Vienna launches first hydrogen bus line: revolution in public transport is approaching!

Vienna launches first hydrogen bus line: revolution in public transport is approaching!

On December 1, 2025, the time has come: Vienna will put its first hydrogen-based bus line into operation. Line 39A, which runs between Sievering and Heiligenstadt, is operated entirely with new, emission-free hydrogen buses from the Portuguese manufacturer CaetanoBus. With this step, Wiener Linien is sending a strong signal for a more environmentally friendly future and showing that they really have a good hand when it comes to decarbonizing public transport. Loud Energy News Magazine Ten of these buses have already been officially presented.

Wiener Linien has invested a lot in this technology - around 10.4 million euros went into the purchase and maintenance of the vehicles, supported by funding from the Ministry of Innovation, Mobility and Infrastructure and the EU. These buses are not only fully air-conditioned, they are also available in the Leopoldau bus garage and are refueled and maintained at the company's own hydrogen filling station. The prospect of emission-free mobility is reinforced by their ease of use, as the hydrogen buses are lighter than their diesel-powered siblings and can travel a full 400 kilometers without stopping.

First impressions and ongoing testing

After a test run in which another Hyundai model was originally considered, the decision was ultimately made to go with the Toyota buses. Another test vehicle from Hyundai has been in use in Vienna since March, and the experience gained supports future purchasing decisions. Wiener Linien's commitment is demonstrated by the fact that more than 80 percent of passengers already use climate-friendly means of transport, including lines 2A and 3A, which also run on hydrogen buses but use different technologies. These buses use batteries and hydrogen fuel cells to generate electricity, which satisfies passengers in the city.

This new initiative is no coincidence. As provider Lhyfe explained in an article, cities around the world are striving to reduce air pollution and carbon dioxide emissions. Hydrogen buses are considered an environmentally friendly alternative to diesel-powered vehicles. The use of hydrogen as an energy source has gained traction in recent years, with pilot projects and large-scale deployments taking place in many cities, including European metropolises such as London, Paris and Cologne.

The benefits are clear

The advantages of hydrogen bus routes are many: They produce no tailpipe emissions, which is essential in urban areas to improve air quality. They also offer a longer range than many battery-electric vehicles, making them particularly suitable for longer journeys or areas with limited charging infrastructure. Gas is available quickly and easily at hydrogen filling stations, which makes operation easier. All of these aspects contribute to hydrogen buses being very popular for the future of public transport.

We will be curious to see how line 39A will develop and to what extent it can be a model for other cities in Austria and beyond. With this initiative, Wiener Linien has taken an important step in the right direction, and the signs are good that we will see a lot more hydrogen in public transport in the future. The decision to promote emission-free technologies could significantly improve the quality of life of many Viennese.