New study: ÖBB connections to Vienna Airport boost the region and the economy 40 per cent of airport passengers travel via ÖBB services – €15.7 million in added value annually for Austria
At a press conference held today in the tower at Vienna Airport, Federal Minister Peter Hanke, Deputy Mayor of Vienna Barbara Novak, Sabine Stock, Member of the Executive Board of ÖBB-Personenverkehr AG, and Michael Zach (Vienna Airport AG) presented a study on ÖBB connections to Vienna Airport, conducted in collaboration with the consultancy firm ‘Arthur D. Little’.
The study clearly demonstrates the scale of this successful model: in 2025, 10.5 million people used ÖBB to travel to Vienna Airport; this represents growth of around 70 per cent since the introduction of the Railjet service at the end of 2014. Already, 40 per cent of all airport passengers now travel using ÖBB services. At the same time, the connection generates around 15.7 million euros in additional value annually, creates jobs and saves around 29,000 tonnes of CO₂ per year.
Integrated mobility as a key to success
Federal Minister Peter Hanke emphasised the strategic importance of integrated mobility: “The figures speak for themselves: since 2014, 70 per cent more people have been travelling to the airport using ÖBB services; today, ÖBB accounts for 40 per cent of all journeys. Successful mobility is achieved when we consider transport modes together. Linking rail and air transport strengthens international accessibility, creates added value and makes our location sustainable and fit for the future.”
Significant benefits for Vienna as a business and tourism hub
Deputy Mayor Barbara Novak highlighted the tangible benefits for the city: “47 per cent of Viennese residents already use ÖBB services to travel to the airport. The rail network thus not only improves accessibility but also strengthens Vienna’s role as a hub. The improved connections bring in additional visitors and bolster key sectors such as tourism, retail, hospitality and services. With over 20 million overnight stays in 2025, Vienna benefits directly from well-functioning, integrated travel networks.”
Railjet as a growth driver: catchment area significantly expanded
Sabine Stock, Member of the Executive Board of ÖBB-Personenverkehr AG, presented the study’s findings in detail and put them into context: “The figures clearly show that ÖBB connections are far more than just a transport service; they are a central component of a functioning overall system. They connect regions directly with international markets whilst making a measurable contribution to the economy, employment and climate protection.”
The analysis took into account all ÖBB feeder services to Vienna Airport, ranging from long-distance services and the S-Bahn to the City Airport Train and the Vienna Airport bus services. The Railjet has seen particularly dynamic growth: since its launch, passenger numbers have risen from around 400,000 in the first year to 3.4 million – representing an average annual growth rate of 27 per cent. It thus plays a key role in providing direct connections between the federal states and the airport. At the same time, the catchment area has been significantly expanded: from Salzburg and Upper Austria alone, Vienna Airport has recorded more than 300,000 additional passengers since the introduction of the Railjet service.
Vienna International Airport: Accessibility as the key to success
Michael Zach, Senior Vice President of Flughafen Wien AG, emphasises the importance of efficient transport links for the airport’s development: “An international hub can only be successful if it is easily accessible. The ÖBB rail links are a key component of this and a reliable partner for the sustainable development of Vienna International Airport.”
Outlook: Momentum continues
Looking to the future, further growth potential is already evident, particularly due to the dynamic development along the southern route as part of the Koralmbahn project. Initial figures point to a sharp rise in demand from Carinthia and Styria. In addition, services are being further expanded; new Vienna Airport bus services to Vienna city centre are set to commence operations this year.