I am arriving at the Vienna Airport on a Saturday morning (11:30) and need to head straight to Bratislava.
I have heard taking a boat trip to Bratislava is an interesting way to get there and doesn't take much more time than a shuttle, but I don't know how difficult it is to do from the airport (as opposed to taking something when you're already in Vienna proper).
Can anyone provide me with some info and maybe why pros/cons there are. Or recommendations on ground transfers.
Thank you.
A Saturday morning when? Beginning September 29, the boat is only once per day before you land.
Easy way is by train to Vienna Hbf, then train to Bratislava Petrzalka which is across the river from the city center. Takes 1 hour and 42 minutes with departures every hour.
Flixbus is only about 45 minutes, with departures every 40 to 50 minutes.
Thank you for your input.
I arrive on Saturday, 9/27, so I'd squeak by I guess.
I have also heard of taking the Flixbus which would avoid going into Vienna altogether. That might be more efficient than the train? Since I'm not doing a leisurely/scenic boat ride, I might as well get there sooner than later.
Looks like you could make the 4:30 pm boat. They go from Schwedenplatz on the Donau Canal. Train from the airport to the Hbf, then U1 to Schwedenplatz.
https://www.twincityliner.com/assets/images/FP_international2025/Englisch/FahrplanEN.pdf
The Vienna Airport is halfway to Bratislava. It makes zero sense to go into Vienna and then go to Bratislava. You want to take the Flixbus directly from the Vienna airport. Forget about the boat - it is slow and boring and would be a major detour.
Thank you for sanity-checking my ideas. I very much appreciate you taking the time to do so.
I would also agree with the Flixbus. You pick it up at the Vienna airport and it will take you to downtown Bratislava or you can go to the Bratislava airport. You can rent a car there very reasonably. Make a reservation as they are usually full at prime times during the day. We have done this many times.
