Vienna and Linz are about 185 kilometers apart, which makes this one of Austria’s most traveled routes. If you’re wondering how to get from Vienna to Linz, the good news is that the journey is simple and well connected.
You can take the train, hop on a bus, drive yourself, or even look at flying. Each option has its place, but they’re not created equal. Some are fast and simple. Others trade time for lower prices or more flexibility. Flights sound tempting on paper, but the reality is often different, and we’ll break that down clearly.
In this guide, we’ll compare train, bus, car, and flight options so you can choose what actually works best to travel from Vienna to Linz.
Vienna to Linz Transport Comparison
Before getting into the details, here’s the big picture. This table highlights what you’re really trading off: time, cost, comfort, and flexibility.
| Transport option | Travel time (door-to-door) | Typical cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train | About 1h 20m to 1h 50m | Usually mid-range (often cheaper if booked early) | Most travelers, day trips, business travel |
| Bus | About 3h 30m to 4h+ | Often the cheapest | Budget travelers with flexible schedules |
| Car | About 1h 40m to 2h+ (depends on traffic) | Fuel + parking (can add up) | Families, groups, and travelers who want stops along the way |
| Flight | Often 3h 30m to 5h+ door-to-door | Usually the most expensive | Rare special cases |
Vienna to Linz Train
For most travelers, taking the train from Vienna to Linz is the best choice. It’s fast, reliable, and straightforward. There’s no traffic to worry about, no parking to deal with, and no extra planning beyond choosing a departure time.
1. Departure Stations in Vienna
You can start your trip from two main stations in Vienna. The best one depends on where you’re staying.
Wien Hauptbahnhof (Wien Hbf)
Vienna’s main station and the most common departure point. It’s a strong option if you’re staying near the city center.
Wien Westbahnhof
Some services, especially WESTbahn trains, depart from here. It’s convenient if you’re staying in western Vienna or near Mariahilfer Straße.
2. Arrival in Linz
Long-distance trains arrive at Linz Hauptbahnhof (Linz Hbf), the city’s main station. From here, reaching your hotel or the city center is easy.
Trams, buses, and taxis are available right outside. Many central areas are only a short ride away.
3. Train Duration
The ride from Vienna to Linz typically takes between 1 hour 20 minutes and 1 hour 50 minutes, depending on the service.
Most trains are direct, which keeps the journey simple. You board once and stay on until Linz. For real-time schedules and travel times for your date, check the official route page.
4. Tickets and Booking Tips
Buying tickets is straightforward, but these points can help you save money and avoid stress.
ÖBB vs WESTbahn
ÖBB is Austria’s national railway and runs frequent long-distance trains. WESTbahn is a private operator known for modern trains and simple pricing. Both are reliable, so it’s worth comparing fares and departure times before booking.
Best time to book
If your date is fixed, booking early usually gives you the lowest price. If your plans are flexible, you can sometimes book closer to departure at a reasonable fare, but busy departures sell out faster.
Seat reservations
Reservations are not always required, but they can make a big difference during weekends, holidays, and peak travel hours. If you want to sit together, prefer a specific seat, or have luggage, reserving seats is often worth it.
For official ticket booking and seat reservation options, start here.
5. Who Should Choose the Train
The train is the right fit if you want a smooth, predictable trip.
It works especially well for tourists who want comfort and simplicity, day-trippers who want an easy plan with flexible timing, and business travelers who prioritize speed and reliability.
If your goal is the easiest way to get from Vienna to Linz, the train is hard to beat.
Vienna to Linz Bus
Taking the bus from Vienna to Linz is mainly a cost-saving move. It’s usually slower than the train, but it can be worth it if you find a good fare and you’re not in a hurry. In short, the bus is the budget option that trades speed for price.
1. Where Buses Depart in Vienna
Buses do not depart from train platforms. They leave from long-distance coach terminals and designated stops around the city, depending on the operator and time of day.
One common departure point is Vienna Erdberg, but it is not the only one. Because bus stops can be less obvious than major train stations, it’s important to confirm your exact departure location before you head out.
You can check current routes, stops, and departure points here.
2. Travel Time and Cost
Bus trips from Vienna to Linz typically take around 3.5 to 4 hours. Travel time can be longer when traffic is heavy.
Prices are often lower than train tickets, especially if you book early or travel during quieter times. That said, last-minute bus fares can rise, so it’s worth comparing bus and train prices for your specific date.
3. Pros and Cons of Vienna to Linz Bus
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Often the cheapest option | Much slower than the train |
| Easy online booking | Fewer departures compared to trains |
| Luggage is usually included | Traffic can cause delays |
| Basic onboard services on many routes | Less comfort for longer ride |
4. Who the Bus Is Best For
The bus is a practical choice for budget travelers, and people with flexible schedules.
If you’re not rushing and the price difference is meaningful, the bus can make sense.
Vienna to Linz by Car
Driving from Vienna to Linz is all about flexibility. You choose when to leave, where to stop, and how fast or slow the journey feels. If you value independence, is traveling with family, or have a lot of luggage, driving can be a very practical option.
1. Driving Distance and Time
The distance between Vienna and Linz is about 185 kilometers. Under normal conditions, the drive takes roughly 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours.
Traffic can significantly affect travel time. Rush hours, holiday weekends, and summer travel periods can all add delays, so it’s wise to build in extra time and avoid tight schedules.
2. Highways, Tolls, and Parking
The most direct route is via the A1 West Autobahn, which is fast and easy to follow. To use Austrian motorways, you need a valid vignette, either as a sticker or a digital pass.
For official and up-to-date vignette information, use this source.
Parking in Linz varies by location. In the city center, parking is usually paid and availability can be limited. If you’re staying overnight, hotel parking is often the simplest solution. For day trips, public parking garages are usually faster and less stressful than looking for street parking.
3. Pros and Cons of Driving
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Complete freedom with departure times and stops | Fuel, tolls, and parking increase costs |
| Convenient for families and groups | Traffic can cause delays |
| Easy to manage luggage | Parking can be difficult in central areas |
| Ideal if you plan to explore beyond Linz | Requires more effort than taking the train |
4. When Driving Makes Sense
Driving is a strong choice if you’re traveling with others, carrying a lot of luggage, or planning to explore destinations outside Linz. It’s also a good option if you enjoy making stops along the way and prefer not to follow a fixed schedule.
If flexibility matters more to you than simplicity, driving can be the right fit. Just make sure to plan ahead for tolls and parking to keep the trip smooth and stress-free.
Vienna to Linz by Flight
At first glance, flying from Vienna to Linz sounds like a shortcut. It’s a short distance, so it feels like it should be faster. In reality, flights on this route are usually more effort than they’re worth, especially once you factor in airport logistics.
1. Are There Flights Between Vienna and Linz?
Direct flights between Vienna and Linz are very limited and often not available in a way that works for most travelers. When the route does exist, it is typically geared toward specific business needs or structured around international connections rather than practical city-to-city travel.
You may still see flight options in search results, but these can depend on schedules that change frequently and are often designed for connecting passengers rather than straightforward point-to-point trips.
2. Real Travel Time
This is where flying usually loses its advantage.
Even if the flight itself is short, the total journey includes several time-consuming steps. You need to travel from central Vienna to Vienna International Airport. Then you have check-in, security, and waiting time at the gate. After landing, you still have to get from Linz Airport into the city.
Once all of that is added up, the door-to-door trip often ends up around three to five hours. In comparison, the train is typically much faster overall and takes you straight into the city center.
3. Train vs Flight
For this route, the conclusion is simple. The Vienna to Linz train is faster in real-world travel time, easier to manage, and far more practical.
Flights can look appealing on paper, but in practice they often take longer and add unnecessary hassle. Unless you have a specific reason to fly, the train is the smarter choice.
Which Travel Option Is Best for You?
If you’re looking for a quick decision, this is the short version.
Fastest and Easiest: Train
The Vienna to Linz train is the best choice for most travelers. It’s fast, straightforward, and takes you directly into the city center. If you want the smoothest trip with the least effort, this is it.
Cheapest: Bus
If keeping costs low is your top priority and you have time to spare, the Vienna to Linz bus can be a good option. Fares are often cheaper than the train, but the journey takes longer and departure choices are more limited.
Most Flexible: Car
Traveling by car gives you complete control. You can leave when you want, bring as much luggage as you like, and stop along the way. Vienna to Linz by car works especially well for families, groups, or travelers planning to explore beyond Linz.
Least Practical: Flight
Flying only to get from Vienna to Linz rarely makes sense. Once airport transfers, security, and waiting time are included, the total journey is usually longer than taking the train.
Final Recommendation
For most trips, the train offers the best balance of speed, comfort, and simplicity. It’s the option that works well in the widest range of situations and is the easiest choice if you don’t want to overthink your plans.
Vienna to Linz FAQs
Is there a direct train from Vienna to Linz?
Yes. There are frequent direct Vienna to Linz trains throughout the day, so you usually don’t need to change trains. Most travelers find the direct train to Linz the easiest option because it’s simple, reliable, and arrives at Linz Hauptbahnhof.
How long is the train ride from Vienna to Linz?
The Vienna to Linz train travel time is typically about 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 50 minutes.
What is the best way to get from Vienna to Linz?
For most travelers, the best way to get from Vienna to Linz is by train. It offers the best balance of speed, comfort, and convenience, and it takes you straight into the city center.
Is the Vienna to Linz bus cheaper than the train?
The Vienna to Linz bus can be cheaper if you book early or travel at off-peak times. However, it usually takes much longer than the train, so it’s best when saving money matters more than saving time.
How long does the bus from Vienna to Linz take?
Vienna to Linz by bus typically takes around 3.5 to 4 hours. That extra travel time is the main trade-off for a lower price.
Can you drive from Vienna to Linz, and how long does it take?
Yes. Vienna to Linz by car is straightforward. The drive is about 185 kilometers and usually takes around 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on traffic.
Can you fly from Vienna to Linz?
In theory, yes, but it rarely makes sense. Vienna to Linz flights are limited, and once you include airport transfers, security, and waiting time, the total door-to-door trip often takes longer than the Vienna to Linz train.
Is Vienna to Linz doable as a day trip?
Yes. A Vienna to Linz day trip is very doable thanks to fast train connections. You can travel in the morning, spend the day in Linz, and return to Vienna in the evening without feeling rushed.
Which Vienna station should I use to go to Linz?
Most Vienna to Linz trains depart from Wien Hauptbahnhof (Wien Hbf), and some services also depart from Wien Westbahnhof depending on the operator.
Do I need to book Vienna to Linz train tickets in advance?
Not always, but booking early can help you find better fares, especially on weekends, holidays, and busy travel dates.
Should I choose ÖBB or WESTbahn for Vienna to Linz Train?
Both are reliable. ÖBB is Austria’s national railway, while WESTbahn is a private operator known for modern trains and simple pricing. Comparing departure times and ticket prices is the easiest way to choose the best Vienna to Linz train.
Is Linz easy to reach without a car?
Yes. Linz is easy to visit without a car. Linz Hauptbahnhof connects directly to trams, buses, and taxis, and many central areas are walkable, so public transport is enough for most visitors.
Final Tips for First-Time Travelers
A little planning makes the Vienna to Linz trip feel easy from start to finish. These practical tips help you avoid the common mistakes and travel with less stress.
| Tip | Why it matters | Quick fix |
|---|---|---|
| Avoid peak hours | Trains and roads fill up quickly | Travel mid-morning or early afternoon |
| Book early when possible | Prices are often lower | Book as soon as your dates are set |
| Arrive early at stations | Reduces rushing and last-minute confusion | Aim to arrive 15–20 minutes before departure |
| Keep essentials within reach | Makes the journey more comfortable | Keep water, a snack, and a charger in one easy-access bag |
| Plan your arrival transport | Saves time once you get to Linz | Check tram routes or taxi options in advance |
Conclusion
Getting from Vienna to Linz is simple once you pick the option that matches your travel style. For most trips, the Vienna to Linz train is the best choice. It’s fast, reliable, and takes you straight into the city with minimal effort. The Vienna to Linz bus can be a good fit if your priority is saving money and you have extra time. Vienna to Linz by car makes sense when flexibility matters most, especially for families, groups, or travelers planning stops along the way. Vienna to Linz by flight, in most cases, is not worth the added steps and time.
Once your transport is sorted, the next step is planning what to do in Linz. For ideas, guided experiences, and curated activities, start here.