We’re probably not telling you anything you don’t already know when we tell you that “going to the airport” isn’t exactly on everyone’s bucket list. But just like every destination is different, so is every airport. And just as navigating a new city is challenging in and of itself, so is navigating a new airport. How do I get from one terminal to the next? What are the best airport restaurants? Is there anything to do if I have a long layover?
If you’re anything like us, then these are probably the types of questions you have that perhaps you don’t get push notifications for. But never fear, because we have answers to your airport questions with our series of guides to the world’s top airports. Today we bring you the TripIt airport guide to Vienna International Airport (VIE).
About Vienna Airport
Vienna Airport is Austria's largest airport, located just 19 km. (11 mi.) southeast of Vienna City Centre. The quickest way between Vienna's City Center and VIE airport is the City Airport Train, which is 16 minutes non-stop. Vienna Airport Lines (Postbus) connects Vienna Airport with the main Vienna transportation hubs, while VIE's car rental center is located on level 0 of the multi-story car park 4 (P4), and can be reached by a short underground passage. Unique to VIE is a 17 km. cycle route, which links the airport with local municipalities. More details, maps, and info about bike rentals can be found on Vienna Airport's website.
VIE serves as the hub for Austrian Airlines, a base for Eurowings Europe, and a major gateway to central and eastern Europe countries. Vienna International Airport has two main terminals, Terminal 1 (and 1A) and Terminal 3.
Eat
Vienna International Airport has several restaurants pre-security that are open to the public, including Air Cafe, Anker, and Brezel Meister, all of which have Viennese snacks like pretzels and Austrian pastries. Also open to the public is Take Off—part pub, part coffee house—featuring everything from Austrian pastries to Bavarian sausages to "brettljause," which is Austria's take on a cheese and charcuterie board. For those passengers who want a sit-down meal, there’s Zugvogel (Terminal 1), Rustichelli Mangione (Terminal 1), Kulinariat (Terminal 3), and Jamie’s Italian. Grab-and-go restaurants include Burger King (Terminal 1), McDonald's (Arrivals), Starbucks (Arrivals), and Pinki Hot Dog (Arrivals). Vienna Airport has also been recognized by PETA, awarded two of three stars in the "vegan-friendly airport" category in 2017.
Drink
You can grab a drink in Vienna International Airport at some of the restaurants listed above, like Kulinariat and Take Off, both of which have full bars. Wine lovers can enjoy a selection of European and other international wines at Sky Wine Lounge, or for beer drinkers there’s the Heineken Bar, which overlooks the runway. Other bars include Johann's Biereck (Arrivals), Johann Strauss, and Jamie Oliver's Bar. For healthier drinks of the non-alcoholic variety there’s the Juice Factory, which makes freshly prepared juices and smoothies.
Do
Like most international airports, Vienna International Airport has a plethora of designer shops, such as Dolce & Gabbana, Hugo Boss, Michael Kors, Swarovski, Tumi, and Versace. Other shops are unique to Austria, such as Flavors of Austria and Senses of Austria, if you want a local souvenir to take home. Alternatively, if you have a few hours, Vienna City Centre is just 16 minutes away on the non-stop City Airport Train. From Vienna Central Station it’s a short walk to nearby Vienna attractions like the Belvedere Palace and the Belvedere 21 Museum of Contemporary Art.
Airport Lounges
Vienna Airport has several lounges, including the Jet Lounge, AIR Lounge, Sky Lounge, and two Austrian/Star Alliance lounges. As is the case with most airport lounges, they are available complimentary for passengers with first class and business class tickets for a variety of airlines, certain loyalty members, and certain credit and membership card members. Otherwise they are available at 33 Euros for any other passengers, regardless of the airline. A map of airline lounges can be found here.
Navigate
Use TripIt’s interactive airport maps in the app to discover shop, restaurant, and bar locations. You’ll also have everything you need to navigate your way with estimated walk times and step-by-step directions.
Written By:
SPENCER SPELLMAN
Spencer is a seasoned food, drink, and travel writer who has written for publications from Outside Magazine to Travel + Leisure and Los Angeles Times. When he's not traveling, he's perfecting his favorite cocktails in his home bar. He chronicles his adventures (and cocktails) on his travel site, Whiskey Tango Globetrot.
