Car traffic on Südautobahn drops significantly due to Koralmbahn railway

Car traffic on Austria's Südautobahn (A2) saw a notable decrease of 4.6% in the first half of 2026, a decline significantly steeper than the national average, according to the Austrian Traffic Club (VCÖ). This reduction in the Koralm corridor contrasts sharply with a nationwide decrease of only 0.6% in car traffic.

The VCÖ attributes this shift primarily to the opening of the Koralmbahn railway line. "Just as after the expansion and acceleration of the Westbahn line in 2012, the Koralmbahn has also led to a shift of car journeys to the train," said VCÖ expert Klara Maria Schenk. The data, based on Asfinag figures, showed a 3.6% decrease in the Styrian section of the corridor and an even more pronounced 6.3% drop in the Carinthian section.

Beyond the impact of the new railway, rising fuel prices, influenced by the Iran war, also played a role in the broader decline of car usage across Austria. At 61% of counting points, fewer passenger cars were registered compared to the first half of 2025. Conversely, truck traffic increased at 81% of counting points.

The VCÖ believes that while the Koralmbahn's positive effect is clear, further accompanying measures could enhance its impact. They suggest companies could offer incentives for commuters to switch to rail, while tourism regions and destinations could implement measures for leisure travelers. The club also noted that Austria is underutilizing its potential for increasing transport efficiency, citing a passenger car occupancy rate of 1.14, meaning an average of 88 cars are needed to transport 100 people.

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Just as after the expansion and acceleration of the Westbahn line in 2012, the Koralmbahn has also led to a shift of car journeys to the train.