How to Get Around Vienna Easily as a Traveller

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If you’re wondering how to get around Vienna on your first visit, trust me – you’re not alone.

I had the same question when I arrived in the Austrian capital during my 15-day Austria trip.

Vienna is well-connected, but it’s also huge. At first, I found the endless public transport options a bit overwhelming – trams, metros, buses, cycles, and tourist buses everywhere.

But after spending three days walking over 6km each day and riding trams like locals, I got the hang of it.

Here’s my honest take on Vienna’s transport, what works best for first time tourists, and why you should skip the car rental.

Collage of 3 pictures – a metro signboard at Alser Strasse, a red tram on a city street, and a city bus near a tram stop, with text on it that says tourists guide to use metro trams and bus in Vienna. — Pin it for Later!

What is the cheapest way to move around Vienna?

Public transport is the best and cheapest way to explore Vienna. The system is well-planned, clean, punctual, and very easy to use – even for tourists.

Vacaywork author Sahana's mum, in a saree, sitting inside the Vienna metro opposite a local passenger. — Mom happily using Vienna Metro while i was busy clicking her

A red and grey tram moving along narrow tracks in central Vienna, with pastel buildings and a clock tower in the background. — Trams, used and loved by locals and fun way of seeing the city on budget for tourists

Red and white public bus in Vienna at a bus stop, showing destination Niederhofstrasse on the front display. — Buses in Vienna where trams and metro dont go

Vienna’s main transport modes include:

U-Bahn (metro) – 5 lines (U1, U2, U3, U4, U6)
Trams – over 25 lines
Buses – more than 120 routes
S-Bahn (local city trains)
CAT – City Airport Train from Vienna Airport to Wien Mitte
Hop-on Hop-off Buses (for sightseeing)

You won’t need a car at all. Everything you’ll want to see in Vienna is easily reachable by public transport.

I spent 3 days in Vienna and saw a lot of things without having to hire a taxi.

I don’t recommend renting electric kick scooters in Vienna. My walking tour guide, a local Viennese, mentioned that most locals avoid them – and I soon understood why.

I saw two tourists fall while riding one. They lost control on the footpath, slipped onto the asphalt road, and were badly injured. The police arrived shortly after and helped arrange medical assistance.

Corner view of a classical building in Vienna with a street sign pointing towards Messezentrum and a man riding an e-scooter. — Kick Scooter, don’t use them!

Is public transport in Vienna 24 hours?

Mostly, no – but here’s the breakdown:

U-Bahn (metro) runs daily from around 5 am to midnight.
On Friday and Saturday nights, and nights before public holidays, the metro runs all night (every 15 minutes).
Trams and regular buses usually stop by midnight.
Night buses (Nightline) run daily between 12:30 am and 5 am, every 30 minutes.

If you’re out late, check Google Maps or the WienMobil app for night routes – or use Uber taxis – expensive but widely available in Vienna.

People walking through an underground pedestrian tunnel in Vienna lined with theatre posters and advertisements at night — Mom walking at Westbahnhof station at night

Does Vienna public transport have an app?

Yes! Download WienMobil (by Wiener Linien). It helps with:

Real-time route planning
Buying and storing tickets
Checking delays or platform changes
Renting bikes or finding e-scooters

It’s available on both Android and iOS. But most of the time, Google transit feature is enough unless you are travelling in the city late at night.

Still, I mostly used Google Maps and it was enough – especially for trips before 11 PM.

Screenshot of a metro journey planner showing U1 and U4 line connections in Vienna with timings and station stops on google map — Google Map is all I needed

Using Vienna metro as a tourist

The U-Bahn (Vienna’s underground metro) is fast, clean, and tourist-friendly. There are five lines: U1, U2, U3, U4, and U6. The U5 route doesn’t exist because it was introduced initially and cancelled later.

Directional signs at Karlsplatz metro station in Vienna indicating connections to U1, U2, and U4 lines. — PC: Unsplash

You’ll spot station signs in both German (Austria’s official language) and English. It was never difficult for my mum and me to get off at the right stations or switch lines.

All Vienna metro stations have free toilets. They may not be the cleanest, but they’re definitely usable.

A few major stations like Wien Hauptbahnhof and Westbahnhof also have food joints.

If you want to save money as a budget traveller, grab a coffee or breakfast, or pack some sandwiches or falafel wraps from here.

You do find some vegan and veggie options of Austrian dishes too! So as vegetarians, we did grab some quick bites at metro station.

Glass display case at a Vienna bakery with a variety of vegan and vegetarian sandwiches including tofu and cheese ciabatta. — See? Westbahnof station bakery had vegan and veggie delights too!

Some Vienna metro stations feel like little art galleries.

Apart from being the fastest and cheapest way to get around Vienna, some of the city’s metro stations are unexpectedly beautiful.

I didn’t expect it, but Vienna’s public transport system isn’t just efficient—it’s also artsy in places! The subway lines U1, U2, and U3 are known as Vienna’s “art lines.”

Two ancient stone artefacts displayed on metal stands in a dimly underground metro station wall — Roman ruins at metro tunnel!

Empty benches at the quiet and clean Schönbrunn train station in Vienna with patterned tiled flooring and signage on the wall. — Such pretty flooring flooring for a metro station platform?

Some have ancient Roman ruins as part of their underground station and others have art installations.

Read this post know about a few artsy Vienna metro stops that really caught my eye:

Is Vienna metro free?

No, the Vienna metro is not free. You need to purchase a ticket or use a VOR pass. Tickets can be bought at vending machines ( More info below )

Or ou can use mobile apps like WienMobil to buy them.

Single journey VOR ticket for an adult showing travel from Wien Hbf to Flughafen Wien with fare and QR code printed. — VOR single journey ticket. PC : ID 206514460 ©Robert309 | Dreamstime.com

There are occasional ticket checks with fines over €100 if you’re caught riding without valid tickets.

VOR Passes are the best if you are spending 2 to 3 days in Vienna – they cover not just metro, but also bus and trams.

I have written a separate post on why VOR Passes are better than Vienna city card which most tourists buy. Read that before buying any passes.

How to buy Vienna metro tickets at stations?

Buying tickets is easy. Here’s how I did it:

Ticket vending machines in Vienna's metro station with Wien Mobil and VOR signs, showing options to buy tickets in English and German — Ticket vending machines at Metro station

Go to any metro station – ticket machines are bright orange or silver with clear “Tickets” and VOR logos.
Choose your language – English is available along with German
Select your ticket:
Single ride
24, 48 or 72-hour VOR pass
7-day Vienna Ticket (if you’re staying longer)
Pay using card or coins. No notes. I always used my credit card
Your pass will drop from the slot – it’s usually a small, light green slip.
Don’t forget to validate:
Use the blue or orange stamping machines at metro station entrances.
For trams and buses, stamp on board.
If you buy online via WienMobil, you don’t need to validate – it’s time-stamped.

Blue ticket validation machine inside a Vienna metro station, placed between gold-coloured rails with commuters walking in the background — Ticket validator

Is taking metro late at night safe for female tourists

Yes! it is very safe for female travellers to take Vienna metros at night. Locals do it often and there is hardly any safety concern here.

Platform view of Vienna's U1 metro line at Nestroyplatz station, with passengers waiting and signs in German.

We once boarded the U-Bahn from the massive and iconic “Yellow Schonbrunn palace ” after a Mozart concert at 10PM. It was late, but safe.

Groups of girls were chilling in public parks, people were still jogging, and we reached Mariahilf (District 6) without any stress.

Taking trams in Vienna

Trams are one of the best ways to see Vienna. I loved them – not just because they’re charming, but because they let you explore the city while sitting down. Unlike the underground metro, trams run above ground, so you actually see Vienna as you move.

You meet a lot of furry friends when you take Trams

How to board trams in Vienna?

The large black text inside the red-rimmed oval sign says STRASSENBAHN HALTESTELLE, which simply means “tram stop” in German.

If you have a VOR Pass or Vienna City Card, you can use it for all trams. There’s no need to validate it—just board at the stop and get off where you need.

Yellow Vienna Ring Tram with multilingual stickers on the side, passing in front of Weltmuseum on Ringstrasse.

Vienna has one of the oldest and largest tram networks in the world, with 28+ lines covering almost every district. Trams are reliable, frequent, and included in your VOR pass.

Some scenic tram rides I recommend:

From Karlsplatz to Belvedere Palace
Past historical buildings near Rathaus, Parliament area
Passing beside Hunderwasservillage
Through Districts 6 and 15 – where locals just live their daily lives

You can hop on trams without a fixed plan. We often used them to rest our feet or explore lesser-known neighbourhoods. It always felt like a mini sightseeing tour

Exterior of Burgtheater in Vienna, seen from across the tram tracks with cars passing in front on a bright day. — The areas near Rathaus that you pass by while in Tram

Using buses in Vienna to get around

Buses in Vienna go where trams and metros don’t – especially helpful in outer districts like Ottakring or Donaustadt (District 22).

Clean, punctual, and reliable
Included in your VOR pass
Smaller City Buses operate in narrow streets of the historic centre (like the 1st District)
Useful for last-mile connections in less central areas
Austria drives on the right side of the road, so bus doors open on the right
Bicycles are not allowed on buses, except folding bikes during off-peak hours and only if space permits
Dogs are allowed, but must be on a lead and wear a muzzle
Small pets in secure carriers are allowed without a ticket
Wheelchair users can use low-floor buses with ramps – all regular buses in Vienna are step-free and accessible

77A heading to Lusthaus driving along a street lined with buildings in Vienna, with a burger shop on the left

How late do the buses run in Vienna?

Bus frequency is lower on Sundays and late nights, but Nightline buses run from 12:30 am to 5:00 am on set routes every 30 minutes.

How to pay for a bus in Vienna?

Buses are part of the Wiener Linien network, so you don’t need a separate ticket if you have VOR Pass.
Buy tickets in advance from:
Metro station vending machines
Online or via the WienMobil app
If needed, single tickets can also be bought on the bus from driver for a slightly higher price (Approx €2.60) – cash only

How to recognise bus stops in Vienna

Bus stops in Vienna are marked with yellow “Haltestelle” signs and a green “H.” hey’re usually near tram and metro stops, often with digital boards showing bus arrival times.

Bus stop sign for line 2A at Schwedenplatz in Vienna’s city centre, surrounded by historic buildings and trees — See the H? Thats you bus stop

You’ll often spot them from afar by the small crowd waiting.

Gumpendorfer Strasse station building in Vienna with cyclists passing in front and people waiting at the entrance.

Unlike in Salzburg, most bus stops in Vienna don’t have seats. Some stops display bus arrival times digitally.

Heads up : Drivers stop only at the exact marked spot—not even a metre ahead.

We once ran to catch a bus to Naschmarkt from Westbahnhof, but the driver just shook his head and drove off.

Luckily, buses come every 10–15 minutes, so don’t panic if you miss one by a second.

Which door to use when boarding?

Use the front or middle doors to board
You do not need to show your ticket to the driver, but must have a valid one ready if checked
Validate your paper ticket on board using the blue or orange stamping machine near the door (if not already stamped)

A collage of 4 Vienna public transport ticket machines and a cyclist on a green rental bike riding past an old tram stop, with text on it that says how to get around Vienna as a budget traveller. — Pin it for Later!

Hop-on-hop-off buses in Vienna

Vienna has two main Hop-On Hop-Off bus services—Big Bus Vienna and Vienna Sightseeing Tours.

Vienna Sightseeing hop-on hop-off double-decker bus near Oper Karlsplatz stop, parked in front of the State Opera building

Big Bus Vienna sightseeing bus driving along the Donaukanal, with historic white buildings in the background and colourful street art on the walls.

Both offer multiple routes covering landmarks like Schonbrunn Palace known for their gardens filled with fountains, Belvedere, Stephansplatz, and the Ringstrasse area. The buses stop at major tourist spots, and you can get off and rejoin at your pace.

Prices start around €30–€35 for a 24-hour ticket, and audio guides are included. Some tickets also bundle in walking tours or boat rides.

But honestly, I didn’t take one. These buses only run along fixed tourist routes, so they’re quite limited.

If you’re in Vienna for just one day, it can be convenient to get a quick overview of the city.

But for longer stays, Vienna’s public transport is more flexible, cheaper, and takes you beyond the main sights too.

How to get from Vienna airport to city centre?

Vienna International Airport exterior with a parked VIE shuttle bus and mirrored glass panels reflecting the sk — The shuttle bus at Vienna airport

City Airport Train (CAT)
€15 one-way
Every 30 mins, 5:30 am – 11 pm
Duration: 16 mins
Best for: travellers who want speed, comfort, and city check-in
Stops at: Wien Mitte (city centre)
S-Bahn (S7)
~€4.30 without pass, included with VOR + airport supplement
Every 30 mins, early morning to late night
Duration: ~25 mins
Best for: budget travellers using local transport
Stops at: Wien Mitte, Praterstern, other city stations
Vienna Airport Lines Bus
€9–€13 one-way
Runs 24/7
Duration: 20–45 mins depending on stop
Best for: travellers with luggage or staying in hotels near Westbahnhof, Schwedenplatz
Taxi
€35–€42 fixed fare (if booked as “airport taxi”)
24/7 availability at airport or in the city via Uber
Duration: 20–30 mins depending on traffic
Extra fee applies if not booked in advance
Best for: families, groups, late-night arrivals, door-to-door drop-off

I recommend pre-booking taxis through Welcome Pickups, like I did for my Vienna airport transfer. You’ll receive the driver’s contact details in advance, making it easy to coordinate in case your flight arrives early or gets delayed.

Cycling in Vienna – great in summer

Vienna is cycle-friendly, especially in spring and summer. You’ll find dedicated bike lanes almost everywhere and plenty of places to ride along, like:

Donaukanal (Danube Canal) – riverside bike path known for street art
Ringstrasse Boulevard – historic city center, lined with grand buildings, monuments, and parks
Neighbourhoods like Neubau –hip artsy zone and Josefstadt – quiet local area

Lime bike rider passing a tram stop in front of a historic old house on a Vienna street with tram lines and pedestrians

You can rent bikes through WienMobil Rad (Vienna’s public bike system or Lime apps

We didn’t rent bikes, but I saw lots of locals and tourists cycling early in the day. It’s a great option if you’re comfortable on two wheels and want to explore Vienna at your own pace.

Taking taxis in Vienna

Uber is widely available in Vienna. It’s a great option if public transport isn’t running at the time you need it, especially late at night when services are less frequent. If you’re travelling with a lot of luggage or need a more direct route, Uber is also convenient.

Why I don’t recommend renting a car in Vienna

In short – no. Unless you’re doing day trips to villages or places outside Vienna, you absolutely don’t need a car here.

Busy shopping street near Stephansplatz in Vienna with cars, cyclists, pedestrians and classic white buildings — Vienna’s traffic !

Here’s why I don’t recommend it:

Parking is expensive and hard to find, especially in District 1 (Innerstadt) and Innerstadt is where most of the places you want to see in Vienna are located!
Lots of one-way streets ( Einbahn) and environmental zones
Public transport is better, easier, and cheaper
Almost the entire city is a short-term parking zone, and you’ll need a resident permit or buy time-limited tickets

We didn’t rent a car during our entire 15-day Austria trip – and we didn’t miss it for a second.

You will need a car only if you are visiting rural areas where there is no public. transport. And near Vienna, usually there is no such areas. So if you are visiting only Vienna in your Austria trip, definitely you won’t car

Sculpted female figures flank a grand doorway in Vienna, with Austrian flags above and a parked grey Nissan SUV in the foreground

Honest tips for first timers using Vienna public transport

Buy a 24/48/72-hour VOR pass at any metro station – covers all transport, not vienna city card
Validate tickets before boarding or risk fines.
Don’t assume it’s free – Vienna’s honesty system doesn’t mean you can ride without paying.
Google Maps are your best bet for planning routes than WienMobil
Start with a tram ride to ease into the city’s rhythm.
Buy hop-on-hop off bus tickets ( Big Bus Vienna is famous) if you are staying in Vienna only for one day.

Simple Etiquettes to Follow on Vienna Public Transport

Stand on the right side of escalators – Always stand on the right so others can walk past on the left. Blocking both sides is considered rude.
Give up priority seats– Seats marked with a symbol are for the elderly, pregnant women, or people with disabilities. Always offer if needed.
Don’t block the doors – Let others get off first. After boarding, move inside the tram, bus, or metro to make space.
Keep your voice low – Austrians like quiet public spaces. Speak softly and avoid loud phone calls. Austrian buses & metro isn’t as quite as Japan ones, but still it is much quieter than India’s.
Use headphones -Whether it’s music, a video, or a voice message – always use earphones.
No eating or drinking – Eating is not allowed on public transport in Vienna. A water bottle is fine, but avoid snacks or takeaway coffee.
Bags go on your lap or floor -Don’t place your bag on an empty seat, especially if it’s crowded.
Be polite – Say “Danke” (thank you) if someone makes way. A simple nod or smile is enough to keep things friendly.

Final thoughts – walk, ride, repeat

Horse Draw Carriage is a fun way of seeing old Vienna

Even with a transport pass, we still walked 5–10 km daily – that’s just how Vienna works.

From the grandeur of Hofburg Palace to the hidden alleys around Naschmarkt, most of Vienna feels photogenic.

My advice? Mix it up.

Ride the tram just to sit and watch.
Take a horse chariot ride in Old town to see most of it – it is fun and relaxed.
Walk during sightseeing for distance of 1 to 1.5km – Vienna’s streets are charming and easy to walk as there is designated footpaths.
Use the metro to cover big distances.
And skip the rental car unless you’re heading deep into the countryside

Vienna’s got a rhythm of its own — and once you learn how to get around, it flows beautifully.

Sunset view at Museumsquartier in Vienna with orange skies and glowing streetlamps lighting up the road — Beautiful Museumplatz road

What to read next : Plan your Vienna trip like a Pro

Now that you know how to get around Vienna, here are more guides to help plan your trip with confidence – from dressing smart to choosing where to stay.

Wondering if you should buy any city pass to explore Vienna? I have written a detailed review of the most famous Vienna city pass.

Not sure what to pack for summer in Austria? Here’s what worked for me in summer (and what I wish I’d packed).