ÖBB rail links to Vienna Airport strengthen regional access

ÖBB Vienna Airport rail connections support economic growth, international accessibility, and sustainable mobility in Austria. The conclusion comes from a study conducted with consulting firm Arthur D. Little. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

The study highlights the scale of this growth. The Federal Ministry for Innovation, Mobility and Infrastructure said 10.5 million passengers used ÖBB trains to reach Vienna Airport in 2025. That was around 70% more than in 2014. At present, 40% of all airport passengers choose rail transport.

At the same time, these connections generate around EUR 15.8 million in annual added value for the Austrian economy. They also contribute to job creation. They reduce CO₂ emissions by roughly 29,000 tonnes per year.

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“The figures speak for themselves: 70% more people are using trains to get to the airport compared to 2014, and ÖBB’s current market share is 40%. Efficient mobility occurs when different modes of transport are planned together. The connection between rail and air transport improves international accessibility, generates economic value, and contributes to long-term sustainability,” said Federal Minister Peter Hanke.

How ÖBB Vienna Airport rail connections are growing?

The study covers all connecting services offered by ÖBB. These include long-distance trains, the S-Bahn, the City Airport Train, and Vienna Airport Bus lines.

Railjet plays a central role by providing direct links between Austria’s regions and the airport. This significantly expands the catchment area. Since these connections were introduced, more than 300,000 additional passengers have been attracted from Salzburg and Upper Austria alone.

Railjet, Koralmbahn and wider airport access

Looking ahead, the growth trend is expected to continue. This is linked to development of the southern corridor as part of the Koralmbahn project. Early data already indicates a strong rise in demand from Carinthia and Styria.

The transport offer is also set to expand further. Later this year, new Vienna Airport Bus routes to downtown Vienna are due to be introduced.

Meanwhile, Vienna Deputy Mayor Barbara Novak pointed to the direct effect on the city itself. “The study’s results clearly show the importance of rail connections for the airport and the local economy. Approximately 47% of Vienna’s residents use the train to get to the airport, which confirms the success of integrated mobility.”

Regional development and Vienna’s role

She said rail transport strengthens Vienna’s role as a transport hub, extends its catchment area, and attracts more tourists. In 2025, the city recorded more than 20 million overnight stays, setting a new record. That benefited tourism, retail, hospitality, and services.

Sabine Stock, a member of ÖBB’s executive board for passenger transport, said these rail links to the airport play a strategic role. She said they go beyond a basic transport service. “They are part of an integrated system that connects regions to international markets and contributes directly to the economy, employment, and environmental protection,” she said.

Railjet remains central to the development of these connections. Since its launch, passenger numbers have grown from around 400,000 in the first year to 3.4 million. That equals average annual growth of 27%.

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