Finally! S-Bahn Vienna main line back in normal operation from September

Finally! S-Bahn Vienna main line back in normal operation from September

The S-Bahn Vienna main line celebrates an important advance: like that ÖBB announced, regular rail operations between Vienna Praterstern and Vienna Floridsdorf will resume from September 1, 2025. The start of school is usually awaited with anticipation, but this year it will be particularly enriched for many commuters by the construction work on the S-Bahn main line, which was completed on time.

A total of up to 400 employees were on duty around the clock to complete the extensive modernization measures on time. This includes, among other things, the extensions of the platforms at the Wien Praterstern, Wien Traisengasse and Wien Handelskai stations as well as the renewal of the rail infrastructure and overhead lines. In the future there will be more modern and longer trains with more seats for passengers.

Comprehensive measures for quality and reliability

A major advantage of the modernization work is the upcoming digital train control system ETCS, the preparatory work for which is already in full swing. The aim is to sustainably improve the S-Bahn quality and reliability for the entire eastern region. The modernization measures will also continue during regular operating hours.

ÖBB worked intensively on a comprehensive replacement concept during the construction work. This includes a 2-line concept for rail replacement transport that integrates digital recording and analysis of passenger flows. In addition, increased frequency and extended direct bus operating times were introduced in order to offer commuters and travelers the best possible alternatives.

The look into the future

However, the construction work is not yet finished. In September 2025, bored pile work will begin in the 3rd district between Vienna Rennweg and Vienna Mitte. In addition, it will be necessary to put the ETCS into operation for the final closure of the section between Vienna Praterstern and Vienna Floridsdorf in summer 2026. This measure is considered an important step for the future reliability and efficiency of the S-Bahn system.

The modernizations to the S-Bahn are part of a larger upgrade project that, according to information from S-Bahn Vienna lasts until December 2027. The work focuses on various construction phases, such as between Vienna Leopoldau and Vienna Floridsdorf as well as the regions of Vienna Handelskai and Vienna Traisengasse.

Extensive renovations to the viaducts, bridges and retaining walls are also on the agenda. Particularly in the summer months, more route closures are planned in order to carry out the extensive construction work efficiently. For example, the section between Vienna Floridsdorf and Vienna Praterstern will remain completely unusable in July and August 2024 as well as 2025 and 2026. However, commuters and travelers can rely on well-thought-out replacement solutions provided by ÖBB, the City of Vienna and Wiener Linien.

Public transport in focus

While work on the S-Bahn progresses, the... Vienna lines great emphasis on modernization. In the summer of 2025, the focus will be on both the U4 and various tram lines. The U4 is being renewed between Schottenring and Friedensbrücke, a necessity as the tunnel infrastructure is over 120 years old. In the period from June 28th to September 1st, traffic will be restricted accordingly, but passengers can use diversions and other lines.

The modernization measures throughout Vienna's transport system aim to not only upgrade the infrastructure, but also to make it future-proof. And that's exactly what commuters and travelers benefit from - even if the road there is sometimes bumpy.