How to reach Vienna from the airport

Are you traveling to the charming Austrian capital and landed here looking for the best options to get to Vienna from the airport? Great! In this guide, we'll explore all the available alternatives to reach the city center, including their advantages, disadvantages, prices, and recommendations.

The Vienna International Airport, known as Schwechat (VIE), is located just 18 km from the city center. With such proximity and a robust transportation network, you’ll be pleased to know that the connections are frequent, fast, and, best of all, inexpensive.

* When searching for routes, you may need to look for the airport as «Flughafen Wien», which is simply the German translation for "Vienna Airport." If you see the term «Bahnhof», it refers to a "train station".

As we will see, you can reach central Vienna by train, bus, taxi, or private transfer. Your choice will depend on your time constraints and budget. Ready to explore all the options?

Exploring train options from Vienna Airport to the city center

Traveling by train is the fastest and most efficient way to get from the airport to the heart of Vienna. There are several train lines available, each offering different prices and schedules, allowing you to choose the best fit for your needs. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular train options:

City Airport Train (CAT)

The CAT is your premium option, whisking you into the city in just 16 minutes with a single stop at Wien Mitte. While the single ticket costs €11 (or €19 for a round trip), it’s a great choice if you’re in a hurry.

Trains operate every half hour, running from 05:37 to 23:38 daily. You can check schedules and purchase tickets on the official CAT website.

Schnellbahn S7 (S-Bahn)

This train option is similar to a commuter train: it’s a bit slower but more economical. The S7 runs from 05:18 to 00:18, with two departures each hour, taking about 25 minutes. It makes various stops, with key ones at Wien Mitte and Wien Praterstern.

The ticket price is €4.30 and is valid for transfers on other Vienna public transport. You can buy it online at the ÖBB website or at machines in the airport. More details can be found here.

Railjet

The Railjet trains provide another affordable option, though do note that they only arrive at Wien Hauptbahnhof and Wien Meidling, which are further from the city center compared to Wien Mitte.

Travel time is around 15 minutes, and the ticket costs €4.30, also valid for use on other public transport in Vienna. You can purchase tickets online through the official website, or directly at the airport.

Bus services from Vienna Airport to the city

Another excellent option for getting to Vienna from the airport is by bus. Much like the train services, there are multiple bus companies operating the route:

Vienna Airport Lines

This company operates three main routes:

• Line VAL 1: Connects Wien Westbahnhof in the southwest (with a stop at Wien Hbf (Central Station)) and the airport, running from 03:30 to 00:30 with a journey time of approximately 35 minutes.
• Line VAL 2: Buses between Morzinplatz/Schwedenplatz and the airport operate from 04:15 to 03:15, taking roughly 20 minutes. This is a great option if you are staying in the city center.
• Line VAL 3: Covers a more distant area, and thus, may not be of much interest due to fewer buses compared to the other two routes.

The fare is €8 for a one-way ticket or €13 for a round trip, and sometimes they offer discounts (at the time of writing, there was a 50% discount for online purchases at their website). You can also buy your ticket at machines in the airport or directly from the driver.

Airliner Bus (currently out of service)

This bus service would take you to Wien Erdberg (with a connection to metro U3) and Wien Hauptbahnhof (with a connection to metro U1), both located southeast of the city, in 15-25 minutes. As you will need to switch to the metro to reach the city center, it may not be the most convenient option.

Buses run hourly from 5:20 to 22:20, with fares at €6 for one way and €11 for a round trip. For more information, visit here.

Taxi: the most convenient option from the airport

If you're arriving exhausted, during odd hours, traveling with a group, or simply prefer to spend a bit more for the sake of comfort, taking a taxi (starting from €33) is a solid choice.

Private transfer

For those looking to make a grand entrance in the world capital of Sacher cake, consider booking a private transfer. Your driver will meet you at the terminal to escort you to the vehicle, and the journey to your hotel will take about 20-30 minutes, with an approximate cost of €45. It might not be the most economical option, but it surely adds a touch of luxury to your arrival.

Now you have a comprehensive guide on how to get to Vienna from the airport. We hope this information clarifies your options and helps you find the best transportation method for your trip. Don't forget to check out our other articles about Austria; we hope you enjoy them!

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