Vienna U-Bahn

Vienna U-Bahn: the metro that makes the car redundant

There are cities where public transport exists as a backup when cars fail. Vienna is not one of them. The U-Bahn Wien is a core part of one of Europe's most complete urban transport systems, and over 1.1 million people use it every day, often by preference rather than necessity. But the U-Bahn does not work alone: it operates alongside an extensive tram network, buses and suburban rail that together cover almost every corner of the city. That integration is what sets Vienna apart.

For visitors, the U-Bahn is extraordinarily useful. It reaches Stephansplatz, Schönbrunn, the Prater, the Opera, Naschmarkt, Hauptbahnhof, MuseumsQuartier, Donauinsel and almost any destination in a travel guide. For residents, it is even more essential — connecting dense neighbourhoods, universities, hospitals and new development areas like Seestadt. And in 2026, the network is undergoing its biggest transformation in decades: the U2xU5 project, which has created the new U5 line and is reshaping the central route structure.

Key facts

Why the Vienna U-Bahn is special

The U-Bahn is special because it does not try to do everything alone. In many cities, the metro dominates urban mobility while trams and buses play a supporting role. In Vienna, the metro works as the fast layer of a wider machine that also includes one of Europe's most extensive tram networks, S-Bahn suburban services and regional rail connections. The practical result is seamless: a single ticket covers U-Bahn, trams, buses and most S-Bahn services within the Vienna zone.

Vienna also has a historical depth that few metro systems can match. The U4 and U6 lines were built partly on the foundations of the Wiener Stadtbahn, the imperial-era urban railway designed at the turn of the 20th century by architect Otto Wagner. Travelling through certain sections of the U4 or U6 means crossing layers of urban history, not just commuting.

History

The Stadtbahn: before the U-Bahn

Vienna's story of urban rapid transit begins long before 1978. The Wiener Stadtbahn opened in 1898 as an imperial-era urban railway. It was not a modern metro, but it was decisive infrastructure: its viaducts along the Danube Canal and Otto Wagner's iconic Jugendstil station designs gave the network a visual identity that remains recognisable today. Parts of that infrastructure were later modernised and incorporated directly into the U4 and U6 lines — which is why those lines feel so different from the subterranean routes of U1, U2 and U3.

The modern U-Bahn: 1969 to today

Plans for a modern underground railway in Vienna date back to 1910, but wars, economic crises and shifting priorities delayed the project for decades. It was not until 23 January 1968 that the Vienna government formally committed to building the U-Bahn. Construction began on 3 November 1969. The first section entered test service on 8 May 1976 and the network officially opened on 25 February 1978, with lines U1, U2 and U4. The U6 followed in 1989, largely by electrifying and modernising the old Stadtbahn. The U3 completed the core network through the 1990s. A major southern extension of the U1 opened in September 2017, adding five new stations to Oberlaa. And the most recent chapter — the U2xU5 project — has been unfolding since 2021, with the U5 now operational in its first phase.

The lines

U1 (red): Vienna's north-south backbone

The U1 is the most intuitive line for visitors. It runs north-south through the city, connecting two worlds: the dense residential north around Leopoldau and Kagran, and the spa and parkland area of Oberlaa in the south. In between lies the heart of Vienna: Stephansplatz, Karlsplatz, Hauptbahnhof, the Prater and Donauinsel. The 2017 extension added five southern stations (Troststraße, Altes Landgut, Neulaa, Alaudagasse, Oberlaa) and brought the total to 24.

Stations U1: Leopoldau · Aderklaaer Straße · Kagran · Kaisermühlen–VIC · Alte Donau · Rennbahnweg · Kagraner Platz · Großfeldsiedlung · Vorgartenstraße · Praterstern · Donauinsel · Nestroyplatz · Schwedenplatz · Stephansplatz · Taubstummengasse · Karlsplatz · Keplerplatz · Südtiroler Platz–Hauptbahnhof · Reumannplatz · Troststraße · Altes Landgut · Neulaa · Alaudagasse · Oberlaa

U2 (purple): eastern Vienna and the U2xU5 transformation

The U2 has been the network's most dynamic line. For years it served eastern Vienna — Seestadt, Aspern, the stadium, the trade fair site — all the way to the central core. The U2xU5 project reorganised its central section: the portion between the city centre and Schottentor that once served U2 now forms part of the new U5. The U2 continues to serve its eastern sections and will eventually be extended southward to Matzleinsdorfer Platz, projected for around 2030.

Stations U2 (eastern section): Seestadt · Hausfeldstraße · Aspern Nord · Donauspital · Aspernstraße · Stadlau · Hardeggasse · Donaumarina · Donaustadtbrücke · Krieau · Stadion · Praterstern · Messe-Prater · Schottenring · Taborstraße · and connection to city centre per current U2xU5 phase.

U3 (orange): the everyday east-west line

The U3 is perhaps the most versatile line for day-to-day travel. Running west-to-east from Ottakring to Simmering, it covers Westbahnhof, Mariahilfer Straße, Stephansplatz, Herrengasse and Wien Mitte. If you arrive at the airport via CAT or S7, Wien Mitte / Landstraße will likely be your first major urban stop — and from there U3 takes you straight into the centre.

Stations U3: Ottakring · Hütteldorfer Straße · Kendlerstraße · Schweglerstraße · Johnstraße · Zieglergasse · Westbahnhof · Neubaugasse · Volkstheater · Stephansplatz · Herrengasse · Landstraße–Wien Mitte · Stubentor · Kardinal-Nagl-Platz · Rochusgasse · Erdberg · Schlachthausgasse · Zippererstraße · Gasometer · Enkplatz · Simmering

U4 (green): history, elegance and Schönbrunn

The U4 is the network's most historic and, for many visitors, most attractive line. It runs partly on old Stadtbahn infrastructure, giving it a distinctive atmosphere: above-ground viaducts, Otto Wagner station elements, a view of the Danube Canal. It connects Schönbrunn Palace, Karlsplatz, Stadtpark, Schwedenplatz and Landstraße, covering most major tourist destinations on a single line.

Stations U4: Hütteldorf · Unter St. Veit · Ober St. Veit · Hietzing · Braunschweiggasse · Meidling Hauptstraße · Schönbrunn · Margaretengürtel · Längenfeldgasse · Kettenbrückengasse · Pilgramgasse · Stadtpark · Karlsplatz · Landstraße–Wien Mitte · Schwedenplatz · Schottenring · Friedensbrücke · Rossauer Lände · Spittelau · Heiligenstadt

U5 (turquoise): Vienna's newest line

The U5 is the first genuinely new line to be added to Vienna's metro in decades. Its first section opened in December 2024, and the newest station in the entire network — Lina-Loos-Platz — opened on 19 January 2026. The U5 runs north through the city centre, serving Karlsplatz, Volkstheater, MuseumsQuartier, Schottentor, Rathaus and Frankhplatz before reaching Lina-Loos-Platz. Trains are fully driverless — the first of their kind on the Vienna network.

U6 (brown): the line with its own personality

The U6 is unlike any other line on the network. It uses overhead catenary power — like a tram — rather than the conductor rail of the other lines, which means its trains are technically different and cannot share track with U1–U4. Much of it runs above ground on elevated sections, giving it a character closer to a light metro or modernised Stadtbahn than a traditional subway. With 24 stations across 17.4 km it is the longest line, running north-south along the western side of the city. It is less useful for tourism but essential for residents, covering dense districts like Favoriten, Margareten, Mariahilf and Alsergrund.

Stations U6: Siebenhirten · Erlaaer Straße · Perfektastraße · Tscherttegasse · Am Schöpfwerk · Niederhofstraße · Bahnhof Meidling · Gumpendorfer Straße · Längenfeldgasse · Burggasse-Stadthalle · Westbahnhof · Josefstädter Straße · Thaliastraße · Michelbeuern-AKH · Alser Straße · Nußdorfer Straße · Währinger Straße-Volksoper · Jägerstraße · Spittelau · Handelskai · Dresdner Straße · Neue Donau · Floridsdorf

Key stations for visitors

Stephansplatz: the hub and its trap

Stephansplatz is the symbolic centre of Vienna and the network's most famous station, where U1 and U3 converge. It is the natural starting point for exploring the old city, but within the first district, walking is often faster than taking another train. For the Opera, try Karlsplatz; for the Hofburg, Herrengasse on U3; for the Danube Canal, Schwedenplatz on U1/U4.

Karlsplatz: the biggest interchange

Karlsplatz brings together U1, U4 and the new U5. It has multiple exits — the most common mistake is surfacing on the wrong side and walking unnecessarily. Before heading up, check the exit signs. The station sits next to the State Opera, Musikverein, Karlskirche and the Naschmarkt, making it possibly the most useful single station in the network.

Getting to and from the airport

The Vienna U-Bahn does not serve the airport directly. This is the single most common misconception among visitors. Options for reaching Flughafen Wien-Schwechat:

Do not book the CAT automatically. If your hotel is near Hauptbahnhof, an ÖBB train may be faster and cheaper. If it is near a U1 or U3 station, the S7 to Wien Mitte works well. The best option depends on where you are staying.

Hours and night service

On weekdays, the U-Bahn runs from around 05:00 to between 00:30 and 01:00 depending on the line. Peak frequency is every 2–3 minutes on main lines; off-peak every 5 minutes. The great advantage for visitors: Friday nights, Saturday nights and public holiday eves see 24-hour service, with trains every 15 minutes through the night. Between-week late nights, the Nightline bus network covers main routes from around 00:30 to 05:00.

Fares and tickets

The single ticket covers 80 minutes of travel with unlimited transfers from validation — but not interruptions. You cannot leave the system, visit a museum and return on the same ticket. For three or more journeys in a day, the 24-hour ticket (€10.20) pays for itself quickly.

How to use the metro

Vienna has no turnstiles. Entry gates are open. That does not mean travel is free: inspectors in plain clothes check tickets regularly, and fines are steep (currently around €105). Validate physical tickets in the machines at the platform entrance before descending. Digital tickets bought on the WienMobil app activate on your phone.

Lines are identified by number and colour: U1 red, U2 purple, U3 orange, U4 green, U5 turquoise, U6 brown. Signage is clear and multilingual. At large stations like Karlsplatz, Stephansplatz, Praterstern and Landstraße, check the exit signs before surfacing — the wrong exit can add a significant walk.

Accessibility

The U-Bahn has made significant accessibility investments. Most stations have lifts, escalators, tactile paving, audio announcements and accessible vehicles. The WienMobil app allows route planning that avoids stairs. That said, some older stations or interchange sections involve long walks between platforms. If travelling with a wheelchair, pram or heavy luggage, check the specific station in advance.

Safety

The Vienna U-Bahn is one of the safest in Europe. The atmosphere is generally calm, including late at night. However, pickpockets operate where tourists and crowds concentrate: Stephansplatz, Karlsplatz, Praterstern, Westbahnhof and Landstraße are the areas to stay alert. Standard precautions apply: bag kept in front, phone in an inside pocket, attention when boarding and alighting in busy stations.

Bikes, pets and luggage

Luggage: no restrictions on ordinary travel luggage. Use lifts and avoid peak hours if carrying large bags.

Bicycles: permitted with time restrictions to avoid overcrowding. On weekdays: 09:00–15:00 and from 18:30 until closing. Weekends and holidays: all day. Enter via designated doors; a reduced fare applies.

Dogs: permitted on a lead with a muzzle, except guide dogs and police dogs. Dogs in carriers travel free without a muzzle; dogs in the carriage pay a reduced fare.

Integration with trams, S-Bahn and trains

One of Vienna's strengths is that the U-Bahn is not the only option. The tram is particularly useful for the Ring, the inner districts and journeys where the metro would require a detour. Lines 1, 2 and D are especially practical for tourists exploring the Ring boulevard and its major institutions.

The S-Bahn matters for the airport (S7), outer districts and suburban connections. Key interchange stations — Praterstern, Wien Mitte, Hauptbahnhof, Meidling, Floridsdorf, Spittelau — connect S-Bahn and U-Bahn under the same fare system. The WienMobil app plans combined journeys across all modes and is the single most useful tool for navigating Vienna.

The U2xU5 project: Vienna's biggest metro expansion

The U2xU5 project is the most ambitious infrastructure intervention in Vienna's metro since its opening. The goal is to create a new north-south line through the city centre (U5) and to give the U2 a new southern extension toward Matzleinsdorfer Platz and beyond.

The U5's first section opened in December 2024, using the former central U2 corridor (Karlsplatz–Volkstheater–MuseumsQuartier–Schottentor–Rathaus) as its southern backbone and extending northward into new territory. Lina-Loos-Platz, inaugurated on 19 January 2026, is the network's newest station. U5 trains are fully automatic, Vienna's first driverless metro service.

The U2's southern extension (toward Matzleinsdorfer Platz) has been delayed and is now projected for around 2030. The overall U2xU5 scheme envisions 12 new stations and roughly 11 km of new track, with full completion expected in the mid-2030s. As with any project of this scale, dates are subject to revision.

Rolling stock

The fleet on lines U1–U4 is currently a mix of modernised Type V trains (Bombardier) and the newer Type X trains (Siemens Inspiro), which are being delivered in batches. The U6 uses the Type T vehicles, designed specifically for its overhead catenary system. The U5 inaugurates Vienna's first generation of fully automated, driverless trainsets.

Curiosities

• During tunnel excavation for the U-Bahn, archaeologists uncovered Roman and medieval artefacts. Several are displayed at stations including Stephansplatz, Stubentor, Schwedenplatz and Rochusgasse.
• The U6 is technically incompatible with all other lines: it runs on overhead catenary power rather than conductor rail, so its trains physically cannot operate on the U1–U4 network.
• For decades, Vienna had U1, U2, U3, U4 and U6 — but no U5. The missing number was one of the most-asked questions by visitors. The U5 now exists.
• Lerchenfelder Straße, a former U2 station, was closed in 2003 because of its proximity to Volkstheater. It is Vienna's best-known "ghost station".
• Between Landstraße and Schwedenplatz on the U4, there is a brief above-ground section alongside the Danube Canal — worth looking up from your phone.
• Donauinsel (U1) gives access to sandy riverside beaches that are genuinely swimmable in summer. In the middle of central Europe.

What the metro does not cover well

The U-Bahn is excellent, but it does not cover everything. The first district (Innere Stadt) has surprisingly few metro stations — for moving around Graben, Kohlmarkt or the Hofburg quarter, walking or taking a tram is often faster. Some residential outer areas rely primarily on trams or buses rather than metro.

The airport, as noted, always requires a separate connection. And during the ongoing U2xU5 construction, some routes may involve temporary changes. Wiener Linien keeps current service information on its website and app.

Practical tips for visitors

• For first-timers: stay near U1, U3 or U4 — the most useful lines for classic tourism.
• For Schönbrunn, take U4 to Schönbrunn station. Allow several hours: palace, gardens and Gloriette take time.
• For the airport, compare CAT (€7+, direct, 16 min to Wien Mitte) with S7 (cheaper, more stops). Choose based on where you are staying.
• In the old city, walking is often faster than taking the metro. From Stephansplatz to Herrengasse: 8 minutes on foot.
• At Karlsplatz, check the exit signs before surfacing — there are many exits and the wrong one means a long walk.
• Do not underestimate the tram. The Ring Tram and lines 1, 2 and D are often the most pleasant way to see the centre.
• Download WienMobil for combined journey planning, real-time information and digital ticket purchase.
• The metro runs all night on Friday and Saturday. On weekdays, check the last train time (around midnight).
• Children under 6 travel free; ages 6–14 pay reduced fare.

Frequently asked questions

How many lines does the Vienna U-Bahn have?

Five established lines (U1, U2, U3, U4, U6) plus the new U5, which opened its first section in December 2024 and is expanding as part of the U2xU5 project.

Why was there never a U5 before?

The numbering jumped from U4 to U6 because U6 was built earlier, adapting the old Stadtbahn, while U5 was reserved for a future line. That future has now arrived.

How much does the Vienna metro cost in 2026?

A single ticket costs €3.20 from January 2026. The 24-hour ticket is €10.20. A 7-day pass is €25.20 (digital) or €28.90 (paper).

Does the metro go to Vienna Airport?

No. Use the CAT (from €7, 16 minutes to Wien Mitte), S-Bahn S7, ÖBB trains or airport buses. From Wien Mitte, U3 and U4 connect to the rest of the city.

Does the metro run overnight?

Yes, on Friday and Saturday nights and public holiday eves — 24-hour service every 15 minutes. On weekdays, last trains run around midnight, after which Nightline buses cover major routes.

Is the Vienna U-Bahn safe?

Yes, it is one of Europe's safest. Stay alert in busy tourist stations (Karlsplatz, Stephansplatz, Praterstern) where pickpockets occasionally operate.

Which line goes to Schönbrunn Palace?

The U4 (green). Station: Schönbrunn. From Karlsplatz, it is about 4 minutes.

What is the U2xU5 project?

Vienna's biggest metro expansion since opening: it creates the new U5 line (first section now open) and will extend the U2 southward, with full completion expected in the mid-2030s.