Quick answer: The fastest way from Vienna Airport (VIE) to Vienna Central Station (Wien Hauptbahnhof) is the ÖBB Railjet or REX train: about 15 to 18 minutes, direct, twice an hour from the station beneath the terminals. A single VOR ticket (about €4.40, including the airport outer zone) covers it. A taxi costs about €40 to €50 (or a €36 flat fare) and takes 20 to 25 minutes. The trains run roughly from 05:00 until around midnight; landing in the small hours, take a taxi or ride-hail — see our late-night arrival guide.
Transfer Options from Vienna Airport to Central Station (Hbf)
Wien Hauptbahnhof (Vienna Central Station) is Austria's busiest railway hub, located just south of the city centre in the Favoriten district. From Vienna International Airport (VIE), you can reach the station easily by train, taxi, bus, or private transfer. Here’s a quick comparison (regional fares set by VOR):
| Option | Price | Duration | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train (ÖBB Railjet) | ~€4.40 (VOR) | ~15 min | every 30 min |
| Regional REX | ~€4.40 (VOR) | ~18 min | every 30 min |
| S-Bahn S7 + U-Bahn | ~€4.40 (VOR) | ~30 min | every 30 min |
| Taxi | €40–50 (or €36 flat) | ~20–25 min | 24/7 |
| Private transfer | ~€45–70 | ~20–25 min | pre-booked |
By Train (recommended)
The fastest and most reliable option. The VIE railway station sits directly beneath the terminals, a few minutes’ walk from Arrivals — follow the signs for “Railway / Bahn / CAT” down to the platforms.
- ÖBB Railjet (RJ): about 15 minutes direct to Wien Hauptbahnhof, roughly twice an hour.
- REX regional trains: about 18 minutes, also roughly twice an hour — handy when a Railjet has just left.
- S-Bahn S7: reaches more districts (Rennweg, Wien Mitte, Praterstern) but for the Central Station you change to a Railjet/REX or the U-Bahn, about 30 minutes.
A one-way VOR ticket costs about €4.40 for adults and roughly half that for children — the airport lies outside Vienna’s core zone, so you need a ticket that includes the outer region add-on. Buy it at the platform machines (English menu available) or in the ÖBB or VOR apps, and validate paper tickets before boarding. Your luggage travels free. Note that the City Airport Train (CAT) runs only to Wien Mitte, not to the Central Station, so for Wien Hbf the ÖBB Railjet and REX are the direct trains.
By Taxi
Airport taxis are available 24/7 at the official ranks in front of the terminals. The roughly 18 km ride to Wien Hbf takes around 20–25 minutes via the A4 motorway and usually costs about €40 to €50 on the meter, or a fixed €36 if you agree a flat fare in advance, with no night surcharge on the flat rate. Always board from the licensed taxi rank to avoid scams.
Tip: Pre-booking with a trusted service such as Welcome Pickups guarantees an English-speaking driver, flat fee, and flight delay monitoring.
By Bus
There is no direct Vienna AirportLines express bus to Wien Hauptbahnhof; the buses serve Morzinplatz/Schwedenplatz, Wien Westbahnhof and the Donauzentrum instead. For the Central Station the ÖBB Railjet or REX from the airport station is faster and cheaper, so the bus mainly helps if your destination is closer to one of its stops.
By Private Transfer
For maximum comfort, pre-book a private transfer. Your driver will meet you in Arrivals, assist with luggage, and take you directly to Wien Hbf. Prices typically range from €45–70, though deals can sometimes match taxi fares (~€40). This option is perfect if you’re short on time or traveling with heavy luggage.
By Car Rental
Renting a car at VIE gives you independence but is not the most practical choice for reaching Wien Hbf due to traffic and city parking difficulties (much of central Vienna is a paid short-stay zone). Still, it’s ideal if you plan to explore Vienna’s outskirts or nearby cities. Car hire desks are located in the arrivals area — booking ahead ensures better deals.
Useful links: Transportation from Vienna Airport to City Center · Vienna Airport Train · Vienna Airport (VIE) Transfer Cost Calculator
