Vienna airport links disrupted: S7, CAT and other services changed

Travelers arriving at Vienna Airport in the coming weeks should expect slower and changed connections into the city center because of major rail disruptions caused by network reconstruction and a cable fire stretching about 20 kilometres.

The most immediate effect is that the S7 line no longer starts from Vienna Mitte, one of the main departure points for passengers coming from the centre. S7 services are currently operating from Geiselbergstraße station, which passengers must reach by tram, bus or replacement bus from Vienna Mitte; the train ride from Geiselbergstraße to the airport takes about 15 minutes, but access to that station lengthens the overall journey.

Planned restorations and alternatives

From 7 September 2026 the S7 will resume serving the airport via Sankt Marx station. Sankt Marx, however, still lacks a direct rail link to Vienna Mitte, so many travelers will need to change to tram 71 or 18 to reach it.

Long‑distance ÖBB trains continue to run from Vienna Hauptbahnhof to the airport; travel time is roughly 15 minutes. ÖBB warns passengers to allow extra time because seats are limited and delays are possible.

The City Airport Train (CAT), which normally connects Vienna Mitte and the airport directly, has been temporarily replaced by CAT buses from 24 August departing from Marxergasse, close to Vienna Mitte. The bus ride takes a little more than 20 minutes and services run every 12 minutes. The Vienna Airport Bus also continues to operate from Westbahnhof and Schwedenplatz and is presented as a practical alternative for travelers who prefer not to rely on the affected rail lines.

Authorities say the main rail corridor restrictions will remain in place until 6 September 2026, while some infrastructure work will continue into 2027. Passengers leaving the airport for Vienna should plan additional time for their journeys, especially if they have onward train or flight connections.

Photo: EPA-EFE/CHRISTIAN BRUNA