Austrian rail and public transport usage

Austria has emerged as a leader in the European Union for rail travel per capita. Data from ÖBB indicates that in 2025, passengers traveled approximately 12.7 billion passenger-kilometers. This shift toward rail and bus services contributes to the avoidance of more than 4 million tons of CO2 annually, as rail travel produces significantly less CO2 per kilometer than cars or short-haul flights.

Following this trend, the adoption of the Klimaticket has increased significantly five years after its introduction. Approximately 1.67 million households now possess at least one annual public transport pass, representing an increase of about 320,000 compared to the 2019/20 period. Regional adoption is highest in Vienna, where 75 percent of households hold a pass.

The Verkehrsclub Österreich (VCÖ) notes that commuters are seeing substantial financial savings by switching from cars to public transit, with annual fuel costs on certain routes estimated to be up to five times higher than the cost of a regional Klimaticket. To further promote sustainable mobility, the VCÖ is advocating for employers to provide tax-advantaged public transport job tickets.