About Vienna International Airport (VIE)
Vienna International Airport (Flughafen Wien-Schwechat) is located about 18 kilometers southeast of the city center. It is the only commercial airport serving Vienna. The airport has four terminal buildings: Terminal 1, Terminal 1A, Terminal 2, and Terminal 3. Terminals 1, 2, and 3 are connected internally, so you can walk between them without going outside. Terminal 1A is a separate building across from Terminal 1.
Terminal 3 serves as the central arrivals hall for all flights. Terminal 1 handles most non-Schengen flights, while Terminal 3 handles the majority of Schengen and long-haul flights.
The airport is fully barrier-free. All public areas have step-free access with elevators, automatic doors, and clear signage with pictograms. Tactile guidance strips run through the terminal buildings, leading from entrances to key areas such as check-in counters and PRM service desks.
Booking PRM Assistance
PRM stands for "Person with Reduced Mobility." Vienna Airport provides free PRM assistance. You should request this service when booking your flight or through your airline at least 48 hours before departure.
Steps to arrange assistance:
- Contact your airline by phone or through their website when you book your flight.
- Specify your needs: wheelchair to the gate, boarding help, a meet-and-greet on arrival, or baggage assistance.
- Arrive at the airport at least 2.5 hours before departure.
- Go to the PRM mobility counter in Terminal 3. Tactile guidance strips lead directly from the Terminal 3 entrances to these counters.
The PRM mobility counters are equipped with inductive hearing systems and information screens with content available in Austrian and international sign language.
If you did not pre-book, call buttons are available at PRM meeting points in the arrivals and departures halls. Without advance booking, expect a wait of 20 to 40 minutes.
Accessible Facilities in the Terminal
Entrances: Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 both have a separate accessible entrance for PRM passengers and families at the boarding pass control, including a wide entrance at the Fast Track lane.
Toilets: There are 46 barrier-free washrooms throughout all terminals. Each one includes emergency call buttons, grab bars, and in most cases automatic doors, sensor-equipped faucets, and catheter trays.
Navigation: Passengers with visual impairments can use the Aira App (available in English, French, and Spanish) for guided navigation through the airport via a live visual interpreter.
Flight information: Display monitors are mounted at eye level for seated passengers, making flight information easy to read from a wheelchair.
Getting to Central Vienna
Several accessible transport options connect VIE airport to the city center.
City Airport Train (CAT)
The CAT is a dedicated express train running between the airport and Wien Mitte station. The journey takes 16 minutes with no intermediate stops. Trains run every 30 minutes from about 6:00 AM to 11:30 PM.
The CAT is fully barrier-free. The train floor is level with the platform, so there is no step or gap. Each car has two designated wheelchair spaces with wide aisles. Elevators connect the platform to the terminal at both the airport and Wien Mitte station. A single ticket costs about 14.90 euros. Passengers with a disability ID card receive a reduced fare, and a registered companion travels free.
S-Bahn S7
The S7 suburban train runs from the airport to Wien Mitte (about 25 minutes), continuing to Wien Praterstern and other stations. It runs roughly every 30 minutes and costs about 4.40 euros (standard Wiener Linien fare for zones including the airport). S7 trains have designated wheelchair spaces. Platforms at the airport and Wien Mitte have elevator access.
Vienna Airport Lines (Bus)
Airport buses run to key city locations including Wien Hauptbahnhof, Wien Meidling, and Schwedenplatz. The buses are equipped with wheelchair ramps or lifts and have dedicated wheelchair areas. The journey to the city center takes 20 to 30 minutes depending on the route.
Taxi
Taxis are available at the ground level of Terminal 3. A ride to central Vienna costs approximately 36 to 45 euros and takes 20 to 30 minutes depending on traffic.
For a wheelchair-accessible vehicle, book in advance. Several companies offer adapted minibuses from the airport. See our Taxis guide for booking details and phone numbers.
| Transport Option | Travel Time | Approximate Cost | Wheelchair Accessible |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAT (to Wien Mitte) | 16 minutes | 14.90 euros | Yes, level boarding, wheelchair spaces |
| S-Bahn S7 (to Wien Mitte) | 25 minutes | 4.40 euros | Yes, wheelchair spaces, elevator access |
| Airport Bus (to Hauptbahnhof) | 20 to 30 minutes | 8 to 11 euros | Yes, ramp or lift, wheelchair area |
| Taxi (to city center) | 20 to 30 minutes | 36 to 45 euros | Standard taxis: transfer needed. WAV: book ahead |
Our Recommendation
The CAT is the best option for wheelchair users traveling to central Vienna. It is fully step-free from terminal to train, fast (16 minutes), and has guaranteed wheelchair spaces. If budget is a priority, the S7 costs less than a third of the CAT fare and is also fully accessible.
Service Dogs
Service dogs and guide dogs are welcome throughout Vienna Airport, on all trains, buses, and trams, and in taxis. Relief areas are located outside the terminal at ground level.
Find Your Accessible Hotel
Verified photos, room measurements, and accessibility checklists for wheelchair-accessible hotels.
Browse Hotels on wheelietravelLast updated: