Here’s everything you need to know about securing affordable last-minute standing tickets for the Vienna State Opera:
What Are Standing Room Tickets? #
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The Vienna State Opera offers about 435 standing room positions (Stehplätze) per performance, allowing you to experience world-class opera at a fraction of the usual cost.
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Prices vary depending on the area:
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Stehparterre (ground floor): around €18
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Stehplatz Galerie (gallery): around €15
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Stehplatz Balkon (balcony): around €13
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For holders of the BundestheaterCard, standing tickets are heavily discounted—€5 for Parterre, €4 for Balkon and Galerie.
How to Get Tickets #
Option 1 – Online on the Day #
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Starting at 10 am on the performance day, you can buy standing tickets through the online Staatsoper ticket shop (requires account registration; max 2 tickets per account).
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Tickets are numbered and assigned, so you don’t need to queue or save a spot manually.
Option 2 – In-Person at the Standing Room Box Office #
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80 minutes before curtain, the dedicated Standing Room box office (Operngasse entrance under the arcades) opens for remaining tickets.
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You may bid from €13 to €18, depending on the area.
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For crowded performances, arriving 2–4 hours early increases your chances significantly.
Benefits of BundestheaterCard + Standing RoomPLUS #
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With a BundestheaterCard, you can pay for Standing RoomPLUS, which lets you purchase discounted standing tickets in advance (even the day before at 10 am).
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You also get access to €55 last-minute tickets for a few selected performances, another solid deal.
Quick Reference Table #
| Method | Time Available | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online purchase (day-of) | From 10 am | Those preferring convenience | €13–18 (max 2 tickets/account) |
| In-person box office | From 80 min before | Those able to queue early | €13–18, depending on area |
| BundestheaterCard + PLUS | From day before, 10 am | Budget-conscious & planning ahead | €4–5 with discount |
| Last-minute discounted tickets | Day before or so | Occasional popular shows | ~€55 |
TL;DR #
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Fastest & most convenient: Check online at 10 am on performance day.
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Backup plan: Arrive early (2–4 hrs if busy, 80 min otherwise) at the Operngasse standing box office.
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Best budget option: Consider getting a BundestheaterCard, then book Standing RoomPLUS the day before—tickets may be just €4–5.
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Last-minute alternative: BundestheaterCard holders can sometimes snag €55 tickets for certain productions.