
Vienna-Schwechat Airport (IATA code: VIE) is Austria’s main airport and one of the most important hubs in Central Europe. Located 18 kilometres south-east of Vienna’s city centre in the small town of Schwechat, the airport handles over 30 million passengers a year and is the ideal gateway to explore the Austrian capital and surrounding regions.
Reaching the centre of Vienna from the airport is quick and easy thanks to multiple transport options. The City Airport Train (CAT) takes only 16 minutes to reach Wien Mitte station, while regional S-Bahn trains offer a cheaper alternative in about 25 minutes. Direct buses reach different parts of the city in 20-45 minutes, while taxis complete the journey in 20-30 minutes depending on traffic.
The distance from the airport to the main tourist destinations is small: the historic centre is about 20 km, Schönbrunn Palace 25 km and the Prater 22 km. The efficient connections allow you to plan your arrival in Vienna flexibly, choosing between speed, comfort and budget according to your needs.
The City Airport Train is the fastest way to reach Vienna from the airport. This non-stop express train connects the airport to the Wien Mitte station in just 16 minutes, with departures every 30 minutes from 6:09 am to 11:39 pm. The service is particularly popular with business travellers and those with limited time available.
The CAT offers superior comfort with spacious seats, free Wi-Fi and power sockets. At the airport, you can check in early for many airlines directly at the CAT station, depositing your luggage before exploring the city. Tickets can be purchased online, at ticket machines or on board the train. From Wien Mitte station you can easily reach all central areas via the U3 and U4 underground lines.
The S7 and S3 S-Bahn lines are the cheapest alternative to the CAT. The S7 departs every 30 minutes and reaches Wien Mitte station in about 25 minutes, also stopping at Wien Rennweg (20 minutes) where you can change for other city lines. The S3 takes slightly longer but serves additional stops such as Landstraße and Wien Praterstern.
These regional trains use the same rail infrastructure as the CAT but cost significantly less. The service operates from early in the morning until late at night with regular frequency. Tickets are valid for the entire Viennese public transport network, allowing you to continue your journey at no extra cost. The Vienna City Card and other tourist passes already include these connections.
The Vienna Airport Lines operate three bus lines connecting the airport to different parts of the city. The most frequently used line is the one to Schwedenplatz and Morzinplatz in the city centre, with a journey time of about 20 minutes and departures every 30 minutes. This option is ideal for those staying in the first district or near the Danube.
The line to Westbahnhof (west railway station) takes 45 minutes and also serves Meidling, which is useful if you need to continue on to Salzburg or Innsbruck. The third line reaches Dornbach through residential areas. The buses are modern, air-conditioned and have ample space for luggage. The night service guarantees connections even at times when trains are less frequent.
Official taxis wait at the arrivals gate with regulated fares for the city centre. The journey takes about 20-30 minutes in normal traffic conditions and may increase during peak hours. Fares are fixed for major destinations, eliminating the risk of surprises. Taxis accept credit cards and can carry up to four passengers with standard luggage.
An alternative to TAXIs is to book in advance a private transfer to or from Vienna Airport airport. A driver will pick you up at the airport arrivals (thus avoiding taxi queues), at your hotel or wherever you prefer, to take you to the desired address.
It is the best solution if you do not want to waste time, do not want to use public transport, have a lot of luggage or are travelling in a group. To book a private transfer to or from Vienna Airport airport visit this site.
Car hire at Vienna Airport is operated by all major international companies, with offices located in the arrivals terminal. This option is recommended if you plan to explore Austrian regions beyond Vienna, such as Salzburg or Tyrol. The airport is connected to the A4 motorway network that leads directly into the city in 20-25 minutes.
Vienna has numerous public car parks and most hotels offer parking agreements. However, the city centre has a restricted traffic zone and parking can be expensive. If you are only staying in Vienna, public transport is more convenient and cheaper. The Austrian motorway sticker is not necessary to reach the city centre from the airport, but becomes mandatory to travel on the country’s motorways.
To rent a car in Vienna we always recommend comparing the rates of all companies with DiscoverCars because in our opinion it offers the best prices, allows cancellation up to 48 hours before rental and offers a very cheap comprehensive insurance policy.
Below you can see real-time departure and arrival times at Vienna Airport.
By entering the dates of your stay in the following form, you can check the rates and availability in real time of the facilities near theVienna Airport.
Below is a list of recommended hotels near Vienna Airport.
Below are the cheapest prices for car hire at at the vienna Airport, to book click here.
















According to reviews by other travellers, the following are the best car rental companies at the vienna Airport. To compare rates click here.






Vienna-Schwechat Airport is located 18 km south-east of the city centre, in Schwechat, and can be easily reached by car via the A4 motorway or by public transport in 16-25 minutes.
City Card allow you to save on public transport and / or on the entrances to the main tourist attractions.
