Trams and Buses

Tram Accessibility

Vienna has one of the largest tram networks in the world, with 28 routes covering the city center and surrounding neighborhoods. Wiener Linien operates the system. About 90% of tram services run with low-floor vehicles, making the network highly accessible for wheelchair users.

ULF Trams (Ultra Low Floor)

Vienna's ULF (Ultra Low Floor) trams are specifically designed for barrier-free access. The interior floor sits at sidewalk height, approximately 20 centimeters above the road surface. This means the floor is nearly level with raised tram platforms, allowing wheelchair users to board without a step.

Key features of ULF trams:

• Two designated wheelchair spaces per car, typically near the doors behind the driver's cab.
• Wide doors that accommodate standard and most power wheelchairs.
• Foldable ramps at the second door that the driver can deploy when there is a gap between the platform and the tram floor.
• Priority seating with fold-up seats that free up space for wheelchairs and strollers.
• Electronic announcements and visual displays showing the next stop.

There are over 330 ULF trams in Vienna's fleet, available in both short (Type A/A1) and long (Type B/B1) versions. These are the vehicles you will encounter on the vast majority of routes.

Older Tram Models

A small number of older, high-floor trams still operate on certain routes. These have steps to enter and are not wheelchair accessible. If you see a high-floor tram arriving, wait for the next one. Check the WienMobil app to see when the next low-floor vehicle is scheduled.

How the Ramp Works

When you arrive at a tram stop, position yourself near the second door (marked with the wheelchair symbol). Make eye contact with the driver or wave to signal you need to board. The driver will deploy the fold-out ramp from the tram to the platform edge. Once on board, move to the designated wheelchair space and apply your brakes.

When you want to exit, press the stop request button in advance. The driver will deploy the ramp again at your stop.

Bus Accessibility

All Wiener Linien buses are low-floor models equipped with folding ramps. The driver operates the ramp from the driver's seat. Board through the middle door, which has the wheelchair symbol and provides the widest opening.

Each bus has at least one designated wheelchair space near the middle door. Wheelchair users have priority over passengers with strollers for this space.

Weight and Size Limits

In all Wiener Linien vehicles (trams and buses), the combined weight of the electric wheelchair, user, and luggage must not exceed 350 kilograms. The maximum wheelchair length is 1,000 millimeters (100 centimeters).

Night Buses

When the U-Bahn closes (approximately midnight to 5:00 AM on Sunday through Thursday), night buses (Nachtbus) take over key routes. Night buses run every 30 minutes and cover the main corridors across the city. All night buses are low-floor and wheelchair accessible with the same ramp system as daytime buses.

Night bus route numbers start with "N" (for example, N25, N38, N60). Routes generally follow the paths of the corresponding U-Bahn or tram lines. On Friday and Saturday nights, the U-Bahn runs 24 hours, so night buses operate only on other nights.

Paying for Trams and Buses

Trams and buses use the same Wiener Linien fare system as the U-Bahn. You can use any valid ticket.

Buy tickets at machines in U-Bahn stations, at Wiener Linien service centers, or through the WienMobil app. You must validate paper tickets before boarding. The WienMobil app tickets are pre-validated.

Tram vs. Bus Comparison

Tips for Wheelchair Users

• Position yourself at the right door. Stand near the door marked with the wheelchair symbol (usually door 2 on trams, the middle door on buses).
• Signal the driver. Make eye contact or wave to indicate you need the ramp deployed.
• Peak hours are crowded. Morning (7:30 to 9:00 AM) and evening (4:30 to 6:30 PM) rush hours mean packed vehicles. The wheelchair space may be blocked by standing passengers. Traveling outside these times is easier.
• Ring Road trams are popular. Lines 1 and 2 circle the Ringstrasse past many major sights. These use ULF trams and are a good way to sightsee from a wheelchair.