Vienna’s public transport, run by Wiener Linien, is among the most efficient in the world. It works on an honor system — no turnstiles; plainclothes inspectors do spot checks. A valid ticket is mandatory before you travel. From 1 January 2026 there is a new fare and ticketing model.
Where to buy tickets
- Digital (recommended) — WienMobil app or the Wiener Linien online shop. About 5% cheaper than paper and linked to your name, no validation needed.
- Machines — multilingual, in all U-Bahn stations; cash, debit, or credit cards.
- Trafiken — physical tickets at Austrian tobacco shops.
- Tram onboard — single tickets inside trams carry a surcharge (€3.40).
Ticket types and 2026 prices
- Single ticket — Printed €3.20 | Digital €3.00. One continuous journey in one direction.
- 24 Hours Vienna — Printed €10.20 | Digital €9.70. 24 hours from validation.
- 7 Days Vienna — Printed €28.90 | Digital €25.20. 168 hours from validation.
- 31 Days Vienna — Printed €75.00 | Digital €65.20. For long-term visitors.
- New for 2026 — the 48-hour and 72-hour tickets were discontinued. For a weekend, use multiple 24-hour tickets or the 7-day pass.
How to validate your ticket
- Stamp paper tickets from machines or tobacconists in the blue validation boxes before you ride (face up).
- Digital tickets in the WienMobil app need no physical validation — validity starts at the time you choose.
Traveling with children and dogs
- Children under 6: free.
- Children 6–14: reduced single ticket (€1.60); under 15 travel free on Sundays, public holidays, and Vienna school holidays.
- Dogs: reduced single ticket (€1.60), muzzled and on a leash; guide and assistance dogs travel free.
Beware the fare evasion fine
- The honor system does not mean tickets are optional — inspectors block doors and check every passenger.
- Without a valid, stamped ticket: the on-the-spot fine rose to €135 in 2026.
The airport boundary rule
- Standard tickets are valid only in the Vienna Core Zone (within city limits).
- Vienna International Airport (Schwechat) is outside the city — for the S-Bahn you need an additional zone-crossing ticket.