Tram & bus
Streetcars in Vienna
Streetcars, usually called a “Bim” by Viennese residents, have a long tradition in Vienna. The foundation for today’s network was laid as far back as 1865 with horse-drawn streetcars. With 29 lines and a total length of 171 km, it is the sixth-largest in the world.
In addition to classic streetcars, the fleet mainly includes ULF vehicles (Ultra Low Floor - extremely low-floor design) and state-of-the-art Flexity vehicles, which enable step-free, accessible travel. In the next few years, all of the lines are expected to be equipped with these features.
Route designations
In Vienna, streetcar routes are identified either by numbers (e.g. 1, 2, 71) or by letters (D, O). The route number is clearly displayed on the front, sides, and inside of the vehicles. The terminus is always displayed, so passengers can see in which direction they are travelling.
Bus
The bus network comprises 135 routes. Only low-floor buses are in operation, which makes boarding and alighting easier for passengers with reduced mobility. Many of the buses already on the road are zero-emission; in downtown Vienna, for example, most of the minibuses use electric-hydrogen propulsion to keep traffic moving smoothly.
Route designations
Bus routes are also numbered and have the letter “A” or “B” at the end (e.g. 13A, 5B). The route number and destination are shown on the front of the bus.
Late bus - the Nightline
The operating hours for streetcars and buses usually end around midnight. After that, the Nightline, Wiener Linien’s night bus network, takes over. More than 20 night bus routes run daily from approximately 12.30 am to 5 am at 30-minute intervals. Nightline buses can be identified by the “N” (e.g., N71).
Key interchange points for night buses are the stops Oper/Karlsplatz, Schwedenplatz and Schottentor, as many buses depart from these stations or stop there. The stops are marked with a blue sign with yellow lettering “N”.
Timetables for streetcars and buses, plus the Nightline network map
Tickets
A valid ticket is required when using streetcars and buses (including Nightlin services). 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 card for tourists that offers unlimited travel on public transport as well as numerous discounts at attractions, in restaurants and in shops.
Tickets can be purchased from the multilingual ticket machines in subway stations, at all advance sales outlets and in Wiener Linien’s online shop, in most tobacconists, or on a smartphone via the WienMobil app for iOS or Android.
Tickets can even be purchased while on board a streetcar or bus (for an additional fee). Please make sure to validate your ticket before starting your journey, or directly on the “Bim” or bus!
Tip for visitors to Vienna: routes with a “view”
Sit by the window. Some streetcar routes offer you a mini city tour at no extra charge.
- Routes 1 and 2: Along the Ringstrasse past the State Opera, the Hofburg, Parliament and City Hall
- Route D: From Vienna Central Station to Belvedere Palace, via the State Opera towards the wine tavern area
- Route 71: From the city centre via Schwarzenbergplatz to the Central Cemetery
As for bus routes, the 13A offers a convenient north-south connection from Alsergrund to Vienna Central Station, passing through lively districts with plenty of cafés and shops.
