Overview
Vienna International Airport (VIE) is located in Schwechat, 18 km southeast of the city center. Terminals 1/1A and 3 are connected via the central arrivals plaza; the rail station is directly below Terminal 3.
Wien Hauptbahnhof (HBF) is Vienna’s main international rail hub, a modern multi-level station with the BahnhofCity shopping center inside.
Wien Westbahnhof is the terminus for WESTbahn private operator trains, ideally situated for the Mariahilfer Straße shopping district.
Wien Meidling is a secondary hub where most trains arriving from the south (Italy, Graz) stop before continuing to the Hauptbahnhof.
Use ÖBB Tickets to purchase and manage your fares. ÖBB Scotty is the specialized real-time journey planner for tracking live delays, platform changes, and connections across all Austrian public transport.
Transfer Options
The following options are available for transport to your accommodation:
The following options are available for transport to your accommodation:
The following options are available for transport to your accommodation:
The following options are available for transport to your accommodation:
Luggage Storage
Staffed storage in Terminal 3. Open daily 05:30–23:30. Accepts hand luggage, check-in bags, and clothing for cloakroom.
The CAT (City Airport Train) reaches Wien Mitte in 16 min (€12 one-way, €21 return) — the fastest airport link in Europe. The slower S7 takes 30 min (covered by a standard day ticket, ~€8).
- Under 5h — too tight once you factor in the CAT back and airport security.
- 6–8h — Wien Mitte → walk to Stephansdom (free to enter), the Naschmarkt, or the Stadtpark. Allow 1h 30min round trip.
- 9h+ — Kunsthistorisches Museum (€21, no advance booking needed) or the Belvedere (book online). Schönbrunn Palace gardens are free to walk.
Over 500 self-service lockers on Level −1 (Untergeschoss 1), near the U1 metro entrance. Sizes: small to jumbo.
Lockers on Level −1 (basement) near the restrooms and U3/U6 metro entrances.
A small bank of lockers in the main hall near the ÖBB Ticket Center.
Visitor Cards and Passes
For unlimited public transportation, two main options are valid on city subways, trams, and buses.
Vienna City Card
Includes transit and 200+ discounts at museums, restaurants, and attractions. One child under 15 (or one dog) rides free with each cardholder.
| Duration | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 24h | €19 | Digital or paper |
| 48h | €31 | Digital only |
| 72h | €37 | Digital only |
| 7 days | €39 | Digital or paper |
Wiener Linien Passes (Transit Only)
Transit-only passes with no discounts. The former 48h and 72h options have been discontinued as of January 2026.
| Duration | Price | Format |
|---|---|---|
| 24h | €9.70 | Digital |
| 24h | €10.20 | Paper |
| 7 days | €25.20 | Digital |
| 7 days | €28.90 | Paper |
Where to Buy
Purchase at the Tourist Information counter in the Airport Arrivals Hall (09:00–18:00) or at any red ÖBB/Wiener Linien ticket machine at the train station entrance.
Where to Buy
Purchase at the ÖBB Ticket Center on the ground floor, the Wiener Linien Info & Ticket Center (lower level, near U1), or any red ticket machine.
Where to Buy
Purchase at the ÖBB Ticket Center, the Wiener Linien Ticket Office (upper level), or any red ticket machine.
Where to Buy
Purchase at the ÖBB Ticket Center or any red ticket machine.
Public Transit
Train Options
- City Airport Train (CAT): Premium non-stop service to Wien Mitte (16 min, €14.90). Includes City Check-In at Wien Mitte — drop bags and collect your boarding pass up to 75 min before departure.
- ÖBB Railjet: Non-stop to Wien Hauptbahnhof in 15 min (€5.40).
- S7 S-Bahn: Budget option to Wien Mitte in 25 min (€5.40). If you hold a Wiener Linien multi-day pass, you only need a €2.20 zone extension for the Schwechat boundary.
CAT passengers can check luggage and collect their boarding pass at Wien Mitte station on the way to the airport — giving you free hands for your final hours in Vienna.
Bus Options
Vienna Airport Lines (VAL) coaches run to Westbahnhof (VAL1), Schwedenplatz (VAL2), and Donauzentrum (VAL3). Tickets €11.00 one-way; buy from the driver or at machines at the bus stands. VAL buses have under-carriage holds, making them easier for heavy suitcases.
Vienna Airport Bus – Routes & PricesMetro & Tram
- U1 Metro (Red Line):** Fastest route to Stephansplatz (city center), approx. 5 minutes.
- S-Bahn: Multiple lines connect to Wien Mitte and Praterstern from lower-level platforms.
Bus
Lines 13A and 69A serve the station. Use 13A to reach the Neubau (7th) district. City bus tickets must be purchased before boarding — drivers do not sell tickets.
Metro & Tram
- U3 Metro (Orange Line): Direct to Stephansplatz in about 10 minutes.
- U6 Metro (Brown Line): Useful for northern or southern districts.
- Trams: Lines 5, 6, 9, 18, 52, and 60 all stop here.
Bus
The Vienna Airport Lines VAL1 bus departs from outside the station, providing a direct 40-minute link to the airport.
Metro & Tram
- U6 Metro (Brown Line): Connects to the western parts of the city.
- Badner Bahn: Yellow-and-blue tram-train running to the State Opera (Karlsplatz) in the city center.
Rail Connections
- S-Bahn (S1, S2, S3): Head toward “Wien Floridsdorf” to reach central hubs like Wien Mitte or Praterstern.
- Railjet: Long-distance trains stop here before continuing to Wien Hbf (approx. 5 min).
Paper tickets must be stamped in the blue/orange validation boxes at the station or metro entrance before boarding. Digital tickets purchased via the WienMobil app are pre-validated. Fines are €135 for unvalidated tickets.
Official Taxi
Official Vienna taxis are typically white, with a black TAXI roof sign (illuminated when available). Look for license plates starting with “W” and ending in “TX”, “ATX”, “BTX”, “CTX”, or “DTX”. Airport taxis at the VIE rank (without pre-booking) use plates starting with “SW” ending in “TX”.
Airport Rank: Located immediately outside the Arrivals Hall exit. Metered fare to city center: €35–€50. Pre-booked fixed fares are cheaper: €37 via Taxi 31300 app or €42 via Taxi 40100.
Always ask the driver for a “Fixpreis” (fixed price) before the trip begins. Alternatively, pre-book via the Taxi 31300 (€37) or Taxi 40100 (€42) apps for a guaranteed flat rate.
Station Rank: Located outside the North (Nord) and South (Süd) exits. Fare to city center: €15–€22.
Station Rank: Located directly on Europaplatz outside the main entrance. Fare to city center: €12–€18.
Station Rank: Located outside the main entrance on Eichenstraße. Fare to city center: €18–€25.
Rideshare
Uber, Bolt, and Freenow are active in Vienna. Since 2021, rideshare vehicles are legally classified as taxis, but they use specific pickup zones rather than the main taxi rank.
Use Freenow to book licensed taxis (which can use dedicated bus lanes), or Uber for dedicated pickup zones at Vienna Airport. Bolt is the best budget alternative, offering the lowest fares.
After exiting baggage claim and customs, follow signs for 'Terminal 3, Check-In' and take the escalator or elevator to the 2nd floor (Departures level). Your driver waits on the street in front of Terminal 3. Follow in-app directions — ride-hailing pickup signs are posted at the airport.
Follow signs for 'Exit Nord' or 'Südtiroler Platz' to reach the Kiss & Ride zone. Drivers typically wait near the entrance to the underground passage.
The best pickup point is at Europaplatz, directly in front of the main station entrance near the taxi rank.
Request your ride for the Eichenstraße exit or the main station forecourt. Drivers usually pull up near the taxi stand.
Airport GPS: The GPS can be finicky inside the terminal. Wait until you are at the outdoor pickup curb before requesting your ride.
Watch out for unlicensed drivers: Ignore anyone in the terminal or station lobby offering “cheap private rides.” These are unlicensed. Always use a verified app or the official taxi rank.
ATMs and Currency
Avoid “Euronet” machines, which charge high fees and offer poor exchange rates. Look for bank-branded ATMs like Raiffeisen, Erste Bank, or Bank Austria.
At the Airport: ATMs are located in the Arrivals Hall and near the baggage carousels. Look for Raiffeisenbank machines for better rates.
At Central Station: Four ATMs are in the BahnhofCity shopping gallery — two on the ground floor (Erdgeschoß) and one each in the lower levels (UG1 and UG2).
ATMs – Hauptbahnhof CityAt Westbahnhof: ATMs are at Level U1 (underground, near Erste Bank) and Level E1 (upper floor, near Post/bank99) in BahnhofCity Wien West.
ATMs – BahnhofCity Wien WestAt Wien Meidling: ATMs are available in the main station hall and near the Eichenstraße exit.
Austrian ATMs often dispense €50 or €100 notes. Try to break these at a newsstand (Tabak) in the terminal or station, as small cafes and taxi drivers may struggle to provide change for large bills.
Accessibility & Safety
Accessibility
Vienna’s hubs are among Austria’s most accessible, with lifts, tactile paving, and dedicated assistance services throughout.
Vienna International Airport: The PRM Service provides a personal escort, barrier-free parking, and apron transfers for passengers with reduced mobility.
Wien Hbf: Every platform is served by large glass elevators and features tactile paving.
Westbahnhof: The station is a modern multi-level complex with elevators connecting the shopping levels, platforms, and U-Bahn lines.
Wien Meidling: All platforms are accessible via elevators. The station is compact, making it easier to navigate for those with limited mobility compared to the larger Hauptbahnhof.
Assistance Services
Hidden Disabilities: Vienna International Airport recognises the Sunflower Lanyard. Pick one up at the Airport Service Counter in Terminal 1, Terminal 3/Level 0, or Terminal 3/Level 1 (open 05:30–22:15). Staff are trained to offer extra help to Sunflower wearers.
Vienna Airport – Accessible TravelÖBB Mobility: For personal assistance (e.g., wheelchair lifts), book via the ÖBB Mobility Service at least 12 hours in advance by calling +43 (0)5 1717 (Mon–Sun, 06:00–23:00).
ÖBB Mobility ServiceÖBB Mobility: For personal assistance (e.g., wheelchair lifts), book via the ÖBB Mobility Service at least 3 hours in advance by calling +43 (0)5 1717 (Mon–Sun, 06:00–23:00).
ÖBB Mobility ServiceSafety
Vienna is exceptionally safe, but transit hubs are common targets for minor scams.
Men inside the airport arrivals hall holding “Taxi” signs are private chauffeurs who charge double. Only use the outdoor rank or an app.
At the station, ignore anyone offering to help you use the ticket machine because “it’s broken.” They may try to see your PIN. Only speak to staff in official red ÖBB uniforms.
While safe, the area outside Westbahnhof can be busy and chaotic. Keep a firm grip on your belongings when exiting the station.
Meidling is a very busy commuter station. Stay behind the yellow lines, as high-speed trains often pass through without stopping.
Essential Services
Lost & Found
Report lost items online via the contact form, or collect in person at the Airport Service Counter, Terminal 3, Level 0. Open daily 05:30–23:00.
Vienna Airport – Lost Property OfficeSubmit a report via the ÖBB Lost & Found online tool. The Vienna collection office is at Am Hauptbahnhof 1 (Wien Hauptbahnhof), open Mon–Thu 07:30–12:00 & 14:00–16:30, Fri 07:30–13:30. Hotline (office hours): +43 5 1778 97 22222.
ÖBB Lost & FoundFirst Aid
An emergency ambulance with a doctor and two paramedics is on call 24 hours at Vienna International Airport. Contact: +43 1 7007-22245.
Vienna Airport – Medical CareNo dedicated first-aid post on site. For any emergency, call 112 (pan-European emergency number) and paramedics will be dispatched.
Pharmacy
A pharmacy is in the Terminal 1 arcade corridor, Level 1. Contact: +43 1 7007-35305.
Vienna Airport – Medical CareNo on-site pharmacy. Ask station staff or search online for the nearest open location.
Overview
Vienna International Airport (VIE) is located in Schwechat, 18 km southeast of the city center. Terminals 1/1A and 3 are connected via the central arrivals plaza; the rail station is directly below Terminal 3.
Wien Hauptbahnhof (HBF) is Vienna’s main international rail hub, a modern multi-level station with the BahnhofCity shopping center inside.
Wien Westbahnhof is the terminus for WESTbahn private operator trains, ideally situated for the Mariahilfer Straße shopping district.
Wien Meidling is a secondary hub where most trains arriving from the south (Italy, Graz) stop before continuing to the Hauptbahnhof.
Use ÖBB Tickets to purchase and manage your fares. ÖBB Scotty is the specialized real-time journey planner for tracking live delays, platform changes, and connections across all Austrian public transport.
Transfer Options
The following options are available for transport to your accommodation:
The following options are available for transport to your accommodation:
The following options are available for transport to your accommodation:
The following options are available for transport to your accommodation:
Luggage Storage
Staffed storage in Terminal 3. Open daily 05:30–23:30. Accepts hand luggage, check-in bags, and clothing for cloakroom.
The CAT (City Airport Train) reaches Wien Mitte in 16 min (€12 one-way, €21 return) — the fastest airport link in Europe. The slower S7 takes 30 min (covered by a standard day ticket, ~€8).
- Under 5h — too tight once you factor in the CAT back and airport security.
- 6–8h — Wien Mitte → walk to Stephansdom (free to enter), the Naschmarkt, or the Stadtpark. Allow 1h 30min round trip.
- 9h+ — Kunsthistorisches Museum (€21, no advance booking needed) or the Belvedere (book online). Schönbrunn Palace gardens are free to walk.
Over 500 self-service lockers on Level −1 (Untergeschoss 1), near the U1 metro entrance. Sizes: small to jumbo.
Lockers on Level −1 (basement) near the restrooms and U3/U6 metro entrances.
A small bank of lockers in the main hall near the ÖBB Ticket Center.
Visitor Cards and Passes
For unlimited public transportation, two main options are valid on city subways, trams, and buses.
Vienna City Card
Includes transit and 200+ discounts at museums, restaurants, and attractions. One child under 15 (or one dog) rides free with each cardholder.
| Duration | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 24h | €19 | Digital or paper |
| 48h | €31 | Digital only |
| 72h | €37 | Digital only |
| 7 days | €39 | Digital or paper |
Wiener Linien Passes (Transit Only)
Transit-only passes with no discounts. The former 48h and 72h options have been discontinued as of January 2026.
| Duration | Price | Format |
|---|---|---|
| 24h | €9.70 | Digital |
| 24h | €10.20 | Paper |
| 7 days | €25.20 | Digital |
| 7 days | €28.90 | Paper |
Where to Buy
Purchase at the Tourist Information counter in the Airport Arrivals Hall (09:00–18:00) or at any red ÖBB/Wiener Linien ticket machine at the train station entrance.
Where to Buy
Purchase at the ÖBB Ticket Center on the ground floor, the Wiener Linien Info & Ticket Center (lower level, near U1), or any red ticket machine.
Where to Buy
Purchase at the ÖBB Ticket Center, the Wiener Linien Ticket Office (upper level), or any red ticket machine.
Where to Buy
Purchase at the ÖBB Ticket Center or any red ticket machine.
Public Transit
Train Options
- City Airport Train (CAT): Premium non-stop service to Wien Mitte (16 min, €14.90). Includes City Check-In at Wien Mitte — drop bags and collect your boarding pass up to 75 min before departure.
- ÖBB Railjet: Non-stop to Wien Hauptbahnhof in 15 min (€5.40).
- S7 S-Bahn: Budget option to Wien Mitte in 25 min (€5.40). If you hold a Wiener Linien multi-day pass, you only need a €2.20 zone extension for the Schwechat boundary.
CAT passengers can check luggage and collect their boarding pass at Wien Mitte station on the way to the airport — giving you free hands for your final hours in Vienna.
Bus Options
Vienna Airport Lines (VAL) coaches run to Westbahnhof (VAL1), Schwedenplatz (VAL2), and Donauzentrum (VAL3). Tickets €11.00 one-way; buy from the driver or at machines at the bus stands. VAL buses have under-carriage holds, making them easier for heavy suitcases.
Vienna Airport Bus – Routes & PricesMetro & Tram
- U1 Metro (Red Line):** Fastest route to Stephansplatz (city center), approx. 5 minutes.
- S-Bahn: Multiple lines connect to Wien Mitte and Praterstern from lower-level platforms.
Bus
Lines 13A and 69A serve the station. Use 13A to reach the Neubau (7th) district. City bus tickets must be purchased before boarding — drivers do not sell tickets.
Metro & Tram
- U3 Metro (Orange Line): Direct to Stephansplatz in about 10 minutes.
- U6 Metro (Brown Line): Useful for northern or southern districts.
- Trams: Lines 5, 6, 9, 18, 52, and 60 all stop here.
Bus
The Vienna Airport Lines VAL1 bus departs from outside the station, providing a direct 40-minute link to the airport.
Metro & Tram
- U6 Metro (Brown Line): Connects to the western parts of the city.
- Badner Bahn: Yellow-and-blue tram-train running to the State Opera (Karlsplatz) in the city center.
Rail Connections
- S-Bahn (S1, S2, S3): Head toward “Wien Floridsdorf” to reach central hubs like Wien Mitte or Praterstern.
- Railjet: Long-distance trains stop here before continuing to Wien Hbf (approx. 5 min).
Paper tickets must be stamped in the blue/orange validation boxes at the station or metro entrance before boarding. Digital tickets purchased via the WienMobil app are pre-validated. Fines are €135 for unvalidated tickets.
Arrival & Check-In
For intercontinental flights (US, Asia, Middle East), arrive 3 hours before departure. For European Schengen flights, 2 hours is sufficient.
Check-in desks are located in Terminals 1, 1A, and 3. Most airlines provide self-service kiosks for printing bag tags; staff are on hand to assist. Confirm your terminal before leaving for the airport.
Check your terminal carefully. Walking from the check-in area in Terminal 1 to the G Gates in Terminal 3 can take up to 15–20 minutes. Use the moving walkways and allow extra time.
For long-distance trains (Railjet, ICE, EuroCity, Nightjet), arrive 20–30 minutes before departure. There is no formal check-in; proceed directly to your platform once it is announced.
Check the blue “Abfahrt” (Departures) screens for your platform number. Platforms are divided into zones (A, B, C) — consult the “Wagenreihung” (Car Sequence) poster on the platform to find where your coach stops.
Coaches marked “Ruhezone” require silence — no phone calls or loud conversations. Austrian passengers take these zones very seriously.
Arrive 20–30 minutes before your train. Wien Westbahnhof serves WESTbahn (private, to Salzburg, Innsbruck, and Munich) and some ÖBB regional services.
Tickets can be purchased at the WESTbahn counter (open daily 07:45–18:00) or on board the train — though buying on board incurs a €3.10 surcharge. Booking in advance online is always cheapest.
WESTbahn TicketsArrive 15–20 minutes before departure. Wien Meidling is a high-traffic through station — most long-distance trains that already departed from Wien Hauptbahnhof stop here heading south (Graz, Italy) or west (Salzburg).
Find your platform via the electronic “Abfahrt” (Departures) displays in the underground pedestrian passage. All platforms are equipped with elevators and ramps.
Wien Meidling Station InfoSecurity Controls
Security & Screening
Scan your boarding pass at an automated gate before entering the security queue. Checkpoints are in Terminal 1 and Terminal 3.
- Liquids: Max 100ml per container in a single 1-litre transparent resealable bag per passenger.
- Electronics: Remove laptops and devices larger than A5 from your bag.
- Outerwear: Jackets, coats, scarves, and hats must go in a tray.
- Belt: Must be removed. Shoes generally do not need to be removed unless they contain significant metal supports.
Many European low-cost carriers charge a fee to print a boarding pass at the airport counter. Always have a digital boarding pass ready on your phone before arriving.
Passport Control
Vienna Airport (VIE) is in the Schengen zone. Flights to non-Schengen destinations (UK, USA, etc.) require passport control after security in Terminal 3. EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens with biometric passports can use the automated e-gates to speed up the process.
VIE Security CheckSecurity & Screening
There are no security checkpoints or baggage X-ray screenings for train travel at any Vienna station. You may carry liquids and personal items freely onto the train. Random identity checks may occur on trains crossing non-Schengen borders (e.g., to Budapest or Bratislava).
VAT Refunds
Non-EU residents can reclaim Austrian VAT on purchases of €75.01 or more per invoice from a single store.
Instructions
- For checked-baggage items: Before check-in, go to a DEV (Digital Export Validation) kiosk, or connect to the DEV WiFi network on your mobile device to validate your tax-free forms digitally.
- Check in your luggage at the airline desk as normal.
- For carry-on items: Validate at the DEV counter near your boarding gate, after passing security.
- Collect your refund: Visit the Interchange desk to receive a cash refund, or have it credited to your credit card.
The minimum applies per single invoice, not across multiple receipts. Two purchases from the same store on the same day do not qualify if neither individually exceeds €75.01.
VAT refund services are not available at Vienna train stations. Refunds must be processed at Vienna Airport (VIE) or another EU exit point before leaving the Schengen Area.
Accessibility & Safety
Accessibility
Vienna’s hubs are among Austria’s most accessible, with lifts, tactile paving, and dedicated assistance services throughout.
Vienna International Airport: The PRM Service provides a personal escort, barrier-free parking, and apron transfers for passengers with reduced mobility.
Wien Hbf: Every platform is served by large glass elevators and features tactile paving.
Westbahnhof: The station is a modern multi-level complex with elevators connecting the shopping levels, platforms, and U-Bahn lines.
Wien Meidling: All platforms are accessible via elevators. The station is compact, making it easier to navigate for those with limited mobility compared to the larger Hauptbahnhof.
Assistance Services
Hidden Disabilities: Vienna International Airport recognises the Sunflower Lanyard. Pick one up at the Airport Service Counter in Terminal 1, Terminal 3/Level 0, or Terminal 3/Level 1 (open 05:30–22:15). Staff are trained to offer extra help to Sunflower wearers.
Vienna Airport – Accessible TravelÖBB Mobility: For personal assistance (e.g., wheelchair lifts), book via the ÖBB Mobility Service at least 12 hours in advance by calling +43 (0)5 1717 (Mon–Sun, 06:00–23:00).
ÖBB Mobility ServiceÖBB Mobility: For personal assistance (e.g., wheelchair lifts), book via the ÖBB Mobility Service at least 3 hours in advance by calling +43 (0)5 1717 (Mon–Sun, 06:00–23:00).
ÖBB Mobility ServiceSafety
Vienna is exceptionally safe, but transit hubs are common targets for minor scams.
Men inside the airport arrivals hall holding “Taxi” signs are private chauffeurs who charge double. Only use the outdoor rank or an app.
At the station, ignore anyone offering to help you use the ticket machine because “it’s broken.” They may try to see your PIN. Only speak to staff in official red ÖBB uniforms.
While safe, the area outside Westbahnhof can be busy and chaotic. Keep a firm grip on your belongings when exiting the station.
Meidling is a very busy commuter station. Stay behind the yellow lines, as high-speed trains often pass through without stopping.
Essential Services
Lost & Found
Report lost items online via the contact form, or collect in person at the Airport Service Counter, Terminal 3, Level 0. Open daily 05:30–23:00.
Vienna Airport – Lost Property OfficeSubmit a report via the ÖBB Lost & Found online tool. The Vienna collection office is at Am Hauptbahnhof 1 (Wien Hauptbahnhof), open Mon–Thu 07:30–12:00 & 14:00–16:30, Fri 07:30–13:30. Hotline (office hours): +43 5 1778 97 22222.
ÖBB Lost & FoundFirst Aid
An emergency ambulance with a doctor and two paramedics is on call 24 hours at Vienna International Airport. Contact: +43 1 7007-22245.
Vienna Airport – Medical CareNo dedicated first-aid post on site. For any emergency, call 112 (pan-European emergency number) and paramedics will be dispatched.
Pharmacy
A pharmacy is in the Terminal 1 arcade corridor, Level 1. Contact: +43 1 7007-35305.
Vienna Airport – Medical CareNo on-site pharmacy. Ask station staff or search online for the nearest open location.