Due to a cable fire at Praterstern, the planned closure of the main S-Bahn line in Vienna between Vienna Central Station/St. Marx and Vienna Praterstern is beginning earlier than scheduled. Since last Monday, many of us have had to allow a few extra minutes on our commute to work. Anyone who regularly takes the train through the city will currently find construction fences and signs blocking the entrances to the main line.
ÖBB is completely modernizing this heavily used line over the next few months. Since September 7, 2026, no regular S-Bahn trains have been running between Vienna Central Station or Vienna St. Marx and Vienna Praterstern. This extensive closure will last until the end of October 2027.
During this time, not only will the structural supports be renovated, but the Rennweg and Quartier Belvedere stations will also be brought up to date. In addition, the platforms are being extended to accommodate longer trains with more seating in the future.
Here’s how you can still arrive on time
To ensure no one is left stranded during rush hour, well-coordinated alternative routes are available. Wiener Linien has responded by running the U1, U2, and U4 lines at significantly more frequent intervals, while a reserve train is on standby on the U6 in the mornings. In addition, only long trams are now in service on tram line O to accommodate more passengers.
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If you need to get to the purple line, you can use the convenient detour. Tram 18 has been extended all the way to the U2 Stadion station specifically for this closure. If you’re coming from Lower Austria, you’ll also need to adjust your plans: Trains from the south usually terminate at Vienna Central Station, while trains from the north terminate at Praterstern or in Floridsdorf.
Validity of Your Tickets and Airport Transfer
An especially important note for holders of regular ÖBB tickets: Your tickets will be accepted without issue on the Wiener Linien replacement routes within the closed section. These include the direct U1 line between Central Station and Praterstern, as well as tram lines O and 18.
If you need to get to the airport with luggage, your best alternative is to take the Vienna Airport Bus (VAB). There are now two new direct routes to the terminal: the VAB 4 from Karlsplatz and the VAB 5 from Praterstern.
Here’s a summary of all the key facts for you at a glance:
🚆 Affected route: Vienna Central Station/St. Marx – Vienna Praterstern
🚧 Duration of the closure: September 7, 2026, through the end of October 2027
🎟️ Ticket acceptance: ÖBB tickets are valid on the U1, tram O, and tram 18 (on specific sections) ✈️ Airport replacement service: New VAB buses departing from Karlsplatz & Praterstern
