Table of contents
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Overview
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City Airport Train
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S-Bahn & Railjet
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Airport bus
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Taxi & ride sharing
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Private transfers
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FAQ
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My Take
VIENNA AIRPORT TRANSFERS
From Vienna Airport Right into the Heart of the City
Touching down at Vienna International Airport, you’re about 18 kilometres from the city centre – and there’s more than one way to get there. Each option comes with its own perks, price tag and comfort level.
Which one’s right for you?
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Travelling on a budget and don’t mind a few extra minutes?
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Want to arrive in comfort, without having to change trains?
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Or maybe you’re after maximum convenience from the moment you land?
In this guide, you’ll get the full lowdown:
All transfer options compared, with prices, routes and my honest take on each one.
So you can land in Vienna already knowing exactly how you’re getting into the city – stress-free and on your terms.
🚖 All Vienna Airport Transfer Options at a Glance
(Prices and journey times may vary depending on the time of day and your destination in Vienna)
Option
Price
Best for
🚆 City Airport Train (CAT)
€14.90
Fast & comfortable –
direct to Wien Mitte
🚉 S-Bahn / Railjet
€4.60
Budget-friendly, reliable –
highly recommended
🚌 Airport Bus
€9–11
If your hotel is near one
of the bus line’s stops
🚖 Taxi / Uber
from €35
Lots of luggage, late arrivals,
door-to-door service
🛎️ Private Transfer
from €50
Maximum comfort, families,
business travel
🚆 City Airport Train (CAT) – fast & hassle-free
The CAT whisks you from Vienna Airport to Wien Mitte in just 16 minutes – no stops, no changes. The sleek, modern train comes with free Wi-Fi, power sockets and plenty of space for your luggage – perfect if you want to roll into the city feeling relaxed.
📌 At a glance
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Journey time: 16 minutes
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Destination: Wien Mitte (U3 & U4 connections)
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Price: €14.90 one way / €24.90 return
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Frequency: Every 30 minutes
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Tickets: Buy online or at the station ticket machines at the airport
💡 My tip
The CAT is a smooth ride, but honestly? I usually go for the S-Bahn or Railjet. They’re only a few minutes slower and cost a fraction of the price. If comfort is your top priority, the CAT is a solid choice – otherwise, there are cheaper ways to get into Vienna.
🚉 S-Bahn & Railjet – reliable and budget-friendly
If you want the cheapest way into Vienna, public transport wins.
Both the S‑Bahn (S7) and the Railjet get you into the city quickly and without fuss.
📌 S‑Bahn (S7)
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Journey time: ~25 min (to Wien Mitte)
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Price: €4.60 (includes Vienna city zone)
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Frequency: every 30 minutes
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Tickets: Buy online or at the airport ticket machines
💡 Tip: Best if you’re staying near Wien Mitte/Landstraße, Praterstern, or any stop along the S7 route — fewer changes, smoother arrival.
📌 Railjet (ÖBB)
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Journey time: 15–20 min (to Vienna Hauptbahnhof)
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Price: €4.60 (includes Vienna city zone)
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Frequency: every 30 minutes
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Tickets: Buy online or at the airport ticket machines
💡 Tip: Ideal if you’re based around the Hauptbahnhof or want an easy hop onto the U1 into the centre (e.g. Stephansplatz). Trains usually have more room for luggage, too.
💬 My take
Personally, the S-Bahn and Railjet are my first choice: affordable, reliable, and with great connections to key spots in the city.
Both run every 30 minutes and can be booked on the spot or online in advance – flexible no matter when you land.
🚍 Airport Bus – handy if it’s on your route
The Vienna Airport Lines connect the airport with several parts of the city – including Westbahnhof, Schwedenplatz, and Kagran.
Depending on the line, the bus may stop at multiple points before you continue by U-Bahn, tram, or on foot.
📌 At a glance
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Journey time: 20–45 minutes (depending on the line)
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Price: around €9–11
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Frequency: every 30 minutes
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Main stops: e.g. Morzinplatz/Schwedenplatz, Westbahnhof, Kagran
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Tickets: Buy online or from the driver
💡 Tip
Great if your hotel or destination is right along one of the bus routes, saving you transfers.
During rush hour, traffic can slow things down – allow a little extra time just in case.
🚖 Taxi & Ride-Sharing – convenient, but more expensive
Taxis are lined up right outside the terminal – just walk out and hop in.
Alternatively, you can order a driver via Uber or Bolt using the app.
Pick-up for ride-shares is in the K3 short-stay car park in front of the terminal building.
📌 At a glance
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Journey time: around 20–45 min depending on traffic
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Price: from €35 (fixed fares often available if booked in advance)
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Pick-up:
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Taxi: directly outside the terminal
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Ride-sharing: K3 short-stay zone
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Booking: taxi on the spot or in advance by phone/online; Uber & Bolt via app
💡 Tip: Perfect if you’ve got a lot of luggage, are arriving late in the evening, or want the ease of door-to-door service. Look out for fixed-price offers with taxis – they can often save you a fair bit of money.
🛎️ Private Transfers – stress‑free and comfortable
With a private transfer, you’ll be met inside the arrivals hall — name sign and all — and there’s often a bottle of water waiting in the car.
Most providers offer extras like child seats, help with luggage, and flexible waiting times if your flight is delayed.
📌 At a glance
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Journey time: around 20–45 min depending on traffic
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Price: from €50 (varies by provider and vehicle type)
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Service: meet‑and‑greet in arrivals, luggage assistance, extras like child seats
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Booking: reserve in advance online (e.g. AirportDriver, Welcome Pickups)
💡 Tip: Perfect for families with young children, business travellers, or anyone who wants to arrive relaxed with zero waiting.
❓ FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
💬 My Take
For most visitors, the S-Bahn and Railjet are my top picks – affordable, fast, and reliable.
That said, the CAT, airport bus, taxis, and private transfers each have their own advantages – it really depends on how much comfort you want and where exactly in Vienna you’re headed.
The main thing is: you now know all your options before you even land, so you can confidently choose the one that works best for you.
That way, your Vienna trip starts stress-free – exactly how it should.
📌 You might also like:
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Vienna Packing List – Don’t Forget a Thing!
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Vienna for Free – 10 Highlights Without Spending a Cent