Last checked: October 2026
Most international flights to Austria land at Vienna International Airport (VIE), about 18 km south-east of the city centre. Austrian Airlines is based there, with nonstop routes to North America, Asia and Africa. Salzburg, Innsbruck, Graz, Linz and Klagenfurt also have airports, and fast trains link all the main cities to Vienna.
Which airport should you fly into?
| Airport | Best for | Getting to the city | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vienna (VIE) | Vienna, and most long-haul flights | City Airport Train in 16 minutes, S7 in about 25 minutes | Austria’s biggest airport and hub of Austrian Airlines |
| Salzburg (SZG) | Salzburg and the lakes | Bus or taxi to the city | Smaller, with mainly European routes |
| Innsbruck (INN) | Tyrol and ski areas | Short transfer to the centre | Many seasonal winter flights |
| Graz (GRZ) | Styria and the south | Short transfer to the centre | Mostly European routes |
| Linz (LNZ) and Klagenfurt (KLU) | Upper Austria and Carinthia | Check local transport | Limited route maps |
Route maps change by season, so check each airport’s official site and your airline before booking.
Airlines
Austrian Airlines is the national airline and a member of Star Alliance. Travel-guide listings show nonstop flights from Vienna to North American cities such as New York, Chicago, Boston, Washington and Montreal, and to Asian and African destinations. Lufthansa Group airlines, Ryanair and Wizz Air also serve Vienna, and many other European and Middle Eastern carriers fly there. Schedules and routes change, so confirm with the airline.
How to reach the city from Vienna Airport
- City Airport Train (CAT): non-stop to Wien Mitte in 16 minutes, running every 30 minutes.
- S7 suburban train: about 25 minutes to Wien Mitte, with several stops and a lower fare.
- Airport bus: about 20 minutes to central stops such as Morzinplatz and Schwedenplatz.
- Taxi: about 30 minutes to the centre in normal traffic. Use the official rank outside arrivals.
Austrian Airlines and ÖBB also sell AIRail tickets, which combine a flight with a train to Vienna Airport from Linz, Salzburg, Graz, Klagenfurt and Innsbruck. For travel between Austrian cities after you land, including Railjet trains, buses and domestic flights, see our getting around Austria guide.
Time zone
Austria uses Central European Time (UTC+1) in winter and Central European Summer Time (UTC+2) in summer. It is one hour ahead of London year round, and six hours ahead of New York for most of the year, although clock changes in the US and Europe can cause short gaps in spring and autumn.
Booking tips
- Compare nonstop and connecting fares to Vienna, then decide whether to add a train to Salzburg or Innsbruck.
- Book early for Christmas markets, ski season and the July to August festivals.
- Consider an open-jaw ticket, arriving in Vienna and leaving from Salzburg or Innsbruck, since trains link the cities.
- Check baggage rules if you carry ski or sports equipment.
- Allow time at the border. EES registration can add time for non-EU visitors on first entry.
Before You Fly checklist
- Passport issued within 10 years and valid for at least three months after you leave
- Schengen visa if your nationality needs one. See our Austria visa guide for tourists.
- Return or onward ticket
- Hotel address and proof of funds
- Travel insurance
- A plan for EES registration at the border, with extra time
- A vignette if you will drive on Austrian motorways
- Winter tyres or chains if you drive between 1 November and 15 April in winter conditions
3 quick answers
How do I get from Vienna Airport to the city?
Take the City Airport Train, which reaches Wien Mitte in 16 minutes, or the cheaper S7 in about 25 minutes. A taxi takes about 30 minutes.
Which airport is best for Salzburg?
Salzburg Airport is the closest, but Vienna has more flights. From Vienna, the train to Salzburg takes about 2 hours 25 minutes on the fastest service.
Do I need a visa to fly to Austria?
It depends on your passport. Many nationalities can enter for 90 days in any 180 days without a visa, and others need a Schengen visa. Check the official lists before booking.
Flight Deals
Compare current offers below. Always confirm the final price, taxes and cancellation terms on the partner site.
FAQs
Does Austria have a national airline?
Yes. Austrian Airlines is the national flag carrier and is based at Vienna International Airport. It is part of the Lufthansa Group and a Star Alliance member.
Can I travel by train to Austria from neighbouring countries?
Yes. ÖBB Railjet trains connect Vienna with Prague, Budapest, Zurich and Frankfurt, and the Nightjet runs overnight routes. Check the ÖBB timetable for the days you plan to travel.
Can I reach central Vienna on a late arrival?
Check timetables before you travel. Sources differ on whether airport buses run through the night, and the City Airport Train and S7 run every 30 minutes until around midnight. Taxis operate from the official rank outside arrivals.
