I have lived in Vienna for over 18 years and have never owned a car. My family and I exclusively use public transportation in the city - and we love it. My kids have used public transport since age 8 to get themselves to school (most Austrian kids do this at age 6). I say this as someone who had their driver's license at 15 and grew up in the suburbs of the US South (in other words, we love cars in my family).
For visitors to Vienna, there is no need to ever rent a car or take a taxi. The city was not designed for cars, so using cars to get around the city is highly inefficient. Do what the locals do - use the inexpensive and intuitive public transportation system. It is easy to use - I promise!
Basics:
Vienna's public transportation system (Wiener Linien) is based on an honor system, meaning that there are no gates or turnstiles to enter any station or mode of transportation. The system assumes that you possess a valid ticket. You do not need to show this ticket unless there is a control. The controls are carried out by Wiener Linien staff who will ask for your ticket. These checks are random and unpredictable. I take public transportation multiple times each day and I get controlled probably 2 or 3 times per year - so basically the chances of getting controlled are slim. That said, the controllers are very nice, have identification and you have nothing to worry about if you have a valid ticket.
The system is comprised of subways (Ubahns), trams (strassenbahns), buses and regional trains all within the city limits of Vienna. If you plan to focus your stay on attractions within the city, then you are covered (even Schonbrunn and the vineyards on the surrounding hills are within the city limits; notably the airport is not).
Tickets:
To be honest, no one really buys paper tickets anymore. Most use the Wien Mobil app to purchase tickets or time-limited passes. That said, if you are more comfortable with a paper ticket in your hand, then you can find ticket machines which can
switch to English. You can find ticket machines at every U-Bahn station and on some trams. As of Jan. 1, 2026, the fare structure will change and tickets for 24 hours, 7 days and 31 days will be available to purchase. Buying a digital ticket using the Wien Mobil app will be cheaper than buying a paper ticket under this new structure. When you purchase these tickets, you choose the validity period of your ticket. There is no need to purchase these passes in advance as it brings no cost advantage. Notably, there will be no senior discounts as of Jan. 1, 2026. Also, notably, children under 6 travel for free. Children ages 6 to 15 travel free on school holidays, public holidays and Sundays. I also believe that the Vienna Card will go away on Jan. 1, 2026 - TBC
Getting Around:
I use Google Maps' public transportation function to determine how to get from Point A to Point B several times each day. The Wien Mobil app also offers easy to use directions for getting around. For the U-Bahn system, there are 5 lines - U1, U2, U3, U4 and U6. These lines are color coded. The end station of the line will be clearly indicated so that you can determine the right direction. To make things easier, each station has clear signage showing the progression of stations. For the trams, there 28 lines in Vienna. Similar to the U-Bahn, the end stations of each line are indicated on each tram so you can make sure you are heading in the right direction. Each stop has clear signage showing the upcoming stops. Notably, the upcoming stops indicated on the signage also show any intersecting lines, line U-Bahn lines. For the buses, there 103 daytime and 28 nighttime lines. Again, like trams and U-bahns, the buses show the end station with clear signage at all stops and on the buses to indicate upcoming stops. Regional or S-Bahn Trains are also a part of the Wiener Linien. These trains can be handy if you are staying near Rennweg, Wien Mitte or Praterstern.