Austria Connects Cities and Economies, Koralmbahn Becomes Backbone of Southern Growth and Sustainable Travel

Published on December 14, 2025

Austria is embarking on a defining moment for its rail network as a newly built high-performance railway reshapes travel across the country’s southern regions. From December 14, 2025, a revised national timetable introduces the Koralmbahn into regular service, marking the first time in decades that Austria has added an entirely new long-distance rail corridor of this scale. The project signals a strategic shift toward faster, more integrated, and environmentally responsible mobility.

Running for approximately 130 kilometers, the Koralmbahn creates a direct rail connection between Graz and Klagenfurt, two major urban centers historically separated by challenging alpine terrain. The breakthrough element of the route is the 33-kilometer Koralmtunnel, which passes beneath the Koralm mountain range and replaces slow, winding sections of track with a straight, high-speed alignment. This single structure fundamentally changes travel dynamics in the region, allowing trains to maintain high speeds and operate reliably year-round.

Journey times between Graz and Klagenfurt have been reduced to levels once considered unattainable. Trips that previously exceeded two hours can now take as little as 41 minutes on the fastest services. With up to 29 daily departures in each direction, the railway introduces a frequency and speed that redefines daily travel habits. Commuting between the two cities becomes realistic, business connections grow stronger, and tourism flows increase as weekend and day trips become more appealing.

The new corridor also strengthens national rail connectivity. Faster services between Klagenfurt and Vienna shorten travel times to just over three hours, supported by up to 26 daily connections. This improvement narrows the distance between southern Austria and the capital, reinforcing rail as a viable alternative to highway travel and domestic flights while easing congestion and reducing emissions.

Regional accessibility has been built into the project from the outset. New Interregio services improve connections for communities along the route and across alpine regions, ensuring the benefits extend beyond major cities. At the same time, improved international links enhance rail access to northern Italy, strengthening economic and tourism ties and reinforcing Austria’s position as a key transit country between central and southern Europe.

Demand for the new line is expected to be particularly strong during the launch phase. On the first day of operation, travel between Graz and Klagenfurt is only guaranteed with advance seat reservations or specific discounted fare tickets. Passengers are advised to plan ahead or travel after the initial surge, when availability is expected to improve and promotional fares will continue to be offered.

The start of operations follows nearly three decades of planning and construction. What began as a long-term vision evolved into one of the most complex infrastructure projects in the country’s history. The opening has been accompanied by large-scale public events, special services, and cultural programs in Graz and Klagenfurt, reflecting widespread public interest and national pride in the achievement.

From an engineering perspective, the Koralmbahn establishes a new benchmark for Austrian rail infrastructure. The route includes 12 tunnels with a combined length of around 50 kilometers, more than 100 bridges, and 23 newly constructed or upgraded stations. Designed for speeds of up to 250 kilometers per hour, the line is equipped with advanced European train control technology to ensure safe, efficient, and high-capacity operations.

The Koralmtunnel stands as the centerpiece of the project and ranks among the longest railway tunnels in the world. Its construction required innovative solutions to overcome complex geological conditions while maintaining strict safety and environmental standards. The successful completion of the tunnel highlights Austria’s ability to deliver large-scale, technically demanding transport projects.

The economic implications of the Koralmbahn are far-reaching. With an investment of approximately €5.9 billion, the project has supported thousands of jobs and generated lasting value across multiple regions. By dramatically reducing travel times, the railway effectively merges the economic spheres of Graz and Klagenfurt, forming Austria’s second-largest urban region with a combined population of around 1.1 million people.

At a continental level, the Koralmbahn plays a strategic role within the Baltic–Adriatic Corridor, one of Europe’s most important transport axes. Enhanced passenger and freight connectivity to Adriatic ports improves supply chain efficiency and supports more sustainable logistics. More than a new railway, the Koralmbahn represents a long-term investment in connectivity, competitiveness, and modern mobility, positioning Austria for decades of economic and transport growth.