Vienna Airport

Vienna-Schwechat Airport (VIE), also known as Vienna International Airport, is Austria’s main airport and the gateway to this wonderful country for most tourists.

Due to its strategic location in the heart of the continent, it is also convenient for reaching other destinations in Central Europe, including the beautiful city of Bratislava. Every year more than twenty million passengers depart from or arrive at Vienna Airport.

It is a modern airport with three passenger terminals, equipped with numerous facilities including short and long-stay parking, free wifi, bars and restaurants, shops, lounges, a VIP area, and a multicultural room for prayer or meditation. Inside the airport you can also find a hotel, very useful for those with an early morning flight, and a conference centre.

There are also three information desks: in the departure hall in terminal 1 and 3 (level 1) and in the arrivals hall in terminal 3 (ground floor).

How to get to the centre of Vienna from the airport

Vienna Airport is well connected to the city centre by public transport: you can choose from several options.

Train

The fastest way to get to the centre of Vienna is the City Airport Train (CAT), which connects the airport to Wien Mitte station in just 16 minutes, with departures every half hour from early morning until midnight. Vienna Card holders are entitled to a discount on the ticket price.

You can also take the Austrian ÖBB Railjet trains that stop at Vienna Central Station: they take about ten minutes longer, but are cheaper. These also run from early morning until midnight.

Another cheap option is the S7 light rail, which connects the airport with the Wien Florisdorf station in 37 minutes. To travel, you need to buy a ticket for the Vienna urban area and one for the suburban area; Vienna Card holders only need to buy a ticket for the suburban area.

Buses

Vienna Airport Lines buses are a viable alternative to trains and the only public transport running 24 hours a day, although with reduced frequency at night. There are several stops to/from the airport; the journey time varies depending on the stop of departure or destination.

There is also a discount for Vienna Airport Lines bus tickets for Vienna Card holders.

Taxis and private transfers

If you want to travel in comfort, you can take a taxi or, even better, a private transfer. The latter solution saves you all the queues because you have a driver at your disposal who will pick you up and take you straight to your hotel.

The price of a private transfer from the airport to the centre of Vienna is not as prohibitive as you might think, especially if there are several people sharing the cost. By booking online well in advance you can find great deals.

Car hire at Vienna Airport

The most convenient choice for those who wish to have a private vehicle during their holiday in Austria is to rent a car at Vienna Airport. This allows you to leave as soon as you get out of the airport and not have to waste time later looking for a car hire office in the city districts.

At Vienna Airport you will find several car hire companies, both national and international, with multilingual staff. To get the best prices, it is a good idea to book your car online before arrival.

Arrivals and Departures