals due to an emergency award by the Austrian Ministry of Climate Protection. The ministry will continue to order trains from the Austrian Railways (ÖBB) and Westbahn in order to assure a frequent rail connection until April 7.

February 15, 2021

European Year of Rail: Inauguration of EU Locomotive in Vienna

The European Year of Rail wants to highlight the advantages of rail as as safe and sustainable means of transportation. For this occasion, a specially branded EU locomotive was inaugurated at the Vienna Central Station by Austria's Climate Protection Minister Gewessler, representative of the European Commission in Austria Selmayr, and Austrian Railways CEO Matthä.

February 11, 2021

Construction Works for Vienna's New Metro Line Have Begun

The construction works for Vienna's public transport extension has begun. The U2xU5 project, which will result in a whole new metro, the U5, and an extension of the current U2 line is set to be completed by 2026 and 2028, respectively. Austria's Federal Ministers for Finance and Climate Protection as well as Vienna's City Councillor for Public Transport took part in the groundbreaking ceremony.

January 28, 2021

European Commission Approves Austrian Aid for Railroad Companies

The European Commission has granted Austria its planned subsidies for railroad companies to promote the shift from road transportation to rail road usage. Austria will increase its public aid to, on the one hand, relieve railroad companies of some financial burdens of the last months and to, on the other hand, continue the promotion of railroad rather than road transportation.

November 26, 2020

Rail Traffic Between Vienna and Salzburg Can Be Maintained

Similar to measures taken in the spring of this year, the Ministry for Climate Protection has set up an emergency contract with the ÖBB and WESTbahn to safeguard rail transport between Vienna and Salzburg. The mutual acceptance of tickets from WESTbahn and ÖBB will also be established again.

November 13, 2020

Austrian Railways To Suspend Night Trains Between Germany and Austria

After a rise in Covid-19 cases in Germany, the Austrian Railways (ÖBB) have announced the suspension of nightly train traffic between Germany and Austria for one month starting November 8, 2020. As of today, other daytime services will not be affected and will operate as usual.

October 28, 2020

Austrian Railways: EUR 17.5 Billion of Investment Until 2026

The railway system in Austria will see impactful investments in the near future. Due to a package of around EUR 17.5 billion until 2026, the Federal Government together with Austrian Railways (ÖBB) will try to make travelling and transporting by rail even more attractive to customers.

October 20, 2020

Increase of Budget for Investment Subsidies to EUR 2 Billion

The Austrian Government has announced a budget increase for investment subsidies. A high demand and investment volume in the first three weeks of the application period has lead to this decision that is welcomed by the Federal Chamber of Commerce.

September 23, 2020

Foreign Trade Has Partially Recovered from Crisis

According to the latest report from Statistics Austria, imports and exports are only slightly behind last year's number indicating an upwards trend after Covid-19 has impacted foreign trade significantly.

September 8, 2020

WKO Secretary General: Labor Market Situation Improves, But Remains Great Challenge

The secretary general of Austria's Federal Chamber of Commerce WKO recognizes a slightly positive trend in the labor market but underlines the importance of ongoing and future economic measures.

September 7, 2020

Climate and Energy Goals: Additional Measures Will Be Needed for Austria

Austria's Ministry for Climate Protection recognizes the need for additional protective measures in order to meet the climate targets established by the European Union. An increases of investments in sustainable ideas is demanded.

September 3, 2020

Economic Sentiment in Austria and the EU Brightened Further in August

Businesses and the population of the EU still have below-average economic sentiment although the expectations improved over the last month. The sharp decline due to Covid-19 is made up by about 60 % already.

August 31, 2020