Vienna Public Transportation ticketing

I too would recommend just taking a taxi from the rank, assuming you are arriving at Wien Mitte. No need to overcomplicate it.

In terms of public transport, you can download the ÖBB App and buy a ticket to cover all forms of transport within the city, from 1 day through to 30 days depending on how long you'll be around, and how much you'll be taking public transport.

The airport is outside the limits, so if you are traveling to/from on the S-Bahn, you need to purchase a separate ticket for this section. If you just want to use public transport for airport only, there is an option covering from airport to city limits+transfers within the city limits - make sure you get the right one.

I am all set regarding the public transport around the city. I wanted to know since I have bags and would have had several changes. I think Uber would be better. I also already have an Uber credit, so my ride could be free.
I wouldn't take a cab or an Uber from the airport.
Mark

Where exactly is your destination in Vienna? How long will you stay in Vienna?
I'll try to give you the best options for using public transport.

How are you getting to Vienna....plane or train?

Many of the uber drivers in Vienna are taxi drivers as well.

I am arriving by train.
The best option I have for public transportation when arriving because I want to reduce walking is about 45 minutes and 2 changes.
If I use an Uber or a taxi, it takes under 15 minutes.
I looked up both Uber and Bolt's estimated pricing, which is 13 or less. I will go with whoever is cheaper, I guess.
Once I am at my Airbnb, I will be 100% public transportation as I will have a pass and become more familiar with the system. When I leave, I will head to the airport, where the bus right out front goes to one of the S7 stops.

While I am at it, is there a particular Taxi company that is better than the others, keeping in mind this is a 15-minute ride?

Thanks,
Mark

Many of the uber drivers in Vienna are taxi drivers as well.

All Uber drivers are taxi drivers and must have passed the examination to obtain the special taxi drivers license. The only difference between a regular taxi and an Uber is that Uber drivers may charge up to 20% less than the regular fare which is fixed for all taxis.

When Uber started its business the law in Vienna was changed to prohibit private citizens to carry passengers for money.

This whole S7 thing is what is confusing. At first you say you are taking it into the city, then you say you are taking it to the aiport.

Where is your accomodation? If you are coming by train it may be easier to get off at a different Vienna station, if your train goes there, than the Haupthbanhoff.

As stated, Uber is safe because they are all taxi drivers. In fact, many have the Uber logo on their taxis. For a 15 minute ride, you are talking the difference of a few Euro--not a years salary.

Many of the uber drivers in Vienna are taxi drivers as well.

It should have been "many of the taxi drivers in Vienna are Uber drivers as well."

I got it figured out. I don't need or want to tell people where I am staying.
I talked to my host, and we got it.

The S7 comment was by mistake as I am leaving by plane and will take that eventually.

I don't need or want to tell people where I am staying.

Don't worry, we just want to help, not to intrude into your privacy.

Download the WienMobil app onto your smartphone to get all information about public transport, including the purchase of tickets. The cheapest and most versatile ticket is the Flexible 7-Days-Pass for €17.10 which allows you unlimited use of all means of transport (trams, subways, busses, S-trains) for a week starting on the day of your choice.
https://www.wienerlinien.at/web/wl-en/wienmobil-features

For finding the best way from A to B (including alternatives) I prefer the VOR AnachB App because it gives you the routes not only using public transport, but by car, bicycle and walking as well.
https://www.vor.at/en/timetables-mobility/vor-apps/vor-anachb-app

Edit:
Effective July 1st, 2024 Wiener Linien, the operator of public transport in Vienna, will change some of its ticket offerings.
Three items are of interest for tourists:

(1) The calendar week ticket (Mon-Sun) will be abandoned.
(2) The flexible 7-Days-Pass, as described above, i.e. purchased online, strictly personal, will cost €19.70 now.
(3) The new flexible 7-Days-Pass, if purchased as a paper ticket, is transferable, will cost €22.60 and can be obtained from ticket vending machines, ticket counters, tobacco shops.

My host is giving me a pass for the transportation in Vienna while I am there. All I need to do is get to and from the house.
After much talking we decided the best course of action was an Uber from the train station and then on the return I will take a public bus and the S7 to the airport when I leave.
The airport ride is actually easier based on where the house is. It has fewer transfers and less walking.
I like the fact that with an Uber there will be less stress of making sure I got off on the right stop and it's only about 10 Euros more.
Once I understand the public transportation I will be better able to handle the bus and S7 train to the airport. This gives me a little time to get my feet under me in a city I have never been too.

Thanks,
Mark

When you get there just put your destination in Google maps and it will tell you which train, tram or bus to take to get there . That's what we did and it worked perfectly.

I can not remember meeting a person that plans and researches in greater detail than Markrb. If he is here asking questions he is plugging holes in a way most of us would not dream. Goòd for you, Markrb; I am envious.

In the RS Vienna guide, he mentions a catch to the 7-day ticket - it supposedly starts on Monday and runs through the following Sunday. So if you arrived on Thursday, you would have to purchase a new ticket on Monday. Has this changed? (My guide was printed in 2023.)

... the 7-day ticket - it supposedly starts on Monday and runs through the following Sunday.

This is the classic calendar week ticket for €17.10 which can obtained from ticket vending machines, ticket counters or tobacco shops. It is transferable, i.e., it can be used by different persons.

So if you arrived on Thursday, you would have to purchase a new ticket on Monday.

In this case the optimal ticket is the flexible 7-day pass (also €17.10). For an unknown reason this ticket cannot be obtained from a vending machine or at a ticket counter; it is only available online, either via (a) or (b). You need to enter the start date of validity, i.e., so you can buy it already in advance. The ticket is strictly personal.

(a) You can install the WienMobil app on your smartphone, create an account there, and buy the ticket, which is then stored on your phone.
https://www.wienerlinien.at/web/wl-en/mobile-tickets

(b) Using the online ticket shop for doing the same and the possibility to print the ticket somewhere: https://shop.wienmobil.at/products/T7T31_VIE

(Both links lead to webpages which had been programmed rather unprofessionally, e.g., it is difficult to find the button for switching the language to English.)

Thank you! This is really helpful!

We returned from Vienna a week ago. I want to say that the Wien Mobil app for your smartphone is fantastic. It's best to download it before you leave and create your account with the payment option. Once you're in Vienna, it's a breeze to use.

Thanks Thos good to know. I probably won't need it, but I set it up just in case.

Mark

I will be in Vienna for a day next week. I took a look a the metro pass link. Is there nowhere to find a simple list of costs? For so much of that on the link you had to begin filling out a purchase to discover the price. https://shop.wienmobil.at/en/products But the prices on the tourist stuff (day, 24, 48, 72 hours passes) seemed pretty fair once i figured them out. But nothing special for old farts :-( like Prague.

Is that list you gave the link to not simple enough? :-)

If you are in Vienna just for one day (not overnight) buy the Day Ticket (one calendar day). If you spend the night, but less than 24 hours in Vienna, then buy the 24-hours ticket (validity starts when punched at your first trip; be careful, some vending machines sell it with immediate validity).

By the way, effective July 1st, 2024 there will be some changes in the ticketing system.

Trip report for Vienna Public transport.

One thing I found is that unlike other cities (London, Budapest to name two) the system is not as interconnected. By this the different lines don't cross as much. So it is often better to walk 15 minutes than try to take the public transport. As an example my Airbnb was on the 1 tram line. There is a stop right outside the door. To get to the train station I can walk 15 minutes or it will take 45 minutes by public transport as I have to go a good distance to get to a line that actually goes to the train station. I found this a bit disappointing. The lines seem to be designed as an individual as opposed to a system. This is just my opinion.
I never needed to but a ticket as walking to and from the train station at the start was my best option and Uber insisted I had a local number, which I did not.

Mark

I live in Vienna and exclusively take public transport. The system is fully integrated - I do not share your experience. What was the address of your accommodation and where were you trying to go?

wmt1, no, not really. A list would be nice. Not a complaint as much as a question. A place where you could see all the prices and compare without having to start filling out forms would be nice. Not essential, but nice. Something like this: https://pid.cz/en/tickets-and-fare/#prague-shortterm

Someone might say i want to go to Bofunk for 6 days, what do a i purchase? Well, Bofunk sells 24 and 72 hour cards. After than you have to buy a 15 day card. So I guess two 72 hour cards is th deal. Unless you scan down the price list and see that the 15 day card is cheaper than two 72 hour cards. Vienna if fine. But if you are going do take the time to click open every type of card that could possibly in your wildest imagination cover your stay, then fill out the first couple of lines of the order form until the price pops up. Then make a note of the price and go to the next. A little more work, but could be worth the effort. I have no idea.

Trip report for Vienna Public transport. One thing I found is that unlike other cities (London, Budapest to name two) the system is not as interconnected.

This is absolutely incorrect. When you look at the map here, then you will notice that Vienna's public transport network is a mesh, providing different routes from A to B. This map is on display on most tram or bus stops; reading it helps.

You seem not having gotten acquainted with the system, or not having used the VOR AnachB app for finding the best route.

Mark, in London you have fewer language issues. In Budapest, you got an orientation tour. Those things might have helped. My gut is that Budapest is more intuitive and better laid out for tourism (although that shouldn't be a driving force for most systems), but that could be my personal prejudice and from my daily use. Nothing worse than the opinion of a local (or transplant) for something like this. I've only been on the London and Vienna system two or three trips each so not much experience to speak from. .

Still, having met you and knowing how meticulous you are, I can't help but believe from a tourism point of view that you miĝht be correct or at least your perception has some basis.

Buy you worked your way through it.

Assistance, please.

My daughter is currently in Vienna and will be flying out to return to the states tomorrow. Her friend picked her up at the airport but cannot help tomorrow.

She is afraid of the train (missing the exit)...would an Uber be reliable, or should she just find a taxi? I would assume that a taxi would not take advantage of someone...

Thanks,
Karin

I assume that the taxis are well regulated in a 21 century Western capital city. Call one of the big ones, do a quick search for reputation or reviews if you are worried. Or take an Uber. Sure.

She is afraid of the train (missing the exit).

The RailJet trains from Vienna's main train station terminate at the airport, so you cannot miss the station. All exits from the underground train station lead to the passenger terminal above.

If you want to spend the money for a taxi, pre-order it and make sure that a flat fare (about €35) is charged.

There's nothing wrong with taking a taxi if that makes people feel better. In Europe there are generally many cheaper options but hey, whatever.