Save this Vienna public transport guide for your next trip! A helpful overview, tips and tricks in order to avoid all the unnecessary expensive tourist traps.
Understanding the transportation system in another country, is an actual skill. To make the experience easier and saver from stepping into the well known tourist traps, here is a Vienna public transport guide, from a local!
In general I want to start with the advice to not order a Uber or Taxi in the city. I don’t think it’s necessary because Vienna has such a tight and well planned public transport system, which works really well. Therefore take a look at your options and see how far you’ll come – the best thing about public transport is that you can save a lot of money, so use it!
The following three options are especially useful when travelling outside the city.
Airport Shuttle
The first and most common tourist traps are at the airport. Arriving somewhere new can be overwhelming, and it might seem like the best way to get out of the airport is one of the shuttle services at the exit. However, these are often overpriced—making them the perfect first tourist trap. Instead, avoid airport shuttles and look for trains. The Vienna airport is directly connected to a train station. With the ÖBB trains you can easily buy a ticket at the station and travel to Wien Hauptbahnhof (the main train station in the city center). Prices vary, but it should cost around 4,50€. From there, you’ll have plenty of options to reach your accommodation.
S-bahn
On the U-Bahn map, you’ll see a dashed train line called the S-Bahn. This train covers short distances and is a great option when you need to travel to the other end of the city or travel a bit outside. In most cases, I don’t think it’s necessary to take the S-Bahn regularly when visiting Vienna. However, if you find a route where the S-Bahn is an option, take it – it’s actually much more comfortable and less crowded.
Trains
Austria has an excellent train system. If you visit Vienna and have enough time, consider exploring other cities and destinations Austria has to offer. There’s a well-connected train route to every major city, making travel easy and convenient.
Best apps to check train times and prices:
There are several great apps and websites to find train schedules and ticket prices. Some of the best options include:
- ÖBB Scotty
- öbb.at
- westbahn.at
- DB.de
- trainline.com
They all work in a similar way—simply enter your current station, select your destination, and, if needed, specify the time you’re looking for. You’ll see multiple options to choose from, making it easy to find the best route for your trip.
Which ticket should I buy?
On the mentioned websites, you can purchase your ticket directly. I’d even recommend comparing prices between different platforms, as some train lines may be cheaper but don’t always appear on every site.
If you’re a young traveler, you might also want to check out the Jugendticket ÖBB, which offers discounts for students and young people, making travel even more affordable.
Compare your options!
The two main Austrian train companies are ÖBB and Westbahn, but DB (Deutsche Bahn) also operates routes to and within Austria. Check prices across different companies and choose the one that fits your budget and schedule best.
One important thing to keep in mind: Train companies only accept tickets for their own trains. If your train is delayed or canceled and you need to take the next available one, make sure it’s operated by the same company. Otherwise, you may have to buy a new ticket directly on board.
Itinerary:
Easy to reach from Vienna (within Austria)
- Linz (1.5 hours)
- Salzburg (2.5 hours)
- Graz (2.5 hours)
- Innsbruck (4.5 hours)
- Klagenfurt (4 hours)
- Bregenz (6 hours)
- Wachau Valley (1 hour)
- St. Pölten (30 minutes)
- Semmering (1 hour)
- Hallstatt (3.5 hours)
These three options are the ones you’ll need regularly in the city.
U-Bahn (underground metro)
Vienna’s U-Bahn system is one of the most efficient ways to get around the city. The stations are well marked, and the system is easy to navigate. There are currently five U-Bahn lines, but soon the system will expand to six, as the long awaited U5 line is being added.
For now, each of the existing five U-Bahn lines has its own unique character, often defined by locals. These “personalities” are reflected in the way people use the lines and the areas they pass through. The lines have become somewhat iconic, and Vienna residents often associate each one with different aspects of city life.
My advice – although the U6 seems to get the least sympathy from locals – I’d still recommend taking at least one ride on this train line. It’s special because for most of the journey, it runs above ground, offering amazing scenic views of the city. It also goes to Handelskai, where you can reach the Donau and the Donauinsel. A great place to visit, especially on hot summer days.
Tram
You can also get around by tram. It’s actually a great way to see more of the city while enjoying more views of the buildings, shops, and neighbourhoods. Trams are a more or less relaxed way to experience Vienna (depending on how crowded they are).
Buses and Night Buses
I don’t know why, but I mainly use the U-Bahn and trams, while buses are mostly not on my list. Well, they still have their purpose, and I’m sure I’ll come to appreciate them more over time. The great thing about buses is that they also run at night. So, if you’re out partying during the week and have trouble getting home, try to find a night bus to get you back safely.
Nightlife in the city
During the week, the U-Bahn operates from around 5 AM until midnight, while the trams run for a slightly shorter period. On weekends and public holidays, the underground metro runs through the night.
If you ever struggle to get home, keep an eye out for night buses. They are spread across the city and run regularly at night. When I worked night shifts, I used to wait until the first train arrived, but soon I realised there are actually great connections to night buses.
Use this short overview for your next trip and experience Vienna in the best way possible. Have fun exploring the city with this Vienna public transport guide!
Feel free to leave any questions or wishes in the comment section below!
Johanna
About the Author:
If Johanna were a word, she would be "stardust" – nondescript, quiet, demure, until the passion appears that brings the stardust to fully unfold. She’s a traveler at heart, constantly curious to see more of the world, with a camera always close by to capture every moment just as it is. Whether she’s at a concert, lost in the music, or exploring a new city, Johanna’s world is filled with an endless curiosity and love for the little details that make life feel like stardust.
Johanna
About the Author:
If Johanna were a word, she would be “stardust” – nondescript, quiet, demure, until the passion appears that brings the stardust to fully unfold. She’s a traveler at heart, constantly curious to see more of the world, with a camera always close by to capture every moment just as it is. Whether she’s at a concert, lost in the music, or exploring a new city, Johanna’s world is filled with an endless curiosity and love for the little details that make life feel like stardust.
