If you’re flying into Vienna and looking for the fastest and most comfortable way to reach the city centre, the City Airport Train (CAT) is a popular option. This non-stop express train connects Vienna International Airport with Wien Mitte in just sixteen minutes. It’s quick, quiet, and simple to use, and particularly well suited to first-time visitors or anyone arriving with heavy luggage.
What is the City Airport Train?
The City Airport Train, usually referred to as the CAT, is a dedicated express rail service designed for air travellers. Unlike local trains or suburban connections, the CAT runs directly from the airport of Vienna to Vienna’s city centre without any stops along the way. You board the train at a clearly signposted platform beneath the airport, and just sixteen minutes later you arrive at Wien Mitte, a major hub for public transport in central Vienna.
The train itself is modern, quiet, and spacious. Once you’re seated, there’s really nothing else to make, no changes, no interruptions, just a smooth ride into the city. For many travellers, this makes the CAT a very welcome first experience of Vienna: efficient, calm and well-organised.
Arriving at Wien Mitte
Wien Mitte is one of the best-connected stations in the city. From here, you can continue your journey easily by underground (U-Bahn lines U3 and U4), by tram or by local bus. If you’re staying in the inner districts of Vienna, there’s a good chance you won’t even need further transport. Many hotels and apartments are within walking distance of the station. For example, the Hilton Vienna Park is a 5-minute walk from the station.
For passengers flying with Austrian Airlines or certain partner carriers, there’s an additional benefit. You can use the City Check-in service at Wien Mitte, which allows you to check in your luggage before even travelling to the airport. This makes the journey out of Vienna especially convenient — instead of dragging your suitcase through the city on departure day, you simply drop it off at the terminal and travel to the airport with your hands free.
Is the CAT worth the price?
The CAT is not the cheapest way to reach the city, but it’s also not trying to be. What you pay for is speed, convenience and a certain level of calm. The service operates every thirty minutes, with trains starting early in the morning and continuing until late at night. If you’re arriving after a long-haul flight, travelling with young children or staying near Wien Mitte, the CAT often feels like the most civilised option.
What are the alternatives to the CAT?
Although the CAT offers a quick and seamless journey into central Vienna, it is not the only train that connects the airport with the city. Two other rail services also operate from Vienna Airport and might be better suited depending on your plans, your budget or your final destination.
The first alternative is the S7, a suburban train operated by ÖBB, Austria’s national railway. This line connects the airport with several city districts and stops at several local stations before reaching Wien Mitte. The journey takes a little longer than the CAT, around 25 minutes depending on the time of day, but it is significantly cheaper and included in public transport passes. For travellers staying outside the city centre or changing to other local lines, the S7 can be a sensible and affordable choice.
The second option is the Railjet, ÖBB’s long-distance train service. These trains also stop at the airport and take you to Vienna’s main railway station, Wien Hauptbahnhof, in roughly 15 to 18 minutes. From there, you can continue your journey throughout the city or even across the country. Railjet trains are modern and comfortable, but they are not specifically tailored to airport travellers, and their frequency can vary depending on the time of day.
Comparing the CAT, S7 and Railjet
The choice between these three options depends largely on your priorities. The CAT is the fastest and most comfortable, while the S7 is the most budget-friendly and well integrated with Vienna’s local transport network. The Railjet is particularly useful if you are heading to the main train station or travelling onward to other cities in Austria.
| Feature | CAT | S7 (suburban train) | Railjet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Destination | Wien Mitte | Wien Mitte and multiple stops | Wien Hauptbahnhof |
| Journey time | 16 minutes | Around 25 minutes | 15 to 18 minutes |
| Single ticket price | €14.90 | €4.40 | Around €4.40 to €5.00 |
| Included in passes | No | Yes | No |
| Comfort | Quiet, spacious, premium | Basic commuter carriages | Long-distance seating |
| Frequency | Every 30 minutes | Every 30 minutes | Varies by time of day |
| City check-in | Available at Wien Mitte | Not available | Not available |
| Best suited for | Convenience and speed | Budget-conscious travellers | Travellers heading south or west |
Is the City Airport Train the best choice for you?
Whether the CAT is the right option depends on what you value most in your journey from the airport. If you’re looking for a smooth, fast and quiet arrival in Vienna, it’s an excellent choice. The train is well signposted, easy to board, and brings you directly into the city without requiring any further thought. Especially for travellers staying near Wien Mitte, or for those arriving after a long or tiring flight, the CAT offers a level of simplicity and calm that is hard to match.
On the other hand, if your accommodation is closer to Hauptbahnhof, or if you’re watching your travel budget more closely, the S7 or the Railjet may suit you just as well. Both options are reliable and comfortable enough for a short trip, and they connect to a wide range of destinations within and beyond the city.
In the end, all three trains bring you to Vienna efficiently. The difference lies in comfort, price and convenience. For some, the extra cost of the CAT is absolutely worth it. For others, saving ten euros on a twenty-minute ride is the more sensible choice. Vienna’s airport is well connected either way, so you’ll arrive where you need to be.
Local tip:
If you’re flying home with Austrian Airlines, it’s worth planning your last day around the CAT’s City Check-in service at Wien Mitte. You can drop off your luggage in the city up to 75 minutes before your flight, get your boarding pass on the spot, and enjoy the rest of your time in Vienna without a suitcase in tow. Locals who fly often use this feature to head straight from work or the city centre to their gate, avoiding queues at the airport. As a visitor, it gives you one last unhurried afternoon before you head back home.