This post covers various methods of Vienna public transport, including tickets and passes as an option to commute to Vienna on a budget.
Vienna public transport offers an affordable transport system that efficiently connects residents and visitors to various parts of the city.
Vienna, Austria's capital, has an excellent public transportation system connecting inhabitants and visitors to various city regions.
Travelers may easily tour Vienna's attractions using trams, buses, and the U-Bahn, including historic sites, palaces, museums, and dynamic neighborhoods.
Tickets and permits are available for budget-conscious travelers, while hop-on-hop-off buses cater to tourists searching for a convenient method to visit renowned locations.
Furthermore, transportation from Vienna International Airport to the city center is simple, with choices such as the City Airport Train, taxis, and airport transfers readily available.
Overall, the public transit system in Vienna provides seamless and convenient mobility for all.
How to travel cheaply in Vienna?
Using Vienna public transport like U-Bahn to travel cheaply in Vienna.
You can try an annual or monthly ticket that allows you unlimited travel. Similarly, for tourists, there are many affordable local markets and free tourist attractions.
Is Vienna a walkable city?
Yes, Vienna, Austria, is a great walking city. Many of the city's most famous landmarks are conveniently positioned in close proximity to one another and can be reached on foot.
We offer various Vienna walking tours where you can opt for free or paid tours.
What is the best way to get around Vienna?
The U-Bahn is the quickest method to get everywhere in Vienna, but trams and buses are also available.
Walking or using Vienna's bike-sharing system are excellent choices for shorter distances.
How do you pay for public transport in Vienna?
You can pay for Vienna public transport through tickets, cards, or passes purchased from Wiener Linien, a municipal authority responsible for dealing with transport tickets and passes all around Vienna.
If you only need to ride public transport without any tourist attractions, Wiener Linien offers a variety of ticket options, including a single ticket that you can consider.
These tickets can be used to travel through Vienna public transport except for airport rapid transit and tourist offers. Here are ticket price details:
- Single Trip - Є2.4/Adult
- Single Trip - Є1.2/Child
- Single Trip - Є1.5/Seniore
- Day Ticket - Є5.8
- 24-hour Ticket - Є8
- 48-Hours Ticket - Є14.10
- 72-Hours Ticket - Є17.10
The tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable. Only the person in whose name the ticket was purchased can travel on it. It can be displayed in Wein Mobile App as an e-ticket. You can buy these tickets online or at the terminals zone.
Buy Your Tickets or Learn More.
Passes
Various passes offered by Wiener Linien can be used for public transport in Vienna. Some of these passes also offer a Hop-ob-Hop-off tour and other tourist attractions.
Annual Vienna Public Transport Pass
This annual ticket can be used to travel around Vienna on all the public transport options available for the whole year (365 days). It costs Є365, making it Є1 per day. There are various options to buy this pass.
- Annual Pass (Advance Payment) - Є365
- Annual Pass (Monthly Payment) - Є396
- Annual Pass Senior Citizen (Advance Payment) - Є235
- Annual Pass Senior Citizen (Monthly Payment) - Є246
Vienna Mobilpass
This pass is exclusive only to the holders of Mobilpass Vienna. The pass is non-transferable and non-refundable.
Only the person in whose name the ticket was purchased can travel on it. It can be displayed in Wein Mobile App or printed form.
It can be used to travel through Vienna public transport except for airport rapid transit and tourist offers.
- 7 Days Vienna Mobilepass - Є17.10
- 31 Days Vienna Mobilepass - Є51
Easy City Pass Vienna
Especially designed for visitors and tourists, this pass allows free travel over all Vienna public transport as well as discounted entry to museums and other tourist attractions.
This is transferable, and the validity is for 24 hrs, 48 hrs, and 72 hrs.
- Easy City Pass Vienna 24 Hours - Є8
- Easy City Pass Vienna 48 Hours - Є14.10
- Easy City Pass Vienna 72 Hours - Є17.10
Buy Your Tickets or Learn More.
Vienna City Card
The Vienna City Card offers a range of benefits to tourists, including unlimited travel on public transport and discounts at over 200 attractions.
It comes in various pricing tiers, depending on the validity period.
- 24 Hours - Є17
- 48 Hours - Є25
- 72 Hours - Є29
It's estimated that cardholders can save up to 30% on top attractions.
The card also offers discounts for some hop-on hop-off bus tours, providing an added convenience for sightseeing.
Therefore, it's a valuable resource for tourists to explore Vienna economically and efficiently.
Buy Your City Card or Learn More.
What is the difference between Vienna City Card and Easy CityPass Vienna?
The Vienna City Card provides unlimited travel on public transport and discounts at various attractions.
The Easy City Pass offers similar benefits but includes discounted or free entry to certain museums and attractions.
8 Days Climate Ticket
What if you don't travel daily? This climate ticket helps you travel on and off in Vienna. This is only valid for some 8 days consecutively, but you can travel on any 8 days you choose.
This ticket is transferable, unlike other Vienna public transport tickets. The price is Є40.8 per individual.
Buy Your Ticket or Learn More.
Semester Tickets
This ticket is for students under 26 years and allows them to travel day and night on all Vienna public transport except special rapid bus lines for 5 consecutive months.
The validity is from 1st September to 31 January and from 1st February to 30th June. The cost for the semester ticket is Є78 per student.
Top Youth Pass
This pass is the best for school-going kids and apprentices. They can travel between school, home, parties, and training centers.
Two types of Top Youth Passes are offered, and both have a validity of 1 academic year.
- Valid for travel between school, home, parties, and training center: Є70
- Valid for travel between school, home & training center: Є19.6
There are various public transport options that you can consider as public transport in Vienna.
Train stations, bus stops, cat terminals, U-Bahn, and more. Timetables for these transports are available online as well as at the terminals.
This section covers all the public transport options in Vienna.
U-Bahn
Vienna's U-Bahn (underground metro system) is the lifeline of the city's public transport system, providing a reliable, swift, and straightforward method to move around.
The U-Bahn network consists of five lines, each represented by a different color and a unique number, U1, U2, U3, U4, and U6.
- U1 (Red): The U1 line runs north-south, connecting Leopoldau north to Reumannplatz south. Key stations on this line include Stephansplatz, in the city's heart, and Praterstern, offering access to the famous amusement park, the Prater.
- U2 (Purple): The U2 line primarily operates east-west. The stations along this line connect several major tourist attractions, such as the Vienna City Hall (Rathaus), Parliament, the Vienna State Opera, and the MuseumsQuartier. The line starts from Seestadt and terminates at Karlsplatz.
- U3 (Orange): The U3 line is the most frequented. It runs from Simmering to Ottakring, passing through critical city centers such as Wien Mitte (a key transport hub and shopping center), Volkstheater (adjacent to the Museum Quarter), and Westbahnhof (one of Vienna's two main railway stations).
- U4 (Green): The U4 line runs parallel to the beautiful Vienna River, beginning from Hütteldorf and concluding at Heiligenstadt. Along this line, you can find Schönbrunn Palace, Stadtpark, and Spittelau (where you can switch to U6).
- U6 (Brown): The U6 line is the longest line and the only line that doesn't pass through the city center. It runs from Floridsdorf to Siebenhirten, covering the outer districts of Vienna.
| Line | Color | Route | Length | Stations |
| U1 | Red | Oberlaa – Leopoldau | 19.2 km (11.9 mi) | 24 |
| U2 | Purple | Karlsplatz – Seestadt | 16.7 km (10.4 mi) | 20 |
| U3 | Orange | Ottakring – Simmering | 13.5 km (8.4 mi) | 21 |
| U4 | Green | Hütteldorf – Heiligenstadt | 16.5 km (10.3 mi) | 20 |
| U6 | Brown | Siebenhirten – Floridsdorf | 17.4 km (10.8 mi) | 24 |
Schnellbahn
Vienna's Schnellbahn, a suburban rapid transit railway system, offers an expansive network that connects the suburbs and outer districts to the heart of Vienna.
Its lines are interspersed with the U-Bahn and tram routes, providing commuters with various options to reach their destinations.
A popular choice for locals and tourists is the S7 line due to its direct link between train platform at Vienna International Airport and the city center.
S1: This line stretches from Gänserndorf to Wiener Neustadt, connecting the northeastern and southern parts of the suburban area.
S2: The S2 line operates between Laa a der Thaya and Wiener Neustadt. This line serves the northeastern and southern suburbs and extends beyond the S1 line.
S3: Running from Hollabrunn to Sopron, the S3 line connects the northwest and southeastern parts of the surrounding region.
S4: This line connects Vienna with southern parts of Lower Austria and runs from Wien Heiligenstadt to Wiener Neustadt.
S7: The S7 line is the quickest public transport connection between Vienna International Airport and the city center, specifically the Wien Mitte station. This line also serves the southeastern suburbs.
S8: This line operates from Wolkersdorf to Wien Floridsdorf, serving the northeastern suburbs.
S9: This line connects the southwestern suburbs from Wiener Neustadt to Payerbach-Reichenau.
How do I get from Vienna airport to the city?
You can use the City Airport Train (CAT), S7 Schnellbahn, a taxi, or a pre-booked airport transfer service to get from Vienna airport to the city.
Bus
Buses in Vienna serve as the capillary connections reaching areas not easily accessed by U-Bahn or Schnellbahn.
These buses work with the rail services to ensure complete city coverage and are a convenient way to travel inside Vienna.
Vienna also operates a night bus service (NightLine), which comes in handy when other transport options are scant, especially at night.
Straßenbahn
Vienna's Straßenbahn (tram) is a prominent feature of the city's transport system, combining efficiency with the charm of leisurely travel.
This allows passengers to appreciate Vienna's historic architecture while journeying.
The network, one of the largest globally, covers parts of Vienna, including tourist attractions.
The Ring Tram service uniquely offers a circular route around Vienna's historic city center, enabling passengers to admire iconic landmarks.
Here are some of the critical lines of Straßenbahn:
Regular Lines (1-62, 65-71): These lines provide comprehensive coverage of Vienna's city center and suburbs, ensuring accessible transportation to most areas.
Suburban Lines: These lines cater to passengers traveling from Vienna's outskirts or suburban areas to the city center.
Night Lines (N): Operating between 12:30 AM and 5:00 AM, these lines cater to late-night commuters and tourists.
Ring Tram: This tram takes a circular route around Vienna's historic city center, covering many iconic buildings like the Vienna State Opera, the Austrian Parliament Building, the Rathaus (City Hall), the Vienna University, and the Burgtheater. This line offers a mini tour of Vienna's grandest landmarks.
Tram frequency varies, with trams running every 5 to 10 minutes during peak hours and every 10 to 15 minutes off-peak. The Ring Tram completes an entire loop in about 25 minutes, with trams arriving at each stop every 30 minutes.
How much is a train ticket from Vienna airport to the city Centre?
The train ticket from Vienna airport to the Vienna city center costs about €4.20 for a single journey with the S7 Schnellbahn.
Uber
Uber service in Vienna provides a modern alternative to traditional taxis. Like its services worldwide, Uber allows users to request rides and pay directly via the app.
Though it may be more expensive than public transport, it offers convenience and time efficiency, especially for direct routes or group travel.
Is the metro free in Vienna?
No, the metro in Vienna is not free. Passengers must purchase a ticket or pass to use the metro system.
Is Vienna metro 24 hours?
The Vienna metro operates 24 hours on Fridays, Saturdays, and the nights before public holidays.
How do you pay for the Vienna metro?
Vienna metro tickets can be purchased at ticket machines at each station, online, or via the Wiener Linien mobile app.
Taxi
Taxis in Vienna are easy to come by and can be flagged down on the street, reserved in advance, or found at designated taxi stands.
Taxis are the city's most expensive mode of public transit, but they also offer the highest level of convenience and flexibility.
Use only legitimate cabs marked with yellow and black taxi signs. You can also use Vienna airport taxi to get to the Vienna airport to city center or vice versa.
Is Uber cheaper than a taxi in Vienna?
Uber and taxis in Vienna typically have similar pricing, although this can vary depending on the time of day and demand.
City Air Terminal
The Vienna Airport Train provides a swift, straightforward means of transportation from the city air terminal to the Vienna city center, servicing key destinations such as Morzinplatz and Donauzentrum.
In addition, the international lines extend the network, fostering connections with other major European cities like Prague and Budapest. A variety of taxis is available for those desiring a more personalized travel experience.
Overall, the Vienna Airport Train remains a practical, versatile solution for travelers navigating their journey from the airport. You can buy the tickets online or the nearby CAT terminal.
Which public transport is best in Vienna?
The "best" public transport in Vienna depends on the specific needs and destinations of the traveler.
However, the U-Bahn (metro) is generally the quickest and most efficient for most journeys, while trams and buses cover areas not reached by the U-Bahn.
Is Vienna public transport cheap?
As compared to other cities, Vienna's public transport is cheap and affordable.
The Wiener Linien, a municipal company responsible for public transport, offers various tickets and passes, making day-to-day travel as well as the hop-on-hop-off for tourists an affordable activity.
How much is a 24h public transport ticket in Vienna?
A 24th Hour Vienna public transport ticket is € 8.00/adult and € 2.40 /child.
The Hop-on-Hop-off bus tours are an excellent choice for those who prefer a relaxed exploration of Vienna. The city guides help you make your Vienna city counter a pleasant experience.
These buses operate on a circuit of routes covering most of the city's key attractions. Passengers can hop off at any stop to explore an area and hop back on when ready to move on.
It allows for flexible sightseeing at one's own pace. Various providers offer different routes and packages, including audio guides, onboard WIFI, and combination tickets that include entrance to some of Vienna's main attractions.
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