Wien Airport Guide

Vienna Airport

Vienna Airport is just like the city of Vienna. Surprisingly large, efficient, and clean on the surface, but slightly confusing with a few too many walkways and more dead-end corridors than you would ever expect.

However, top marks to this modern, well-designed airport, which makes changing aeroplanes a doddle. It's big enough to have all the facilities that you would expect from a hub airport, but without big walks between gates, and with the best punctuality record of the big European players. At Vienna airport only 13% of flights are delayed by more than 15 minutes.

Vienna airport is just 18 km (11 miles) southeast of central Vienna, in the lush countryside bordering Burgenland. It is the country's largest airport, the hub for Austrian Airlines, and it is quite busy, handling 24 million passengers a year.

Changing flights is simple, as the two terminals are housed in the same building. The airport is relatively small and the 62 gates are clustered in and around the central core of Terminal 1/3.

Vienna airport Terminal 1

There are two satellite terminal areas, which keep walking to a minimum, but a large new extension sticks out of the side. Austrian Airlines also has in flight screens that display the gate for your onward flight and whether you are running late - great for peace of mind.

There are four terminals, confusingly numbered 1 to 3, and with terminal 2 being closed. Some parts of the older terminal seem pretty small, crammed in as they are between duty free shops. There are plenty of signs saying Relax and Proceed. What they mean is spend money, before getting to your gate on time. There is a lot of emphasis on this.

Wien Airport International Terminal

Terminal 1 is now mainly used by some oneworld and SkyTeam airlines, including BA. Terminal 1 is the lean-to next door for low cost airlines.

Vienna airport

Vienna Airport Terminal 3

Terminal 3 is the new Austrian Star Alliance Terminal with 17 jet bridges and all the Star Alliance lounges.

Vienna Airport however has a confusing system of checkpoints, particularly if you are on a European non-Schengen flight, such as to the UK. Firstly you go through boarding pass check, and into the main duty free area. Then you walk through passport control, to the non-Schengen zone. Finally, just before boarding, you go through the main security check, and are herded into a little pen. Relaxing, that last part is not, and you are best off hanging around the two main shopping areas before boarding. Transfer between terminals:Three of the four terminals are built directly next to one another, except for Terminal 1A, which is located right beside Terminal 1.

Vienna Airport Pay in, First & Business Class lounges

Vienna Airport transportation

Vienna airport Vienna Airport train

Vienna Airport train

The most innovative feature of the new service is that you can now check in for your flight before getting onto the train in town, as well as make reservations and collect tickets, if your tickets are directly booked at Austrian Airlines.

Alas, in the centre of Vienna, the train station is really confusing, with a little exit up a ramp, which dumps you in a shopping centre. It isn't the most welcoming start to a city. If you walk straight out, the Vienna Hilton is opposite on the right.

If you are only in Vienna for a few hours, and want the full Before Sunrise Movie Location experience, take the train, then exit the station on the right. Nearby is the famous Zollamtssteg Bridge, made famous in Before Sunrise, is further right, and indeed if you want the full Movie experience, you can then carry on further right to head to the Tram on the Universitatsring 1A with Votivkirche, and then out the river at Obere Donaustrate.

Wien Airport shuttle bus services

Vienna Airport taxi services

Taxis to the city leave from outside the central arrivals hall and fares start at around ?25 (but the average fare is approximately ?33), and the journey time is generally around 20 minutes, depending on traffic.

The airport train is generally faster, and cheaper, than a taxi.

Car Hire at Wien Airport

Vienna Airport Left Luggage

There is a 24-hour left-luggage facility (tel: +43 1 7007 22207) and safety deposit boxes in the main arrivals area. A lost property service (tel: +43 1 7007 22233) is in the terminal.

Car parking

Wien airport car parking is quite good.

There are five car parks with space for more than 20,000 vehicles in total. The short-term K1 (for drop-off) and K3 (for pick-up) car parks are directly opposite the terminal. The long-term multistorey car parks P3 and P4 are connected to the terminals, while car park C is opposite the Office Park.

Vienna Airport Bars and Restaurants

There are a fair few places to drink at Vienna airport, but many of them are small, tiny, cafes in the main concourse, and aren't that relaxing. There are more than 50 shops, including three duty-free and a branch of Harrods. Restaurants range from coffee shops to the Brahms & Liszt restaurant; for a drink there is the Ikarus cocktail bar and the Dubliner boozer.

Vienna airport Panorama-Restaurant

Panorama Restaurant

The Panorama-Restaurant is the main Vienna Airport cafe. It's not that great, quite plasticy, and with little atmosphere.

However, the views are great.

Cafe Bar Johann Strauss

Located right in the heart of the international hub, this is often passenger's last boozing point before leaving Austria. It is normally very popular, particularly early in the morning.

Vienna airport Dubliner Irish pub

Dubliner Irish pub

The famous Vienna Airport Dubliner Irish pub is great pub for a pre or post flight drink, and it's landside, meaning your non-travelling companions can join you.

It is located on the second floor of Terminal 2, up the rather disused stairways, and indeed the bar is often reported as closed, which it certainly is not.

Heineken Bar

Yup, there's one of these here too. The classic airport bar comes to Austria with the Vienna Airport Heineken Bar.

Vienna airport VIE: Vienna Airport Guide - Terminal map, airport guide, lounges, bars, restaurants & reviews with images Airport review with maps by loungeindex
Loungeindex rating: 5 out of 10
Vienna Airport Code: VIE
ICAO Code:	LOWW	Timezone:	UTC+1 (DST+4)
Elevation:	600 ft (183 m)	Runways:	2
Latitude:	48.110	Longitude:	16.570