Why are transport prices rising in Vienna and by how much?

If you live in Vienna and rely on public transport or short-term parking, expect to pay more soon. The city’s new finance councillor, Barbara Novak (Social Democratic Party – SPÖ), confirmed in a recent interview with ORF that both public transport tickets and parking fees will increase, with the exact figures to be announced later this summer.

Price hikes for annual travel p***es and parking

Although details are still being negotiated, Novak said the city is considering raising what she called “mobility charges in total”, which includes both Vienna’s annual public transport p*** (Jahreskarte) and the Parkometerabgabe, the fee charged for short-term parking.

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The annual Wiener Linien ticket currently costs €365 – or just €1 a day – a price that has remained unchanged for years despite rising costs. Novak noted that the city is reviewing this in light of other fare increases nationally, especially the federal Klimaticket, which is set to go up again from August 1st.

The timing and scope of Vienna’s own transport increases are still under review, but Novak signalled clearly that change is coming.

Why now? 

Vienna is facing a significant budget shortfall. According to Novak, the city expects a €3.8 billion deficit this year alone. That would bring the total municipal debt to an estimated €15.7 billion – nearly double what it was in 2020.

The finance councillor says Vienna must find around €500 million in savings this year. Some of that will come from reducing subsidies, which are already being cut. However, raising revenue through increased user fees is also considered necessary.

READ ALSO: Vienna set to hike price of annual transport ticket, but by how much?

Public transport and parking charges are attractive targets: they bring in predictable income and, in the case of parking, can also help shape traffic policy. 

Novak’s goal is to balance income and expenditure without halting investment in key infrastructure, such as the ongoing U-Bahn expansion.

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What else could get more expensive?

The City of Vienna is also reviewing the local tourist tax (Ortstaxe), which hasn’t changed in years, and may introduce a higher rate for hotel stays or day trips. However, Novak dismissed the idea of day tourist entry fees similar to those planned in Venice, calling such measures “unlikely” for Vienna.

Municipal companies may also be asked to contribute more. The city is looking at significantly increasing the dividends paid out by city-owned firms, including Wiener Stadtwerke (utilities), which haven’t paid dividends in recent years.

At the same time, Novak said she does not want to undermine investment in projects like climate infrastructure or energy transition. The challenge, she says, is finding a balance between long-term sustainability and short-term budget needs.

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Will Vienna still have cheap public transport?

Even with higher prices, Vienna’s public transport is likely to remain among the cheapest in Europe for a capital city. 

The €365 annual p*** has been praised internationally for encouraging the use of public transport and reducing car dependency.

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But with inflation and rising construction costs, the low fares may no longer be sustainable without additional revenue sources. The city’s strategy appears to involve modest increases now to avoid harsher cuts or larger jumps later.

READ ALSO: The essential rules you need to know for using Vienna’s U-Bahn

When will we know the new prices?

Exact figures are expected later in the summer, following internal reviews and budget discussions. 

Any price changes would likely take effect later in 2025 or from early 2026, depending on how quickly the city finalises its plans.