2024-10-15 | TRAVEL GUIDE
As anywhere in Europe, ground transportation in Vienna is very well-developed. Getting from the Vienna Airport to the city center can be done by boarding a bus, train or a taxi service, and the distance between the airport and Vienna is 19 km.
The transportation duration may vary depending on the option you’ll choose.
Below, we made a transportation selection to ease your traveling anxiety, so you know what to expect. In the meantime, if you arrive a bit early, do not despair since there’s a lot to do at Vienna Airport.
Vienna Airport bus is actually the cheapest option to get to the city. From the airport you can take the airport shuttle option, or take a transit airport bus going from Bratislava airport. The only disadvantage is that the buses don't operate at night. The average ticket cost is €8. To use this option, you’ll spend about 42 minutes to get to the center, and the same time waiting at the airport. The bus to Vienna stop is located near the exit from the arrivals terminal, so when you leave the building, you will see it immediately.
This transportation option is good for individual tourists or young couples without heavy luggage. Commercial buses are quite comfortable and have a spacious luggage compartment. You can make your booking in advance online and avoid running around at the airport.
The bus option is also suitable for those who are afraid to deal with the purchase of a train ticket or are afraid to miss the necessary stop, as well as for those who travel light, experienced tourists who know the language and travelers without children.
Generally, there are 3 types of trains and commuter trains running to Vienna from the airport train station. They are the City Airport Train (CAT), the IntercityExpress (ICE), and the S-Bahn S7. Each of these trains has their own timetable and ticket price. On average, the ticket costs around €5 for an hour (including waiting time) trip, taking around 30-37 minutes. The CAT takes only 16 minutes, and costs €11.
The disadvantage is that trains don't run to Vienna at night. On the other hand, the CAT is of high comfort level and suitable for couples or families with children of 6 years old and upwards.They are mostly new, with comfortable carriages and soft seats. The situation is similar for the S7 and ICE, but the comfort level is a bit lower.To get to the S7 train platform after passport control, enter the arrivals hall and turn right. Then, follow the blue sign S. Piece of cake!
Any taxi company, will take you from the Schwechat Airport to the city center for around €35 and in only 20 minutes (the price is without any discount). Those who travel with children or have heavy luggage, getting a taxi from the Vienna airport is the fastest and most comfortable option to get to the center.
Additionally, such transfers are booked by groups of skiers, since the cost of a seat in a minibus is even lower than the ticket for a high-speed train, and it will take only 20 minutes to reach Vienna’s center. The best part is that you won’t have to wait more than 5 minutes for the airport taxi, and they will take you to Vienna even if you arrive at night. Sometimes, there are discounts available as well.
The comfort with this option is high, since all vehicles are air conditioned, the trip is done without stops and without other passengers, child seats and fresh water are available, and the operators are speaking English. This options is mainly recommended for families with children, inexperienced tourists, tourists who are in Vienna for the first time, tourists with a language barrier, elderly travelers, tourists who arrive at night and travelers who have heavy luggage. If you book a transfer in advance, the driver will meet you at the exit from the arrivals area. If you want to take a taxi on the spot, leave the terminal and you will see the taxi-stand.
You will need to wait a little for the airport officer to determine your car.
Austria is one of the most organized counties in the world. Hence, the travelers should expect a smooth experience in terms of airport transfers. Since the airport is not that far from the city, you should expect to get there in 16-37 minutes, depending on the option you use. And while you contemplate on the best option to use, do some reading on the security tips you should know when traveling to Vienna.
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