Vienna Westbahnhof (Train Station): Departures and guide

Travel to the Wien Westbahnhof train station from Vienna city center

Vienna is a magical city. With its baroque palaces, delicious pastries, romantic riverfront, pulsating nightlife, and exceptional museums, the Austrian capital never disappoints. It's a city where you can walk in the footsteps of Sigmund Freud or the painter Gustav Klimt, get to know the life stories of Hapsburg Emperors, or walk among clouds of colorful butterflies. That's why so many people make it part of their European travels. When they do, knowing the route to the Wien Westbahnhof train station is often important. A major departure point for westward travel, it's the place to go when catching trains to Salzburg. 

What is the best way from Vienna city center to the Wien Westbahnhof train station?

The Wien Westbahnhof train station is (as the name suggests) located in the western half of central Vienna on Europaplatz. The historic city center is a fair distance away, so walking is not suggested. However, getting to train services isn't difficult. The fastest route to the station is via Vienna's U-Bahn (subway) network, although the number 49 tram works well, and the 96 bus is another option. Those coming from Leopoldstadt on the other bank of the Danube can hop on the subway, although the number 9 tram is a good option, too. Some attractions are a little less accessible. For instance, the Belvedere Palace isn't close to a U-Bahn station, making taxis will be more suitable. The famous Schonbrunn Palace also lacks a U-Bahn link, but the number 60 tram serves that area.

How far is it to the Wien Westbahnhof train station from Vienna city center?

Wien Westbahnhof is approximately four miles (six kilometers) south-west of the city center. However, transfers via subway don't take long. In fact, subway services from the city center take only seven minutes, while those from Leopoldstadt will take a little over ten minutes. Trams and buses from the center take 15-20 minutes and trams from across the Danube take 32-35 minutes. Anyone who needs to catch the tram from Schonbrunn Palace to the station should leave 20 minutes for the journey. Taxis from Belvedere will reach the Westbahnhof in ten or 15 minutes. Vienna International Airport is another popular starting point and is 15 miles (24 kilometers) away from the station. From there, subway services run straight to the station and take 30 minutes. Vienna Airport Lines buses take 40 minutes. Finally, the best way from Vienna Hauptbahnhof to the Westbahnhof is via the number 18 tram, which takes 18-20 minutes. It is possible to take the seven-minute Vienna Airport Lines bus service between the station and airport too, although services aren't as frequent as trams.

How accessible is the Wien Westbahnhof train station for those with limited mobility?

Austria is a country that takes accessibility seriously and the Westbahnhof is well-equipped to provide stress-free transport for the mobility-impaired. Every part of the station has been engineered to be wheelchair accessible, including ticket offices, waiting rooms, toilets, and platforms. Staff is constantly available to provide hands-on assistance if required. The same kind of accessibility applies to all subway stations, so travelers won't need to worry over travel to their train from Vienna city center. Elevators and ramps are routinely available across the network.  Trams are not all are adapted for wheelchairs. Displays at stops provide a green wheelchair indicator to show which services have lowered platforms. But if none of these methods are appealing, don't worry. Numerous minibus and taxi services are available with the wheelchair capacity.

Local tips: the Wien Westbahnhof train station and points of interest

If you turn up at the Westbahnhof and have time to spare, there's no need to worry about what to do near the train station. One option is to catch the subway downtown, but travelers don't need to venture far to find ways to spend their time. Aqua Terra Aquarium is a short walk away in Esterhazy Park, as is the Wiener Phonomuseum - a really interesting collection of antique gramophones. The Haydnhaus is even closer. Home to Joseph Hayden for the last 12 years of his productive life, it is a wonderful experience for classical music lovers.