Public Transport in Vienna
You probably won't really need it, apart from arrival and departure. There are many hotels within walking distance of the conference venue (see map), and even the social events can be reached by foot. Nonetheless, some basic facts about public transportation are provided here.
How does it work?
Luckily, all means of public transportation within the city limits can be used with the same ticket:
- Underground ("U-Bahn")
- Urban Railways ("S-Bahn")
- Tramway
- Bus
(There's one exception: The yellow trams circulating around the city center are touristic and cost 8 Euros, but they also offer information about the sights along the route.)
Even a single ticket allows (multiple) connections, but no return trips.
Where do I get a ticket?
Various types of tickets are sold at tobacconists ("Trafik"), at vending machines in underground and S-Bahn stations and in some hotels. Even though there are also other options, it is highly recommended that you buy the ticket before you enter the means of transportation.
Buy and print your ticket online here!
There are several types of tickets:
- Single ticket (2.40 Euros)
- Weekly pass: valid Mo 0:00 a.m. - Mo 9:00 a.m.; transferable (17.10 Euros)
- Various tickets valid for a day or more. Ticket overview.
- Half-price tickets are required for children and dogs (aged 6-15)
Please refer to the public transportation website (Wiener Linien) for details on those kind of tickets.
How do I board?
When starting your journey, you must validate your ticket. This is accomplished by inserting it into the blue or orange punching machine (see photo) which is located at the entrance of subway and S-Bahn stations or inside buses and trams. Underground stations have gates (with punching machines) at every entrance, and you must have a valid ticket in order to advance beyond the gate.
If you use a multi-strip ticket, first fold it such that the correct strip is at the edge. In case of a ticket valid for a day or more, you only have to punch it when you commence your first trip.
It seems quite easy to ride for free without a ticket. In principle yes, but naturally there are random inspections and if you are caught without a valid ticket, you have to pay a fine of 105 Euros (plus 2.40 Euros for the ticket).
Additional Information
Further information abuot public transportation in Vienna can be found at:
- Official Wiener Linien Webpage Operating all lines in Vienna metropolitan area (with Online-Shop for ticket purchase)
- Official VOR Webpage Operating all lines in greater Vienna (German only)
- Unofficial The Vienna Metro Webpage More comprehensive information on public transport in Vienna (English and German)