---
title: What’s the cheapest way to get from Vienna Airport to the city?
description: "The **cheapest way** to get from Vienna International Airport (VIE) to the city center is the **S7 (Vienna S‑Bahn)** train. - It runs every ~30 minutes and takes about **25 minutes** to reach Wien Mitte. - The cost is approx…"
url: "https://allaboutvienna.com/docs/cheapest-way-to-get-from-vienna-airport-to-the-city/"
updated: "2025-10-19"
category: Getting there
tags:
  - Travel Budget
---

# What’s the cheapest way to get from Vienna Airport to the city?

The **cheapest way** to get from Vienna International Airport (VIE) to the city center is the **S7 (Vienna S‑Bahn)** train.

- It runs every ~30 minutes and takes about **25 minutes** to reach Wien Mitte.
- The cost is approx **€4.40 for a standard single ticket** including the necessary two-zone fare (airport → Vienna city core).
- Tickets are available at ÖBB ticket machines in the arrivals hall or via the ÖBB/WienMobil app.

If you’re travelling on a tight budget, this public transport option gives you the best value.

here’s a **step-by-step guide** on how to buy and validate your **Vienna S7 train ticket** from [Vienna International Airport](https://allaboutvienna.com/item/vienna-international-airport-vie-to-vienna-downtown-arrival-private-transfer/) (VIE) to the city center.

## 🚉 Step-by-Step: Buying & Using the S7 Train Ticket

### 1. Find the ÖBB Ticket Machines

- After you exit baggage claim, follow signs for **“Trains / CAT / S-Bahn”**.
- The **red ÖBB ticket machines** are located **before** you enter the train platforms.
- Machines have an English option — tap the 🇬🇧 flag in the top corner.

### 2. Select Your Ticket

- Choose **“To: Wien Mitte”** (or another central station like *Praterstern* or *Handelskai*).
- The machine automatically adds both fare zones (airport → city).
- The correct total price is **€4.40** (as of 2025).

💡 *Tip:* If you already have a **Vienna City Card** or **24/48/72-hour ticket**, you only need a **one-zone extension** (€2.30) from the [airport to the city](https://allaboutvienna.com/item/vienna-private-transfer-from-vienna-airport-to-city-centre/) boundary.

### 3. Payment Options

- Machines accept **coins, bills, or cards (Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, contactless)**.
- You’ll receive a printed paper ticket immediately.

### 4. Validate (If Needed)

- Most ÖBB paper tickets from the machines are **already time-stamped** and valid immediately — no extra validation required.
- If you buy a **prepaid paper ticket without a time stamp** (rare), look for the **blue validation boxes** before the escalators to the platform and **stamp** your ticket there.

### 5. Board the S7 Train

- Follow signs for **S-Bahn → S7 direction “Wien Floridsdorf.”**
- The platform is usually **below** the terminal (reachable by escalator or lift).
- Trains depart roughly every **30 minutes**.
- Journey time to **Wien Mitte**: about **25 minutes**.

### 6. Arrival at Wien Mitte

- Once at Wien Mitte, you can easily transfer to the **U3 (orange)** or **U4 (green)** metro lines, or walk to the **Innere Stadt** (city center) in about 10 minutes.

### 7. Optional Mobile Purchase

If you prefer digital tickets:

- Download the **ÖBB App** or **WienMobil App**.
- Select: *“Vienna Airport → Wien Mitte”*
- Pay via card or Apple Pay / Google Pay.
- The ticket activates instantly — no validation required.