The construction of the Vienna metro system, called the U-Bahn, began in 1969, making it one of the most modern in Europe. However, before it was built, the townspeople used the city railway - Stadtbahn, or City Railway, built in 1898-1901. The modern metro includes several of its sections and is connected with high-speed railways.
Vienna's public transport is the “key” to the city; it provides tremendous opportunities to explore one of the most beautiful European capitals. The leading role is played in Vienna by the metro. How to use it, where to buy tickets, how much they cost, what are the lines and what are the hours of operation - read about all this later in the article.
Short story
It is believed that the modern Vienna underground was opened on May 8, 1976. However, his story began much earlier:
- In 1898, the metropolitan railway Otto Wagner was officially opened. The current metro is based on this system. Stadtbahn was a full-fledged steam-powered railway.
- In 1925, Stadtbahn was opened after reconstruction and electrification. However, the lines were basically the same as before, the rolling stock was re-equipped with tram cars.
- In 1976, the first new metro train was launched on a short section between Geligenstadt and Friedensbrück. However, passenger trains have been running this section since 1899.
- In 1978, the first new tunnel was opened between Karlsplatz and Reumannplatz. The opening of the new tunnel was accompanied by festivities.
The brown and orange metro lines were rebuilt mainly between 1989 and 2000.
According to UITP (International Public Transport Association), Vienna metro is one of the most efficient public transport systems in the world. In 2009, it served more than 1.3 million passengers daily, and in 2011, the passenger flow amounted to 567.6 million people. The network is constantly expanding and updated rolling stock. Since 1969, EUR 200 million has been invested annually in the expansion of the Vienna underground.
Metro lines
To understand how to use the metro in Vienna, first you need to study its structure. Vienna U-Bahn has five lines. All routes pass underground, but some of them include ground sections.
Line U1 (red) connects the north and south of Vienna, from Leopoldau station to Overlaa. The Stephansplatz stop is located on this route - a square in the city center on which St. Stephen's Cathedral stands.
One of the metro stations is Vienna's main station - Hauptbahnhopf. From it you can get not only to anywhere in Austria, but also to many other cities in Europe by train, train or bus.
The U2 line (purple) covers the city center with a semicircular route connecting the Stadion metro station (stadium) with Karlsplatz. Using this line, you can reach the Museum Quarter, Karlskirche and the Parliament building.
The purple line is currently the shortest, and due to the fact that it consists mainly of a converted tram tunnel built in the 60s, it is also the slowest. Five of the twenty stations were opened in 2008 for the European Football Championship, six more in 2010 and three in 2013.
The U3 line (orange) crosses the city from northwest to southeast, from Ottakring to Simmering, passing through some tourist attractions, including Stephansplatz and Hofburg Palace. Its two stations are ground. From Wien Mitte Station on this line, you can reach the airport by train.
The U4 line (green) connects Hütteldorf in the west with Heiligenstadt in the north with an important stop at Schönbrunn Palace. The line was built on the modernized line of the Vienna City Road, which operated at the beginning of the twentieth century.
Line U6 (brown) goes to the northern and southern outskirts of Vienna. The longest metro line with a length of 17.3 km and with 24 stations. Only it uses a rolling tram. The line does not go through the center of Vienna.
Schedule and frequency
Metro opening hours in Vienna: from five in the morning until midnight daily. In February 2010, at a city referendum, it was decided to extend the working hours at night on holidays and before weekends. However, it will never be superfluous for tourists to clarify how long the metro operates in Vienna on a given holiday, it is easier to plan a route in an unfamiliar city.
Trains usually leave every 5 minutes. In more busy hours, they travel more often: every two to four minutes, and after 20:30 they go less often - every seven to eight minutes.
Prices
The next important point in the question of how to use the metro in Vienna is the types and cost of tickets, access control. As in most European cities, the system of travel passes in the Austrian capital. Single tickets are also valid for Vienna metro. Tickets for public transport cost from 2.20 euros. This is the cheapest option. With such a ticket, you can only ride the metro, if you also need ground transportation, you will have to pay 2.40. Such travel tickets are valid for one hour. Tourists who plan to travel a lot around the city are best suited for complex tickets for 24, 48 or 72 hours, which cost 8, 13.30 and 16.50 euros, respectively. They can be used both in the Vienna metro, and to pay for travel by other public transport
Fare control
There is no exit and entrance control in the Vienna underground; validation of issued cards is free. However, this should not prompt you to travel without a ticket. Rarely and selectively verification of their presence in passengers is still carried out, and directly in rolling stock. Using public transport without a ticket, you risk paying a fine of 100 euros.
Where and how to buy a metro ticket in Vienna?
There are two ways to buy a pass or a ticket for a single trip in Vienna public transport. Firstly, in special machines that are at metro stations and stops. You will notice them immediately on the bright orange stripes. The interface is very simple and clear even for those who do not speak foreign languages. Secondly, at the Wiener Linien box office. They can also purchase tickets through the mobile application, which is also very convenient, no need to stand in line. Well, and besides this, the bus and tram drivers themselves sell the tickets, as well as in the tobacco shops.
Vienna City Card
The Vienna City Map is an additional feature during your visit to Vienna. If you want to explore the city on your own and go on an adventure, then right after arrival or in advance through the official website you can buy Vienna City Card - the perfect companion in Vienna. The map will make you mobile, because thanks to it you can already get from the airport to the city center for free. Add to this the attractive discounts on tickets to museums and excursions, to the theater and concerts, discount coupons for shopping and restaurants.
You can buy a card online or at tourist information centers, at the railway station, at the airport information desk. Do not confuse Vienna City Card with Vienna Pass, which provides its users with only free access to the main sights of Vienna, without public transport.