Vienna Public Transport Guide: How It Works, Tickets and Prices
Are you visiting Vienna and wondering how to get around the city using public transport? In this guide I explain everything you need to know about Vienna’s public transport system, including how to buy tickets, how much they cost, how to validate them, and my best tips for using the metro, trams and buses in Vienna.
Vienna’s public transport network is safe, efficient and easy to use. Once you understand the basics, you will be able to get around the city quickly and stress free.
Tip 1: Always Buy a Vienna Public Transport Ticket Before You Travel
Vienna runs an open public transport system without gates or barriers. You can simply walk into the station or onto the tram. But you must already have a valid ticket with you.
If you are checked without a valid ticket, the fine is more than 100 EUR.
You also cannot buy tickets on board the bus or on metro trains, so always make sure you buy your ticket in advance.
Tip 2: How to Buy a Ticket for Vienna Public Transport
Buying a ticket in Vienna is simple. You have several options:
• ticket machines at metro stations (you can switch the language to English)
• the WienMobil App
• the Wien Mobil webshop
• Wiener Linien information centers
• tobacco shops
At the machine you select the ticket you need, choose whether it should start immediately or later, and pay by card or cash.
Most digital tickets are slightly cheaper than paper tickets.
Tip 3: How to Validate Your Vienna Public Transport Ticket
If you buy a paper ticket, you must validate it at one of the small blue machines.
You will find them:
• inside trams and buses
• at metro stations before you enter the platform
For metro journeys you must validate the ticket before boarding, because there are no machines inside the trains.
If you forget to validate your ticket, it counts as not having a ticket, even if you paid for it. This is a very common mistake for first time visitors.
If you bought your ticket online or in the app, you do not need to validate it separately. You simply show it on your phone.
Validating Machine Vienna
Tip 4: Ticket Prices - Find the Best Option for Vienna Public Transport
Ticket prices in Vienna are based on time, not distance. As long as you stay within the Vienna city zone, the price is always the same, no matter how many stops you travel.
Your ticket is valid on:
metro
trams
buses
and local trains within the city
It is not valid on:
City Airport Train
Vienna Airport Lines buses
Hop on Hop Off Sightseeing Busses
most private or long distance trains
Here are the most common Vienna public transport tickets for visitors:
Single fare ticket
Valid for one journey in one direction
You can change lines, but not backtrack
Best if you only use public transport occasionally24 hour ticket
Unlimited travel for 24 hours from the start time7 day ticket
Valid for 7 consecutive days
A great option if you stay longer and want full flexibilityLong term tickets
monthly and annual passes
Vienna Public Transport Ticket Overview. Please check current prices on https://www.wienerlinien.at/web/wl-en
Tip 5: Look Out for Discounts on Vienna Public Transport
Digital ticket
Most Vienna public transport tickets are slightly cheaper when you buy them as digital tickets in the WienMobil App or in the Wien Mobil online shop. Digital tickets also do not need to be validated separately, because they become valid automatically from the selected start time.
Discounts for children
Children under 6 travel free
Children under 15 travel free during Vienna school holidays
Children aged 6 to 15 receive discounted fares (eg single fare)
You should carry an ID if you want to use age based discounts.
Please check the school holidays for Vienna on https://www.schulferien.org/oesterreich/ferien/wien/
Tip 6: Check Operating Hours and Avoid Rush Hour
Vienna’s public transport runs frequently throughout the day. At night there are night buses, and at weekends the metro runs all night.
Rush hour is usually:
mornings: about 7:30 to 9:00
evenings: about 16:30 to 19:00
If you prefer quieter journeys, try to travel outside these times.
Tip 7: Do’s and Don’ts on Vienna Public Transport
A few polite habits help a lot:
Stand on the right side of escalators
Let passengers get off before you board
Keep doors and aisles clear
Offer seats to people who need them
Eating is not allowed on metro trains. Drinking water or soft drinks is fine.
Tip 8: Use the WienMobil App for Vienna Public Transport
buy tickets
plan journeys
check timetables
see delays or route changes
It is available for Android and iOS.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vienna Public Transport
Is Vienna public transport safe?
Yes. Vienna’s public transport system is very safe, clean and reliable.
Do I need to validate my ticket?
Paper tickets must be validated before your first journey. Digital tickets do not need validation. All information about ticket validation in this blog article.
Is one ticket valid for metro, tram and bus?
Yes. One ticket covers the whole Vienna public transport network inside the city zone.
Do I need an extra ticket for the airport?
Yes. Vienna Airport is outside the city’s main public transport zone. Please check my blog article how to get to the airport.
Summary
Vienna’s public transport is one of the best ways to get around the city. It is safe, reliable and simple to use. Tickets are valid across metro, tram and bus, and prices are based on time rather than distance.
Just remember:
buy your ticket before travelling
validate paper tickets
choose the ticket that matches how long you stay
keep your ticket with you while travelling
With these tips, you can explore Vienna easily and stress free.
🇩🇪 Öffis in Wien: In diesem Artikel erfährst du alles über Tickets, Preise und die richtige Entwertung in Wien. So nutzt du U-Bahn, Straßenbahn und Bus stressfrei und richtig.
Photo Credits Video
Ticket inspection: (c) Wiener Linien / Johannes Zinner