Using Public Transport in Vienna

Vienna’s public transport system is clean, fast, efficient and extensive, meaning that you can travel to almost every part of the city without the need for a car/taxi. As well as a network of trams and buses, the city also has a fast, modern metro/subway system (U-Bahn) and suburban railway (S-Bahn). If you’re after details of individual routes or, simply want to gain an understanding of the general transport options available, then visit: http://www.wienplan.com/select/plaene_hs.html.

By way of background, The Eastern Region Transportation Association (Verkehrsverbund Ost-Region or VOR) covers Vienna and neighbouring provinces. So, if you travel from Vienna to outlying regions (within the VOR area) your fare is calculated according to the number of zones you travel through. Vienna itself is Zone 100 (the core zone or Kernzone). Here, you can transfer between the U-Bahn, tram (straßenbahn), bus (Autobus) and S-Bahn without buying separate tickets, provided the journey is completed within an hour (single ride tickets are €1.70). Other fares include a 24hr season ticket (€5.70) and 72hr version for €13.60. Children under six always travel free, while those aged between 6 and 15 get a half-price reduction or, on Sunday, public holidays and Vienna school holidays travel free too (photo ID necessary).

To purchase tickets, visit a presale-ticket window (Vorverkaufsstellen) or VOR ticket machine (Automaten) situated in U-Bahn stations. Alternatively, tobacconists/newsstands (Tabak-Trafik) also sell tickets. However, if you’re in a rush, then fares can be paid for trams/buses, although they will cost €0.10 extra each.

As far as travel within downtown Vienna is concerned, it’s also useful to visit http://wienerlinien.at for popular ticketing options (in English). Vienna Card holders (or, indeed, those with any other ticket for travel on Vienna’s public transportation) can also travel to Vienna Airport (Flughafen Wien-Schwechat) using the Airport Fast City Train (line S7) with an additional zone ticket for €2.20.

Note: all tickets must be validated in a blue box machine (located in U-Bahn stations and on trams/buses) before your journey starts. Failure to do so may result in a fine (over €40) which, of course, is also levied on anyone travelling without a valid ticket.

U-Bahn routes are colour coded (U1 is red, U2 is purple, U3 is orange, U4 is green and U6 is brown) while S-Bahn lines are represented in blue on local maps. A full map of the U-Bahn can be found in our sightseeing section, while a route planner, network map and other useful information is available from www.vor.at.

Taxis - if you don’t want to use public transport (especially for journeys to the airport) then taxis can be a good, albeit reasonably expensive alternative. Reputable firms include Taxi 60160, Taxi 31300 and Das Taxi 40100. All three companies offer an airport service, although a dedicated service (Airport Express) also operates.

All taxis in Vienna are metered, while those available for hire will have their yellow roof light on.

Fiacre - although not a very practical form of transport nowadays (but rather a fun one) the fiacre (Fiaker) is a traditional open horse-drawn carriage. You’ll see them on postcards everywhere, although a trot round the Hofburg will set you back a cool €36.50 for 20-minutes. Drivers usually speak good English and on a fine day, it’s a lovely experience (especially for kids).