Recently we found ourselves with a 6 hour layover in Vienna during the return flight from Africa.

We were tired, certainly jet-lagged, and hungry to do just a little more exploring before bringing our vacation to a close.

Vienna is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and we were eager to experience it first hand. 

Although exploring a city during a stopover might be difficult to pull off without a full 24 hours in most cities, getting out of the airport is totally do-able and greatly encouraged on a short layover in Vienna.

Check out our guide for what to do during a layover in Vienna to make the most of your trip. 

Layover in Vienna: Travel Time Budget 

**All times are approximate based on first-hand experience, which was very speedy. Please note that during high traffic or seasonal holidays, times may be longer than listed.

We always recommend arriving at the airport no later than 1.5 hours before your domestic flight departs and 2 hours before international flight departures.

Here is a quick example. If you had a 6 hour layover, and are arriving or departing on an international (non-EU) flight, we recommend budgeting at least 2 hours for time spent to exit the airport, travel to the city and back, and then re-enter the airport and arrive at your terminal.

This would leave you with around 3-4 hours to explore Vienna. Because the city is very pedestrian centric with a lot to see in a short area, you will find plenty of worthwhile activities during your layover. 

Leaving the Airport

First things first - if your layover is 4 hours or less, we do not recommend leaving Vienna airport (VIE).

This is particularly true if you are on an international flight, since the immigration procedures may take a bit longer.

For outbound international flights, once you leave the international zone, you will be responsible for going back through security and immigration before making your way to the appropriate terminal.

Although we found this process to be exceptionally speedy, it is best not to risk missing your flight. 

Finding Your Way to the City

Finding your way from your flight arrival gate to the city is a very straight forward process. Simply, follow the “Exit Wien” signs posted everywhere in the airport. 

Need to Re-Check Your Luggage?

Depending on your flight itinerary and carrier requirements you may need to first pick up your checked luggage and recheck them for the next leg of your flight. Thankfully, you will walk right past the luggage carousels on your way out to the city. The design of the airport makes this process incredibly simple and straightforward. 

Need to store a bag or carry-on short term? 

Baggage storage facilities at Vienna Airport are available in the check-in areas of Terminals 1 and 3. Open from 05:30 to 23:00, it costs €4 per item per day. Large items cost €8 per day.
However, if you plan on taking the CAT into the city center, there are 30 lockers available for luggage storage in the CAT terminal which can be used by CAT customers free of charge.

How do I get to the Vienna City Center from the airport? 

Take the CAT! (City Airport train) 

With a journey time of just 16 minutes, the City Airport Train (CAT) is the fastest and most convenient way to get to the city center. When walking through the airport, look for the large green signs (you can’t miss them). The CAT-platform at the airport is a five minute foot walk away from the check-in hall and the baggage claims. The CAT operates between 6:09 to 23:39 with departures every 30 minutes to the city.
Once in the city center, the CAT Terminal is situated in the Wien Mitte station in the Landstrasse district. From there it’s a short 10 minute walk or a couple stations commute on subway line U3 to the Stephenplatz, the city central square.
Return trains to the airport depart from Wien Mitte Station  (Vienna Central Station) every 30 minutes from 5:37 to 23:07. 

Ticket Costs:

• Single: €12, round trip: €21 at the airport kiosk (valid six months from date of purchase)

• Discount with the Vienna City Card and for online bookings are available.

• Children under the age of 15 travel free, wheelchair riders enjoy discounted tickets.

Make sure to purchase your ticket before hand or at a kiosk at the airport. Waiting to purchase until you board the train from an attendant comes with a 2 euro up-charge. For more information on ticketing options, check out the CAT website here. 

Unique offerings and FAQ’s for the CAT: 

Starting your journey in Vienna?

Check-in at the CAT terminal in the Wein Mitte station! 

Passengers of the City Airport Train can seize the unique opportunity to check in their luggage in the centre of Vienna and skip the airport lines.

The CAT City Check-In operates like a mini airport terminal, providing the following services: drop off the luggage, pick up the boarding pass and enjoy a short and stress-free16 minute transfer to the airport.

For selected airlines (Austrian, Lufthansa, Eurowings, Swiss and Brussels Airlines) you can even check yourself in and drop off your luggage at the recently installed Self Baggage Drop-off.

Please note that this service is only available from 24 hours up to 75 minutes before departure.

What if the Vienna CAT is delayed – and my plane has departed?

The City Airport Train covers the flight costs in case of delays! 

The CAT Travel Guarantee promises to bring travelers to their destination: CAT customers who miss their flight due to a delay of the airport express train of more than 30 minutes will be reimbursed for the cost of a new plane ticket.

Should the rebooking necessitate an overnight stay, the CAT will also cover the costs of the hotel and transfer.

How do I know which stop to get off the CAT in Vienna? 

The designers of the CAT system could not have made this an easier process. The CAT is a direct service with only one destination: the Wein Mitte Station (Vienna Central Station) in the Landstrasse district. 

What are the public transit options from the CAT Vienna city center station? 

Although the city center is only a 10 minute walk, we understand that mobility issues necessitate the use of public transit to complete your journey.

Thankfully, there are multiple public transit options in the direct vicinity of the CAT city center station. Check out the interactive map! 

Best Things to do During a Short Layover in Vienna (5 - 8 Hours)

Have a short layover in Vienna? Trying to find things to do in Vienna? We’ve compiled a complete list of the best places to see when time is tight. Check out our personal recommendations below. 

Visit Belvedere Palace

Originally built as a summer residence for Price Eugene of Savoy, the Baroque palace and its stables are now home to the Belvedere museum.

The exquisite grounds are set on a gentle gradient and include decorative tiered fountains and cascades, Baroque sculptures, and majestic wrought iron gates.

Whether you decide to stroll the galleries of the museum or just explore the grounds and gardens, it is a must see during a layover in Vienna. 

Ticket Prices: 

• Adult: €16,00

• Seniors over 65: €13,50

• Students under 26: €13,50

• Children and youth under 19: Free

• Walk the Grounds: Free

Walking Time from CAT: 30 minutes

Via Bus from CAT: 13 minutes

Approximate time to explore Museum and Grounds: 1 hour 30 minutes

The Hofburg

The Hofburg is the former principal imperial palace of the Habsburg dynasty rulers and today serves as the official residence and workplace of the President of Austria.

The Baroque building was originally built in the 13th century and expanded several times afterwards. It also served as the imperial winter residence, as Schönbrunn Palace was the summer residence. 

The Hofburg can best be reached by underground or other public transport. The entrance to the museums is directly below the great copper dome called the Michaelerkuppel, reached via the Michaelertor, the gate on the north-eastern side of the palace on Michaelerplatz.

Ticket Prices: 

• Adults: € 15,00 or € 18,00 with guided tour.

• Children (aged 6-18): € 9,00 or € 10,50 with guided tour.

• Students (aged 19-25): € 14,00 or € 17,00 with guided tour.

For further pricing and group admission, visit the Hofburg website here. 

Walking Time from CAT: 24 minutes

Via U3 from CAT: 9 minutes 

Approximate time to explore Museum and Grounds: 1 Hour 30 minutes

St. Stephen’s Cathedral & Stephansplatz

Known as the mother church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Vienna, it is the seat of the Archbishop of Vienna.

The current Romanesque and Gothic form of the cathedral, seen today in the Stephansplatz, was largely initiated by Duke Rudolf IV and stands on the ruins of two earlier churches, the first a parish church consecrated in 1147.

The church and surrounding buildings in Stephansplatz are a must see during visit to Vienna.

Walking Time from CAT: 10 minutes

Via U3 from CAT: 5 minutes

Approximate time to explore: 25 minutes

Catacombs of St. Stephen’s 

One of the great “dark tourism” sites in Europe, the catacombs of St. Stephen’s can only be visited as part of a public guided tour. A cathedral guide will lead you through the tombs of bishops and royals and will show you the eerie cemetery under the cathedral square with all its bones. 

Tours operate from 10am to 11.30am and from 1.30pm to 4.30pm. However, there are no morning tours on Sundays and public holidays.

Ticket Prices: 

• Adults: €6.50 

• Children ages 6-14: €2.50 

• Children 5 and under: Free

For more information on tickets, opening times and all-inclusive packages, check out the St. Stephen’s website here. 

Walking Time from CAT: 10 minutes

Via U3 from CAT: 5 minutes

Approximate time to explore: 30 minutes

Rathaus

The Rathaus, or Vienna City Hall, is the seat of the local government of Vienna, located on Rathausplatz.

Constructed from 1872 to 1883 in a Neo-Gothic style according to plans designed by Friedrich von Schmidt, it houses the office of the Mayor of Vienna as well as the chambers of the city council. A great place to stop for photos!

Walking Time from CAT: 30 minutes

Via U3 from CAT: 14 minutes

Approximate time to explore: 15 minutes

Vienna State Opera

Originally built from 1861 to 1869, the Vienna State Opera house was inaugurated as the "Vienna Court Opera" in the presence of Emperor Franz Joseph I and Empress Elisabeth of Austria and became known by its current name after the establishment of the First Austrian Republic in 1921.

The members of the Vienna Philharmonic are recruited from the Vienna State Opera's orchestra. The building is also the home of the Vienna State Ballet, and it hosts the annual Vienna Opera Ball during the carnival season.

If you have a long layover in Vienna, we highly suggest staying for a beautiful concert or ballet performance. However for short layovers in Vienna, guided tours are also available 7 days a week.

Guided Tour Ticket Prices:

• Adults: €9,00

• Seniors (65 and older): €7,00

• Children, apprentices, students (up to 27): €4,00

Walking Time from CAT: 22 minutes

Via U4 from CAT: 9 minutes

Approximate time to explore with tour: 40 minutes

Stroll through the Naschmarkt

The Naschmarkt is Vienna's most popular market and is 1.5 kilometers long! Since 1793 all fruits and vegetables brought to Vienna with carts had to be sold at this particular market.

Today, one can buy fresh fruit and vegetables from around the world, exotic herbs, cheese, baked goods such as bread, kaiser rolls, torte, meats, and seafood.

There are also many small restaurants which offer e.g. sushi, kebab, seafood, traditional Viennese food such as Kaiserschmarrn or Palatschinken (delicious!). A definite must see during your layover in Vienna. 

Opening Times:

Monday - Friday:  06:00 - 21:00

Saturday: 06:00 - 18:00

Food stands: Monday-Saturday 06:00 - 23:00

Walking Time from CAT: 28 minutes

Via U4 from CAT: 7 minutes

Approximate time to explore with tour: 2 hours

Visit the Schmetterlinghaus

The Schmetterlinghaus is an art nouveau palm building, home to hundreds of butterflies housed in a tropical rainforest setting. A fun and unique experience for long layovers in Vienna. 

Ticket Prices:

• Adults: €7,00

• Seniors (65 and older): €6,00

• Students, active duty military, & disabled patrons: €5,50

• Children 3-5 years old: €3,00

Walking Time from CAT: 25 minutes

Via U4 from CAT: 12 minutes

Approximate time to explore with tour: 1 Hour 30 minutes 

Best Things to do During a Long Layover in Vienna (8 hours+)

Visit Schönbrunn Palace

Schönbrunn Palace was the main summer residence of the Habsburg rulers, located in the Hietzing district, in Vienna. The 1,441-room Rococo palace is one of the most important architectural, cultural, and historic monuments in the country.

Since the mid-1950s it has been a major tourist attraction and definitely worth stopping at during your layover in Vienna. The history of the palace and its vast gardens spans over 300 years, reflecting the changing tastes, interests, and aspirations of successive Habsburg monarchs. 

There are a number of tours that vary in duration and content. We recommend checking out their website for full offerings and ticket prices. 

Walking Time from CAT: 1 hour 28 minutes

Via U4 from CAT: 21 minutes

Approximate time to explore with tour: 1-3 hours

See a Concert or Performance at the Vienna State Opera

As we mentioned above, for those with a long layover in Vienna checking out a concert or performance at the Vienna State Opera house is a great way to spend your time.

There are a number of local and international performances available regularly. For further information on events and ticket prices, visit the Vienna State Opera Ticketing Office online. 

Black Forest Family Tip:

Considering a long layover in Vienna? 

We recommend purchasing a Vienna City Card, with packages offered in durations of 24, 48 or 72 hours. The card offers countless discounts at museums and tourist attractions, free public transport, and an optional add on for free airport transfer.