How to Get from Vienna Airport to the City Centre

Wondering how to get from Vienna Airport to the city center? There’s a few different ways, and the good news is, they’re all pretty easy. Whether you’re looking for the cheapest route, the fastest ride, or something stress-free after a long flight, this guide covers all the main options to get from the airport to central Vienna.

We ended up taking the S-Bahn when we arrived, as the City Airport Train (CAT) wasn’t running that day due to a rotating strike, and it turned out to be simple, efficient, and much cheaper than I expected. Below, I’ll walk you through the different ways to reach the city centre, what each one costs, how long it takes, and which might be the best fit for your trip.

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Best Ways to Get from Vienna Airport to the City Centre

Below you’ll find everything you need to know about each option — including prices, travel times, and what to expect when you arrive.

CAT (City Airport Train): Fastest Way to Central Vienna

The City Airport Train (CAT) is the fastest way to get from Vienna International Airport to the city centre. It runs non-stop from the airport to Wien Mitte / Landstraße station in just 15 minutes, with comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, and plenty of space for luggage.

It’s by far the easiest option to find. CAT ads are everywhere in the terminal, from the walls throughout the terminal to the baggage carousel. It’s easy to find and incredibly simple to use, especially if you have limited time, or just want to get into the city quickly without worrying about stops or transfers.

Note: You can also bundle CAT tickets with the Vienna City card for a small discount, but note that the standard Vienna City Card does not include CAT fare. If you want to use the CAT with a Vienna City Card, you’ll need to purchase the “Vienna City Card + Airport Transfer” version or the “Vienna City Card + Airport Transfer + Hop-On Hop-Off” option.

Schedule + Departures

• Runs every 30 minutes, 7 days a week
• From Airport to Wien Mitte: 6:07 am – 11:37 pm
• From Wien Mitte to Airport: 5:37 am – 11:07 pm
• Operates from early morning to late evening

Luggage + Onboard Perks

The CAT is designed with air travellers in mind and you’ll find:

• Wide aisles
• Plenty of luggage racks
  Power outlets and free Wi-Fi
• Screens with real-time info
• Dedicated seating zones for comfort

If you’re flying out of Vienna, the CAT also offers a City Check-In service. You can check your luggage and print your boarding pass right at Wien Mitte for many airlines (especially Austrian Airlines), and then go straight to security when you arrive at the airport.

Where it Drops You Off

The CAT drops you at Wien Mitte station, which connects directly to the U3 and U4 subway lines. From there, it’s easy to transfer to popular areas like:

• Stephansplatz (for Old Town + cathedral)
• Karlsplatz
• Schönbrunn (via U4)
• Westbahnhof (via U3)

Good to Know

Have a stopover in Vienna that’s at least 4 hours long? CAT offers a program called CATch the City, where you can use the train to quickly explore the city during your layover. Just make sure to check schedules so you’re back in time for your next flight.

S-Bahn (S7): Best Budget Option 

If you’re looking to save money and don’t mind a slightly longer ride, the S-Bahn (S7) is the best-value way to get from Vienna Airport to the city centre. It’s a regional commuter train that takes about 25 minutes to reach Wien Mitte / Landstraße, and costs €5.40 per person, which is a fraction of the price of the City Airport Train.

We were actually planning to take the CAT, but found out when we landed that it wasn’t running due to a rotating strike. So we took the S-Bahn instead, and honestly, it was just as easy as the CAT once we figured out where to go.

Buying Tickets

Once you exit baggage claim, follow the signs for the train station at the far end of the arrivals hall. Look for the red ÖBB ticket machines — these are for the S-Bahn and other public trains (not the green CAT machines).

You can switch the machine to English and select “Vienna” or “Wien Mitte” as your destination. The airport (Flughafen Wien Bahnhof) will already be listed as your starting point.

How Much Does the S7 Cost?

For airport journeys, you need a 2-zone ticket: one for the airport to the city boundary, and one for travel within Vienna.

• Adults: €5.40 (€2.20 + €3.20)
• Kids 6–14: €2.70 (€1.10 + €1.60)
• Kids under 6: Free
• Vienna City Card or multi-day pass holders: only need the €2.20 add-on ticket from the airport to the city boundary
• Pay by cash or contactless card

⭐ Important: You must have a valid ticket before boarding. Tickets are time-stamped when printed or must be validated at the machine if bought in advance.

Finding the S7 Train

Follow the ramp down to the platforms. Check the digital signs overhead and look for the S7 line heading to Floridsdorf — this stops at Wien Mitte and several other central stations.

Trains depart about every 30 minutes, and even though it makes more stops than the CAT, the full ride is only about 9 minutes longer.

What to Expect Onboard

The S-Bahn is a regular commuter train, meaning no frills, but totally functional. There’s no dedicated luggage space, so you’ll need to keep bags beside you or in overhead racks, but we had no issues with space. The train was clean, quiet, and arrived right on schedule.

If you’re comfortable navigating public transit and want to save money, the S7 is a great choice. Especially if you’re staying near Wien Mitte, it’s almost the same experience as the CAT for a lot less.

When we visited, we were actually planning to take the CAT — but when we landed, we found out it was temporarily suspended due to a rotating strike. So instead, we took the S-Bahn, and honestly? It was just as easy. It took a few minutes longer but cost a fraction of the price.

ÖBB Railjet: Fastest Train to Vienna Central Station

If you’re heading to Vienna Central Station (Hauptbahnhof) or Meidling, the Railjet is a great option. This high-speed train is operated by ÖBB and connects directly to the city centre in about 15 minutes.

We didn’t take it this time, since we were staying closer to Wien Mitte, but if you’re booked near the U1 or U6 subway lines, this is a good choice, especially if you have a stroller or lots of luggage.

 Travel Time:

• ~15 minutes to Vienna Central Station
• ~30 minutes to Wien Meidling

Cost:

• €5.40 for adults
• €2.70 for kids (ages 6–14)
• Free for kids under 6
• If you already have a Vienna City Card or multi-day public transit pass, you only need a €2.20 add-on ticket from the airport to Schwechat

Schedule:

• Every 30 minutes from 6:33 am to 11:02 pm (plus one late train at 12:02 am)
• Departures to the airport start as early as 5:30 am

Where to Buy Tickets:

Tickets are available from the red ÖBB machines, the ticket counter, online at oebb.at, or via the ÖBB app. If you already have a Vienna City Card or multi-day public transit pass, you’ll only need the €2.20 add-on for the airport zone.

What to Expect Onboard:

Railjet trains are clean, quiet, and stroller-friendly, with space for luggage. Seating is open, and you can keep bags with you or in designated luggage racks. It’s not fancy, but it’s fast and ideal if you’re staying near Hauptbahnhof (U1) or Meidling (U6), which both connect easily to the U-Bahn network.

Taxi or Uber: Easy Door-to-Door Convenience

If you want a simple, no-stress way to get from Vienna Airport to your hotel, taking a taxi or Uber is one of the most direct options. The drive into central Vienna takes about 20–25 minutes, depending on traffic, and you’ll be dropped off right at your accommodation.

How Much Does a Taxi Cost?

Taxis from Vienna Airport to the city centre usually cost between €30 and €45, depending on your exact destination and whether or not you’ve booked in advance.

Some taxi companies offer pre-booked flat rates:

• Taxi 40 100 – €42 for up to 4 passengers (must request an “airport taxi” when booking)
  
• Taxi 31 300 – €37 flat rate via their app for up to 4 passengers
  
• Without pre-booking, standard airport taxis from the rank outside arrivals may charge more

✳️  Important: For the fixed rate to apply, the taxi must be pre-booked and the ride must be a direct trip from/to a Vienna address. Otherwise, an extra €18 return fee may be added.

Don’t Have a Pre-Booked Taxi?

If you haven’t arranged a taxi in advance, you can head to the taxi rank directly outside the arrivals hall or visit the “City Transfer” counters inside the terminal.

⭐ Tip: To ensure you’re getting an authorized airport taxi, look for license plates that start with “SW” and end in “TX” (e.g. SW‑123TX).

These taxis serve the airport specifically and follow regulated pricing , but they may be more expensive than a pre-booked ride.

What About Uber?

Uber operates in Vienna and is often slightly cheaper than a traditional taxi. You can book as usual through the app, and pickup is typically from the arrivals area. It’s a convenient option if you already use Uber and don’t want to worry about cash or local taxi apps.

Private Transfers: Easy, Pre-Booked Peace of Mind

If you want a smooth, stress-free arrival, private transfers are a great option. You’ll be met right in the terminal and taken directly to your accommodation, with no need to figure out taxis or train tickets after a long flight.

Welcome Pickups

While we didn’t use Welcome Pickups in Vienna, we’ve booked with them in other cities and always had a great experience. The process is simple, the drivers have always been professional, and it’s one of the easiest options we’ve found for arriving in a new city, especially after a long flight.

• Fixed price (typically similar to a taxi)
• English-speaking drivers
• Meet-and-greet service at the airport
• Option to request extras like child seats
• Easy to book online in advance

Other Private Transfer Options

You can also find similar services through GetYourGuide, which offers a variety of transfer options from Vienna Airport to hotels around the city. They’re similar to Welcome Pickups, with fixed pricing, English-speaking drivers, and door-to-door service, but offer more flexibility in terms of vehicle size or extra services.

This can be a great option for larger families or small groups who want to book a van or need help with extra luggage.

Bus: Affordable Connections to Vienna

The Vienna Airport Bus (Vienna Airport Lines) is another reliable, budget-friendly way to get into the city.

It runs three direct routes between the airport and key areas in Vienna, including Schwedenplatz, Westbahnhof, Central Station, and northeastern Vienna.

Buses run daily from early morning to after midnight, and many lines operate almost around the clock.

Routes and Travel Times

There are three main lines, all with connections to Vienna’s subway system:

• 🟢 Line 1:
  Airport → Central Station → Westbahnhof
  Travel time: ~40 minutes
  Runs every 30 mins from 4:30 am to 1:00 am
• 🔵 Line 2:
  Airport → Morzinplatz / Schwedenplatz (U1, U4 connections)
  Travel time: ~22 minutes
  Every 30 mins from 4:15 am to 12:15 am
• 🟠 Line 3:
  Airport → Kaisermühlen VIC → Donauzentrum (U1 area, near UNO City / Austria Center Vienna)
  Travel time: ~39–42 minutes
  Runs hourly from 6:00 am to 9:30 pm

You can view full timetables and maps on viennaairportbus.com

Cost + Tickets

• Adults: €11 one-way / €20 return
• Kids 6–14: €6 one-way / €11 return
• Kids under 6: Free
• Tickets available online, at ticket machines at the airport or Westbahnhof, or directly from the driver (cash only)

🎟️ Using a Vienna City Card?
If you have the Vienna City Card + Airport Transfer or the Vienna City Card + Airport Transfer + Hop-On Hop-Off, the bus ride is included.

Accessibility + Amenities

• All buses are low-entry and stroller- and wheelchair-accessible
• Equipped with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and USB charging ports

Is the Bus a Good Option?

The bus can be a good choice if:

• You’re staying near Schwedenplatz, Westbahnhof, or in the UNO City area
• You want a direct ride without transfers
• You’re arriving very early or late (some routes run almost around the clock)
• You prefer the comfort of a reserved seat with amenities like Wi-Fi and USB ports

That said, it’s worth noting that at €11 per adult, the bus is nearly twice the price of the S-Bahn, which also goes to the city centre (Wien Mitte) in about the same time. If you’re travelling light and don’t mind walking or connecting to the subway, the S-Bahn is usually the better value.

Going somewhere other than Vienna city centre?

While this guide focuses on getting into central Vienna, it’s also possible to travel directly from the airport to nearby cities like Bratislava, Budapest, or Brno. 

We actually arrived at the Vienna airport from Bratislava by FlixBus and were dropped off right at the airport terminal. It’s a budget-friendly option if you’re travelling between cities and catching a flight from Vienna.

Bonus Tips for Families

• Kids under 6 ride free on all public transit in Vienna
  
• You can connect easily to the U-Bahn (subway) from Wien Mitte, Praterstern, and Westbahnhof
  
• Most stations have elevators, but a few older ones might not — helpful to know if you’re using a stroller
  
• The standard Vienna City Card does not include the CAT — but it does cover public transport like the S-Bahn, subway, trams, and buses
  
• If you’re planning to use transit often, the Vienna City Card could be worth it for the unlimited rides and discounts

👉 Learn more: Vienna City Card vs Vienna Pass: Which One Is Best for Families?

Our Take on the Best Way to Get from Vienna Airport to City Centre

After arriving in Vienna and seeing how easy and affordable the S-Bahn was, that would definitely be our recommendation — especially if you’re travelling light and want to save a bit of money.

That said, there’s no single best choice for everyone. It really depends on your travel style, budget, and where you’re staying. Here’s a quick recap to help you decide:

• Budget-friendly: S-Bahn – easy and direct once you know where to go
  
• Fastest: CAT (City Airport Train) – non-stop to Wien Mitte with extra perks
  
• Most convenient: Taxi or Uber – great for luggage or late-night arrivals
  
• Stress-free arrival: Private transfers – pre-booked with meet-and-greet service
  
• Group travel: Shuttle or transfer

Vienna’s airport is well connected, and once you’re in the city, getting around is easy — so no matter how you arrive, you’ll be exploring in no time.

Planning your visit? Check out these ideas for things to do in Vienna with kids, or follow our full 4-day Vienna itinerary for a mix of fun, culture, and downtime. If you’re still deciding where to base yourself, here’s our guide to where to stay in Vienna with kids, including neighbourhood tips and family-friendly hotels. You’ll also find plenty to keep kids engaged with our list of the best museums in Vienna for families and our favourite playgrounds in Vienna.