Vienna Airport to City Centre: Best Transfers & Tips (2026–27)
What is the best way to get from Vienna Airport to the city centre? And where should you go if you have a few hours during a Vienna layover? As I use Vienna International Airport (Wien-Schwechat) several times a year, I’d love to share my Vienna Airport transfer tips, including the best public transport options, private airport transfers, nearby Vienna Airport hotels, and a practical self-guided Vienna layover itinerary.
Important for 2026–2027: railway works are currently affecting airport train services. The CAT is operating with replacement buses, while the usual S7 route into central Vienna has been altered. Check the latest travel information before setting off, particularly if you are travelling between September 2026 and October 2027.
For the best flight deals to Vienna Airport, visit flights to Vienna.
Vienna International Airport currently has three terminals: Check-in 1, Check-in 2, and the Austrian Star Alliance terminal (Check-in 3). The airport has two runways. From the piers to the central terminal area it is a 5 to 10 minutes walk.
Vienna International Airport Map
Here is a map of the arrival area of Wien airport. Specifically, you can use it to find out where to go to claim your baggage, where to catch the Airport Train (green box on the left), where to find buses and taxis, and where to pick money.
Vienna Airport to City Centre: Your Transport Options
Unless my family picks me up, I like taking the City Airport Train CAT (convenient option) or hiring a private Vienna Airport transfer (relax option).
Important: Major railway works are changing the usual airport connections between 7 September 2026 and the end of October 2027. The CAT is operating with replacement buses, while the S7 is temporarily shortened and no longer runs directly to Wien Mitte and Praterstern.
For the latest information, check the official Vienna Airport travel update before travelling.
Trains From Vienna International Airport
City Airport Train (CAT): Vienna Airport to Wien Mitte
The City Airport Train currently operates as a replacement bus service during the railway works. The CAT buses connect Vienna International Airport directly with Wien Mitte/Landstrasse, where you can connect with the U3 and U4 underground lines and Vienna’s wider public transport network.
The CAT replacement buses currently take around 20–25 minutes, depending on traffic. Book here.
Important: The CAT’s City Check-In luggage service at Wien Mitte is currently suspended during the works. Check the latest arrangements with your airline before relying on Wien Mitte for airport check-in.
- up to 5 times an hour
- services run from the early morning until around midnight
- replacement bus - 20 - 25 min, 7 days a week
S7 and REX7: Vienna Airport Train Options
The S7 normally provides an inexpensive direct connection between Vienna International Airport and central Vienna. However, during the current 2026–2027 main-line works, the service is temporarily shortened.
The S7 currently runs between Vienna Airport and St. Marx, rather than continuing to Wien Mitte and Praterstern. From St. Marx you can continue your journey using Vienna’s tram and underground network.
The REX7 regional train provides another useful airport connection and is being diverted via Wien Hauptbahnhof (Vienna Central Station) during the works.
If you are travelling beyond the immediate city centre, check the current timetable and route before travelling, as the normal airport rail connections are temporarily different.
- S7 services run between Vienna International Airport and St. Marx during the works
- REX7 provides a connection via Wien Hauptbahnhof
- check current fares and timetables before travelling
- 30min; between 4.54 am and 0.18 am from the airport (between 4.34 am and 11.49pm from Wien Mitte)
- EUR 3,60 (single ticket) You can buy your ticket at the airport station and the different stations in Vienna.
Vienna Airport Buses to the City Centre
Vienna Airport Lines
Vienna Airport Lines runs a service to four major transport hubs in town: Schwedenplatz, Vienna International Centre, Westbahnhof (Western Railway Station) and Simmering. The journeys take between 20 and 45 minutes.
The Vienna Airport bus network is particularly useful during the current railway works, as it provides an alternative to the affected S7 service.
- every 10 to 15 minutes from the airport
- EUR 7 (single ticket)
Private Airport Transfer
From door-to-door, you will take about 20 to 35 min to arrive straight at your hotel if you choose private transfer. You will get picked up by the driver in the arrivals area, and he or she will hold a name plate.
If you prefer to pre-book a local airport taxi, Flughafentaxi Wien 24/7 provides 24/7 booking and dispatch for pre-booked airport transfers, with journeys carried out by licensed partner companies.
Vienna Airport Car Rental
As it’s common at international airports, you will find numerous car rental firms right at Vienna International Airport, too. While you can rent a car directly there it may take a little more time than booking online.
To facilitate your decision making, read more on Car Rental Vienna, including a checklist for picking the right car in Austria, and driving and parking tips in Vienna.
Best Vienna Airport Hotels
The main Vienna airport hotel located directly at Vienna International Airport is the NH Vienna Airport. At just 100 metres from the arrivals hall, it is perfect for a quick stopover in Vienna.
Although I visited the hotel just for a stopover lunch with my Viennese family I thoroughly liked the welcoming space. In essence, the hotel is clean and modern and you don’t hear any outside noise!
Other than that, Hotel Moxy Vienna Airport, part of the Marriott group, offers a contemporary and convenient space for a good night’s sleep before take off.
A Tip: Where to Stay Between Vienna Airport and the City
Wien Airport is only 12 km from Vienna. Consider staying close to Wien Mitte/Landstrasse, which remains a useful transport hub during the current airport railway works because the CAT replacement buses continue to connect it directly with the airport.
The Hilton Vienna am Stadtpark is right next to the terminal, bordering lovely Stadtpark.
The Grand Hotel Mercure Biedermeier Wien is a five minutes walk to the terminal, located right in the district of Landstrasse.
Alternatively, book yourself into inexpensive bed and breakfast at Hotel Pension Stadtpark, Vienna.
Vienna Layover: What to See in a Few Hours
If you plan a layover in Vienna, even if just for a few hours, go for a quick sightseeing tour in Vienna. After all, the airport is just 12 kilometres from the centre.
For a short layover, I recommend a self-guided walking tour rather than the old Ringtram option. Take the CAT replacement bus to Wien Mitte/Landstrasse, then walk through Stadtpark towards the Ringstrasse and continue into the historic centre via the Vienna State Opera, Albertina, Hofburg, Graben and St Stephen’s Cathedral.
Depending on how much time you have, you can then return to Wien Mitte by U-Bahn or walk back through the city.
You can find more ideas and routes in my Vienna tours self-guided guide.
If you prefer someone to optimise your time and sightseeing schedule and safely bring you back in time for your departure, book a guided Vienna Layover Tour. It’s not cheap but gives you peace of mind. Pick up and drop off point is Vienna International Airport.
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Get Your Time in Vienna Sorted
For 15 years I have been connecting independent travellers to the pulse of my hometown Wien: by designing bespoke itineraries that allow you to get behind Vienna’s local charm on your own, while covering its key highlights.
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Taking you a step further: To apply the insight provided here my local partner guide Claudia and her team take over when you arrive in Wien. From meeting the Spanish Riding School’s Lipizzaner horses backstage and crawling through the attic of St. Stephen’s Cathedral to exploring neighbourhoods where locals still play cards in cafés.
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