Vienna Airport Layover

Vienna airport stopover, a quick trip into the city centre

If you ever find yourself with 3 or 4 hours to kill at Vienna Airport (Wien Flughafen) then instead of using their free wi-fi and overpriced coffee, why not head into the city centre ? Since the new direct airport train opened it became a breeze to try out the famous coffee houses of Vienna with their delicious pastries.

Follow the signs to the Airport train, 2 minutes walk at most, buy a ticket at the automatic machines, 16 euro return, and trains run every half hour and take only 16 minutes to the main station in the centre of town.

Once there it is a recently short stroll (20 minutes) to the real centre, or a short metro ride. Or best of all try the City Bike scheme. Just outside to the left of the station is a City Bike stand, where you can enter your credit card and release one of the rental bikes. The first hour is free and can leave the bike at any City Bike stand in the city. Then head off for a coffee and cake and as long as you leave 15 minutes in between rentals the next hour is free too. Sure is a great way to stretch the legs after a long flight and see something cool. Vienna is a great cycling city, very friendly. Just mak sure your hand luggage fits in the bike basket - not sure how much fun towing a suitcase will be.

Tags : Vienna

Written : 2009-10-14