Vienna tramway extension approved

Approval has been given for the 3km extension of Wien (Vienna) tramline 18 from Schlachthausgasse to Ernst-Heppel-Stadion U2 underground station and Handelskai (the future long-distance bus terminal), with seven new stops. Work will be completed by autumn 2026 at a cost of EUR 87M. Four additional Alstom Flexity Wien trams will be allocated to line 18 to run the through service from Burggasse, proving an alternative to the S-Bahn for trips that would otherwise be disrupted when the train service is closed for comprehensive renovation work by OeBB in late 2026. 

 

The new tramway will also replace bus line 77A, providing a better link through the Prater park to events at the Stadion. Motor vehicles are to be banned from traversing the park along Stadion Allee with over 200 new trees planted. This will make space for the new tramway as well as permitting in installation of a 3m-wide cycleway. About 6M passengers/year are expected on the new line. 

 

Ullli Sima, city councillor for Planning and Mobility, said, ‘With the extension of line 18 were are significantly improving public transport for thousands of Viennese, with an optimal connection between the 2nd and 3rd districts. We are improving the connection to new development areas, to local recreation area Prater as well as numerous other important junctions and improving cycling infrastructure. The project is a real win-win situation for the climate, for public transport users and for cyclists’.