An X train with destination display U2 Karlsplatz in a station with platform screen doors

Comeback of the year: U2 runs again from/to Karlsplatz from today

Wiener Linien is celebrating the comeback of the year: as of today, 6 December 2024, the U2 will resume continuous service from Seestadt to Karlsplatz. This means that the modernised U2 main line with the stations Rathaus, Volkstheater, Museumsquartier and Karlsplatz is once again available to our passengers.

Information for passengers on the U2 between Karlsplatz and Schottentor ("U2 Stammstrecke")

After an intensive preparation phase, Wiener Linien has started full passenger service. We therefore assume that train handling and interaction with the platform screen doors are working well. As with any new system, operation with the platform screen doors must first become familiarised with real passenger operations. As a precautionary measure, Wiener Linien is therefore deploying more staff in the technical and service areas on the U2 Stammstrecke for the first few weeks. Additional staff are also being deployed in the underground control centre. 

All doors open automatically

The platform screen doors and the train doors open automatically. Please only open them manually in an emergency.

Today, on 6 December at 05:01, the first train started its journey towards Seestadt at the Karlsplatz U2 station. Since then, many passengers have already travelled on the modernised U2 line. Wiener Linien expects a total of 180,000 passengers per day on the entire U2 line.  

Platform in the Karlsplatz station of the modernised U2 line with platform screen doors
© Simon Wöhrer

U2 line between Karlsplatz and Schottentor has been completely modernised

The existing U2 line between Schottentor and Karlsplatz has been extensively modernised and prepared for fully automatic operation of the U5 line from 2026. Over 200 people were involved in realising this large-scale project.

  • The tracks between Schottentor and Karlsplatz were renewed and the U2 tunnel ceiling was renovated.
  • 4.8 kilometres of track were replaced.
  • 200 platform screen door modules with 16,000 square metres of glass surface were installed.
  • The platform screen doors were equipped with a variety of technical systems and connected to the overall system via software.
  • Six lifts, including lift technology and cabling, and ten new escalators were installed.
  • The lighting in the stations was converted to modern, energy-saving LED lamps.
  • A new tactile guidance system was installed to improve orientation for visually impaired people.

Work on the U2xU5 public transport extension continues in the background

At the same time, extensive construction work was taking place for the future U2xU5 Rathaus public transport hub and the Frankhplatz U5 station. Construction work is also continuing in the Rathaus area for the new public transport hub: Until the opening of the new U2 line to Matzleinsdorfer Platz, work on the major underground construction site will continue to take place in the background and during ongoing U2 operations.

With the U2xU5 public transport extension, the U2 will in future have a new line tunnel from Schottentor, which will be linked to the future U5 station at Rathaus. From 2026, the U5 will run as far as Frankhplatz and in future, with the further extension, on to Hernals. Completion of the U2 to Matzleinsdorfer Platz is scheduled for 2030.

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