How to move from/to Vienna and Bratislava Airport to Vienna City Center
Traveling to Vienna from its nearby airports, Vienna International Airport (VIE) and Bratislava Airport (BTS), can be straightforward and efficient with a variety of transport options. This guide provides essential information for tourists on how to reach Vienna using trains and buses, all while noting that many of these services are included in the CONET Pass Vienna.
From Vienna International Airport (VIE) to Vienna City Center: Vienna International Airport is situated approximately 20 kilometers southeast of the city center and offers various transit options.
- Train Services:
- City Airport Train (CAT): The CAT is a dedicated airport express train that takes you from the airport to Wien Mitte station in just 16 minutes. It runs every 30 minutes from 5:37 AM to 11:38 PM. The CAT is a fast and comfortable choice but is priced higher than other options.
- S-Bahn (Suburban Train): The S7 line is a cost-effective and popular option for tourists, connecting the airport with central Vienna in about 25 minutes. Trains run approximately every 30 minutes. This service is included in the CONET Pass Vienna, making it an attractive choice for pass holders.
- Bus Services:
- Vienna Airport Lines: Multiple bus routes connect the airport to various parts of Vienna, including Schwedenplatz, Hauptbahnhof (main train station), and Westbahnhof. The travel time ranges from 20 to 45 minutes, depending on the destination. Buses run frequently, typically every 30 minutes, and are comfortable with onboard Wi-Fi.
From Bratislava Airport (BTS) to Vienna City Center: Bratislava Airport is located approximately 60 kilometers east of Vienna. Though further away, efficient cross-border services make this journey convenient.
- Train Services:
- Regional Trains (ÖBB): Tourists can take a shuttle or bus from Bratislava Airport to Bratislava Hauptbahnhof (main train station) and then board a regional ÖBB train to Vienna Hauptbahnhof. The journey from Bratislava Hauptbahnhof to Vienna takes around 1 hour, with trains running frequently. These train rides are included in the CONET Pass Vienna, offering seamless travel between the cities.
- Bus Services:
- FlixBus and Slovak Lines: Direct buses from Bratislava Airport to Vienna operate regularly, with travel times of approximately 1.5 hours. These buses are comfortable, often featuring amenities such as Wi-Fi and charging ports.
- RegioJet: Another reliable operator providing direct connections from Bratislava city center to Vienna. Tourists need to take a local bus from Bratislava Airport to the city center first, then connect with RegioJet. This service is also covered by the CONET Pass Vienna, simplifying the overall travel experience.
Using the CONET Pass Vienna: The CONET Pass Vienna is an all-in-one travel pass that covers various modes of transportation, including trains and buses connecting the airports to Vienna. Pass holders can travel conveniently without needing to purchase separate tickets for each leg of their journey. This pass is highly recommended for tourists planning to use public transport extensively during their visit, as it provides unlimited travel on participating services.
Travel Tips for Tourists:
- Check train and bus schedules in advance, as times may vary based on the day of the week or public holidays.
- Ensure you validate your ticket where required, especially for local trains and buses.
- The CONET Pass Vienna can be purchased online
Navigating from Vienna International Airport or Bratislava Airport to the heart of Vienna is made simple with these efficient transport options. Whether you choose the quick CAT train, the budget-friendly S-Bahn, or the cross-border buses, Vienna’s connectivity ensures a smooth start to your visit.