Tram Line 18 to Run to the Ernst-Happel-Stadion in the Future

This creates several new stations in the Prater that were previously not directly accessible by tram. In addition to the stops mentioned, the Hauptallee and Stadionbad stops are also part of the new line branch. For visitors to major events at the Ernst-Happel-Stadion and for bathers at the Stadionbad, this means a direct connection to the city's tram network.

Closure to Car Traffic

At the same time, the route via Stadionallee and Meiereistraße between Lusthausstraße and Stadionbad will be closed to motor vehicle traffic on all days of the week. However, as Wiener Linien emphasizes, this does not affect access to residential areas, sports facilities, or parking lots. Local residents and delivery traffic will therefore continue to retain access options.

The closure is intended to reorganize the street space in the Prater and provide more room for public transport as well as pedestrian and bicycle traffic. With the route of the extended line 18, Stadionallee becomes an axis used predominantly by the tram. The measure is part of a larger package to enhance the Prater's appeal as a recreational and event venue.

There will also be impacts on the bus network: Line 77A, which previously served parts of the area, will be reorganized as part of the extension. The aim is to achieve a denser frequency on the tram and better interconnection with the U2 subway line at the station of the same name, Stadion. Passengers from the main train station and from the second district will thus receive a direct connection toward the stadium.

Impact on the Bus Network

The commissioning of the new route is part of Wiener Linien's current expansion program. The goal is to strengthen public transport in the Prater while simultaneously pushing back car traffic in the sensitive recreational area. Residents of the surrounding housing developments are to benefit from the improved service without having their mobility restricted.

Critical voices from transport policy had pointed out in recent weeks to possible conflicts between trams, pedestrians, and cyclists. Wiener Linien refers to its own accompanying measures along the new route, including dedicated tram tracks and secured crossings. Details on the exact traffic management during the construction phase have so far only been communicated in sketchy form.

Reactions and Open Questions

It remains unclear for now how the closure will affect private motor traffic that previously traveled via Meiereistraße toward Stadionbad. Possible alternative routes lead via Lusthausstraße or via Handelskai. The parking situation around the Ernst-Happel-Stadion during major events will also be monitored separately by the City of Vienna.

For sports operations and events at the Ernst-Happel-Stadion, the extension will in the future mean shorter routes by public transport. The additional U2 Stadion station creates a direct transfer option to the U2 subway line, which previously only served the Prater at its northern edge. This doubles the number of rapid connections to the event area.

The City of Vienna plans to officially put the new line branch into operation as soon as the construction and signaling technical requirements are met. Until then, a transitional timetable with bus replacement service on partial routes will apply. Passengers will be informed of the exact start date via notices, the Wiener Linien app, and the website.

With the extension, the transport company is responding to the rising demand for public transport connections to the Prater, which regularly reaches peak values due to events at the stadium and in the leisure area. The combination of tram and subway is intended to make the transport system more robust and to relieve the Prater of car traffic in the long term.