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Vienna public transport chaos: Which routes will be closed during summer?

Austrian public transport companies are using the summer season to perform major maintenance and improvement work on some of the capital's main lines.

Published: 26 June 2024 11:06 CEST

Vienna public transport chaos: Which routes will be closed during summer?

Signs already show the upcoming disruptions to Vienna transport lines (Picture: The Local / Amanda Previdelli)

It’s not a secret that the Austrian capital, Vienna, looks deserted during the summer holidays when most Viennese flock to greener pastures (or the coast).

But if you are staying in the city, you should know that these months when movement is low are usually when the public service shuts down for maintenance or improvement work, particularly in public transport.

This is an annual occurrence in many European capitals. Still, this year in Vienna, the significant work aimed at enhancing the network will result in considerable inconvenience for both commuters and visitors.

Here’s what’s happening and the alternatives the transport companies offer.

S-Bahn closure between Praterstern and Floridsdorf

The line between Praterstern and Floridsdorf will be closed from midnight on June 29th until 4 am on September 2nd. Work will be done at the Praterstern, Handelskai and Traisengasse stations. The work includes adding new control systems to enable closer train intervals and extending the platforms to use longer trains.

The closure will last two months – and the same work will also be carried out in July and August 2025 and 2026.

A rail replacement service with 27 buses will be set up between Praterstern and Floridsdorf. As a rule, ÖBB Postbuses, labelled “Schienenersatzverkehr,” will be used. Austria’s ÖBB promises an interval of five minutes between them during the day.

For commuters north of Vienna, the S-Bahn and REX trains depart from Floridsdorf – but with timetable changes and train cancellations. Trains on the S1 line towards Marchegg will be cancelled, and a rail replacement service with buses will be set up between Wien-Süßenbrunn and Gänserndorf.

And for the REX1 towards Břeclav, in addition to the departure from Floridsdorf, there will also be an alternate route – it will be diverted between Deutsch-Wagram and Vienna Central Station via Stadlau and Simmering.

U4 partial closure

Again, one of the main Vienna metro lines will be closed during the summer. The U4 will be split in two from June 29th to September 1st, when it will not run between Schwedenplatz and Schottenring—right in the city centre.

This is the fourth time that that line has been partially shut down this year. The 100-year-old structure has been undergoing modernisation work for a decade, even if it hasn’t been as noticeable to commuters as it is now.

Eunike de Wilde, the spokeswoman for Wiener Linien, told the newspaper Die Presse that tracks and tunnel ceilings were renewed, among other things. This year, 94 tunnel girders under Franz-Josefs-Kai will be renovated.

According to de Wilde, this cannot be done during ongoing operations, so journeys between Schwedenplatz and Schottenring are impossible. As a replacement, tram lines 71 and U2Z will run to Schwedenplatz.

Summer tram restrictions

The trams in Vienna will also be affected by construction work over the summer. Lines 2, 26, and O will have restrictions due to work to build the new lines 12 and 27.

From July 1st to 20th, Line 2 will not run between Am Tabor and Höchstädtplatz, travelling instead on the route of lines 5 and 33 as Wiener Linien prepares for the new line 12.

From August 5th to 18th, no trains can run between Josef-Baumann-Gasse and Hausfeldstraße, affecting a section of line 26 as the company installs stops for the new line 27. Alternatively, bus 26E will run between Kagraner Platz and Hausfeldstraße.

Line O has a short service from August 5th to September 1st. This means that it will only run between Raxstraße-Rudolfshügelgasse and Praterstern.

The new line 12 will connect Josefstadt, Alsergrund, Brigittenau and Leopoldstadt. It is expected to run from Josefstädter Straße to Hillerstrasse from autumn 2025. Line 27 will connect the districts of Floridsdorf and Donaustadt. In future, it will run from Strebersdorf to the Aspern Nord U2 underground station. The work is due to be completed in autumn next year.

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10 things you definitely should know if you cycle in Vienna

If you use a bike to get around in Vienna, it is important to be aware of a few rules and key tips so you stay safe, warm, dry and out of trouble with Austrian police.

Here are 10 things that you should think about before jumping on your bike in Vienna.

Autumn and winter weather can be tough – but so can summer

Vienna weather’s can be brutal sometimes both in the winter, and summer.

During autumn and winter, you will experience rain, wind, and sometimes even snow, although it usually does not last for long. This means you might need to prepare yourself for whatever comes during your ride.

A good idea is to always keep a waterproof and windproof jacket in your backpack and a cap that you can wear under your helmet in case of rain.

If snow is still on the ground, waiting a while before jumping on your bike is better, given the streets may be slippery. Since snow tends to melt quickly in Vienna, you will probably not have to wait long.

Cycling in extreme heat during summer—as heatwaves become longer, harsher, and more common—is also not advised. On days when temperatures are forecast to go over 30C, it might be better to leave the bike at home.

Don’t forget your lights

In Vienna (and Austria in general), you must use front and rear lights when riding during darker hours and during times of reduced visibility, such as fog or heavy rain.

If you do not use bike lights, you put yourself at risk and face a fine of over €20 if caught. Some Vienna police officers are especially vigilant about catching bikers breaking the rules.

Look for the bike lanes

While biking around Vienna, you often ride alongside cars, trams, and buses. Many cycle lanes are available, but they are not everywhere, and sometimes, you may need to take a longer route to your destination if you want to avoid sharing the road with cars.

A good idea is to check where the bike paths are located and plan your route ahead of time to stay on dedicated paths as much as possible.

Although most car drivers in Vienna tend to show respect to cyclists, complex situations can take place on busy streets, especially during rush hours (mornings and late afternoons after work).

Exploring Vienna by bike during quieter times, such as Sunday mornings, is a good idea to get to know the city, its biking paths, and different roads better.

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Do not leave your bike outside overnight

Vienna is not known for being a city where bikes are often stolen, but it can definitely happen. According to the VCÖ, an Austrian public welfare organisation specializing in mobility and transport, 6,328 bikes were stolen in the Austrian capital last year, a decrease of almost seven percent from the year before but still the highest number in Austria in absolute figures.

A good idea is to always bring your bike into your basement, inner yard, or even your flat during the night.

Always lock your parked bike, even if you only go into a shop briefly, the VCÖ says. When locking up, ensure the frame and lock are attached to a bicycle bracket.

“If only the front wheel is attached to the bike stand, there is a risk that the bike will be removed and the rest of the bike stolen,” explained VCÖ spokesperson Christian Gratzer.

The organisation adds that people should replace the quick release on the saddle and front wheel with safety bolts and use a high-quality bicycle lock.

Always bring some tools with you

While riding around, it is not unlikely that something sometimes breaks, falls off, or starts causing problems. Therefore, it is important to always carry a small kit of the most essential tools with you, such as small screwdrivers and a compact bike pump.

The city has spots with bike pumps in some places, but since you never know when you might need one, it’s a good idea to bring your own.

If you don’t know how to repair minor issues with bikes, such as fixing a flat tire, watching YouTube videos can help.

Watch out for the electric scooters

You are likely to sometimes consider electric scooters as your worst enemies.

They move quickly, can be very quiet, share your lane, and are often ridden by people in groups. Many electric scooter riders tend to change speed quickly.

However, as long as you notice them in time, it should not be a bigger problem.

Avoid drinking too much alcohol

Just like with driving, cycling while under the influence of alcohol is not allowed in Austria. So, you will be fined if you are caught over the limit.

In fact, cyclists are only allowed up to 0.4mg of alcohol per litre of breath. If a breathalyser detects more alcohol in your system, you will be fined based on how much you have consumed.

From 0.4mg: €800 to €3,700 fine
From 0.6mg: €1,200 to €4,400
From 0.8mg: €1,600 to €5,900
Refusal to test: €1,600 to €5,900

As well as a fine, cyclists can lose a driving licence if caught cycling while drunk. According to the federal government, this is because “riding a bicycle while intoxicated can be an indication of a lack of traffic reliability”. Because of that, authorities may determine that you are not fit to drive and, therefore, revoke your driver’s licence.

Do not use a bike with thin tyres

Since Vienna is a city filled with tram lanes, using tyres that fit well into them can be dangerous.

In the city, it is almost unavoidable not to ride where you have to cross tram lanes or ride next to them.

Using slightly thicker tyres can make your trip safer. But if you absolutely want to ride your racing bike with thin tires, that should also be safe, as long as you always watch where you go.

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Vienna is sometimes hilly

Vienna is not completely flat; if you go higher up in districts such as Ottakring, Hernals, and Währing, you might feel like you are getting a bit of a workout.

During Viennese hot summers, this workout might make you arrive somewhat sweaty at your destination. If you want to avoid this, it is important to plan to wear breathable clothes, bring an extra set, or bike so slowly that you barely start sweating.

Also, it is good to remember that you are allowed to take your bike on the metro outside of rush hours.

Pedestrians share paths with bikes

In many parts of the city, such as along the Ringstraße surrounding the inner district, bikers share paths with pedestrians, sometimes leading to stressful situations.

Many pedestrians do not watch out for bikes, change their walking patterns, or might be listening to music. It is therefore very important to pay attention to your surroundings when you ride in this part of the city.

Take the red lights into consideration

If the light is red, you are not allowed to go through it, even if there are no cars or pedestrians crossing your route.

Another important thing regarding traffic lights is that, if you are unlucky, you might have to wait for the green light multiple times during your bike trip, which could make you arrive later than expected.

A good idea is to start a little earlier to avoid arriving late if you are going somewhere important.

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