Vienna Advent: Bus ban should relieve Christmas traffic!

Vienna Advent: Bus ban should relieve Christmas traffic!

With the beginning of Advent, not only does the contemplative time of year approach, but also the challenges of Christmas traffic in Vienna's city center. On Advent Saturdays there will be a ban on buses in the city's inner districts in order to take account of the increasing number of visitors to Christmas markets such as the popular Vienna Christkindlmarkt on Rathausplatz. The new concept will come into force from October 28, 2025 to relieve traffic flow and enable a stress-free visit to the markets.

This bus travel ban applies from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. and affects the districts of Innere Stadt, Mariahilf, Neubau, Josefstadt and Alsergrund. An exception are buses and coaches that have a valid entry ticket. The extremely limited tickets are available online and are only available in quantities of 350 per day. This measure is intended to help ensure that the magic of Christmas can be enjoyed in the city without the disruption of excessive driving.

Good planning for a relaxed visit

The entry cards allow the buses to stop at designated entry and exit points at Museumsplatz. Free parking spaces are also available for vehicles there. For buses without an entry ticket, alternative stops have been set up at the central points Karlsplatz, Vorgartenstrasse and Pierre-de-Coubertin-Platz. Access to the city center remains possible for all other visitors.

In addition, a special regulation applies to the Christmas market in Schönbrunn: Coaches are only allowed to use the new parking lot opposite the orangery. On Advent Saturdays as well as on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, parking spaces are not available in Schönbrunn, which is intended to further reduce traffic.

A celebration for the whole family

Visitors to the Vienna Christkindlmarkt and other Christmas markets in Vienna can look forward to a wide range of offerings. From traditional dishes such as roasted nuts, fresh pretzels and bratwurst to hot mulled wine, there is something for every taste. The festive music and sparkling Christmas ornaments add to the atmospheric atmosphere.

In a similar way, the tradition of Christmas markets is also practiced in the US. In winter 2025, the Chicagoland Christmas Market returns to three locations: Chicago, Aurora and Wrigleyville. In addition to the free entry ticket, families can also enjoy a safe outdoor experience and feel the Christmas spirit. Here you will find products from suppliers from all over the world as well as special events that offer exciting experiences for young and old.

With these new traffic measures, the city of Vienna not only wants to improve the traffic situation during Advent, but also set an example for safety, order and environmental awareness. We can't wait to see how these adjustments will make spending Christmas in the city easier.

Further information about the measures and the Vienna Christmas market can be found here: 5min.at and also about the traditions of the Christmas market christkindlmarket.com.