Austria’s ÖBB has unveiled the ICE 4 train as part of its plan to establish a new long-distance stop at Kühnsdorf-Klopeiner See station, ahead of the official launch of the Koralmbahn in December. From 8 September, enhanced regional services will begin, including new early morning and evening connections, improved intervals, and direct services across Carinthia.
The ICE 4 will operate daily between Klagenfurt and Graz on the Koralmbahn, with Kühnsdorf added as a scheduled stop. The announcement was made in the presence of Sebastian Schuschnig, Carinthia’s Regional Transport Councillor, and Sabine Stock, ÖBB’s Passenger Transport Board Member.
Koralmbahn to cut journey times and boost regional links
With the Koralmbahn set to open on 14 December, travel time between Klagenfurt and Graz will be reduced to just 45 minutes. The new high-performance line is expected to provide faster, more frequent, and more comfortable services throughout southern Austria and beyond.
The Vienna–Klagenfurt–Graz route will also be developed into a new axis towards Slovenia and northern Italy. All trains operating between Graz and Klagenfurt will be modern vehicles, including the ICE 4, marking its first use in Austria’s domestic long-distance network.
Regional Transport Councillor Sebastian Schuschnig said:
“With the Koralmbahn entering operation, a new chapter in public transport begins in southern Austria… It’s a milestone to have secured a long-distance stop in Kühnsdorf. This connects Lake Klopeiner See to the international rail network for the first time and provides a significant boost for the region, both economically and for tourism.”
ICE 4 brings modern standards to domestic rail travel
The ICE 4 train offers 444 seats, ergonomic interiors, free Wi-Fi, modern passenger information systems, eight bicycle spaces, and barrier-free access including lifts and wheelchair spaces. From December, up to three additional long-distance trains from Vienna and Zurich will also stop daily at Kühnsdorf-Klopeiner See station, connecting it to the broader international rail network.
In addition, the station will offer 36 daily regional connections with short transfer times at Klagenfurt Hbf and St. Paul im Lavanttal, supporting long-distance links to Vienna and Salzburg.
ÖBB board member Sabine Stock commented:
“The Koralmbahn marks a new era for the south. For the first time in decades, a completely new line is opening, connecting Carinthia and Styria. I’m pleased we’ll be offering our passengers modern trains like the ICE 4 daily on this route, including at Kühnsdorf-Klopeiner See. This ensures a comfortable, fast and environmentally friendly travel experience for the region.”
Regional service expansion from 8 September
Ahead of the Koralmbahn’s launch, ÖBB will implement several service improvements in Carinthia starting 8 September. These include early-morning arrivals in all district towns before 06:00, extended evening services across all S-Bahn lines, and six additional trains between Klagenfurt and Villach on weekdays (excluding Saturdays) to close half-hourly service gaps.
A new afternoon train will also be introduced on the S-Bahn line to Wolfsberg, aimed at students and part-time commuters. These enhancements will ensure better connections to long-distance services during peak hours and enable year-round evening travel for events in Klagenfurt and Villach.
In total, the measures will deliver an additional 94,000 regional service kilometres before the Koralmbahn opens, contributing to climate-friendly mobility in southern Austria.
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