Vienna is planning a modern long-distance bus terminal in Leopoldstadt – a million-dollar project!

Vienna is planning a modern long-distance bus terminal in Leopoldstadt – a million-dollar project!

Today is January 2nd, 2026 and there is a lot of work being done on a new long-distance bus terminal in Vienna's Leopoldstadt. Construction has already begun and is expected to be completed by 2029. The city wants to significantly improve travel comfort and further consolidate its role as an international transport hub. How vecerni-praha.cz reports, the project has an estimated construction cost of 158 million euros, with 45 million euros being provided as temporary equity by the city.

But this new terminal is more than just a bus station. It will offer around 30 covered stops, spacious waiting areas with free Wi-Fi, as well as ticket sales points and information services. Physical well-being is also taken care of - snack stands and shops are also planned. Barrier-free toilets, luggage storage, changing rooms for small children and facilities for bus drivers round off the offering. In addition, a two-story operational building for police and other public services will be built.

Architectural masterpiece and new connections

The architectural firm Burtscher-Durig ZT GmbH is responsible for the modern design of the terminal, which cleverly combines functionality, aesthetics and sustainability. Two important new connections are also planned: a direct connection to the A23 motorway, which is intended to relieve congestion on the surrounding streets, and access to the U2 subway line. The new terminal will be easy and quick to reach, which is particularly advantageous for travelers.

Another highlight of this project is the planned pedestrian and cyclist bridge that connects the area with the Danube promenade. This is an important step towards sustainable and attractive urban development. As in the urban mobility strategy wien.gv.at listed, 80% of journeys should be made by public transport, on foot or by bike by 2025. The focus here is on promoting walking and cycling and contributing to the health of citizens.

Building on the future

The project will also include a 220-room Radisson RED Hotel, which will not only provide overnight accommodation but also a restaurant and public areas. The completion of the terminal will take place in two phases: first, the terminal, the hotel and the bridge will be implemented, followed by a high-rise building, the construction of which depends on the development of the real estate market.

The Vienna city government already approved the project in 2019, and the operator of the terminal will be BGR Busterminal GmbH. Mayor Michael Ludwig emphasizes the need for a welcoming, international bus station, which also reflects that an increase in the attractiveness of Vienna as a transport hub is urgently needed. The jury of the architectural competition, in which 27 projects took part, assessed not only the architecture but also the functionality and sustainability of the design.

The new long-distance bus terminal in Leopoldstadt lays another foundation for Vienna's urban development. This project not only makes ecological sense, but also shows that the city recognizes and implements the signs of the times. Investing in mobility ensures that the people of Vienna will continue to be able to call a lively and healthy city their own in the future.