Getting Around Vienna - Public Transport and Cards
Visiting Vienna this year and wondering how to get around the city? Wonder no longer. In this guide to Vienna's public transport network, we'll explore every mode of transportation, how to buy tickets, tips for traveling, and how to get to Vienna's best attractions!
Including
- The city's public transport systems, fares, and schedules
- Public transport tips and where to buy
- Unique features
- Top attractions and how to get there
Getting Around Vienna: The Public Transport Systems
The great news is that Vienna's public transport system is brilliant. If you're trying to pinch pennies and save time, it's comprehensive, reliable, and affordable. So what different forms of public transport are available in Vienna?
Subway
Subways are the quickest way to get around most cities as you avoid any traffic or roadworks above ground. Vienna is no different; its five subway lines cover most of the city and serve well over 100 stations. Called the U-Bahn, it's the quickest way to get from A to B.
Trams
Trams are the scenic mode of choice in many cities, and it's the same here. Vienna has 30 tram lines that snake throughout the city, so it's a great way to get about efficiently and do some sightseeing on the way.
Buses
Cheap and cheerful, Vienna has more than 100 bus routes connecting to different areas in the city. Buses may be the way to go if you plan to head out of the center and into the suburbs.
Trains
Vienna's train system connects the city to other parts of Austria, as well as other European cities. So if you're staying in Vienna, you won't get much use out of them. However, if Vienna is a single stop-off on a European tour of sorts, you may well board one eventually.
Fares
Vienna uses a zone-based fare system, meaning your journey's cost will depend on the number of zones you pass through. A single fare ticket costs €2.40 (around $2.60) and allows for up to an hour of travel. You can also buy 24-hour tickets for €8.00 ($8.70), 48-hour tickets for €14.10 ($15.40), or weekly tickets for €17.10 ($18.70).
Schedules
While not a 24-hour system like your London's or New York's, Vienna's public transport system operates from the early morn til...the early morn. Subways and trams generally run from 5AM until midnight, with some services continuing until 1AM on weekends and public holidays.
And then there's the Night Line - a network of buses that run every 15-30 minutes after midnight. If you're staying in the suburbs, they're the best way to get home after a heavy night on the town.
Getting Around Vienna: Public Transport Tips
Now you know about the different services available, check out our tips for where to buy tickets and the best way to plot your route.
Image courtesy of GagliardiPhotography/Shutterstock
Buying Tickets
You can buy single tickets and day tickets from ticket machines. You'll find these at most - if not all - subway stations, tram and bus stops, and train stations. If you'd rather buy ahead of time, head to any corner store or newsstand with the Wiener Linien logo proudly displayed and buy them at the counter.
Of course, in this day and age, more and more of us are going digital. So, if you want to do everything through your phone, download the WienMobil app (on Android or IOS) to avoid any unnecessary paper use.
Know where you're going!
Like many cities, Vienna has paper timetables and maps available at all subway stations, tram and bus stops, and train stations. You'll even find travel maps displayed on platforms. However, keen planners have a couple of other ways to chart a course. Head online to plan your route before you leave your hotel, or use the WienMobil app to plan your stops.
Citymapper also has its own transport map of the city, and will send you alerts for when to get off for connecting transport. This can be super handy if the language barrier is a concern.
Getting Around Vienna: Difference Makers
Now, let's talk about some of the other benefits of Vienna's transport network.
Bike-Sharing System
Like plenty of other modern cities, Vienna has its own state-run bike rentals. Called Citybike Wien, it offers more than 1000 bikes from nearly 200 terminals across the city. And best of all, the first hour is free, so short trips are more than manageable without spending a dime. You do need to pay a one-off registration fee, but once you're registered, you're good to go.
Alternatively, sightseers looking to keep their heart rate up can also take biking tours of some of Vienna's biggest landmarks. Explore the city on a kick bike, see the city's best bits on two wheels, or grab some extra speed on a scooter!
Accessibility
Many buses, trams, and trains are also wheelchair/stroller accessible, with ramps available on many services. The subway is also wheelchair/stroller accessible.
Blind and visually impaired passengers can use an audio guide to navigate the subway and tram systems.
Getting Around Vienna: Top Attractions via Public Transport
So, now you know how you'll be getting around Vienna, where should you go? Check out our recommendations for the city's top attractions and how to get to them on public transport!
The former summer residence of the Austrian monarchy, Schönbrunn Palace features the palace itself and its stunning gardens to explore. To get there, take the U4 subway line to Schönbrunn Palace station.
Arguably Vienna's biggest and best fine art museum, you'll find masterworks from artists like Rubens, Raphael, and Rembrandt housed within. To see them for yourself, take the U2 subway line to Museumsquartier station.
Image courtesy of Aneese/Shutterstock
Wipeout Outdoor Adventure Park
If you want to burn some calories, or just work up a sweat, try your hand at Vienna's own Wipeout obstacle course. To get there, you can take the U6 subway line to Philadelphiabrücke station and then catch a connecting 7A bus to the entrance. Alternatively, take the 67 tram towards Wienerberg City and get off at the Triester Straße/Business Park stop.
And finally, if you want to see some exotic animals up close, head to Schönbrunn Zoo. To see everything from polar bears to giant pandas up close, take the U4 subway line to Hietzing station and follow the signs for about 10 minutes.
And that's everything you need to know about getting around Vienna! If you're in desperate need of inspiration to fill out your vacation itinerary, check out Go City! With our All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass, you can see all of Vienna's best bits for one low price!