If you ride Vienna’s public transport without a valid ticket, you’ll face a substantial penalty fare, currently between €102.40 and €142.40—depending on when and how you pay. Here’s a clearer breakdown:
Penalties for Fare Evasion (Wiener Linien) #
As per Wiener Linien’s official Conditions of Carriage:
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Immediate payment upon being caught:
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€102.40 in addition to the normal fare you owe
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Delayed payment leads to higher charges:
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€112.40 if paid later, or
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€142.40 if delayed further
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If you can prove within two weeks that you did actually have a valid personalized ticket at the time of the inspection, the additional transport fee can be waived (though administrative fees may apply). According to wienerlinien.at
What the Media Reports #
More general sources note slightly different amounts:
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A flat penalty fare of €105 is often quoted, with a slight increase if not paid immediately (e.g., around €115). These figures are commonly cited but may reflect past fee structures.
Summary Table #
| Situation | Penalty Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Caught without a valid ticket (immediate payment) | €102.40 | Plus the fare. |
| Paid late | €112.40 | Fee increases with delay. |
| Paid much later or ignored | €142.40 | Highest charge; may involve legal follow-up. |
| Media-cited flat fine | ~€105–115 | Common references in articles and traveler stories. |
| Prove you had a personalized valid ticket | Fee waived | Submit proof within 2 weeks, but admin fee may apply. |
Summary #
Getting caught without a valid ticket in Vienna is costly—ranging from €102.40 to €142.40, plus the actual fare and possibly administrative fees. However, if you legitimately had a personalized ticket, your fee may be waived if you submit proof promptly.