How to get around in Vienna

Welcome to Vienna! Here is a guide to help you navigate the city and make the most of your time during the conference.

Getting around the city

Vienna’s public transport system is highly efficient, covering the entire city.

Tickets: Tickets are valid everywhere within the city boundaries for all forms of public transport and can be purchased at ticket machines, stations, at the front end of trams, from the bus driver, or via the WienMobil app. We highly recommend getting a 7 day pass for public transport in the city during your stay (19.70 Euro). You can purchase this ahead of time from via the WienMobil app or online https://shop.wienmobil.at/en/products/T7T31_VIE). Having a valid ticket with you is checked regularly, both inside public transport, and at the exits of metro and train stations.
U-Bahn (Metro): Five subway lines (U1, U2, U3, U4, and U6) operate from early morning until midnight, with extended services on weekends and public holidays.
Trams: A scenic and convenient way to travel, especially within the city center.
Buses: Frequent and reliable service, particularly in areas not covered by the tram or metro.
S-Bahn / ÖBB (Trains): Connect the larger stations of the city, often connecting the city to villages/towns beyond Vienna’s boundaries.

Getting from Vienna International Airport to the City Centre

Vienna airport is well-connected to the city by public transport:

S-Bahn/Regionalbahn (S7, R7, direction Wolkersdorf) and ÖBB trains: The most budget-friendly option. The S7/R7 train takes around 25 minutes to the station Wien Mitte and runs every 20-30 min. ÖBB trains (mostly railjet) connect to Vienna’s main train station (Hauptbahnhof).Buy a ticket at one of the ÖBB ticket machines at the airport train station, or from the ÖBB ticket counter in the airport. Note that if you already own a Vienna city ticket for public transport, you only need to buy a ticket from Vienna airport to “Schwechat” (this is the city boundary; ticket price: 2.10 Euro). Don’t forget to get this extra ticket, else it can result in a hefty fine!
City Airport Train (CAT): This express train runs every 30 minutes, taking you directly to Wien Mitte station in 16 minutes (14.90 Euro single ticket, 12.90 Euro return ticket)
Buses: Vienna Airport Lines operate buses that connect the airport with key locations in the city, such as Schwedenplatz and Westbahnhof.

Good to know

Vienna is one of the safest cities in Europe, with low crime rates. However, as in any major city, be mindful of your belongings, especially in crowded areas like public transport or tourist attractions.

Google maps is your friend in finding the best ways around the city!

Vienna is and has always been a very international city (due to the fact that Vienna was the capital of the royal Habsburg dynasty) and most people speak EnglishWhen using public escalators, stand on the right side to allow others to pass on the left (people actually take this seriously).

In restaurants/cafés/for taxi fares, rounding up the bill (e.g., adding 5-10% tip) is common. Simply state the total amount you’d like to pay when handing over money.

Austrians are known for their love of coffee houses, and there are many types of coffee - just ordering “coffee” without specifying the type may earn you blank faces (https://www.visitingvienna.com/eatingdrinking/food/coffee-glossary/).

Vienna’s tap water comes from alpine springs and is of excellent quality (a fact that the Viennese love to share). Feel free to drink it, there are also public water fountains all over the city.

Most places accept credit and debit cards, but it’s a good idea to carry some cash for smaller establishments or markets.

Emergency numbers: Dial 133 for the police, 144 for medical emergencies, and 122 for the fire department.

FAQ

IMPRESSUM

For questions concerning the organization and program:

Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science - CeMESS

enc2025.cemess@univie.ac.at

Address
University of Vienna Biology Building
Djerassiplatz 1
1030 Vienna