Carinthia to offer free public transport for tourists from 2026

Starting November 1, 2026, overnight guests in Carinthia will be able to use most public transportation services free of charge. This initiative is facilitated through a new regional guest card, which provides access to regional and city buses, as well as local and long-distance trains including S-Bahn, REX, Railjet, and ICE within the state. The service extends as far as Lienz via S-Bahn.

The program is funded by a restructured stay levy, which will increase from 2.70 euros to 4.50 euros per person per night. Of this amount, 90 cents is earmarked for mobility and infrastructure. According to Provincial Councilor Sebastian Schuschnig, this is expected to generate approximately nine million euros annually from roughly nine million overnight stays to support the public transport network.

The policy has drawn criticism from the KPÖ party. State spokesperson Bea Samwald argued that the measure creates an imbalance in public services, noting that while tourists travel for free, local residents and commuters face rising ticket prices and recent increases to the KlimaTicket Carinthia. The KPÖ has called for equivalent relief and affordable ticket prices for the local population.