Fair prices in Austria — what things really cost

The ÖBB Railjet and the S7 suburban train both link Vienna Airport with the centre for a few euros, far cheaper than the CAT or a taxi. The Railjet reaches Wien Hauptbahnhof in about 15 minutes; a single city ticket then covers your onward U-Bahn or tram.

The CAT runs non-stop to Wien Mitte in 16 minutes but costs roughly three times the ordinary train for the same journey time. It is convenient but rarely worth the premium; the Railjet or S7 is the better-value choice for most travellers.

Prebook a fixed-price transfer online for a fair fare to the centre. Drivers at the rank sometimes quote much higher off-meter 'fixed' prices, so agree the figure before you get in, or simply take the cheap train instead.

One ticket lets you travel in one direction across the U-Bahn, tram and bus network with transfers. If you will make several trips, a 24-hour ticket or the 7-day pass quickly works out cheaper. Buy from machines, the app or tobacconists and validate before boarding.

A 24-hour ticket pays for itself after roughly three journeys and gives you the freedom to hop on and off all day. Note that Vienna discontinued the old 48 and 72-hour passes in 2026, so for longer stays compare the 24-hour ticket against the 7-day pass.

A proper veal Wiener Schnitzel costs more than a pork 'Schnitzel Wiener Art'; both are normal and the menu will say which. Eat at a traditional neighbourhood Beisl rather than a tourist spot on Stephansplatz for better quality and a fairer price.

A Melange with a slice of Sachertorte or strudel in a historic cafe is a classic Vienna treat, and the price buys you the table for as long as you like. Cafes on famous squares cost more; a neighbourhood Kaffeehaus is just as atmospheric for less.