Vienna is a great destination year-round, though July and August can be less pleasant due to the heat.

Spring (April to May)

Spring is one of the best times to visit. The weather is mild, flowers are in bloom, and the city's famous cafés come to life. It's ideal for leisurely walks, exploring Schönbrunn Palace, or visiting the zoo.

• Temperatures rise from 10°C in March to a pleasant 20°C to 25°C by May.

Summer (June to August)

Summers are hot, often exceeding 30°C, but the city buzzes with festivals and open-air events. The Danube offers a refreshing escape from the heat.

However, with climate change, July and August are less ideal for city trips. In 2024, Vienna saw many tropical nights without relief from the heat. We recommend heading to lakes in Carinthia, Upper Austria, or Salzburg instead.

Autumn (September to October)

As school resumes, crowds thin out and the city is bathed in golden autumn colors. It’s the perfect time to enjoy the wine taverns on the Viennese vineyards or hike in the Vienna Woods. Temperatures are comfortable, ranging from 15°C to 20°C, and if it rains, Vienna's excellent museums are a great alternative.

Winter (November to February)

Winter turns Vienna into a magical wonderland, especially around Christmas. With temperatures between -5°C and 5°C, the festive Christmas markets and ice skating at Rathausplatz create a charming atmosphere. It's the city's quietest season for tourists, apart from Christmas.

Vienna also hosts its famous ball season from November to February, with over 450 balls held across the city. Attending one is a must — brush up on your dance skills beforehand to make it more enjoyable!

Vienna is easily accessible from neighboring countries thanks to Austria's well-developed rail network. The main operator is ÖBB, but if you're coming from Germany (Munich) or Switzerland (via Bregenz), you can also take the Westbahn. Trains are excellent, and as of 2024, likely more reliable than ever.

Train Stations

International trains arrive at Hauptbahnhof, Westbahnhof, or Bahnhof Wien Meidling.

Travel Times to Vienna

From cities like Munich and Prague, it’s only a 4-5 hour ride—making flights unnecessary.

• Budapest: 3 hours
• Warsaw: 7-8 hours
• Zurich: 8-10 hours

For longer journeys, ÖBB’s night trains (Nightjets) are a great choice, saving time and accommodation costs. Most night routes take 10-11 hours.

• Venice: 9-11 hours
• Berlin: 9-12 hours
• Hamburg: 13 hours

Discounted Tickets

Booking in advance lets you grab Spartickets at reduced rates.

Vienna is served by Vienna-Schwechat International Airport, about 20 km from the city. You can reach the center in 30-40 minutes by S-Bahn, a suburban train. If you're in a hurry, the City Airport Train (CAT) or a taxi are faster alternatives, but we recommend the S-Bahn. It costs less than 5 euros, is just as comfortable, and much cheaper. The CAT is heavily advertised at the airport, often misleading uninformed tourists.

Driving is only worthwhile if Vienna is part of a longer road trip. Otherwise, opt for the train or plane (only for long distances!). Once in Vienna, you won’t need a car, and parking is expensive.

The highways are excellent, but remember to buy a vignette (toll sticker) ahead of time. The most affordable parking is at the Park & Ride areas on the city’s outskirts, e.g. Hütteldorf.

• 5 subway lines (U1 to U6) serve most of Vienna and are the city’s main transport backbone. A new line (U5) is currently under construction.
• Operating hours: Daily from around 5:00 AM to midnight. On weekends and public holidays, trains run all night.
• Frequency: Every 2–5 minutes during rush hours, 7–10 minutes during off-peak times.
• Rush hours: Typically 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM and after work.

• Network: One of the largest in the world, with over 30 lines.
• Highlights: Lines 1 and 2 follow the scenic Ringstraße, passing many historic landmarks.
• Operating hours: Generally from 5:00 AM to 11:30 PM, with variations by line.

• City buses: Fill in where the subway and tram don’t reach.
• Night buses: Operate from midnight to 5:00 AM.
• Operating hours: Vary by route; night buses usually run hourly.

You can buy tickets online via Wiener Linien, through the app, at station machines, or in tobacco shops (Trafiken).

• Single ticket: Valid for one trip, including transfers (€2.40).
• Time tickets: Available for 24h, 48h, or 72h and valid across all public transport.
• 7 Days VIENNA: Around €23 (or €3 cheaper online), valid for a week from the start date.
• Vienna City Card: Includes public transport plus discounts on attractions.
• Discounts: Available for children and seniors.
• Ticket validation: Paper tickets must be stamped at blue machines before travel, except those with a printed date.

When tourists complain about the perceived unfriendliness of the Viennese, it’s often because they don’t follow public transport etiquette. Locals aren’t shy about expressing their annoyance directly. To avoid the famous Viennese "Grant", stick to the following rules:

• Stand right, walk left: On escalators, always stand on the right, leaving the left free for those in a hurry. Keep your luggage on the right side as well, so you don’t block the flow of people.
• Let people exit first: This should be obvious, but it needs repeating. Before boarding, let passengers get off. Stand to the sides of the doors and keep the middle clear. Vienna’s subways come every two to three minutes, so no need to rush.
• Stick to the right side on stairs and walkways to keep foot traffic moving smoothly.
• Use headphones for phone calls or music — people around you value peace and quiet.
• Eating on public transport is frowned upon. Be considerate and spare your fellow passengers from the smell.

Follow these simple rules, and you'll contribute to a pleasant experience and enjoy the Viennese calm instead of encountering its grumpiness.

• WienMobil app: Offers route planning, real-time updates, and ticket purchase options.
• Accessibility: Most stations and subway trains are wheelchair accessible.
• Bikes: Allowed on subways outside peak hours but not on trams or buses.

• Citybike Vienna: A bike-sharing system with stations citywide; the first hour is free.
• E-scooters: Available through various providers. Make sure to follow parking rules and traffic laws!