How to get around Vienna in just one day, arriving by plane and moving between trains, subway and rental bicycles, all low cost.
You have one day to spare, you arrive in Vienna and how do you move? The times must be optimized and, if they dragged you by surprise as they did with me, you were unable to find out about the means of transport and make assessments on which are the most convenient in economic terms and the most efficient. We start from the assumption that in Vienna all means reach maximum efficiency; for the rest I try to help you.
From the airport there is no doubt: use the CAT - the train very comfortable that leaves every half hour from the dedicated railway tracks, located under the airport hall, and - in only 16 minutes - arrives directly in the city center.
Tickets can be purchased online, from the vending machines located in the baggage drop-off area and at the ticket office at the airport entrance, just before the ramp leading to the trains. I do not recommend this last solution: there are always queues at the counter. In any case, always buy a return trip together, so as to take advantage of a minimum discount.
The advantage of using the CAT can also be seen at the arrival station: as soon as you get off the train you will notice at least four check-in counters in green color, the same as the train brand.
It is precisely about counters at which baggage can be checked in that miraculously will board your flight on your return to which automatic machines for printing boarding passes are added, in this way the queues at the airport are shortened and those who would prefer to stay a few more hours in the city are given the opportunity to lighten their luggage.
From the station of arrival, call Wien-Mitte, if it is a beautiful day, you are attentive to the environment and you feel sporty enough, I suggest you rent a bike and so go around the city, crossing parks, along the cycle path along the ring (the ring that develops around the ancient heart of Vienna) and pushing easily up to Schoenbrunn castle.
The distances are not exaggerated, the use of the bike will make you feel perfectly integrated in the local society and you will directly reach every stage of your visit up to the entrance.
If, on the other hand, you like it grind kilometers on foot, you are not afraid to walk for hours and, in this way, you seem to be able to get to know the city and its structure of streets and points of interest better then know that, in one day, you will have to increase your pace but have a good overview.
The only stretch to do with the metro, since you only have a few hours available, is the one that goes from Karlsplatz to the castle and park of Schoenbrunn: a couple of single tickets are the only expense to do. The underground alternative (for me the last one to consider, but it is a very subjective choice) is always valid, the network is dense, well organized, very clean and ... remember to endorse the ticket!
If, on the other hand, you have more days at your disposal and you want to leave the city, for example to go to nearby Bratislava, there are many alternatives: an hour's journey by bus with a central stop in Südtirolerplatz; the peaceful path on the Danube aboard the Twin City Liner and the train from Südbahnhof.
