U-Bahn (Subway)
Vienna’s subway lines
Vienna’s subway network is made up of five main lines, which are identified by colors and numbers:
- U1 (red): Connects the north (Leopoldau) and the south (Oberlaa) of the city and passes important junctions such as Stephansplatz and the Hauptbahnhof (Central Station).
- U2 (purple): Runs from Karlsplatz in the city center to Seestadt in the east, with stops at important locations such as the Prater and the Stadion.
- U3 (orange): Runs from Ottakring in the west to Simmering in the east, with main stops in the city center including Westbahnhof and Stephansplatz.
- U4 (green): Connects Hütteldorf in the west with Heiligenstadt in the north and runs parallel to the Danube Canal, stopping at Karlsplatz and Schönbrunn.
- U6 (brown): Runs from Siebenhirten in the south to Floridsdorf in the north and connects important junctions such as Westbahnhof Station and Längenfeldgasse.
The Wiener Linien map showing all the subway and overground train connections can be downloaded here.
Hours of operation
The Vienna subway network runs every day from approximately 5:00 am to around midnight. Trains run every 15 minutes throughout the night on Fridays, Saturdays and public holidays. During the day, the intervals between trains are usually two to five minutes, which ensures minimal waiting times. The current timetables can be found on the Wiener Linien website.
Tickets
A valid ticket is required in order to use the Vienna subway. Here are the most popular ticket options for visitors:
- Single ticket: Valid for one journey in one direction including transfers.
- 24-, 48- and 72-hour tickets: Unlimited journeys within the selected period.
- Flexible 7-day VIENNA Ticket: Valid for seven consecutive calendar days.
- Vienna City Card:A special pass for tourists that offers unlimited travel on public transport as well as numerous discounts at attractions, restaurants and stores.
Tickets can be purchased at the multilingual ticket machines in subway stations, at any ticket office and at the Wiener Linien online store, in most newsagents or on a smartphone using the WienMobil app for iOS and Android. Make sure you validate your ticket before you start your journey.
An overview of the various ticket prices can be found on the Tickets page.
Accessibility
The Vienna subway is almost entirely barrier-free. Every station is fitted with elevators and escalators to ensure easy access for wheelchair users and families with buggies. The trains and stations are also fitted with tactile guidance systems for the benefit of people with visual impairments.
Safety and behavior guidelines
The Vienna subway is renowned for its cleanliness and high level of safety. There are a few simple rules that you should follow:
- Keep the escalators unobstructed by standing on the right and walking on the left.
- Eating is not permitted on the trains.
- Dogs must wear a muzzle and be kept on a lead.
- Bicycles are only permitted at certain times (off-peak hours).
Tips for visitors to Vienna
- See the sights: Many of Vienna’s most famous attractions, such as St. Stephen’s Cathedral (U1, U3), Schönbrunn Palace (U4) and the Prater (U1, U2) are easily reachable by subway.
- Save money: Use the Vienna City Card or multi-day tickets to save money and move around the city with flexibility.
- Peak times: Peak times are between 7:00 and 9:00 am and between 4:00 and 6:00 pm. There is likely to be an increased number of passengers during these periods, especially on weekdays.
