The Vienna Subway
Vienna subway lines at a glance
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.
Vienna subway map
Download the Wiener Linien map showing all the subway and suburban rail connections here:
Hours of operation
Vienna’s subway runs every day from around 5.00 am until around midnight. Trains run through the night every 15 minutes on Fridays, Saturdays, and before public holidays. During the day, the trains usually run at two to five minute intervals, which ensures minimal waiting times. Further information about operating hours for public transport in Vienna, along with current timetables, is available on the Wiener Linien website.
Subway 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-hour ticket: Unlimited travel within the validity 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.
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.
Information on accessible travel in Vienna
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. Travel is subject to a fee (exceptions apply).
- Bicycles are only permitted at certain times (off-peak hours). Travel is free of charge.
Subway network expansion
Vienna is getting a new subway line: the U5. The U5 will take over the existing section of the U2 between Karlsplatz and Rathaus and will be extended in two construction stages – first to Frankhplatz, then to Hernals. The opening of U5 line to Frankhplatz is scheduled for 2030. At the same time, the U2 line is being extensively expanded and will have an entirely new route to the south from Schottentor station. The U2 line to Matzleinsdorfer Platz is expected to be completed in 2030 and will later be extended to Wienerberg.
The U2xU5 public transport expansion is the city’s largest infrastructure and climate protection project. Twelve new subway stations over eleven kilometers in the final phase (construction stages 1 and 2) will provide faster connections and create capacity for several million additional passengers per year. The entire U2xU5 project is scheduled for completion by the mid-2030s.
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 hours 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.
Frequently asked questions about the subway in Vienna
Is eating allowed in the Vienna subway?
No. Eating is not permitted on subway trains.
How much does a subway ticket cost in Vienna?
A single journey costs €2.40 (from January 1, 2026: €3.20).
How many lines does Vienna’s subway network have?
Five. A sixth subway line (U5) is scheduled to enter service in 2030.
When does the first subway train depart?
The first subway trains departs at around 5.00 am.
Until what times does the subway run in Vienna?
From Monday to Friday, the subway usually runs until around midnight. A night service is provided by NightLine buses between around 1.00 am and 5.00 am. On weekends (Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights) as well as before public holidays, the subway network runs through the night every 15 minutes.
Can I take my dog on the subway?
Yes. You must buy a reduced-fare ticket for dogs. Dogs must wear a muzzle and be on a leash before entering any subway station, and when using elevators to the stations.
There is an exception for small dogs that can be transported in a closed carrier travel free of charge. Assistance dogs (guide dogs, service dogs, signal dogs) with a valid entry on the passenger’s disability pass do not need a ticket and do not have to be leashed or muzzled.
