Getting to Vienna – Plane, Train, Car & Bus

Vienna, the capital of Austria, is one of Central Europe’s best-connected cities.
Whether you arrive by plane, train, car, or long-distance bus,
getting to Vienna is straightforward and well organized.
This guide explains the main options and helps you choose the best way to reach the city.

Getting to Vienna by Plane

Most international visitors arrive via Vienna International Airport (VIE),
located about 18 km southeast of the city center.
The airport is modern, compact, and well connected to central Vienna.

From the Airport to the City Center

• City Airport Train (CAT): Fastest option (16 minutes to Wien Mitte)
• S-Bahn (S7): Cheaper option, stops along the way
• Railjet: Direct trains to Vienna Main Station
• Bus or Taxi: Convenient but more expensive

For details, see the
Vienna Airport transport guide.

Tickets sights Vienna

Many attractions such as museums in Vienna have limited number of visitors. We recommend to buy tickets online at Getyourguide.com or Tiqets.com beforehand.

Getting to Vienna by Train

Vienna is a major European rail hub with excellent international connections.
Long-distance trains arrive mainly at Wien Hauptbahnhof
(Vienna Main Station), a modern station with shops, restaurants, and direct metro access.

Railjet train

Direct train connections exist from cities such as Munich, Prague, Budapest,
Bratislava, Zurich, and Venice.
High-speed Railjet and EuroCity trains make train travel one of the most comfortable options.

Getting to Vienna by Car

Vienna is easily accessible by motorway from all directions.
However, driving into the city center is often slower than using public transport.

• Motorways: A1, A2, A4, A5, A21
• Parking: Short-term parking zones in most districts
• Garages: Public parking garages recommended

If you arrive by car, it is often best to park outside the center
and continue by metro or tram.

Getting to Vienna by Bus

Long-distance buses are a budget-friendly option.
Vienna is served by several international bus companies
with routes from neighboring countries and beyond.

Most buses arrive at stations near metro lines,
making onward travel into the city easy.
Bus travel is usually slower than trains but often cheaper.

Bus city tour Hop on / Hop off

There are very many providers of city tours, walking tours etc. in Vienna. We really liked the buses of Vienna Sightseeing Tours. The buses run in 3 lines through Vienna. You can get off wherever you like and continue with a later bus. This way you see a lot, including all the important sights outside the city centre. You can see what you want. Since there are three lines, you can get to all the important sights. Really great!  >>>   This link gives you more information and the possibility to book

Getting to Vienna from Nearby Cities

Vienna is especially easy to reach from nearby capitals:

• Bratislava: About 1 hour by train or bus
• Budapest: Around 2.5 hours by train
• Prague: Around 4 hours by train
• Munich: About 4 hours by Railjet

Because of these short distances, Vienna works well as part of a Central Europe itinerary.

Best Way to Get to Vienna

• From overseas: Plane + train or CAT into the city
• From neighboring countries: Train is usually best
• With lots of luggage: Taxi or airport transfer
• On a budget: Bus or S-Bahn from the airport

What to Do After Arrival

Once in the city, Vienna’s public transport system makes it easy to get around.
Many top sights are located close together or within walking distance.

Good starting points include:

• Vienna City Walk
• Hofburg Vienna
• St. Stephen’s Cathedral

Conclusion

Getting to Vienna is easy thanks to excellent transport connections.
Whether you arrive by plane, train, car, or bus,
the city is well prepared for visitors.
With efficient public transport and a compact center,
Vienna is an ideal destination for both short city breaks and longer stays.