Vienna International Airport (IATA: VIE), officially Flughafen Wien-Schwechat, is Austria’s largest airport and one of the most important hubs in Central Europe, handling over 30 million passengers annually. Whether you’re arriving for the first time or simply want to know what to expect, this guide covers everything you need: terminals, arrivals, departures, parking and transport into the city.
Terminal overview
Vienna Airport has one central terminal building divided into several areas. Not all terminals are directly connected — this matters more than it might seem.
Terminal 1 (T1): Departures and arrivals for most international flights, both Schengen and non-Schengen. The main arrivals hall — where private transfer services and greeters wait — is located here.
Terminal 2 (T2): Primarily used by low-cost airlines including Wizz Air and Ryanair. Important: T2 is physically separate from the main terminal. Passengers arriving here need to factor in a short walk to the central arrivals hall — or be picked up directly at T2. When booking with Vienna Driver, the exact meeting point is confirmed in advance.
Terminal 3 (T3): The most modern part of the airport, with departures and arrivals for many airlines. Well signposted and directly connected to T1.
Pier East and Pier West: Extensions with gates for long-haul flights. The walk from gates to baggage claim can be longer here — allow extra time.
Arrivals: what to expect
After landing, follow the signs to Baggage Claim. From there you’ll reach the public arrivals hall, where greeters, taxi drivers and private transfer services wait.
Vienna Driver waits with a name sign directly in the arrivals hall — no searching, no waiting, no coordination needed. The driver monitors your flight number in real time and will be there on time even if your flight is delayed. For guests who prefer a more personal reception, a Meet & Greet directly at the gate is also available.
Departures: getting there, check-in and bag drop
We recommend the following lead times before your flight:
- Intra-European flights (Schengen): at least 2 hours before departure
- International flights (non-Schengen): at least 3 hours before departure
- Long-haul flights: 3–4 hours before departure
Online check-in is available with most airlines up to 24 hours before departure — after that, you only need to drop off your luggage at the bag drop desk. The drop-off zone for private vehicles is directly in front of the terminal building. Vienna Driver drops you off there and helps with luggage — no parking stress, no time lost.
For early morning flights at 5:00 or 6:00 AM, that means a pickup between 3:00 and 4:00 AM. Vienna Driver is available at any hour — including when neither the U-Bahn nor the CAT is running.
Parking at Vienna Airport
Parking at Vienna Airport is expensive: short-term parking costs €4–6 per hour, long-term parking from €17 per day. For stays of 3 days or more, a private transfer is often cheaper than parking fees alone — and considerably more comfortable. Vienna Driver’s fixed prices start from €39 for the 1st district.
Food, shopping & lounges
Vienna Airport offers a wide range of restaurants and shops — both before and after security. The Airportcity area features supermarkets, pharmacies and services also available to non-travellers.
Several airline lounges are available, including the Austrian Airlines lounge and lounges for Priority Pass members. Access depends on your ticket class or membership.
What to do if your flight is delayed or cancelled
Delays and cancellations are not uncommon at Vienna Airport, particularly during summer months and around public holidays. If your flight is delayed, Vienna Driver adjusts the pickup time automatically — no calls, no rebooking, no extra cost.
In the event of a cancellation, contact your airline directly for rebooking or refund options. Under EU Regulation 261/2004, passengers are entitled to care and in many cases to financial compensation when a flight is cancelled. Your transfer can be cancelled free of charge up to 24 hours before the ride.
Transport between the airport and the city
For a full comparison of all options — U-Bahn, CAT, bus, taxi and private transfer — see our article Getting from Vienna Airport to the City.
In short: for travellers with luggage, families and business travellers, a private fixed-price transfer is the most comfortable option. Vienna Driver picks you up directly in the arrivals hall — from €39 for the 1st district, fixed price, no surprises.
Travelling with a larger group or family? Our van transfer for groups and families accommodates up to 7 passengers with luggage — one vehicle, one fixed price.
