VIENNA AIRPORT · VENUE TRANSFER

Vienna Airport (VIE) → Prater & Riesenrad transfer

The Prater at Prater 1 is a vast city park in the 2nd district Leopoldstadt, covering 6 square kilometres — open to the Viennese since the 18th century under Emperor Joseph II. The park is divided into two parts: the Grüner Prater (the natural green park with walking routes and the 4.4-km Hauptallee — the longest avenue in Vienna) and the Wurstelprater (the Luna Park, the amusement park). It is here that the Wiener Riesenrad rises — the iconic Ferris wheel built in 1897 to mark the 50th anniversary of the reign of Emperor Franz Joseph I. The Riesenrad is 64.75 m tall, has 15 red gondolas and one full rotation takes about 15 minutes. The wheel became globally famous thanks to Carol Reed's "The Third Man" (1949), with Orson Welles in its most iconic scene. The Prater is also the start and finish of the Vienna City Marathon (each April, around 42,000 runners). The Hauptallee hosts the Donauinselfest in summer (the largest free music festival in Europe, drawing some 3 million visitors over three days). For a passenger landing at Schwechat, what counts is efficient access via Praterstern and a clear choice between the Wurstelprater (Luna Park) and the Hauptallee / Grüner Prater.

Approx. distance 17 km Transfer time 20-35 min Pickup from Vienna Airport
Reserve a chauffeur
Prater Park & Wiener Riesenrad
VIE · vie

The ride from Vienna Airport to the Prater covers about 17 km and usually takes 20-35 minutes. The route typically follows the A4 motorway towards Vienna, then the A23 urban motorway with a direct exit to Praterstern or Praterstraße. It is one of the shortest transfers from the airport to a major attraction, which makes the Prater an ideal first stop after arrival.

After landing, your chauffeur meets you in Terminal 3 arrivals with a name board, assists with luggage and drives directly to the agreed part of the Prater. The Wurstelprater (the Luna Park with Riesenrad, Praterturm, Liliputbahn and 250 attractions) has its entrance on Riesenradplatz next to the Praterstern metro station (U1, U2). The Hauptallee (the green Prater) is accessed from Praterstern at one end and from Lusthaus at the other. For families with children we use Riesenradplatz; for Vienna City Marathon runners we drop off at the start / finish near the Hauptallee.

We also handle return transfers after the visit, rides between the Prater and Innere Stadt hotels and onward routes to Schönbrunn as part of a family day. A transfer to the Prater works well for families with children (Luna Park, Riesenrad, Liliputbahn), Vienna City Marathon supporters, Donauinselfest attendees and film enthusiasts recreating the iconic shots of "The Third Man".

Arrival logistics

The Prater is located in the 2nd district Leopoldstadt with easy access from the A23. The standard drop-off is at Riesenradplatz (Wurstelprater, Luna Park, Riesenrad) or at Praterstern station (green Prater, Hauptallee). On Donauinselfest days (June) and during the Vienna City Marathon (April), the area around Praterstern is partly closed; we approach from the Lusthaus end or from the Donaukanal side.

We cover

  • Wiener Riesenrad — the iconic Ferris wheel of 1897, famous from "The Third Man" (1949)
  • Vienna City Marathon (April) — start and finish on the Hauptallee, around 42,000 runners
  • Wurstelprater (Luna Park) — 250 rides and attractions, ideal for families with children
  • Hauptallee and Grüner Prater — 4.4 km, the longest avenue in Vienna, ideal for running and walking

Frequently asked questions

Is the transfer fare to the Prater fixed?

Yes. The fare is confirmed at booking and includes flight tracking, name-board pickup in Terminal 3, waiting time after landing and arrival at the agreed part of the Prater without surcharges for the high season or school holidays.

How long does the transfer from VIE to the Prater usually take?

Most rides take 20-35 minutes over about 17 km. The Prater is one of the shortest transfers from the airport, as it lies in the 2nd district Leopoldstadt close to Praterstern, directly off the A23 exit.

Wurstelprater or Hauptallee — where should the chauffeur drop off?

Wurstelprater (Luna Park with Riesenrad, 250 attractions, ideal for families with children) — entrance on Riesenradplatz next to Praterstern station. Hauptallee (green Prater, 4.4 km walking and running avenue, Vienna City Marathon start) — entrance from Praterstern in the southern part of the park. The drop-off point is agreed before arrival.

Do you handle transfers for the Donauinselfest in June?

Yes. The Donauinselfest (the largest free music festival in Europe, around 3 million visitors over three days) takes place on Donauinsel rather than the Prater, but we handle transfers from the airport to both locations. For Donauinselfest we plan an earlier pickup after the festival, when the U-Bahn becomes very busy.

Directory

Transfers to districts, hotels and venues

Pick a precise destination to open a prepared page with distance, transfer time, FAQ and booking options.

21

Premium hotels

23

Venues & events

Back to airport page Vienna Airport