If you want to explore Vienna in a short amount of time, a Vienna city pass is the perfect solution. With this handy card, you can use unlimited transport. That could be Vienna’s excellent public transport system or the hop-on hop-off buses, which take you crisscross through the city past all the major sights.
When is a Vienna city pass worth it?
- When you know exactly what you want to see
- The main differences
- Duration
- Validity
- Public transport
- Hop-on hop-off bus
- The main attractions
- Skip the line
Some passes include free entry to all attractions, while others give you a discount. And finally, some of them let you skip the ticket line, also known as “skip the line.”
No two Vienna city passes are the same. The conditions and what’s included differ, and so do the prices. The cheapest option, the Vienna City Card, starts at just €17, while the most expensive pass costs around €159. The offer is important, but the validity period of the pass also plays a big role in deciding which one is right for you.
When is a Vienna city pass interesting?
I get this question (and many variations of it) almost weekly. That’s why I’ve collected my answers and summarized them below.
If it’s your first time in Vienna
A city pass is especially useful when you’re visiting Vienna for the first time and want to see the main highlights. With the Vienna Pass, for example, you can see a lot in just a few days and save quite a bit on entrance fees. If you’ve already visited the top sights on a previous trip, the Vienna City Card may be the better choice.
When you want to see a lot in a short time
A city pass only pays off if you plan to visit many sights in a short time. To get the most out of it, make a clear plan and stick to it. If you prefer to take things at your pace, the Vienna Flexi Pass combined with a day ticket for public transport is usually the better option.
The longer you stay, the cheaper it gets
Time is a key factor when city tripping. Most passes are valid for 24 hours or more. A two- or three-day pass is pricier, but if you calculate the cost per day, multi-day passes are often cheaper.
If you’re into culture
Vienna’s main attractions include Schönbrunn Palace, Belvedere Palace, and the Hofburg. Add to that the many museums with masterpieces from artists like Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele. With the city passes, you’ll often get free entry or at least a solid discount.
If you know exactly what you want to see
If you’ve already made a list of the places you don’t want to miss, you can easily calculate the admission costs. Add them up, and you’ll see that the Vienna Pass quickly becomes worthwhile — especially if you’re planning to visit several museums and palaces.
Tip: reserve a timeslot in advance
Many popular attractions in Vienna, such as Schönbrunn Palace or the Spanish Riding School, work with timeslots. Even if your city pass includes free entry, it’s smart to reserve your preferred time online in advance. This way, you’re sure of your spot and can make the most of the fast-track or skip-the-line benefits that some passes offer.
Comparing Vienna’s city passes
Below is a table comparing the three main passes, so you can decide which one fits your trip best.
| Feature | Vienna Pass | Vienna City Card | Vienna Flexi Pass |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free entry to attractions | ✔️ 70+ sites | ❌ discounts only | ✔️ choose 2–5 |
| Public transport included | ❌ optional add-on | ✔️ 24–72h | ❌ |
| Hop-on hop-off bus | ✔️ unlimited | ❌ optional add-on | ✔️ 24h |
| Main palaces & museums | ✔️ included | % discount | ✔️ included (except Hofburg & Schönbrunn) |
| Discounts (food/shops) | ❌ | ✔️ 10–20% | ✔️ |
| Skip the line access | ✔️ at top sites | ❌ | ✔️ at some sites |
| Validity | 1–6 days | 24–72h (transport) + 7 days discounts | 30 days to use your chosen sights |
| Price from | €87 (1 day) | €17 (24h) | €47 (2 sights) |
| Best for | Seeing a lot fast | Budget & easy transport | Flexible, slower pace |
| Call to action | Get your Vienna Pass | Buy a Vienna City Card | Book your Vienna Flexi Pass |
*1 = Public transport can be added at extra cost.
*2 = Includes yellow hop-on hop-off buses.
*3 = Red hop-on hop-off buses available as an add-on.
*4 = Vienna City Card offers discounts, not free entry.
*5 = Optional supplement for the City Airport Train.
The main differences
Choosing the right Vienna city pass depends on what kind of traveller you are. Each pass has its own focus, some are designed for visitors who want to see as much as possible in a few days, while others are better for slow travellers who prefer flexibility. Below, we’ll go through the main aspects where the passes differ, so you can decide which one fits your trip best.
Duration
Most city passes are valid for fixed periods (1, 2, 3, or 6 days). Within this time, you’ll need to fit in your chosen sights. It’s impossible to see everything in Vienna with one pass.
Validity
The passes differ in how long they remain valid. The Vienna Flexi Pass is valid for 30 days, letting you spread out your visits. The Vienna Pass is valid for 1–6 consecutive days. The Vienna City Card is valid for 24, 48, or 72 hours of public transport. Discounts and the optional airport transfer are valid for seven days.
Public transport
Only the Vienna City Card offers unlimited public transport for up to 72 hours. With the Vienna Pass, you can add public transport as an extra, but the price is the same as a regular day ticket, so there are no savings.
Hop-on hop-off buses
The Vienna Pass and Vienna Flexi Pass both include unlimited use of the tourist buses. The Vienna Pass covers the entire validity of your pass, while the Flexi Pass only includes 24 hours. The Vienna City Card does not include buses, though you can add the red hop-on hop-off buses for an extra fee.
Read more about the Hop-on Hop-off busses in Vienna
The main attractions
The Vienna Pass offers the best value, with free entry to all the top attractions. The Flexi Pass misses out on two very important ones: the Hofburg and Schönbrunn Palace. The City Card only offers 10–20% discounts on admission fees.
Skip the line
Both the Vienna Pass and Vienna Flexi Pass include fast-track entry at certain attractions, letting you skip the ticket queues. The Vienna City Card does not include this option.
Editor’s tip
Not every visitor has the same travel style or budget, and that’s precisely why there are different passes. To make it easier, here’s which pass we recommend, depending on the type of trip you’re planning.
First time in Vienna
If you’re visiting Vienna for the very first time, the Vienna Pass is the best choice. It includes all the major sights, from Schönbrunn Palace to the Hofburg, and unlimited use of the hop-on hop-off buses. This way you can see a lot in just a few days without worrying about individual tickets.
Returning visitor or budget traveller
Have you already seen Vienna’s main highlights, or are you searching for an affordable option? Then the Vienna City Card is ideal. It’s inexpensive, gives you unlimited public transport for 24, 48, or 72 hours, and provides discounts at many attractions, museums, and even restaurants.
Flexible and relaxed sightseeing
Prefer not to rush and enjoy Vienna at a slower pace? The Vienna Flexi Pass lets you pick only the sights that really interest you and spread your visits over 30 days. It’s the most flexible option and works especially well if you want to combine sightseeing with plenty of time to explore Vienna’s neighbourhoods, cafés, and culture.