Quick answer: The fastest way from Vienna Airport (VIE) to the city center is the City Airport Train (CAT): about 16 minutes non-stop to Wien Mitte, every 30 minutes, for a premium fare (about €14 one way, €12 online). The cheapest rail option is the S-Bahn S7, about 25 minutes to Wien Mitte on a VOR ticket (about €4.40 including the outer zone). A taxi costs about €40 to €50 (or a fixed €36) and takes around 25 minutes. Trains leave from the station beneath the terminals; see the VIE train guide for every line.
Getting from Vienna Airport (VIE) to Vienna city centre is quick and easy. The fastest option is the City Airport Train (CAT), about 16 minutes non-stop to Wien Mitte, running every 30 minutes for a premium fare (about €14 one way, fares set by the operator). The S-Bahn S7 is slower with more stops but far cheaper on a VOR regional ticket. The ÖBB Railjet and REX trains run to Wien Hauptbahnhof in 15 to 18 minutes. A taxi runs about €40 to €50 and takes around 25 minutes. The airport lies outside Vienna's core fare zone, so any public-transport ticket must include the outer region.
How much does each option cost from VIE to the city centre?
The cheapest way in is the S-Bahn S7 on a single VOR ticket (about €4.40); what you pay more for with the CAT, a taxi or ride-hail is speed and door-to-door comfort. The full comparison:
| Option | Time to center | Cost | Frequency | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| City Airport Train (CAT) | ~16 min to Wien Mitte | €14 (€12 online) | every 30 min | Fastest, non-stop |
| S-Bahn S7 | ~25 min to Wien Mitte | ~€4.40 (VOR) | every 30 min | Cheapest rail; several stops |
| ÖBB Railjet / REX | ~15–18 min to Wien Hbf | ~€4.40 (VOR) | every 30 min | Direct to Central Station |
| Vienna AirportLines bus | ~20–45 min | ~€10.50 | every 30 min | Schwedenplatz, Westbahnhof, Kagran |
| Taxi | ~25 min | €40–50 (or €36 flat) | on demand | Groups, luggage, late night |
| Ride-hail | ~25 min | €35–50 | on demand | Door-to-door |
One ticket is needed per passenger on trains and buses; one taxi or ride-hail fare covers up to about four people.
Try it yourself: our free Vienna Airport transfer cost calculator compares the exact price and journey time of the CAT, S-Bahn, ÖBB trains, bus, taxi and ride-hail for your group size and time of day.
Which option should you choose?
A quick guide by situation:
- Fastest: the City Airport Train (CAT), about 16 minutes non-stop to Wien Mitte, or the ÖBB Railjet, about 15 minutes to Wien Hauptbahnhof.
- Cheapest: the S-Bahn S7 on a VOR ticket (about €4.40), which also reaches several districts on the way.
- Going to Wien Mitte, Stephansplatz or the historic centre: take the CAT or S7 to Wien Mitte, then a short walk or U-Bahn ride.
- Going to Wien Hauptbahnhof (Central Station): take the ÖBB Railjet or REX, direct in 15 to 18 minutes.
- Going to Schwedenplatz, Westbahnhof or the Donauzentrum: take the Vienna AirportLines express bus.
- A group of 3 or 4 with luggage: one taxi or ride-hail can match the cost of several tickets and is door to door.
- Landing very late (about 00:00 to 04:00): rail service is sparse, so use a taxi or ride-hail.
Which train should you take from Vienna Airport to the city center?
Take the City Airport Train (CAT) for the quickest non-stop run to Wien Mitte, the S-Bahn S7 for the cheapest fare and more stops, or the ÖBB Railjet / REX if you are heading straight for Wien Hauptbahnhof. Trains leave from the station beneath the terminals. Buy a CAT ticket or a VOR/ÖBB ticket from the machines or apps before boarding and validate it where required. The City Airport Train (CAT) runs non-stop to Wien Mitte, while the S-Bahn S7 and ÖBB trains reach more stations but stop more often (regional fares set by VOR).
The station sits directly beneath the terminals, a few minutes' walk from arrivals; follow the signs for "CAT / Railway / Bahn" down to the platforms. Tickets are sold at the platform machines (with an English option) and in the CAT, ÖBB and VOR apps; if you buy a paper VOR ticket, validate it before you board.
| Where you are going | Best train | Approx. time |
|---|---|---|
| Wien Mitte (Landstraße) | CAT non-stop, or S7 | ~16 min (CAT), ~25 min (S7) |
| Stephansplatz (city centre) | CAT or S7 to Wien Mitte, then U3/U4 | ~25 min |
| Wien Hauptbahnhof (Central Station) | ÖBB Railjet / REX, direct | ~15–18 min |
| Praterstern | S7, direct | ~20 min |
| Schwedenplatz | S7 to Wien Mitte then U1/tram, or AirportLines bus | ~30 min |
| Westbahnhof | S7 to Wien Mitte then U3, or AirportLines bus | ~35 min |
The CAT is a flat premium fare; the S-Bahn and ÖBB regional trains use the cheaper VOR ticket. What changes is the route, time and price.
How much is a taxi or Uber from Vienna Airport to the city centre?
A metered taxi from VIE to central Vienna costs about €40 to €50 and takes around 25 minutes via the A4 motorway; several airport operators (such as 40100 and 31300) also offer a fixed flat fare of about €36 that you can agree when booking. Drivers accept card payment. Ride-hail apps such as Uber and Bolt pick up at the designated point and cost a similar €35 to €50, higher at peak times. For two or more people with luggage, a single car can beat buying several train tickets.
How do you get to the city center at night?
Rail service from the airport thins out overnight: the CAT runs roughly from 06:00 to 23:00, and the S7 and ÖBB trains become infrequent after about midnight. Between roughly 00:00 and 04:00 the practical options are a taxi (about €40 to €50, or a €36 flat fare) or a ride-hail such as Uber or Bolt, both available 24/7. Early-morning flights are well covered, as the first S7 and airport trains start before 05:00.
What about luggage, accessibility and safety?
Luggage: there is no extra charge for bags on Vienna trains — your ticket covers you and your luggage. The CAT has dedicated luggage areas (and even offers online city check-in for some airlines), and the S-Bahn has open space by the doors.
Accessibility: VIE is a modern, step-free airport. Lifts connect the arrivals level to the railway platforms beneath the terminals, and the CAT, S-Bahn and ÖBB trains offer level or ramped boarding with wheelchair and pram spaces.
Safety tip: use only the official taxi ranks outside the terminals and check that the meter is running, or agree the flat fare first. Ignore anyone who approaches you inside the terminal offering a "fixed price" ride, as those informal fares are usually higher.
What changed in 2026?
- Ticket price: VOR regional fares rose slightly in 2026 — a single ticket covering Vienna's core zone plus the airport outer zone is about €4.40. The City Airport Train (CAT) single is about €14 (about €12 booked online).
- Rail service: the S-Bahn S7 and the ÖBB Railjet/REX both serve the airport at roughly 30-minute intervals through the day, giving frequent low-cost alternatives to the CAT.
Fares and timetables on this page were checked against ÖBB, VOR and CAT in July 2026. Prices can change; confirm in the ÖBB or VOR app before you travel.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the train from Vienna Airport to the city centre?
What is the fastest way from VIE to the city centre?
Is Uber cheaper than a taxi from Vienna Airport?
How do I get to the city if I land late at night?
Which train goes to Stephansplatz from Vienna Airport?
Is Vienna Airport station step-free and does it have lifts?
Useful links: Transportation from Vienna Airport to Central Station (Hbf) · Vienna Airport Train
