Vienna International Airport (VIE)

Vienna International Airport (VIE/LOWW), located in the municipality of Schwechat, is Austria's largest and most significant airport, serving as the primary international gateway to Vienna and a major hub for travel to Central and Eastern Europe. Originally established as a military airfield in 1938, it transitioned to civilian operations in 1954 and has since undergone substantial expansion to accommodate growing traffic. The airport is the home base for Austrian Airlines, the country's flag carrier, and a key operational base for low-cost carriers such as Ryanair and Wizz Air. It handles a high volume of traffic, having served over 31 million passengers in 2019, connecting Vienna with a dense network of destinations across Europe, Asia, North America, and Africa.

The airport is situated approximately 18 kilometers (11 miles) southeast of central Vienna, offering excellent connectivity to the city. Travelers can reach the city center via the dedicated City Airport Train (CAT), a non-stop 16-minute service to Wien Mitte station. More economical options include the S-Bahn S7 commuter train, which follows a similar route with more stops, as well as long-distance Railjet trains connecting to main railway stations. Several bus lines, taxis, and ride-sharing services also provide direct access to various parts of the city and its surroundings.

The facility consists of a single, integrated terminal building organized into several check-in areas (primarily Terminals 1 and 3) and five gate piers (B, C, D, F, G). The layout is designed for efficient passenger flow, with clear signage in both German and English. Travelers have access to a wide range of amenities, including numerous retail and duty-free shops, diverse restaurants and cafes, airline lounges, and free Wi-Fi throughout the airport.

For a smooth travel experience, passengers on international flights are generally advised to arrive 2 to 3 hours before their scheduled departure. The airport's compact design facilitates transfers, with a minimum connection time of around 30 minutes for Schengen flights, though allowing extra time is recommended, especially for non-Schengen connections that require passport control. The efficient transport links make it a straightforward airport to navigate for both arriving and departing visitors.