The return of the Vindobona between Dresden and Vienna is on the verge!

The return of the Vindobona between Dresden and Vienna is on the verge!

The return of the legendary express train “Vindobona” between Dresden and Vienna is on the brink. While the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) and the Deutsche Bahn (DB) are working on restoring this connection, construction work in the Elbe valley near Bad Schandau has so far prevented the allocation of a time slot for the train. Loud then A decision on the direct connection should be made at the end of November.

Extensive modernization work is currently preventing the DB from allocating new routes in the Elbe Valley. These technical adjustments are crucial to enable flexible train services and shorten travel times between cities. The work is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2023 and includes, among other things, the track systems and overhead lines, as the DB stated in a press release communicated ( deutschebahn.com ).

Rail transport is changing

The history of “Vindobona” goes back to 1957. Until 2014, the train enjoyed numerous facets - from express trains to intercity and Eurocity. With the introduction as a modern Railjet in the summer of 2020, the hope grew that this traditional line could be permanently established again. But the current situation is challenging: from December onwards, travelers will have to change again in Děčín to get from Dresden to Vienna. A departure from Dresden is planned at 7:08 a.m. with a transfer time of 69 minutes, but the full timetable remains uncertain.

The ongoing construction work in the Elbe Valley is not just a restriction for the “Vindobona”. The DB has also affected other connections, for example between Hamburg and Prague, which is why temporary stop cancellations and replacement services will be necessary. However, from the turn of the year it could be possible that the once popular train will run on the route again, depending on the availability of the required routes.

The big picture in view

The current situation in rail transport also has larger dimensions. In view of climate change, rail is becoming increasingly important as an environmentally friendly means of transport - both for passenger and freight transport. In order to reduce CO₂ emissions, measures to promote sustainable mobility were decided. This includes the reduction in VAT for long-distance rail transport, while the flight tax is increased ( statista.com ).

The need to improve rail expansion is also made clear by the significant investment backlog in the German rail network. There is a need to catch up here, especially compared to countries like Austria and Switzerland. This makes it all the more important that both the DB and the ÖBB join forces to ensure attractive and reliable train connections.

Here the “Vindobona” could function as a symbol of the connection between the two countries and help to reinforce the insight: getting more people on the rails again also means a step into the future and towards sustainable travel behavior.