How to Get Around Vienna Like a Local

Vienna’s U-Bahn, trams and buses are usually the easiest way to move around the city. Buy your ticket in the WienMobil app or from a station machine before travelling. If you use a paper ticket that is not already time-stamped, validate it before your first journey and keep it until the trip is finished.

One Vienna core-zone ticket covers the U-Bahn, trams, buses and local trains within the city. The airport is outside the core zone, so check whether your airport journey needs an additional ticket. For a three-day visit, compare the current time-based passes with the Vienna City Card before buying — the best choice depends on how often you plan to use public transport and whether you want attraction discounts.

My tip: combine public transport with walking. Vienna’s historic center is compact, and many of its most beautiful details are between the stops.