Vienna International Airport (VIE) is located about 18 kilometers southeast of the city center. The good news: there are several ways to get into the city. The less obvious news: not all options are equally suitable – depending on the time of day, your luggage, and your budget, there are clear differences. This guide compares all options honestly to help you make the right choice.
Option 1: Private Airport Transfer (Fixed-Price Taxi)
A private transfer service like Vienna Driver picks you up directly at the arrivals hall and takes you to your exact address – no transfers, no carrying luggage, no waiting. Your driver will be waiting with a name sign.
Cost: From €39 for the 1st district (fixed price, all districts on the rates page).
Travel time: 20–30 minutes depending on traffic.
Availability: 24/7, including nights and public holidays.
Best for: Travelers with luggage, families with children, business travelers, early or late flights.
Option 2: City Airport Train (CAT)
The CAT is a direct train between the airport and Wien Mitte (Landstraße) – no intermediate stops. Journey time is 16 minutes.
Cost: €14.90 one way (2026 rate).
Travel time: 16 minutes to Wien Mitte.
Frequency: Every 30 minutes, daily 6:09 AM–11:39 PM.
Downside: Doesn’t run at night, only reaches Wien Mitte, you still need a U-Bahn or taxi to your final destination.
Option 3: S-Bahn (S7 Suburban Train)
The S7 runs from the airport via several stops to Wien Mitte and further into the city. Cheaper than the CAT but slower.
Cost: €4.30 (Vienna core zone + airport zone).
Travel time: Approx. 30 minutes to Wien Mitte.
Frequency: Every 30 minutes.
Downside: Stops at multiple stations, crowded during peak hours, impractical with large luggage.
Option 4: Vienna Airport Lines (Bus)
Several bus lines connect the airport with different parts of Vienna – including Westbahnhof, Hauptbahnhof, and Mödling.
Cost: €9.00 one way.
Travel time: 30–45 minutes depending on route and traffic.
Frequency: Every 30 minutes.
Downside: Doesn’t stop at your hotel, uncomfortable with luggage, no night service.
Option 5: Regular Taxi (Metered)
Regular metered taxis are available at the airport. The price varies depending on traffic – typically between €35 and €65 to the city center.
Downside: No fixed price, significantly more expensive in traffic, no upfront cost information.
Quick Comparison
| Option | Price | Travel Time | Available | Luggage |
| Private Transfer | from €39 fixed | 20–30 min | 24/7 | ✓ Door to door |
| CAT | €14.90 | 16 min | 6 AM–midnight | ✗ Carry yourself |
| S-Bahn (S7) | €4.30 | 30 min | 5 AM–midnight | ✗ Carry yourself |
| Airport Bus | €9.00 | 30–45 min | 5 AM–midnight | ✗ Carry yourself |
| Regular Taxi | €35–65 | 20–40 min | 24/7 | ✓ Door to door |
Our Verdict
For travelers with luggage, families, or night flights, a private transfer service is the best choice: no stress, no transfers, guaranteed fixed price. The S-Bahn is the cheapest option for solo travelers with minimal luggage during the day. We only recommend the CAT if you need to get to Wien Mitte quickly without luggage.
Vienna Driver offers airport transfers from €39 for the 1st district – fixed price, 24/7, picked up directly at your door.
