Vienna, one of the most picturesque and historic capital cities in Europe, is relatively easy to navigate. Unlike sprawling Berlin or the mega-metropolis of London, the Austrian capital is a mid-level city that you will probably find manageable when trying to get around. Still, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with public transport options in Vienna before your next trip, especially if it’s your first. Here’s a complete beginner’s guide.
Types of public transport
Vienna has an extensive network of tram lines, metro / subway (U-Bahn) and buses, making it easy to get to any part of the city and its surroundings, at least once you get used to it.
The tram system
The iconic red trams that wind through the old streets of Vienna are as much a part of the city’s identity as are its grand palaces and elegant cafes.
Some 30 different tram lines run through the city and its surroundings, so you can rely on this mode of transport to see the main attractions in the city center. Some even allow you to go out to vineyards and other sites to enjoy a day trip to a nearby city. Most streetcar lines operate daily between 5 a.m. and 12:50 a.m.
Busy and popular tram lines serving the city center include Line 1, which serves the central Burgring area, Rathausplatz (City Hall), the Opera House and the extensive ‘Prater’ park; Line 49, which serves the “Ring” area and the Volkstheater; Line 62, which serves the Opera and Karlsplatz; and Line 2, which serves the Stubentor and Schwedenplatz transport hubs and ends at Friedrich-Engels-Platz.
A note of safety about trams: Pedestrians should be very careful with trams, which cannot brake or move around the city in all directions. Cross busy intersections crossed by streetcar lines only after looking both ways first, and watch for any signs telling you to stop.
El Sistema U-Bahn (underground / subway)
Most tourists will find that using the trams is sufficient to get around, but sometimes you may also want to use the U-Bahn (subway). There are a total of 5 lines (U1, U2, U3, U4 and U6; nobody really knows why U5 is missing); These operate daily from 5 am to 12:15 am (Monday through Friday) and for most of the night on weekends.
Bus lines
While it may be unnecessary to get around by bus, they can occasionally be helpful. This is especially if you want to take a day trip to a destination that extends beyond the city’s tram lines. There are almost 100 different lines, which can be a bit overwhelming for visitors. If you think you may need to use a bus, check with the online trip planner to simplify the process.
How to plan a trip using public transport?
The easiest way to do this is to visit the website of the Wiener Linien transport authority and use their journey planner. You can also download maps and schedules there.
How and where to buy tickets
There are several ways to buy tram, U-Bahn, and bus tickets. To decide what type of tickets you will need for your trip (individual tickets, 24-hour, 48-hour or weekly passes, etc.), visit the ticket information page. You will also find up-to-date information on current prices (including discounted rates) there.
- Ticket vending machines can be found in most U-Bahn subway stations; You can pay with euros, a debit card or a credit card. Be careful of international transaction fees if you use the latter.
- Tickets are also sold at 850 tobacco shops ( Tabaktrafik ) in Vienna . You will find them all over the city center.
- You can also buy tickets online in advance. A smartphone app lets you easily purchase daily, weekly, or monthly tickets and passes from your phone. The application is available in the Android and Apple application stores.
How to validate tickets and make transfers
Validate your tickets by inserting them into designated validation machines on trams and buses (and at the entry point for UBahn lines). You can freely transfer between trams, buses and UBahn lines as many times as you want during a single trip, but you cannot interrupt the trip. If you make a stop somewhere, you will need to use a new ticket.)
More information: schedules, maps and accessibility
For more details on how to navigate the city, information for visitors with limited mobility, and advice on what types of tickets and passes to buy, see this page on the Wiener Linien page. You can also find more information on the site of the Vienna Tourist Office.
