If there’s one thing I learned on my trips to Vienna, it’s that getting from the airport to the city is easy and fast. I personally prefer taking the train, but I’ve also used the VAB2 bus several times, as my hotel was very close to the bus stop.
Vienna International Airport (VIE) sits about 20 km outside the city center, but thanks to the city’s efficient transport system, you can be sipping coffee in the heart of the city in no time.
Whether you prefer public transport or a more comfortable private ride, you’ve got several great options.
There’s no direct metro from the airport, but honestly you won’t miss it. The alternatives are smooth, reliable, and well-connected.
From my experience, the best option really depends on where you’re staying:
- Staying near Stephansplatz? The VAB2 bus is incredibly convenient.
- Staying elsewhere? The train (sometimes combined with metro) is usually your best bet.
- Want zero hassle? Go for a taxi or private transfer straight to your hotel.
How to get from Vienna Airport to the city center
1. Train, my go-to option from Vienna Airport
I personally think the train is the easiest and most efficient way to reach the city.
Vienna has several major train stations, but chances are you’ll be heading to Wien Mitte or Wien Hauptbahnhof, both very central and well connected.
There are three main train options:
- CAT (City Airport Train) – fastest
- S7 Schnellbahn – cheaper, slightly slower
- Intercity trains – fewer departures but useful
CAT (City Airport Train)
If you want speed and comfort, this is the one.
The CAT runs non-stop between the airport and Wien Mitte in just 16 minutes, which honestly feels almost too quick. The trains are modern, spacious, and very comfortable. On some flights, you can even check in your luggage directly at the station—super convenient.
The downside? Price.
- One-way ticket: €14.90
- Round trip: €24.90 (or €22.41 online with discount)
It only runs between the airport and Wien Mitte, but that’s not really a limitation—Wien Mitte is very central. I actually walked from there to Stephansplatz in about 16 minutes.
From Wien Mitte, you’ve got excellent connections:
- Metro: U3 and U4
- Tram: O and 1
- Trains: S1, S2, S3, S4, S7 and more
- Bus: 74A
Schedule:
- Wien Mitte → Airport: 05:37 – 23:07
- Airport → Wien Mitte: 06:08 – 23:38
Check updated info and tickets here:
https://www.cityairporttrain.com
S7 Train — best value for money
If you’re traveling on a budget (like I often do), the S7 is a fantastic option. It’s not as fast or fancy as the CAT since it makes several stops, but it’s still efficient—and much cheaper.
- Ticket: €5.20
- Duration: about 25 minutes
Honestly, for that price difference, I didn’t mind the extra few minutes at all.
Schedule:
- Airport → Wien Mitte: 00:19 – 23:49
- Wien Mitte → Airport: 04:19 – 00:49
One thing I really liked is that it stops at multiple stations, so depending on where your hotel is, you might not even need to transfer.
Stops include: Floridsdorf, Handelskai, Traisengasse, Praterstern, Wien Mitte, Rennweg, St. Marx, Geiselbergstraße, Zentralfriedhof, Kaiserebersdorf, Schwechat, Mannswörth, Flughafen Wien.
Tickets and details here: https://tickets.oebb.at/en/ticket/travel
Intercity trains
Another option, especially if you’re continuing your journey beyond Vienna, is to hop on one of the regional or intercity trains.
They connect the airport with cities like Wels, Linz, or St. Pölten, and many of them stop at Wien Mitte and Wien Hauptbahnhof.
- Ticket price to central stations: €5.20
You won’t find as many departures as with the S7, but they can be very handy depending on your schedule.
More info:
https://tickets.oebb.at/en/ticket/travel
My tip after visiting Vienna? S7 is my choice. If you want speed and comfort, go for the CAT. If you want to save money without sacrificing too much time, the S7 is the clear winner
2. Bus, a very convenient option depending on where you stay
I’ll be honest: I didn’t consider the bus at first… and that was a mistake. After trying it, I realized it’s actually one of the most convenient ways to get into Vienna, especially if your hotel is well located.
Just like the trains, there are several bus lines connecting the airport with different parts of the city, operated by the Vienna Airport Buses.
Vienna Airport Buses
There are three main lines, each covering a different area:
- VAB1: Westbahnhof via Hauptbahnhof, every 30 minutes
- VAB2: Morzinplatz/Schwedenplatz (direct), every 30 minutes
- VAB3: Donaustadt / Donauzentrum (with several stops), every hour
Depending on the route, the journey takes between 20 and 40 minutes, which is pretty reasonable considering the comfort, space for luggage, and no transfers.
Ticket prices:
- One-way: €11
- Round trip: €20 (€11 + €9 return)
- Children (6–14 years): half price
Why I recommend the VAB2
If you’re staying anywhere near the historic center, the VAB2 is hands down the best choice.
It goes (direct) to Morzinplatz/Schwedenplatz, which is just a 5–10 minute walk from Stephansplatz. When I took it, I was surprised how central the stop actually is, you basically step off the bus and you’re already in the heart of Vienna.
- Travel time: about 20 minutes
- No transfers needed
- Drops you closest to the center
Check schedules and book tickets here: https://www.viennaairportlines.at/en/
3. Taxi, the easiest (but priciest) option
If you just want to land, hop in a car, and be dropped at your hotel door without thinking twice, a taxi is the way to go. After a long flight, I totally get the appeal. That said, it’s also the most expensive option.
At Vienna Airport, everything is very well organized. You’ll find official taxis:
- Right outside the arrivals hall
- Or at the “City Transfer” counters inside arrivals
It’s super easy to find—just follow the signs once you exit the terminal.
Typical fare:
- Between €39 and €50, depending on your exact destination
From my experience, if you’re traveling with luggage, arriving late at night, or in a group, it can actually be worth it for the convenience alone.
4. Private transfer, the stress-free option straight to your hotel
If you want zero hassle, no waiting, no machines, no figuring out routes, this is easily the most interesting option. It’s especially worth it if you’re traveling in a group of 4 or more people, because the cost becomes quite reasonable when shared.
As soon as you step into the arrivals hall, your driver is already there waiting for you, holding a sign with your name. No stress, no confusion, just straight to your hotel.
One important tip: book in advance. These services aren’t something you just arrange last minute if you want the best price and availability.
>>>Private transfer from Vienna Airport <<<
5. Car, perfect if you want to explore beyond Vienna
If your plan is to go beyond the city and explore Austria at your own pace (which I highly recommend), renting a car can be a great idea.
Driving from the airport to central Vienna is easy. With light traffic, it takes about 20 minutes, and everything is very well signposted.
The simplest route is via the A4 motorway, which takes you directly into the city.
At the airport, you’ll find all the major international car rental companies, along with a few local ones. Their offices are conveniently located on Level 0, so it’s easy to pick up your car right after landing.
My advice? Book online in advance. Not only will you usually get better prices, but you’ll also save time at the airport and avoid unnecessary queues.