Skip to main content

Vienna International (VIE) — Airport Guide

Complete guide to Vienna International (VIE) in Vienna, Austria. Find lounges, restaurants, sleep options, transport links, and jetlag recovery facilities.

Top Lounges

  • Sky Lounge— Terminal Vienna - Schwechat (VIE), Terminal 3, gates G (Non-Schengen), after passport control and security, level 2, next to gates G
  • Sky Lounge— Terminal Vienna - Schwechat (VIE), Terminal 3, gates F (Schengen), after passport control and security, level 2, near gates F. Also accessible from gates G
  • Vienna Lounge— Terminal Vienna - Schwechat (VIE), Terminal 1, after security, near gates C-D
Airports/VIE/Guide

Vienna International Airport Guide

Lounges, food, WiFi, sleep, hotels, and transport at VIE

Official website

Terminal Transfers

How to navigate between terminals

FromToWalkRecommendedSecurityTransport
FG6 min30 min-
-
FD10 min20 min-
-
DB6 min15 min-
-
GC10 min20 min-
-
GD12 min30 min-
-

Lounges at Vienna International

14 lounges · 10 terminals

14 lounges found

Sky Lounge

Sky Lounge

Terminal Vienna - Schwechat (VIE), Terminal 3, gates G (Non-Schengen), after passport control and security, level 2, next to gates G
Priority Pass
Sky Lounge

Sky Lounge

Terminal Vienna - Schwechat (VIE), Terminal 3, gates F (Schengen), after passport control and security, level 2, near gates F. Also accessible from gates G
Priority Pass

AIR Lounge

Terminal Vienna - Schwechat (VIE), Terminal 1, gates D (Non-Schengen), after passport control and before security, next to gates D
Priority Pass
Austrian Business Lounge

Austrian Business Lounge

Terminal Vienna - Schwechat (VIE), Terminal 3, gates G (Non-Schengen), level 2
Priority Pass
Austrian Business Lounge

Austrian Business Lounge

Terminal Vienna - Schwechat (VIE), Terminal 3, gates F (Schengen), level 2
Priority Pass

Austrian Business Lounge

Terminal Vienna - Schwechat (VIE), Terminal 1, gates D (Non-Schengen), near gate D29, take elevator to 4th floor
Priority Pass
Austrian HON Circle Lounge

Austrian HON Circle Lounge

Terminal Vienna - Schwechat (VIE), Terminal 3, gates F (Schengen), level 2
Priority Pass
Austrian HON Circle Lounge

Austrian HON Circle Lounge

Terminal Vienna - Schwechat (VIE), Terminal 3, gates G (Non-Schengen), level 2
Priority Pass
Austrian Lounge

Austrian Lounge

Terminal Vienna - Schwechat (VIE), Terminal 3, gates G (Non-Schengen), near the Service Center and the former G01-G03 gates
Austrian Senator Lounge

Austrian Senator Lounge

Terminal Vienna - Schwechat (VIE), Terminal 3, gates G (Non-Schengen), level 2
Priority Pass
Austrian Senator Lounge

Austrian Senator Lounge

Terminal Vienna - Schwechat (VIE), Terminal 3, gates D (Non-Schengen), after security
Priority Pass
Austrian Senator Lounge

Austrian Senator Lounge

Terminal Vienna - Schwechat (VIE), Terminal 3, gates F (Schengen), level 2
Priority Pass
Jet Lounge

Jet Lounge

Terminal Vienna - Schwechat (VIE), Terminal 1, Gates B (Schengen), near gate B31
Priority Pass
Vienna Lounge

Vienna Lounge

Terminal Vienna - Schwechat (VIE), Terminal 1, after security, near gates C-D
Priority Pass
All lounges at Vienna International

Food & Drink

5 dining options

Cafes

Vienna International Airport Coffee

Vienna International Airside Cafe

Vienna International Costa Airport

Vienna International Costa Airport

Vienna International Starbucks Airport

Vienna International Starbucks Airport

Vienna International Terminal Cafe

All cafes

Sleep & Rest

Rest and recovery options

Sleep Pods

Provider: Sleepbox

Quiet Zones

Designated quiet areas for resting.

Lounge Beds

Some lounges offer lie-flat beds for rest.

Spa Services

Spa treatments available in the terminal.

Showers

Shower facilities in the terminal

Shower Facilities

Showers available in the terminal.

Layover Tips

Making the most of your time at Vienna International

Minimum connection time: 35 minutes
4h: With 4 hours at VIE, stay close to the airport. Clear immigration and security can take 30–60 minutes each way, so avoid going into the city unless your connection is very smooth and on-time. Inside the terminal, stroll the shopping and dining area in Terminal 3 (Check-in 3) with Austrian brands, cafés and duty-free. Relax at the Austrian Airlines Business Lounge (Schengen or Non-Schengen, access with business class ticket or lounge pass) or the Sky Lounge. For a taste of Vienna, grab a Wiener Schnitzel or goulash at Johann Strauss restaurant or a coffee and pastry at Café Franzl or Demel café outpost. If you want fresh air, follow signs to the public area and walk to the nearby NH Vienna Airport Conference Center for a quieter lobby bar or a short sit-down meal, then return early for security and boarding.
8h: With about 8 hours, you can briefly see central Vienna. From VIE, take the Railjet (ÖBB) or S7 suburban train to Wien Mitte (about 18–25 minutes) or Wien Hauptbahnhof (about 15 minutes by Railjet). Allow at least 3 hours total for immigration, transport and security buffers. From Wien Mitte, walk or take U3 to Stephansplatz to see St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the historic Innere Stadt. Stroll along Graben and Kärntner Straße, then head to Café Central or Café Demel for classic Viennese coffee and cake. If you prefer palaces, take U4 from Wien Mitte to Schönbrunn for a quick walk through the palace gardens and a view of the Gloriette (skip the full interior tour on a tight schedule). Grab a quick lunch of Wiener Schnitzel or a sausage at a Würstelstand near Stephansplatz or at Bitzinger Würstelstand by the Albertina. Aim to be back on a train to the airport at least 2.5 hours before departure for non-Schengen flights (2 hours for Schengen).
24h: With 24 hours, you can enjoy a rich first taste of Vienna. After arriving at VIE, take the Railjet or S7 to Wien Mitte or Wien Hauptbahnhof and check into a central hotel in the Innere Stadt, near the Ringstrasse, or around the Hauptbahnhof. Start in the historic center at Stephansplatz: visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral and, if time and energy allow, climb the tower for city views. Walk via Graben and Kohlmarkt to the Hofburg complex, seeing the Heldenplatz, the Spanish Riding School (Spanische Hofreitschule) and the Michaelerplatz entrance. Continue to the MuseumsQuartier and Maria-Theresien-Platz for the Kunsthistorisches Museum and Naturhistorisches Museum. In the afternoon, head to Schönbrunn Palace for a tour of the imperial apartments and a walk through the gardens up to the Gloriette. In the evening, enjoy dinner at a traditional Beisl or Heuriger in Grinzing or Nussdorf for wine tavern atmosphere and live music. If you’re interested in music, consider an evening concert at the Wiener Musikverein, Wiener Konzerthaus or a smaller church concert. The next morning, have breakfast at a classic café like Café Sperl or Café Central, then return to the airport by train, leaving at least 2–2.5 hours before your flight.

By Layover Duration

4-Hour Layover

With 4 hours at VIE, stay close to the airport. Clear immigration and security can take 30–60 minutes each way, so avoid going into the city unless your connection is very smooth and on-time. Inside the terminal, stroll the shopping and dining area in Terminal 3 (Check-in 3) with Austrian brands, cafés and duty-free. Relax at the Austrian Airlines Business Lounge (Schengen or Non-Schengen, access with business class ticket or lounge pass) or the Sky Lounge. For a taste of Vienna, grab a Wiener Schnitzel or goulash at Johann Strauss restaurant or a coffee and pastry at Café Franzl or Demel café outpost. If you want fresh air, follow signs to the public area and walk to the nearby NH Vienna Airport Conference Center for a quieter lobby bar or a short sit-down meal, then return early for security and boarding.

8-Hour Layover

With about 8 hours, you can briefly see central Vienna. From VIE, take the Railjet (ÖBB) or S7 suburban train to Wien Mitte (about 18–25 minutes) or Wien Hauptbahnhof (about 15 minutes by Railjet). Allow at least 3 hours total for immigration, transport and security buffers. From Wien Mitte, walk or take U3 to Stephansplatz to see St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the historic Innere Stadt. Stroll along Graben and Kärntner Straße, then head to Café Central or Café Demel for classic Viennese coffee and cake. If you prefer palaces, take U4 from Wien Mitte to Schönbrunn for a quick walk through the palace gardens and a view of the Gloriette (skip the full interior tour on a tight schedule). Grab a quick lunch of Wiener Schnitzel or a sausage at a Würstelstand near Stephansplatz or at Bitzinger Würstelstand by the Albertina. Aim to be back on a train to the airport at least 2.5 hours before departure for non-Schengen flights (2 hours for Schengen).

Overnight Layover

With 24 hours, you can enjoy a rich first taste of Vienna. After arriving at VIE, take the Railjet or S7 to Wien Mitte or Wien Hauptbahnhof and check into a central hotel in the Innere Stadt, near the Ringstrasse, or around the Hauptbahnhof. Start in the historic center at Stephansplatz: visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral and, if time and energy allow, climb the tower for city views. Walk via Graben and Kohlmarkt to the Hofburg complex, seeing the Heldenplatz, the Spanish Riding School (Spanische Hofreitschule) and the Michaelerplatz entrance. Continue to the MuseumsQuartier and Maria-Theresien-Platz for the Kunsthistorisches Museum and Naturhistorisches Museum. In the afternoon, head to Schönbrunn Palace for a tour of the imperial apartments and a walk through the gardens up to the Gloriette. In the evening, enjoy dinner at a traditional Beisl or Heuriger in Grinzing or Nussdorf for wine tavern atmosphere and live music. If you’re interested in music, consider an evening concert at the Wiener Musikverein, Wiener Konzerthaus or a smaller church concert. The next morning, have breakfast at a classic café like Café Sperl or Café Central, then return to the airport by train, leaving at least 2–2.5 hours before your flight.

Full layover guide for Vienna

Getting There & Away

Transport options to/from the airport

tips: Buy a 24/48/72-hour Vienna ticket or a Vienna City Card if you plan multiple journeys and museum visits. Validate paper tickets once and keep them with you during travel; inspectors perform random checks and fines are strict. For layovers, aim to leave the airport only if you have at least 6–7 hours between flights to comfortably reach the center and return. Railjet or S7 trains are usually more cost-effective than the CAT, especially if you already have a transit pass. In the city center, many attractions are walkable; combine walking with short U-Bahn or tram hops along the Ringstrasse. During peak times, allow extra time for airport security and for connections at Wien Mitte and Hauptbahnhof.
from_airport: Vienna International Airport (VIE) is about 18–20 km southeast of the city center. The Railjet (ÖBB) train runs from the airport to Wien Hauptbahnhof and Wien Meidling in about 15 minutes to Hauptbahnhof, with regular departures and standard public transport tickets valid. The S7 S-Bahn connects the airport with Wien Mitte and other city stations in roughly 23–25 minutes and is usually the best value. The City Airport Train (CAT) offers a non-stop service to Wien Mitte in about 16 minutes at a higher fare, with in-town check-in for some airlines. Taxis and ride-hailing services take around 20–30 minutes depending on traffic; official airport taxis offer fixed-rate transfers. Several airport buses (Vienna Airport Lines) connect VIE with Wien Westbahnhof, Donauzentrum and other hubs.
public_transit: Vienna’s public transport network combines U-Bahn (metro), S-Bahn (suburban rail), trams and buses, all integrated under Wiener Linien. The U-Bahn has five main lines (U1–U4, U6) covering most central sights; trams are useful along the Ringstrasse and into residential districts. Tickets are time-based and valid across all modes within the core zone (Kernzone Wien). Options include single-ride tickets, 24/48/72-hour passes and weekly passes. Tickets must be validated before travel if not pre-stamped. Night buses and some night U-Bahn services run on weekends. The WienMobil app and ÖBB app provide real-time route planning and ticket purchases.
airportCoordinates: [object Object]
googleMapsLinksAdded: true

Local Dining

Food areas and local cuisine near the airport

Food Areas

Innere Stadt (1st District)

neighborhood

Historic center packed with cafés, traditional restaurants and upscale dining around Stephansplatz, Graben and Kärntner Straße.

Naschmarkt Area

market_district

Open-air market and surrounding streets offering street food, Austrian eateries and international restaurants with a casual vibe.

Neubau and MuseumsQuartier

neighborhood

Trendy 7th district with creative bistros, vegetarian options, coffee bars and relaxed spots around the MuseumsQuartier.

Grinzing and Heuriger Villages

wine_district

Northern wine-growing suburbs like Grinzing and Nussdorf known for traditional Heuriger wine taverns and local dishes.

Local Cuisine Recommendations

Figlmüller Wollzeile

Austrian

Famous for oversized, thin and crispy Wiener Schnitzel served in a traditional setting near St. Stephen’s Cathedral.

Plachutta Wollzeile

Austrian

Classic restaurant specializing in Tafelspitz (boiled beef) and other Viennese dishes, with attentive service and a refined atmosphere.

Zum Schwarzen Kameel

Austrian

Historic spot known for open-faced sandwiches, Viennese classics and a lively bar scene, popular with locals and visitors.

Gasthaus Pöschl

Austrian

Cozy Beisl-style restaurant serving hearty Austrian comfort food including schnitzel, goulash and seasonal specialties.

Café Central

café

Grand coffeehouse with vaulted ceilings, traditional Viennese coffee, pastries and classic dishes in a historic literary setting.

Services

Airport amenities and facilities

Spa

5 locations

Medical

Medical services available

Currency & ATM

Currency exchange

Luggage Storage

Storage available

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this airport

Average security wait time at Vienna International is approximately 22 minutes. Consider TSA PreCheck or fast track options for shorter waits.

Flying through VIE?

Search routes and compare jetlag recovery scores

Search flights

Vienna City Guide

Explore flights, hotels, attractions, and layover tips for Vienna.

OverviewFlightsHotelsThings to DoLayover