Survival tips: Connecting to the outside world via Schwechat airport

Since Slovakia lost the state air line ČSA to the Czechs after the split, and Bratislava airport now offers flights to few destinations other than Kuwait or Switzerland, the Vienna airport at Schwechat represents a vital link to the rest of the world. If you don't have access to a car, then the best way to get there is by bus. The airport is really not that far, only 45 km, but hold-ups at the border can make it feel like a million miles away, especially when you have a plane to catch. Even though buses can bypass car traffic at the border and passport control officers come on the bus to stamp passports, count on at least a 30 minute wait at the border. A one-way ticket to the airport for foreigners is 90 ATS (around 250 Sk), 90 Sk for Slovaks, and it is advisable to buy your ticket the day before since these buses fill up quickly. Buses leave from Bratislava's main bus station at Mlynské Nivy next to the VÚB skyscraper.

Since Slovakia lost the state air line ČSA to the Czechs after the split, and Bratislava airport now offers flights to few destinations other than Kuwait or Switzerland, the Vienna airport at Schwechat represents a vital link to the rest of the world. If you don't have access to a car, then the best way to get there is by bus. The airport is really not that far, only 45 km, but hold-ups at the border can make it feel like a million miles away, especially when you have a plane to catch. Even though buses can bypass car traffic at the border and passport control officers come on the bus to stamp passports, count on at least a 30 minute wait at the border. A one-way ticket to the airport for foreigners is 90 ATS (around 250 Sk), 90 Sk for Slovaks, and it is advisable to buy your ticket the day before since these buses fill up quickly. Buses leave from Bratislava's main bus station at Mlynské Nivy next to the VÚB skyscraper.

The other public transportation option to the airport is by train. However, it is only a good solution if you plan on staying the night in Vienna the day before your flight, or if you have an evening flight and you want to kill 4 or 5 hours in the city. Trains leave from Bratislava's main train station and arrive at Sudbanhoff (south train station) in Vienna. From there it is a 30 minute ride on a Vienna city train to the airport. Ask the information desk in the Vienna train station for exact directions and times. Tickets cost 200 Sk (100 Sk one-way) round trip from Bratislava to Vienna for everybody.

The last but most expensive option is by taxi, though often it is the only way to make an early morning flight. The best procedure to arrange a taxi to go to the Vienna airport is to call a day in advance and agree to a time for them to pick you up. The taxis will arrive without their taxi sign so make sure you ask for the car make and color. All of these taxi services we list would be happy to make the trip, as it is good money for them.

Bus schedule - The trip to the airport takes one hour, but can last much longer depending on how long the wait is at the border.

Bratislava to Vienna

05:40
07:00
08:00
09:00
11:00
13:00
16:00
17:30
20:30

Vienna Airport to Bratislava

08:20
10:20
11:50
13:20
15:20
17:20
18:50
20:50
22:50


Train schedule

Bratislava hl. stanica to Vienna Südbahnhoff

06:06
10:36
14:36
18:36

Vienna Südbahnhoff to Bratislava

08:15
12:15
16:15
21:15


Taxi Company Telephone Price (per trip)

B.P.Taxi 303-111 1,700 to 1,800 Sk

OttoTaxi 322-322 1,400 to 1,500 Sk, or $55

YellowExpress 525-1111 around 2,000 Sk

V.I.P.Taxi 301-111 must negotiate price

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