From 11 October 2025, cross-border train services between Austria and Slovakia will resume — now fully electric. The reopening of the Vienna–Bratislava line marks a major milestone for sustainable transport in Central Europe, offering faster, quieter and greener connections between the two capitals.
Following the completion of electrification and double-tracking works on Austria’s Marchegger Ostbahn by ÖBB, the connecting section between Marchegg (border) and Bratislava has now been finalised by Železnice Slovenskej Republiky (ŽSR). With this, the final gap in the cross-border corridor has been closed, enabling continuous electric rail services between Austria and Slovakia for the first time.
From 11 October, trains will again run across the Austrian–Slovak border at Marchegg, linking Vienna and Bratislava in under one hour.
To celebrate the reopening, a special inaugural journey was held from Bratislava to Marchegg, attended by a high-level Slovak delegation and received by ÖBB Infrastructure Board Member Judith Engel and ÖBB Passenger Services Board Member Othmar Frühauf.
“A strong symbol of cross-border cooperation”
“The new electric connection between Vienna and Bratislava is a strong symbol of cross-border cooperation and sustainable mobility,” said Judith Engel, Board Member of ÖBB-Infrastruktur AG. “With this investment, we are strengthening not only public transport but also the economic and cultural ties between our two capitals. The electrification of the Marchegger Ostbahn is a model example of how modern infrastructure improves quality of life — for commuters, for the environment, and for the whole region.”
“The resumption of electric train services between Vienna and Bratislava is a milestone for international regional transport,” added Othmar Frühauf, Board Member of ÖBB-Personenverkehr AG. “With modern vehicles, accessible stations and 100 % green traction power, we are offering passengers an attractive, environmentally friendly service. More than a century ago, this was already one of Europe’s key rail arteries — and I am confident it will regain that status.”
Frequent, sustainable connections
From 11 October, 38 regional trains (19 in each direction) will run daily on the Marchegger Ostbahn. With the timetable change on 14 December 2025, four additional EuroCity train pairs will be added via Marchegg, bringing the total to 46 daily services between Vienna and Bratislava.
The 37-kilometre Marchegger Ostbahn has been completely electrified and upgraded to two tracks, with all stations along the route modernised and made fully accessible. New Park & Ride and Bike & Ride facilities make multimodal travel easier, while safety has been enhanced through the removal of all level crossings in Lower Austria — replaced with underpasses to eliminate road congestion and improve safety for both rail and road users.
Key benefits of the Marchegger Ostbahn modernisation:
- 100 % green electric operation, reducing CO₂ and noise emissions
- Modern, accessible trains for greater passenger comfort
- Upgraded stations offering improved facilities and ambience
- Park & Ride and Bike & Ride infrastructure to ease transfers
- Shorter travel times between Vienna and Bratislava
- Higher safety through the removal of level crossings
The project underscores ÖBB’s commitment to sustainable, cross-border mobility and positions the Vienna–Bratislava corridor as a model for modern European rail connectivity.
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