How to Get to Vienna
Get In - By Plane
Vienna International Airport
A hive of international travel, Vienna International Airport (VIE) links travellers to a huge worldwide network. VIE opens Europe and beyond with non-stop flights to 188 destinations in 63 countries. VIE presents a wide range of choices for passengers whether your trip is transatlantic to Los Angeles or just hopping across to a nearby European city.
Far-Flung Destinations and Popular Routes
The longest flight from VIE takes travelers looking for a long-haul adventure all the way to Los Angeles (LAX), a trip of around 12 hours and 10 minutes. For traveling the West Coast of the United States, this transcontinental path creates a universe of opportunities. But VIE also serves travelers looking for shorter excursions, with regular flights to well-known European locations including Frankfurt, London, Berlin, Paris, Amsterdam, Brussels, and Zurich. Some of Europe’s most energetic towns are conveniently reachable via these well-traveled routes.
Navigating Ground Transportation: Reaching Vienna’s Heart
VIE, which lies on the outskirts of Vienna in the municipality of Schwechat, is easily accessible to the city center by several modes of transportation. Travelers have two train options: the more expensive but quick City Airport Train (CAT) or the cheap but slow S-Bahn. Compared to the earlier, the later cuts off about ten minutes of travel time. For people looking for ease and flexibility, busses and cabs can offer other ways of mobility. Low-cost airline budget-conscious passengers could want to fly into Bratislava Airport, which is close by Slovakia. To get Vienna, this choice does, however, mean an extra hour of travel time.
Vienna International Airport: Your Gateway to the World
One evidence of the worldwide connectivity of the city is Vienna International Airport Its vast array of locations and effective ground transit choices guarantees that visitors may easily start their trips to far-off locales on the planet. VIE provides your portal to a world of discovery whether your attraction is the beauty of far-off countries or the appeal of European metropolises.
Bratislava Milan Rastislav Štefánik Airport
If your journey bring you to Vienna, take into account another gateway: Bratislava Airport (IATA: Bts). Standing just 54 kilometers (34 miles) from Vienna International Airport, Bratislava Airport is the biggest in the Slovak Republic. For those looking to get to Vienna, this central position offers visitors a practical and maybe affordable choice.
Diverse Flight Options
Bratislava Airport’s varied fleet of airlines and destinations helps to appeal to a spectrum of visitors. Prominent discount airline Ryanair runs the most frequent flights out of Bratislava Airport. Still, the choices go beyond travel within means. While Norwegian Air Shuttle flies to Oslo and Copenhagen, Danube Wings makes connections to Kosice, Rijeka, Split, and Zadar. Sun d’Or provides seasonal flights to Tel Aviv, therefore enhancing the connection of the airport; UTair makes travel to Moscow easier.
Seamless Transfers to Vienna
Thanks to several transfer choices, navigating Bratislava Airport to Vienna is easy:
- Blaguss (Bus): With most regular connections between the airport and Vienna, Blaguss (Bus) runs from 4:00 to 22:45. With a €10 each way ticket, it leaves the airport terminal building and arrives Erdberg (U3) in slightly over an hour.
- Postbus/Slovak Lines (Bus): Operating from 8:00 to 18:35, Postbus/Slovak Lines (Bus) link the airport terminal building to Südtirolerplatz (U1) in under two hours. There are stations at Vienna Airport and Bratislava as well as ones at Erdberg (U3). Starting at €5, return tickets run €8.
- Train: Bratislava public bus 61 will get you to the last stop, Hlavná stanica/Main Station, for a picturesque travel. Before getting on, buy a bus ticket from the yellow machine and validate it on the bus. Purchase a rail ticket to Vienna then and start an hour-long train journey to Wien Hauptbahnhof. For this option, the return ticket comes at €13.
Accommodating Late Arrivals and Early Departures
Bratislava Airport serves passengers arriving late for their flights or early departing ones:
- Late Arrivals: As the last bus to Vienna leaves at 22:45, think about haggling over a taxi fee or staying overnight in Bratislava should your flight arrive beyond 22:30.
- Early Departures: For early flights, choices include choosing the early train from Wien Hauptbahnhof (around 05:20) to Bratislava hl. st. arriving at 06:30, or booking a taxi, spending the night at a hostel or the airport. From there, bus No. 61 or a taxi may get you to the airport, enabling early flight catching capability starting at 8:00 AM.
Additional Transfer Service
For those who would rather have a set charge, Rosenov Airport Transfer offers convenience by means of a flat-rate transfer service between Vienna and One can access the service at +43-1-485 77 Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Alternative airports in the region
Budapest’s airport is at least 3 and Munich’s is 5 hours distant. For €36, there is a direct, if sluggish, shuttle van from Budapest Ferihegy Airport to Vienna Schwechat Airport departing three times daily. From Budapest city, which is conveniently close to Ferihegy Airport, bus or train travel is less expensive and quicker. From Munich International Airport, get the commuter train into city and change to a high-speed RailJet train to Vienna’s main station. Starting at €29, Austrian Railways (BB) sells tickets for the complete journey from that airport to Vienna.
Budget airlines operate some of the several minor airports in the area; Linz (2 hours by train), Graz (2.5 hours by train or bus), and Brno (2.5 hours by train or bus).
From the airport to the city center
City Airport Train (CAT)
Within just 16 minutes, the beacon of efficiency and convenience, the City Airport Train (CAT), whisks passengers between Vienna International Airport and the busy transport hub of Wien Mitte. In addition to saving valuable time, this simplified path opens a wealth of other services meant to improve the trip.
Of these facilities, the City Check-In is one really shining example. Imagine the comfort of just dropping the weight of bags right in the heart of Vienna and arriving for your flight. This creative tool simplifies the airport process so you may quickly pass security with newly acquired freedom and start your unhindered city travels.
The CAT runs with relentless dependability thanks to its carefully thought out timetable, therefore guaranteeing a smooth connection between the airport and the city center. From the early hours of 5:37 a.m. until the late evening at 11:38 p.m., the CAT serves a broad spectrum of travel schedules departing every thirty minutes. The CAT is there to suit your demands whether your inclination is early bird catching a dawn flight or night owl coming beneath the veil of darkness.
Once at Wien Mitte, a universe of possibilities opens out. Vienna’s vast public transport system opens at this key station. Move smoothly to the U3 or U4 underground lines, then embark on a fast transit train to travel farther afield. Whether you’re looking for the cultural treasures of the city center or the peaceful serenity of its surrounds, the CAT’s strategic location makes it the perfect beginning point for your Viennese exploits.
ÖBB Railjet
With Austria’s ÖBB Railjets, which effortlessly link Vienna International Airport (VIE) to the city center, one gets an unmatched travel experience. Railjets have transformed travel within Austria with their creative design and advanced technology; their VIE link is evidence of their dedication to passenger comfort and efficiency.
Unmatched Convenience and Speed
The link between ÖBB Railjets and VIE is not only a service but also a paradigm change in airport transfers. While Wien Meidling station (U6) is attainable in about half an hour, passengers can now travel the distance between the airport and Vienna Main Station (Wien Hauptbahnhof, U1) in a just 15 minutes. Every 30 minutes, the frequency of departures emphasizes even more the convenience so that passengers may easily combine their flights with their continuing travels.
Departure Schedules Designed for Your Itinerary
The ÖBB Railjets run a full timetable to meet the various needs of passengers:
- Vienna Airport to Vienna Main Station and Wien Meidling: Daily departures from Vienna Airport to Vienna Main Station and Wien Meidling start at 6:33 AM and run until 11:03 PM, therefore allowing early birds and night owls access to this quick connection.
- Vienna Main Station to Vienna Airport: Starting significantly earlier, at 5:42 AM, the service runs until last departure at 10:12 PM. The Railjets’ speed and efficiency are demonstrated by their 15-minute trip duration.
- Wien Meidling to Vienna Airport: Travelers leaving Wien Meidling will be able to catch a Railjet from 5:34 AM till 10:00 PM Vienna Airport For people living in the southern sections of Vienna, the about half-hour trip to VIE is perfect.
Express train S7
Via a complex network of fast transit trains, metros, and bus services, Vienna’s International Airport (VIE) is painstakingly linked to the center of the city. The S7 line presents the apotheosis of efficiency for those looking for the fastest passage.
S7: The Rapid Transit Express
From the airport, the S7 railway sets out its trip every half-hour, stopping strategically at Wien Mitte and Wien Praterstern stations centrally. Acting as transportation hubs, these stations offer flawless links to Vienna’s extensive system of metro lines and fast transit rails. There are just 25 minutes separating the airport from Wien Mitte, and Vienna Praterstern may be reached in around half an hour.
Departure times:
- From Vienna Airport to the city: Daily departures from 5:19 AM to 1:19 AM, every 30 minutes.
- From Wien Praterstern station to the airport: Daily departures from 4:15 AM to 12:45 AM, every 30 minutes.
- From Wien Mitte station to the airport: Daily departures from 4:19 AM to 12:49 AM, every 30 minutes.
Vienna Airport Lines: The Bus Network
- Vienna Airport Lines (VAL) operates a trifecta of bus routes that whisk travelers directly to key destinations across Vienna. VAL1 connects the airport to Vienna’s city center, the Westbahnhof, and Vienna Main Station. VAL2 provides a rapid link to Morzinplatz/Schwedenplatz, a central hub for metro lines U1 and U4. VAL3 extends its reach to the Donauzentrum, offering a connection to metro line U1.
VAL1
- Vienna Airport – Vienna Main Station (South, connection to U1) – Vienna Westbahnhof Station (Europaplatz/connection to U3, U6): 40-minute journey, operating every 30 minutes from 4:30 AM to 3:30 PM.
Return Journey: 40-minute journey, operating every 30 minutes from 3:30 AM to 2:30 AM.
VAL2
- Vienna Airport – Morzinplatz/Schwedenplatz (connection to U1, U4): 22-minute journey, operating hourly from 4:15 AM to 3:15 AM.
- Return Journey: 20-minute journey, operating hourly from 5:00 AM to 4:00 AM.
VAL3
- Vienna Airport – Donauzentrum (connection to U1): 39-minute journey, with departures at 7:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 2:00 PM, 4:00 PM, and 6:00 PM.
- Return Journey: 42-minute journey, with departures at 5:58 AM, 7:58 AM, 9:58 AM, 11:58 AM, 2:58 PM, 4:58 PM, and 6:58 PM.
Get In - By Bus
Every day Vienna, a hive of European travel, welcomes a multitude of foreign bus companies. Walk-up rates sometimes provide tempting reductions for budget-conscious travellers, particularly those under 26 or over 60, usually 10% from Eurolines associates and around 15% from independent carriers. These cuts often do not apply, though, to pre-purchased promotional tickets.
Navigating Eurolines and Beyond
In this field Eurolines Austria is the major participant. Although their own fleet shows great standards, the same cannot always be said of their abroad partners. One such is the twin Eurolines service to Bratislava run by Slovak and Austrian affiliates from separate stations. Examining the websites of Eurolines associates in both your origin and destination countries as well as those of non-affiliated carriers can help you to get the most reasonable fares.
Vienna’s Bus Stations: A Multitude of Options
Two main stations define Vienna’s bus system, which also includes minor drop-off places for both local and international services. Managed by Blaguss, the local Eurolines affiliate, who also keeps thorough timetables, the Vienna International Busterminal (VIB) is conveniently placed by the Erdberg U3 subway station.
Bratislava-bound services have a separate station and office at Waldmanngründen, at the Southwest corner of Südtirolerplatz (U1, S-Bahn). Other operators run curbside or have offices nearby. Two significant stops are Praterstern (U1, U2, and S-Bahn), Lasellestraße for Tourbus services from the Czech Republic and Nordbahnstraße for Orangeways services to Hungary.
Starting on January 6, 2014, the yellow Student Agency coaches moved to the Busterminal Stadioncenter on Engerthstrace, which is conveniently close to the U2 Stadion metro station. Apart from the specified city stop for every line, Vienna International Airport also serves as a common stop for most buses heading to Bratislava, the Czech Republic, and Hungary.
Austria
Beyond its well-known rail system, Austria provides a strong public transit infrastructure. Under closer inspection, one finds a fleet of interstate buses traversing the country serving both intrepid visitors and local commuters. Particularly for those heading into the heart of Austria’s gorgeous countryside, these bus lines—often run by a mix of government agencies and private businesses—offer a reasonably cheap and handy substitute for train travel.
Regional Buses: A Gateway to Rural Austria
Several regional routes, usually sponsored and run by municipal authorities, federal government, and individual states, comprise the backbone of Austria’s intercity bus network. Mostly running to and from Vienna, the energetic capital of the country, these buses link it with the serene surroundings of Lower Austria and Burgenland. Cash tariffs for these regional buses follow the regular VOR public transit pricing system even though they are usually less than train tickets. These services are really valuable since they allow rural people and those looking to discover Austria’s hidden treasures to reach far-off areas of the nation, so they are a necessary means of transportation.
Private Bus Lines: Adding Variety to the Mix
Apart from the local services, few private bus companies run intercity lines inside Austria. Dr. Richard is one popular operator; his buses leave different sites across Vienna, including the well-known Friedrichstraße 7 close to Karlsplatz. With a clear path, the 311 Timetable, which offers several stops in a timeframe similar to rail travel, Dr. Richard’s network spans southern Lower Austria, Burgenland, Styria. With a trip to Graz costing €21.80, a notable €12 cheaper than the corresponding train ticket, these buses notably provide free Wi-Fi and reasonable rates.
A Spectrum of Options for Every Traveler
Complementing Austria’s intercity bus fleet, the Postbus network connects to several locations around the nation. Operating from Vienna’s VIB Erdberg station, WESTbus specializes in lines to Klagenfurt and Graz and has two daily departures and tickets fixed at €29. Starting from several sites in Vienna, the Wiesel Bus provides a handy connection to St. Pölten; it usually has free Wi-Fi and costs somewhat cheaper than train tickets. Well-known worldwide player FlixBus also keeps a presence in Austria, linking seven cities with its unique green coaches, free Wi-Fi, and guaranteed seating.
Embrace the Road Less Traveled
Although many people still choose Austria’s train system, the country’s intercity bus systems provide a convincing substitute particularly for budget-conscious tourists and those keen to discover the perfect countryside. Whether your next Austrian adventure is a quick link to a nearby city or a picturesque trip over Lower Austria’s undulating hills, think about riding one of the many interstate buses.
Balkans
For adventurous visitors, the Balkans have a wealth of bus lines. Even if some paths might not be well known, the daring attitude will be rewarded with an unusual and usually reasonably priced travel experience. It’s recommended to ask at the bus stops for the most current information since tickets are often sold straight by the bus driver or attendant. Mostly leaving in the afternoon, busses serve both residents and visitors.
Navigating Border Crossings and Unofficial Practices
Additional inspection at border crossings is planned of buses coming from non-EU nations. Some operators engage in illegal commodities transportation to offset their low fares. Although passengers are rarely asked to take part personally, they could be asked to pack things like cigarette cartons in their bags. Legally, you are free to move a personal allocation of cigarettes across the border without consequences. You are, however, also quite within your rights to turn down such demands.
Key Bus Terminals in Vienna
Balkan bus lines mostly center on the two main bus terminals in Vienna. VIB Erdberg (U3) mostly serves buses from Serbia; Südtirolerplatz (U1) is the principal arrival point for buses from Kosovo and Albania. Bus lines from Bosnia and Croatia also find interchange stations at these terminals.
Slovenia
Perfect for group travel, Turansky Shuttles offers a special shuttle service between Ljubljana and Vienna. To give more choices for visitors, FlixBus runs trips from Vienna and Graz to Maribor and Ljubljana.
Croatia
Adria Reisen operates three weekly trips between Vienna and various destinations along the Adriatic coast in Croatia. Autobusni promet d.d. Varaždin and Croatiabus both offer direct services from Zagreb to Vienna, with multiple daily departures. WESTbus, operated by Blaguss Eurolines Austria, provides a daily service between Zagreb and Vienna, departing in the afternoon from Zagreb and in the morning from Vienna.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
With a trip time of around 9.5 hours, Autoprevoz Banjaluka provides a direct service from Banja Luka to Vienna. Biss-Tours makes links between Zenica and Sarajevo.
Serbia
Direct service from Belgrade to Vienna is offered by Fudeks, Jovic Travel, and Lasta. From Belgrade, Feniks GiZ links Novi Sad and Subotica; forward connections from Novi Sad are also offered. Niš-Ekspres runs a service from Niš to Vienna via Belgrade; SRBIJATRANSPORT and Zoran Reisen serve other southern Serbian locations.
Greece
Although there are no direct bus routes between Greece and Vienna, Korona Travel provides an other path for passengers by means of connections from Bratislava.
Macedonia
Direct services offered by EuroBus Macedonia cover Macedonia’s main cities: Skopje, Tetovo, Gostivar, Ohrid, and Struga.
Bulgaria
For Bulgarian visitors, Ecolines offers a handy choice with a direct service from Sofia to Vienna.
Czech Repbulic
WESTbus
Between Vienna and the Czech Republic, WESTbus—run by Eurolines Austria by Blaguss and Eurolines Bohemia by Touring—offers a handy and comfortable means of transportation. From the VIB Erdberg station, three daily departures to Brno and Prague enable customers chose from a range of facilities, including Wi-Fi and power outlets on particular buses. Examining pricing on the Eurolines websites for both the Czech Republic and Austria will help one identify the greatest discounts.
Student Agency
Budget-conscious travellers often use Student Agency, which provides six or more daily departures to Brno and Prague. At every seat, the company’s upgraded service consists in touch-screen in-ride entertainment and complimentary Wi-Fi on most buses. Along with a choice of movies during their trip, passengers may also have free coffee and newspapers. The buses leave Lasallestraße at Praterstern station; Brno tickets cost €5–8, while Prague tickets cost €12–18.
Tourbus, a.s.
With stops at both the VIB Erdberg station and Lasallestraße at Praterstern station, Tourbus, a.s offers still another choice for travel between Vienna and Brno. With tickets to Brno starting at €5, the company provides a more reasonably priced alternative even if it offers less departures than Student Agency.
Minibuses and Shuttle Vans to Český Krumlov
Many busses and shuttle vans are accessible for visitors arriving to Český Krumlov and the nearby locations. For round-trips notably, these choices provide a more direct and faster path than EURegio rail tickets, even if they may be more expensive. This means that, compared to the train’s 4-hour travel, which usually entails two transfers, they take about 3 hours. Furthermore beneficial are minibuses’ flexible schedules that allow one to change them to suit passenger requirements.
Bean Shuttle
Offering direct travel for €35 per person, the most affordable shuttle service between Vienna and Český Krumlov is The Bean Shuttle. For €38.50 the firm also runs a shuttle to České Budějovice. For individuals looking for a hassle-free, reasonably priced transfer between various sites, this is a great option.
Denmark
Bohemian Lines: The Local’s Choice
Operating from the adjacent city of Brno, this bus operator based in Czech easily reachable from Vienna for just €5–€8. Bohemian Lines is a flexible option for impromptu visitors since it boasts twice a week or more regularity. The absence of an advanced purchase need is among the most tempting features; just show up, get your ticket, and start your adventure. With an extra €5 or €10 cost for booking a round-trip, the fare is a reasonably €61 (one-way) or €107 to Copenhagen.
Eurolines AT/Blaguss: A Touch of Business Class
Eurolines AT/Blaguss is a convincing choice for people looking for a more sophisticated travel experience. This link is assured even if a driver-assisted transfer in Prague is needed, therefore guaranteeing a flawless travel. Eurolines AT/Blaguss is proud of its “business class service,” which comprises free Wi-Fi in Germany and the Czech Republic. Booking the same connection in advance through several Eurolines affiliates will help cost-conscious passengers get even better rates. Beginning at €40 and €7, respectively, Czech Eurolines provides a combination fare from Copenhagen to Prague and Prague to Vienna. On the other hand, with fares starting at €18 for the Copenhagen-Berlin and Berlin-Vienna legs, Eurolines Scandinavia and German Eurolines provide reasonable rates for divided travels.
Germany
With the 2012 deregulation of the German transportation sector, intercity bus travel has entered a new era providing passengers with several options for traversing the nation and even reaching adjacent Vienna. Although these bus companies may have cheaper rates than their rail counterparts, it’s crucial to weigh the possible trade-off in journey times, which can be quite longer.
Eurolines: A Multifaceted Network
Offering a strong network of intercity connections, Eurolines—a group of bus operators comprising Eurolines Austria by Blaguss, Eurolines Bohemia, Eurolines Deutsche Touring, BEX, and Berlin Linien Bus—is Their daily and nightly combined service to Berlin features a “Business Class” option with conveniences including Wi-Fi and power outlets. See the separate websites of every operator to get the most recent rates and guarantee your seat:
- Eurolines Austria: http://www.eurolines.at/
- Eurolines Germany: http://www.eurolines.de/
For budget-conscious passengers, Eurolines offers a convincing choice with prices to Dresden and Berlin ranging from €15 to €50.
Orangeways: A Detour to Savings
Operating from Bratislava bus station, Orangeways provides another path to Berlin. Although it requires a little trip to Bratislava (€7 by bus), the two daily busses to Berlin usually have a far lower cost and the benefit of using a faster roadway. While heading to Berlin will cost €30, fares to Dresden are €22.
FlixBus: Extensive Connections Across Austria and Germany
Offering several connections between Austria and Germany, FlixBus has become a significant participant in the European bus travel scene. Travelers looking for economy often choose them because of their reasonable pricing—fares start at as low as €5.
Berlin Linien Bus: Direct Route to Vienna
With prices “from” €19, Berlin Linien Bus concentrates on the straight path between Berlin and Vienna. Early booking is very advised to grab the best bargains; keep in mind that every piece of luggage costs extra €1.
Hungary
- Eurolines (by Blaguss, Blaguss Agora and Volanbusz) (VIB). Affliates cooperate to run five buses daily from/to Budapest, some stopping in Győr and resort towns like Mosonmagyaróvár and Sopron. Some buses have wifi. Tickets are cheaper if purchased online. Győr €9, Budapest €10-19/€14-38rt.
- Orangeways. cheap way to Hungary. Arrives at Nordbahnstrasse 50 near Praterstern from Budapest four times daily. More expensive at peak times, cheaper to book in HUF. Popular times are often sell out. Free hot drinks, movies, headphones on some services. Budapest €6-€14/€14-20rt.
Italy
- Kautra. Udine, Venice, Bologna, Florence, Rome. Tickets at VIB.Walk-up promo-fare €29 all destinations.
- Tourbus, a.s.. Udine, Venice, Bologna, Florence, Rome, Naples etc. Tickets at VIB. from €40.
- Student Agency. Udine, Venice, Bologna, Florence, Rome. Book online, stop at Praterstern. from €52.
Poland
- Eurolines Polska. Polish destinations (Krakow, Warsaw) from €36/72rt.
- Ecolines. Departs from Südbahnhof/South Station. Polish destinations (Krakow, Warsaw) €48/€86rt.
- Jordan. run in conjunction with Veolia Eurolines Polska. Discounted tickets on their Polish booking site Kraków €30, Katowice €30, Lodz€33, Warsaw €35. Walk up: Katowice €38/€68rt, Łódź €41/€73rt, Warsaw €43/€77rt.
- Kautra. run in conjunction with Tourbus. Krakow €46/€83, Warsaw €61/109.
- PolskiBus. Cheap, bucket-priced bus around 2x daily to Katowice and Warsaw. Departs Südtiroler Platz. Warsaw (via Katowice) from €1.
- Tatar Czuk, Schweizergarten near Südbahnhof S-Bahn. Daily minibus service. Wroclaw €24.
Romania
If you change buses in Budapest, for example, on Eurolines HU/Volanzbus or Orangeways, depending on your route in Romania, it may be cheaper, quicker, and more frequent.
- Atlassib. A daily overnight traveling across Romania to Vienna, book through Eurolines.at or with Atlassib. Bucharest €59/€94rt.
- Eurolines RO. Extreme arrival times in Vienna (2:45AM) and departure times depending on origin/destination. Bucharest €124rt.
- Turanus.shuttle, +38640802525, e-mail:turanus.shuttles@gmail.com. Fast mini-bus service. Reservations required by phone, website or email. €120.
Slovakia
- Blaguss. 10 daily busses daily from Bratislava Airport, stopping also at Novy Most (city center) and Bratislava Petrzalka (Einsteinova St.). Stops also at Vienna Airport and arrives at Erdberg(Subway U3) in about an hour. €6/€11rt.
- Postbus/Slovak Lines. 19 daily buses from Bratislava main bus station at Mlynské Nivy (8 of them start from Bratislava Airport and then go to Bratislava main bus station), stopping also at Bratislava Petrzalka (Einsteinova ul.) to Südtirolerplatz(Subway U1) in approximately 90 minutes. Intermediate stop at Vienna Airport. €7.70, €14.30 return.
Nitra, Košice and the rest of Slovakia: There are more frequent buses if you change buses in Bratislava, for instance on SlovakLines.
- eurobus, a. s.. Has frequent buses traveling across Slovakia from their Košice base to across Europe via Vienna. Booking online is possible via their homebuy service. This service also is the best overview of buses between Slovakia and Vienna since it includes all schedules. Nitra €28rt, Košice €42rt.
Turkey
- Varan, Ticket Office: Südtirolerplatz 7. On Tuesday and Friday to/from Istanbul from Südtirolerplatz bus depot. Istanbul €110/€200rt, Online €104/€190rt.
Get In - By Car
Vienna can be reached by motorways from all directions. A motorway ring around the city – this consists of numerous different motorways and not just a single street like in Berlin or Rome – has largely been completed; only the Danube crossing and the subsequent eastern bypass is not yet finished. Depending on the destination in the city, there are different approaches.
- From the west from St. Pölten (Linz, Salzburg):
- Center and west of Vienna: A1 to the end of the autobahn in Wien Auhof
- North and northeast: S33 – Danube bridge Traismauer – S5 to Stockerau – A22
- South and southeast: A1 to the Steinhäusl junction, continue via the A21 to the Vösendorf junction and then, depending on the destination, via the A23 or S1.
- From the northwest from Korneuburg (Prague, Krems) via the A22 to Vienna:
- Centre: North Bridge, B227
- North, Northwest, West: Via North Bridge and Belt
- South, southwest: A22 to the Kaisermühlen junction, continue on the A23
- Transdanubia and Districts 2nd, 20th: Local access roads from the A22
- From the north from Wolkersdorf (Brünn): A5 to Eibesbrunn junction
- North and north-west of Vienna and 21st district: B7 Brünner Straße and further via Nordbrücke and Gurtel
- Other destinations: S1 and S2 to Prater junction, from there fine distribution A23, B227, B221
- From the east from Bruck an der Leitha (Bratislava, Budapest):
- Southwest: A4 to the Schwechat junction and continue on the S1 to Vösendorf, from there A2 and A23 – Altmannsdorfer Ast
- Other destinations: A4 to the end at the Prater junction, fine distribution via the Belt, the Danube Canal or the A23.
- From the south from Mödling (Graz, Eisenstadt): A2 to the Vösendorf junction.
- West of Vienna: A23 Altmannsdorfer Ast, continue via Altmannsdorfer Straße and Grüner Berg
- Center: Triester Strasse exit, continue on Triester Strasse and Wiedner Hauptstrasse
- Other destinations: A23 Southeast Tangente
Vienna Highways and Tolls:
A vignette is required to negotiate the Vienna city highways (A23 Südosttangente, A22 Donauuferautobahn, Nordbrücke). Expect traffic on the highways in and around Vienna during busiest weekday hours, especially on the A2, A22, and A23.
Car Travel and Parking:
Though most people own cars, less than a third of trips inside Vienna are driven. Visitors should park on the outside and make use of the city’s effective subway and tram system since limited parking in core districts and parking costs all around the city make it sensible. When combined with a subway or tram ticket, Park and Ride facilities conveniently located at several metro stations provide daily parking for €3 with discounted weekly prices.
A toll sticker (“Autobahnvignette”) is needed to use Austrian highways; it is available for ten days, two months, or a year at petrol stations and rest areas. Rush hour avoidance of the A23 Südosttangente helps to avoid the unavoidable traffic congestion.
Parking Regulations:
Unless you have a resident permit, parking inside districts 1–9, 12, 14–17, 20, and designated locations is restricted to 120 minutes (9:00–22:00, M-F; 9:00–19:00 in 12, 14–17). Incurs a €2 per hour tax. The municipal website has complete parking information. One can find whether fees apply in your area by means of a free Android application. Payment is paid via a ticket (“Parkschein”) at tobacco stores marking the arrival time. Should your mobile number be Austrian, you can pay with an SMS or smartphone app. Though they are very costly (e.g., €32 daily at Parkgarage Freyung), commercial parking lots (“Parkhouse”) abound throughout the city.
Get In - By Train
Vienna’s rail system is distinctive in that all station names within the city start with the German word “Wien,” which is a useful clue for those buying tickets. Oversaw the running of this large network, the Austrian Federal Railways (BB) guarantees dependable and effective mobility for both locals and tourists.
Key gates to the city and beyond, Vienna’s main railway terminals enable travel both inside Austria and to outside nations. Let us explore the unique qualities of every station:
Wien Hauptbahnhof (Vienna Central Train Station)
Wien Hauptbahnhof, the most modern and important transportation center in Austria, is evidence of architectural creativity and operational competence. Along with Wien-Meidling station, somewhat further south, all long-distance trains run under Austrian Federal Railways (BB) converge at this station. The station’s deliberate layout, connecting lines from all cardinal directions, offers two chances for train changes, therefore optimizing passenger travel.
Wien Westbahnhof (Vienna West Station)
Complementing a substantial refurbishment and expansion project finished in 2011, Wien Westbahnhof, sometimes known as Bahnhof City, has become a dynamic commercial and transportation hub. Providing a wide range of facilities, including a vast shopping complex, a varied gastronomic scene, and thorough Austrian Railways services, this station acts as the Viennese terminus for trains arriving from Western Europe and Western Austria.
Wien Meidling
Wien Meidling is ideally located as a key interchange for several services entering from the west and headed towards the Hauptbahnhof. Its importance stems from its capacity to link several paths and enable seamless changes for passengers.
Wien Mitte Station
Tucked in the center of the city, Wien Mitte Station humbs with activity to handle an astounding daily train and passenger count. Connecting two subway lines, five express train lines (including the S7 airport fast train), tram line O, and bus route 74A, this busy station forms a significant transit hub. In addition it provides check-in services for several airlines and houses the terminal for the City Airport Train CAT. “The Mall,” a recently added attraction, gives visitors plenty of shopping choices.
Seamless Connections and Ticket Information
The Wiener S-Bahn easily services all of Vienna’s main railway stations and provides flawless links to the U-Bahn, therefore guaranteeing passenger easy transfers. Still, knowing train departures and arrivals can be confusing since trains heading east usually leave the Westbahnhof. For reliable information, then, it’s advisable to review online timetables.
Traveling is made easier by the BB connection search function, which lets users indicate their preferred rail, metro, or tram stop. While automatic ticket machines take credit card and cash payments, Wien Meidling and Wien West’s ticket offices remain open most departure hours.
Extensive Train Services
The rail system of Vienna provides regular train services to surrounding nations and areas. While high-speed ICE and RailJet trains link Vienna with main cities like Munich, Budapest, and Zurich, night trains and speedier Euro-City trains run from almost every city in Central Europe. Regional trains give the Czech, Slovak, and Hungarian border areas consistent connections—at least hourly. The “Sparschiene” special tariff for high-speed trains, which calls for early booking, provides pleasing savings.
Ticket Purchasing Tips
Often times, two domestic tickets would be more affordable than one international ticket when you are buying tickets for travel abroad. Tickets to the border and from there to your destination in another nation might be easily found and cover the whole international trip without requiring train changes. Either buy both tickets before you go, or ask ticket agents whether the conductor might provide a domestic ticket after you arrive into Austria.
For tourists visiting this fascinating city and its environs, Vienna’s railway system guarantees a seamless and fun travel experience with its well-ordered stations and wide-ranging train services. Understanding the nuances of the system and making use of the tools at hand will let visitors boldly start their Austrian journey.
From Germany
Vienna has many direct railway connections to German cities. Some of them are:
- Frankfurt – under 7 hours, a few times daily
- Munich – under 4 hours, every two hours
- Nuremberg – 4.5 hours, every two hours
- Passau – 2.5 hours, every two hours
High-speed trains run by German Inter-City-Express (ICE) or Austrian Railjet serve these cities. Though less often than those described above, some of those paths to Vienna also call at Cologne, Duesseldorf, Stuttgart, or Wiesbaden as well as major stations in between. Even less services start from Hamburg, where the ICE travels nine hours total to reach Vienna. Though the German ICE cannot, the Railjet can carry bicycles.
From several German cities like Cologne, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, and Nurnberg, there were nightly Euro Night Line sleeper services.
From Czech Republic
From Czech border towns to Brno, you might get a “Wien Spezial” reasonably priced ticket. If you are coming from someplace other than Prague, think about buying it along with a Czech domestic ticket. The BB also markets one-way “SparScheine” tickets for Prague €29 and Brno €12. Taking this to Brno and then buying a second domestic ticket to Prague (€5-10) is less costly, and there is more availability than with one Prague ticket.
Znojmo €15, Mikulov €18, esk Budjovice (Budweis) €27 or esk Krumlov €27, and Plze €29 (children half-price, weekly and monthly tickets available); EURegio tickets are valid from Vienna to border cities and tourist towns including the return travel within four days.
From Hungary
For €31 Keleti bought an inexpensive round-trip ticket from Budapest, kirándulójegy—excursion or 4-day ticket. It valid for two days on any public transport in Vienna and entails a return travel within four days. Thus, even if you have no need to go back to Budapest, it is an excellent bargain. There are just a little supply of €13 SparSchiene tickets per day. Every ticket, including the fast RailJet, is transferable across trains. Trains from Budapest East (Keleti pu) most stop in Wien Meidling before reaching Vienna West Station (Wien West). Trains set out every two hours or more. As another alternative, transfer at Gyr.
Moson Magyaróvár €12, Gyr €19, Tatabánya €25, Fertöszentmiklós €19, and Szombathely €22 (children half-price, weekly and monthly tickets available); the BB offers tickets to Budapest starting at €19.
From Slovakia
From Bratislava, the least expensive trip is €11 (return), or €14 with a one-day public transit ticket valid throughout Vienna. Members of Rail-Plus might get a €10 one-way ticket.
The BB offers Bratislava a EURegio ticket for €14, good for travel on public transport on the day of arrival and for return (in four days). One can also bring a bike free-of cost.
Although a one-way ticket from Vienna costs €14, it does not cover public transport in Bratislava; so, get the EURegio ticket and perhaps offer it to someone else leaving Bratislava.
From Eastern Europe
Tickets to (or from) other countries can be rather less since every railway has different collaboration with others. Usually, the so-called CityStar ticket is good for both directions and can be bought at any station in both member countries. For MV Hungarian Railways tickets at Sopron, Hungary, close to Vienna (€14, hourly trains), run by the Raaberbahn Railway.Rates in Hungary.Bratislava, Slovakia offers still another close choice. Most tickets have to be bought three days ahead, which can mean a further border trip.
- Greece CityStar tickets are sold between anywhere in Greece and Hungary.
- Bulgaria BDZ sell the return CityStar directly to Vienna (€88), a group of 3 will pay €59 each. Conversly you’ll have to go to the Hungarian Railways if you want to go the other way.
- Turkey Buy a ticket to the border at Kapikule (€5 from Istanbul), get a ticket from Bulgarian Railways.
- Serbia Serbian Railways sell the so-called Wien Sepzial for €70 return from Belgrade, but a cheaper connection can be made through Budapest, buying the Budapest-Vienna portion in Hungary (€56 return).
Get In - By Boat
Connecting a multitude of cities and villages, the Danube River runs throughout central Europe. Although riverboats provide a leisurely means of transportation between Linz, Bratislava, and Budapest, various faster and maybe less expensive choices are available, especially hydrofoils and catamarans. Let’s explore these other means of mobility.
LOD Hydrofoil: Vienna to Bratislava
The LOD hydrofoil is a great solution for people looking for quick transportation between Vienna and Bratislava. This hydrofoil docks in Vienna’s 2nd District on the Danube proper (U1 Vorgartenstraße, Dock 6) running from May to October with up to two daily departures. It’s a quick choice since the trip is a brisk one hour and thirty-minute downstream and one hour and 45 minutes upstream. Round trip tickets are €25 and €16 one way.
Twin City Liner Catamaran: Vienna to Bratislava
The Twin City Liner catamaran creates still another quick link between Vienna and Bratislava. Up to four departures every day, this service runs from March to December. The catamaran docks right in the first district at Schwedenplatz. It’s a fast option with a sailing period of one hour and fifteen minutes downstream and one hour and thirty minutes upstream. Depending on the type of travel, ticket costs run from €17 to €30.
Mahart Passnave Hydrofoil: Vienna to Budapest
Should Budapest be your target, the Mahart Passnave hydrofoil offers a straight connection from Vienna. Operating from May to October, this route has daily departures during peak travel. Departing Vienna’s 2nd District on the Danube proper (U1 Vorgartenstraße), the hydrofoil The trip to Budapest runs roughly five hours and thirty minutes downstream and six hours and thirty minutes upstream. Bratislava and Visegrád can be booked beforehand even though they are not frequent stops. Bratislava tickets are €29 one way and €39 for a round journey; Visegrád or Budapest tickets are €89 one way and €109 full trip. Students can take advantage of lowered rates.
Donauschiffahrt Wurm + Köck: Vienna to Linz
Donauschiffahrt Wurm & Köck provides ships between Vienna and Linz for anyone wishing for a picturesque trip across the esteemed Wachau River Valley. Although this choice is slower and maybe more costly than hydrofoils or catamarans, the amazing surroundings make it an interesting trip. Combining tickets from €12 provide flexibility for your schedule and include return train travel.
