City Transport Simulator 2026 Vienna route 38 is one of two authentic tram routes introduced in ViewApp's Vienna Expansion on October 13, 2026. The line spans roughly 5.34 kilometers, taking virtual drivers from the covered underground turning loop at Schottentor out to the historic Heuriger wine tavern district in Grinzing.
Unlike the game's fictional starter city of Tramau, the Vienna map features faithfully modeled real-world layouts, historical architecture, and realistic track elevations. Route 38 provides a direct look at the Austrian capital's mixed street-running segments, complex rail switches, and notable gradients.
Route 38 Overview and Key Stations
Tram line 38 operates between central Vienna and the northwestern suburbs. The journey features scheduled stops between Schottentor and Grinzing, with connections available to other tram routes, bus lines, and the U-Bahn network. Drivers starting early shifts can also depart directly from the 1:1 scale Remise Gürtel tram depot before joining the line near Nußdorfer Straße.
| Stop Name | Key Transfers & Notable Features |
|---|---|
| Schottentor | U-Bahn line U2; Tram lines D, 1, 43, 44 (Underground terminal loop) |
| Schwarzspanierstraße | Located outside the tunnel portal near the Votive Church (Votivkirche) |
| Sensengasse | Central residential and university sector corridor |
| Spitalgasse | Tram lines 5, 12, 40, 41, 42; junction near the historic Josefinum |
| Alserbachstraße | Tram lines 5, 12; Bus line 40A; historic market hall location |
| Canisiusgasse | High-density urban street-running segment |
| Nußdorfer Straße | U-Bahn line U6; Tram line 37; Bus lines 35A, 37A |
| Glatzgasse | Tram line 37 |
| Hartgasse | Combined residential corridor shared with bus services |
| Gatterburggasse | Bus lines 10A, 35A |
| Oberdöbling | Bus line 39A (transfer towards Heiligenstadt / Sievering) |
| Silbergasse | Bus line 39A |
| Sieveringer Straße | Bus line 39A |
| Paradisgasse | Beginning of suburban green spaces and steep gradient trackwork |
| An den langen Lüssen | Incline approach section with noticeable elevation changes |
| Grinzing | Bus line 38A; terminus featuring a street-block turning loop |
Eligible Vehicles for Route 38
In real-world operations, Wiener Linien runs ultra-low-floor trams across this corridor. The Vienna Expansion packages specific historical and modern rolling stock, though City Transport Simulator 2026 also allows sandbox flexibility on the route.
First-Generation ULF A and ULF B
The Vienna Expansion introduces the original generation of the Ultra Low Floor (ULF) tram:
- ULF A: The shorter, articulated low-floor variant suited for medium-capacity runs.
- ULF B: The extended multi-section low-floor variant offering maximum passenger capacity.
- Generational Features: These older models feature rectangular exterior indicators, inboard headlights, rectangular rear lights, sliding ventilation windows instead of air conditioning units, and older-style cab IBIS layout displays.
Alternative Trams and Fleets
While the first-generation ULF trams represent the default stock for the expansion, the simulation allows you to assign other vehicles to Route 38 timetables:
- ULF A1 and ULF B1: The modernised low-floor generation available in the base platform.
- Flexity Wien: Available via separate DLC or bundles, fully functional on Viennese rails.
- Tatra KT4D and StadtRegioTram: Unlocked base game or add-on trams can be driven along Route 38 in Free Roam or custom timetables.
- Type E1: Players who own the classic Viennese E1 add-on can operate it along the track network, though community reports note specific operational restrictions depending on game mode.
Driving Mechanics and Route Challenges
Driving line 38 requires adjusting to real-world infrastructure constraints that do not appear on Tramau's fictional roads.
Incline Control and Rollback
As Route 38 approaches the outer districts through Paradisgasse, An den langen Lüssen, and Grinzing, the track profile climbs steadily uphill. If you release the brakes without applying sufficient initial power, your tram can roll backward down the gradient. Drivers must maintain steady throttle inputs to sustain speeds between 30 km/h and 40 km/h on uphill segments.
Track Switches and Spacing
Complex track switches appear near Schottentor, Spitalgasse, and Nußdorfer Straße.
- At Spitalgasse, tracks diverge toward Schottentor on one side and Westbahnhof via lines 40, 41, and 42 on the other.
- Do not stop too close behind leading AI trams at junctions. Pulling right up to an AI bumper can prevent the track switch sensors from detecting your vehicle, locking the blades in the wrong direction and forcing your tram onto an incorrect route.
- If automatic switch detection fails, drivers must verify switch points manually or check cab indicator lights before accelerating through the frog.
Signal Requests
Certain intersections—such as approaching signalized sections along the Nußdorfer Straße corridor or depot lead tracks—require the driver to manually call up a tram phase. On Viennese IBIS units, pressing button 1 registers a signal request with the automated control system to prevent extended delays at red signals.
Tight Streets and Traffic Behavior
Between Canisiusgasse and Oberdöbling, the tramway runs on narrow shared streets. AI passenger cars frequently attempt turns across the rails into side roads. Because braking distances for heavy rail vehicles are long, drivers must approach unsignalized zebra crossings and blind intersections cautiously to prevent emergency brake interventions or collision penalties.
Passenger Doors and Boarding
The Vienna Expansion features responsive passenger light barriers. When door releases are active, passengers boarding or exiting will trigger doors to stay open or reopen automatically. To prevent schedule delays, cancel the door clearance authorization once the platform queue clears, and verify all door interlocks show closed before pulling the traction controller.
Game Modes and Feature Restrictions in Vienna
The Vienna Expansion changes several baseline gameplay systems found in the original game:
- No Custom Line Creator: Unlike the fictional Tramau environment, Vienna's track and road grid is modeled directly on actual geographic data. Players cannot build custom routes or place new stops across Vienna; you must operate existing real-world routes (Line 38, Line 37, Bus 35A, and Night Bus N35).
- No Economy Management: The Vienna DLC operates strictly around timetable driving, vehicle handovers, and Free Roam. Company management and network economy modes are not supported on the Vienna map.
- Any Vehicle on Any Line: While line paths are fixed, vehicle assignments remain open. Any unlocked bus or tram in your fleet can be loaded into Route 38 schedules.
Vienna Expansion Editions and Pricing
The Vienna content was released on October 13, 2026, across PC (Steam), PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S:
- Vienna Expansion (€49.99 / $49.99 / £41.74): Designed for existing owners of City Transport Simulator 2026. Contains the complete Vienna map, lines 37, 38, 35A, night route N35, the Remise Gürtel depot, ULF A/B trams, and Citaro C2 Vienna buses.
- Vienna Edition (€69.99 / $69.99 / £58.49): A standalone bundle intended for new players. Includes the base game (Tramau map and starter vehicle fleet) combined with the entire Vienna Expansion.
- Season Pass: Players who own the City Transport Simulator 2026 Season Pass receive the Vienna Expansion and its associated vehicles at no extra charge.
