Vienna Airport Guide
Everything you need to know about Vienna International Airport — CAT train, S-Bahn, bus, taxi options, terminal info, and essential arrival advice
Vienna International Airport (VIE) is located 18 km southeast of the city centre. The City Airport Train (CAT) reaches Wien Mitte station in just 16 minutes for €14.90. The budget option is the S-Bahn S7 — 25 minutes for just €4.40. Vienna Airport Lines buses run to Morzinplatz/Schwedenplatz in 20 minutes for €9.50. Taxis have a regulated fixed rate of €36 to anywhere in the city centre.
Vienna Airport serves major European carriers and long-haul routes. The airport is modern, efficient, and consistently rated among Europe's best. Signage is clear and in English. The single terminal makes navigation straightforward. This guide covers everything you need for a smooth arrival and departure.
Airport Overview
Arriving at VIE
- Terminal: Single terminal with arrivals on the ground floor. Clear signage in German and English throughout
- EU/Schengen arrivals: No immigration check for flights from within the Schengen zone. Non-Schengen flights go through passport control
- Baggage claim: Usually 15-25 minutes after landing. The airport is efficient and well-organised
- Arrivals hall: ATMs, currency exchange, SIM cards, tourist information, and car rental counters all available after customs
- Tip: Connect to free airport Wi-Fi to check transport options and book Uber/Bolt if needed
Airlines Serving VIE
- Austrian Airlines: Flag carrier and Star Alliance member with extensive European and long-haul network
- Eurowings / Wizz Air: Budget carriers with cheap European connections
- Ryanair: Budget flights to/from European cities (note: operates from VIE, not a separate airport)
- Lufthansa / Swiss / KLM: Major European carriers with connecting flights via their hubs
- Long-haul: Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, and others connect Vienna to the Middle East, Asia, and beyond
- Tip: Wizz Air and Ryanair often have the cheapest fares — book luggage in advance for best rates
Airport to City Centre Journey
The 18 km journey from Vienna Airport to the city centre is straightforward. Both train options (CAT and S-Bahn) depart from the railway station directly beneath the terminal — follow signs for "Trains" or "Bahn". The bus and taxi stands are outside the arrivals hall at ground level. Rush hour (7-9 AM, 4-6:30 PM) can add 10-15 minutes to road journeys but does not affect train times. For departures back to the airport, allow 60-75 minutes total including your journey and check-in buffer.
Airport to Vienna Transport
City Airport Train (CAT)
RecommendedPros
- + Fastest option — 16 minutes non-stop to Wien Mitte
- + Spacious with dedicated luggage racks
- + Online check-in for return flights at Wien Mitte station
- + Comfortable seating and free Wi-Fi on board
- + Runs every 30 minutes from 6 AM to 11:30 PM
Cons
- - Most expensive train option at €14.90 (€24.90 return)
- - Only goes to Wien Mitte — may need metro transfer
- - Only 9 minutes faster than the S-Bahn at 3x the price
- - Does not accept standard Vienna transport tickets
S-Bahn S7
RecommendedPros
- + Best value at just €4.40 — a third of the CAT price
- + Runs to Wien Mitte and continues to other stations
- + Included in Vienna Card if activated before boarding
- + Runs every 30 minutes throughout the day
- + Regular commuter train — reliable and efficient
Cons
- - Takes 25 minutes versus 16 for the CAT
- - Less luggage space than the CAT
- - Stops at several intermediate stations
- - Can be crowded during rush hours
Vienna Airport Lines Bus
ConvenientPros
- + Drops at Morzinplatz/Schwedenplatz — useful for 1st/2nd district hotels
- + Comfortable coach with luggage storage
- + Alternative route avoids Wien Mitte if your hotel is elsewhere
- + Runs every 30 minutes from early morning to midnight
- + Can be booked online with a small discount
Cons
- - More expensive than the S-Bahn at €9.50
- - Subject to traffic delays — can take 30-40 minutes in rush hour
- - Less frequent than the train options
- - Schwedenplatz stop may still require metro transfer
Taxi (Fixed Rate)
ConvenientPros
- + Door-to-door service — no transfers needed
- + Fixed €36 rate to anywhere in Vienna city limits
- + Available 24/7 with no pre-booking needed
- + Comfortable with space for luggage
- + Best option for groups (up to 4 passengers for €36 total)
Cons
- - Most expensive for solo travelers — €36 vs €4.40 S-Bahn
- - Subject to traffic — rush hour adds 10-15 minutes
- - Some unofficial touts may try to charge more — use official rank only
- - Uber/Bolt may be slightly cheaper during off-peak
Airport Facilities
SIM Cards & Connectivity
- Free Wi-Fi: Available throughout the airport — connect and check transport options before heading to the exit
- SIM cards: A1 and Magenta (T-Mobile) counters in arrivals. Tourist SIMs from €10-20 for 30 days with data
- EU roaming: If you have an EU SIM card, your data and calls work in Austria at no extra cost
- Tip: EU travelers do not need a local SIM. Non-EU visitors can buy at the airport or at shops in the city for similar prices
Currency & Money
- Currency: Euro (€). Austria uses the euro — no currency exchange needed for eurozone visitors
- ATMs: Multiple ATMs in arrivals. Use Erste Bank or Bank Austria for the best rates. Avoid Euronet ATMs (higher fees)
- Currency exchange: Available but ATMs typically offer better rates. Only exchange cash if your bank charges high ATM fees
- Cards: Visa and Mastercard are accepted almost everywhere in Vienna. Contactless payment is widespread. Some small Würstelstände and market stalls are cash-only
- Tip: Always choose to be charged in EUR at ATMs and card machines — "dynamic currency conversion" in your home currency adds hidden markups
Pro Tips for Arrival
Budget Choice: S-Bahn S7
The S-Bahn S7 offers the best value at €4.40 — a third of the CAT price for only 9 minutes more travel time. The train departs from the same station under the terminal. At Wien Mitte, transfer to U3 or U4 for your final destination. If you have a Vienna Card, the S-Bahn journey is included (activate before boarding). The S-Bahn is a regular Austrian commuter train — clean, safe, and perfectly comfortable.
Late Night Arrivals
The CAT runs until 11:30 PM and the S-Bahn runs later (check timetable for your date). For late arrivals after trains stop, the taxi fixed rate of €36 is the most reliable option. Uber and Bolt operate 24/7 and may be slightly cheaper than the fixed taxi rate at quiet times. The airport bus also runs late services. The journey to the city at night is quick with no traffic — 15-20 minutes by road.
Groups: Split a Taxi
The fixed €36 taxi rate covers up to 4 passengers with luggage. For a group of 3-4, that is just €9-12 per person — comparable to the S-Bahn and far more convenient with door-to-door service. The official taxi rank is outside arrivals — follow the signs. Do not accept offers from unofficial drivers inside the terminal.
Departure Tips
For departures from Vienna to the airport, allow 60-75 minutes total including the journey and airport buffer time. The CAT offers check-in at Wien Mitte station for Austrian Airlines and partner flights — drop your bags in the city and travel hands-free. Rush hour can add 10-15 minutes to taxi/bus journeys. Arrive 2-2.5 hours before international flights and 1.5 hours before Schengen flights. Vienna Airport is efficient — security and boarding are generally quick.
Vienna Airport FAQs
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