U1 in Vienna: The underground artery with the most place names!
Explore Leopoldau, the historic underground station in Vienna, and learn more about the U1 line and its major stops.

U1 in Vienna: The underground artery with the most place names!
For Vienna, the subway is more than just a means of transport - it is part of the urban lifestyle. The U1, the oldest and longest line in the city, plays a very special role. With a route of 19.2 kilometers and 24 stations, it is the backbone of public transport in the capital. This red line elegantly connects the districts of Floridsdorf, Donaustadt, Leopoldstadt, Innere Stadt, Wieden and Favoriten, with an average travel time of just 34 minutes. MyDistrict reports that the newest section between Reumannplatz and Oberlaa was only opened on December 2nd, 2017.
The U1 not only has the longest route, but also the most “spaces” in the names of its stations. This makes them truly unique on the road. If you make your way to the U1, you can discover many interesting places - from the lively Schwedenplatz to the historically important Stephansplatz, where the subway runs up to 21 meters under St. Stephen's Cathedral and archaeological finds from the 13th century have been unearthed.
Stations with history
The individual stations on the U1 tell stories. Let's take that oneKagraner Platz: This station was opened on September 2nd, 2006 and plays an important role in Donaustadt events. Originally it was a smaller town that was mentioned in a document as “Chagaran” as early as 1199. This means that Kagraner Platz has twice as much history to offer.
Another highlight is theNestroyplatz, which was named after the famous playwright Johann Nepomuk Nestroy. With a barrier-free central platform, which has been accessible since 2000, the station ensures that everyone can easily get on the subway. There are remains of the Leopoldstadt Temple nearby, which underline the cultural significance of this place.
TheSweden Squarestation, which received its name in 1919, commemorates Swedish aid after the First World War. Before that it bore the name of Emperor Ferdinand I. This small change was a symbolic gesture that reflected the new spirit of peace in the post-war period.
Modern infrastructure and connections
The U1 is known not only for its route length and placement, but also for its excellent accessibility. The trains run every 5 to 7 minutes, although the frequency is significantly increased during peak times so that commuters in the city can reach their destination quickly. If you have to get up early, you have the opportunity to get on the first train from Leopoldau at 4:51 a.m., while the last train from Oberlaa leaves at 12:13 a.m. Blog Vienna also shows that transfer options at several stations encourage people to get off at saved transport hubs.
A look at the history of the subway shows that the first consideration for the subway was in connection with the “Vienna City Railway” project as early as 1851. However, things only got really serious in the 1970s, when construction of the U1 began as part of Vienna's modern transport system. On February 25, 1978, the first section opened, laying the foundation for the development of the comprehensive subway network we know today. HistoryWiki offers valuable insights into this.
Overall, it shows that the U1 is still an essential part of everyday life in Vienna - not only because of its technical features, but also because of the history that lives in its stations. Whether for commuters, tourists or the next events in the city, the U1 does its part to make Vienna lively and accessible.