As Vienna’s streets will be packed on Sunday (April 6th)! As is the case almost every year, the Vienna City Marathon will cause massive road closures throughout the city center, this is guide on how to avoid traffic jams. Numerous streets will be affected, and those traveling by car should expect delays and detours. The ÖAMTC strongly advises avoiding the districts within the Gürtel, as well as parts of the 2nd and 20th districts, or taking a wide detour.
This is how the marathon route runs
The starting point is traditionally at the VIC near the Reichsbrücke. The tour then continues via Praterstern down towards Landstraße, then along the Danube Canal to the Ring, and from there via Linke Wienzeile to Schönbrunn. On Mariahilfer Straße you have almost made it halfway; after a trip to the Friedensbrücke you finally go down and up the Prater Hauptallee, the final destination is in front of the town hall on the Ring.
Several crossing options
To avoid traffic jams the Ringstrasse can be crossed in the areas of Johannesgasse, Schwarzenbergplatz, Kärntner Straße, and Schottengasse, among others; the Linke Wienzeile can be crossed via Pilgrambrücke, Reinprechtsdorfer Straße, Gürtel, and Ullmannstraße; and the Obere Donaustraße can be crossed temporarily via the Donaukanal bridges. However, according to the ÖAMTC, waiting times must be planned for. The western entrance is free, so access to the airport from the west is possible via Hietzinger Kai, Schönbrunner Schloßstraße, Grüner Berg and Altmannsdorfer Straße to the Tangente and Ost Autobahn (A4). Coming from the south, you can take the S1. From districts 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, and 22, take the Nordbrücke or Floridsdorfer Brücke (North or Floridsdorf Bridge) – A22 – A23. Within the city, the ÖAMTC recommends the Handelskai as an alternative route.
Also to avoid traffic jams the ÖAMTC advises that you park your car in a garage or public parking lot outside of the affected districts/running route the day before and, if possible, use the subways, which run at shorter intervals on Marathon Sunday. On Sunday, the automobile club’s e-bike breakdown service will also be on the road in the city center to provide rapid technical emergency assistance despite road closures.
The Vienna City Marathon 2025 will transform the city into a vibrant running festival—but with some traffic challenges. By planning ahead, using public transport, and avoiding key road closures, you can bypass the chaos and make the most of this exciting event. Whether you’re running, cheering, or just exploring Vienna, staying informed will ensure a smooth and enjoyable marathon day. So mark your calendar, check the latest updates, and get ready for an unforgettable race through one of Europe’s most beautiful cities! 🏁🏃♂️🚆
Pro Tip: Bookmark www.wien.gv.at/verkehr/marathon for official traffic updates!
