The Vienna metro is the quickest and most popular means of public transport. Here you'll get to know the Vienna metro system and access a Vienna metro map. Learn more about fares, tickets, city cards and timetables, and find free travel tips for using the metro when sightseeing.
How Does The Vienna Metro Work?
In total the Vienna subway or metro system covers five metro lines: the U1, U2, U3, U4, and U6, with more than 100 stations. From 2025, the new U5 metro line will take over the U2's main route and take you straight from central Karlsplatz to the 17th district of Hernals.
During week days, the intervals of all lines are around five minutes, in the evenings seven to eight minutes. On week ends and public holidays, expect up to 15 minute intervals.
Vienna Metro Map
map: Wiener Linien
Access and download the full Metro map 2019 (including city Airport Train and inner city railways) as a pdf.
Vienna Metro Tickets
The Vienna metro forms part of the Vienna Transport Authority Wiener Linien, which issues all tickets and travel passes. Use of the metro throughout the whole network will therefore be included in all travel passes.
If you buy a single ticket you can use it to go in one direction, taking as many metros as you like. On top, the single ticket is also valid for all other means of public transport by the Vienna Transport Authority, from busses to tramways and certain trains.
Actually, the easiest way to buy single tickets is via the free Wien Mobil app.
If you plan to do some sightseeing your best option is to use the Vienna Card (see photo). Not only does it include metro and other public transport it offers discounts on key sites and attractions. If you want a city card that includes fares for most attractions, consider getting the VIENNA PASS with a public transport option.
What Time Does The Vienna Metro Close?
During the week, the metro lines run from around 5.00 am until midnight to half past midnight. On week ends and before public holidays they run 24 hours.
U1
First train / Last train
from Oberlaa: 4.57am, 0:12am
from Leopoldau 4:59am, 0:06am
U2
First train / Last train
from Karlsplatz 5.24am, 0:30am
from Stadion 5.01am, 0.11am
U3
First train/ Last train
from Simmering 4.50am, 0.23am
from Ottakring 4.54am, 0.22am
U4
First train/ Last train
from Hütteldorf 5.02am, 0.10am
from Heiligenstadt 4.45am, 0.15am
U6
First train/ Last train:
from Siebenhirten 5.11am, 0.01am
from Floridsdorf 4.42am, 0.04am
Vienna's metro has a reputation of being safe by day and night, and there is extra security staff in the stations at night.
How To Use The Vienna Metro
While metro stations do not have barriers they have validating machines. If you buy a single ticket or short term pass, punch it at the validating machine before you travel. For travel cards, just make sure you have them ready to show to a ticket inspector - as a matter of fact, they do circulate the metro carriages regularly.
Since all metro stations have elevators they offer barrier free access for wheelchair users or if you have a pram. To check which elevators are temporarily out of order click here (information in German only).
Where Is The Nearest Vienna Metro Station?
Because of its dense network you will always find a metro station in walking distance to a key attraction. Actually, ALL metros in Vienna line up terrific landmarks and amazing hidden gems. Besides, some of the Art Nouveau stations themselves, designed by Art Nouveau architect Otto Wagner, are worth visiting.
Here is a selection of the best sites and stations along each line.
Along the U1
The U1 cuts through Vienna from the South to the North. It crosses below the Danube Canal, while crossing the Vienna Danube itself over ground.
Oberlaa: The terminal in the South of Vienna is only a stone's throw from popular thermal spa and wellness centre Therme Wien.
Südtiroler Platz - Hauptbahnhof: This is the best metro station to visit the Belvedere Vienna housing the largest Klimt collection in the world. You can also alight there for the Vienna Central Station (Hauptbahnhof).
Karlsplatz: Karlsplatz is Vienna's busiest metro hub, where U1, U2, and U4 lines cross. From there, visit nearby Church St. Charles Borromeo, the Vienna Secession building, the Wiener Musikverein, the Vienna opera house, Wien Museum, and several cafes such as Café Heuer and Café Museum; Even Naschmarkt is only a few minutes walk from there.
Stephansplatz: To arrive right in the central old town, alight at Stephansplatz. From there, explore Stephansdom (St. Stephen's Cathedral), Mozart's house, Kaerntnerstrasse, and Graben. Apart from lovely restaurants, this is also the best station for coffee and cake at traditional coffeehouses such as Café Hawelka and Café Diglas.
Schwedenplatz: At Schwedenplatz along the Danube Canal you will find the pier for the mini Danube cruise to Bratislava. Just a few minutes walk from there is the Jewish synagogue.
Praterstern: Like Karlsplatz, Praterstern is a major transport hub. Alight here for the Vienna Prater;
Donauinsel: At just six minutes ride from Stephansplatz, Danube Island seems almost next door from central Vienna. Especially in the summer, the island makes a great stop for swimming and watersports: see further tips in my Vienna Danube guide.
Kaisermühlen V.I.C.: Just across the Danube, Vienna's United Nations Headquarters covers three gigantic concave blocks. On most days you can participate in guided tours through the UN building. Other than that, you can travel on to nearby Danube Tower for terrific vistas across the Danube and the city.
Along the U2
More than any other metro line, the U2 tours half of Ringstrasse before venturing out to the former Jewish district and the Prater amusement park and Giant Ferris Wheel.
Karlsplatz: See U1
Museumsquartier: Use this station to access one of Europe's 10 largest museum complexes - Museumsquartier. In addition, this station is perfect for exploring Vienna's busy shopping street Mariahilfer Strasse. To access the city centre via the Imperial Palace's Heldentor just take the opposite exit.
Volkstheater: Vienna's popular theatre Volkstheater has its own metro station. Besides being a convenient stop for trendy Das Möbel café, this station also opens up picturesque Spittelberg area with its cobble stoned streets and 19th century town houses (check my Art Walk). In the spring and summer, head from here for Volksgarten and retro-style Volksgarten Pavilion café/restaurant;
Rathaus: Whether for Christmas markets, the summer open air film festival or ice skating, the Vienna City Hall (Rathaus) is always a popular stop. Other than that, Vienna's Burgtheater is right opposite.
Schottentor: From Schottentor station, you can either visit the University of Vienna, visit the seasonal markets on Freyung square or take the tram to head for the best Vienna wineries in Grinzing and Nussdorf.
Taborstrasse: Beaming you straight into former Jewish district Leopoldstadt Taborstrasse is the perfect station. Other than that, use it to explore Vienna's oldest baroque garden Augarten and its terrific porcelain museum.
Praterstern: At busy Praterstern, alight for the Vienna Prater or take the S-Bahn to Vienna International Airport.
Along the U3
The U3 connects Vienna western and eastern parts.
Ottakring: In terms of culture and food, this multi ethnic neighborhood with its lively street markets lets you look under the lid of real Vienna. If you love wine experiences off the path, head for Zehner Marie, the city's oldest wine tavern.
Zieglergasse: Imperial Furniture Collection (aka Hapsburgs Museum of Furniture), high street shopping Mariahilfer Strasse;
Volkstheater: see U2
Herrengasse: Hidden at a fantastically central spot, Herrengasse station drops you almost in front of Café Central, and the seasonal markets on Freyung square. Utterly funny Museum of Illusions is around the corner and the Hofburg Imperial Palace and Spanish Riding School within five minutes walk.
Stephansplatz: see U1
Stubentor: Located at the quieter section of Ringstrasse boulevard, Stubentor station gets you straight to the marvellous furniture and art collections of the Museum of Applied Arts/Contemporary Art. Just next to the station, you will find traditional Café Prueckel serving atmosphere, cakes and regular live piano music. From Stubentor you can also access Stadtpark and the Otto Wagner designed Austrian Postal Savings Bank.
Landstrasse: From Wien Mitte - Landstrasse, catch the CAT train to Vienna International Airport.
Gasometer: Along with local residents and shoppers, architecture and urban design fans will head for Gasometer City. Definitely not your ordinary sightseeing stop but touring the four gigantic brick towers will open up four intriguing styles of modern urban living.
Along the U4
The U4 traces a 'V' from Vienna's West to the North by reaching out to the east of the city centre before going upwards. Parts of it are overground and go back to the old Viennese metropolitan line (Stadtbahn). The station buildings and green patinated banisters had been designed by Art Nouveau genius Otto Wagner. The best examples can be found at Schönbrunn, Kettenbrückengasse, and Karlsplatz stations.
Hietzing: Just one stop from the main Schönbrunn station alight to visit the Vienna zoo, entering through Hietzing Gate. During week ends, visit Otto Wagner's Art Nouveau gem Kaiserpavillon right on top of the metro tracks. When the tracks still belonged to the old overground, the pavilion should have served as the private waiting room for Emperor Francis Joseph. He just never used it.
Schönbrunn: At five minutes walk from Schönbrunn Palace this is your most convenient public transport link to Vienna's number one tourist attraction.
Kettenbrückengasse: Located right at the upper end of famous Naschmarkt this stop takes you to the street market, the Saturday flea market, and the trendy neighborhood shops of eponymous Kettenbrückengasse.
Karlsplatz: see U1
Stadtpark: Clearly, Art Nouveau designed Stadtpark station represents an attraction of its own. Apart from the city park and its golden Johann Strauss monument, Wiener Konzerthaus is closeby.
Landstrasse: see U3
Schwedenplatz: see U1
Heiligenstadt: Take local buses to visit Vienna wineries;
Along the U6
Out of all metro lines, the U6 is the longest, cutting through from the South West to the North East of Vienna. Like the U4, many of the U6 stations are overground and were built in Art Nouveau style by Otto Wagner. Many of its stations (from Margaretengürtel to Nussdorfer Strasse) lead along Vienna's outer ring road, the Gürtel.
Josefstädter Strasse: When landing in the elegant district Josefstadt prepare for insider finds such as dumpling deli Knodelmanufaktur, the Vienna English theatre, Theater in der Josefstadt, and Café Hummel.
Währinger Strasse/Volksoper: From this station, you will almost fall into Vienna's popular opera house Volksoper, a popular local venues to enjoy ballets, operettas, and operas.
Nussdorfer Strasse: This is the closest metro station to explore local wine and rolling hills. From Nussdorfer Strasse station just take tramway 38 towards Grinzing for the Vienna wineries.
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