Need information on Vienna Airport and trains

According to http://www.sleepinginairports.net/europe/vienna.htm, it is possible to sleep in public areas at Vienna Airport. I don't know if Wien Westbahnhof is open overnight, and even if it was, having visited it, I would seriously NOT recommend hanging out overnight there.

According to the Wiener Linien travel planner, it's possible to take the first S7 S-Bahn train at 05:03 from the Airport to Mitte station, then take U-Bahn Line 3 to Westbahnhof, and arrive at 05:49. The next S-Bahn is at 05:33, which would get you to Westbahnhof at 06:18. Do not be tricked into taking the overpriced City Express Train into the centre. The tickets for the S-Bahn route can be purchased from machines on the platform itself.

You probably do have an actual rail ticket, and won't have to exchange it for anything at Westbahnhof, but taking the early train will give you plenty of time to check with station staff there.

I do hope that you didn't pay more that 29 Euro for your Vienna to Budapest ticket. That is the going rate with the National Austrian Rail Service, OeBB. It is also worth noting that RailEurope does not operate any trains, they are a ticket reseller/travel agency. Since you are paying RailEurope not just for the ticket, but for their services, I would call them and ask your question about the ticket.

As noted above, I would definitely choose hanging out at the airport rather than at Westbahnhof (unless you enjoy hanging out with drunks and prostitutes :)).

Why don't you just stay in a hotel for a few hours, be safe and get a little rest? Money well spent, in my opinion.

As for getting from the airport to Westbahnhof, the easiest would be by bus and the schedule is here:
http://www.viennaairport.com/jart/prj3/va/uploads/data-uploads/Passagier/Parken/VIE_Postbus_1187_de_en.pdf

I am going to stick my neck out and guess that the upcharge he paid on the train tickets would have just about bought him a room for the night. One of the few not so enjoyable moments while traveling occurred at Westbahnhof about a dozen years ago. A drunk Spaniard began harassing us; while the Austrian police watched from a distance. Finally I called the officer over. The officer said a few words to the Spanish gentleman then walked away and continued observing the drunk shouting insults and offensive language (in Spanish) at us. The then followed us to the doors to the platforms. The good thing about the incident was that we were on our way to Budapest...... Naaaa, I wouldn't sleep there.

You do have a real ticket, not a voucher that needs exchanging, so you can simply board the train that you planned and find a seat. The train does not require seat assignments and they're not automatically included in the ticket.

Whether any train ticket is limited to a specific departure time or can be transferred to another departure on the same route depends on the fare paid and the rules attached, but it sounds like that's not your main concern. Tickets for sale now for $46-49 in 2nd class on this route are "open" tickets, not limited to a specific travel time or date.

OBB site says 19 euro and up.

Oh, its safe. But things happen. Oddly enough had a friend that go pickpocketed on the tram in Vienna last year. But most of that part of the world is safe. In Budapest you will the good kind of special attention. The locals still love the US by and large and are patient and helpful with tourists.

Hi,

On this last trip in May/June, I had a chance to be at Wien Westbahnhof close to midnight, literally, not by choice since the ride from Paris took ca. 3 hours longer than scheduled. There were some shady characters around but since I know the station well most likely not get jumped there, I wasn't too concerned. Still, if you are not well acquainted with the extensive station, I would suggest: don't hang out there. Besides, the food vendors there close at midnight. The police working in pairs do patrol the station, they could question you. Stay at the hostel across the street or at the Motel One attached to Westbahnhof.

Thanks for the price correction, James. You are correct with the 19 Euro. The OP actually has let me know they paid $49 on RailEurope, which is even more than what you pay if you just walk up to the window!