Vienna is a wonderful family destination, and the airport is well set up for travelers with children. The challenge is not the airport itself — it is figuring out the most practical way to get everyone and everything to your hotel.
The Airport Experience
Vienna Airport is clean, modern, and well-signposted in English. After landing, EU passport holders (including children with their own passports) go through automated gates or a quick staffed check. Baggage claim is efficient.
The arrivals area has toilets, baby changing facilities, and a pharmacy. There are shops and cafes if you need snacks or drinks before heading into the city. Free WiFi is available throughout.
Train with Kids — Possible but Consider the Logistics
The S7 and CAT trains both run from a station connected to the terminal. Getting there involves some walking and escalators (lifts are available but require detours). With a stroller, a couple of suitcases, and a tired toddler, this walk takes longer than you might expect.
Once on the train, there is space for luggage but not luxurious amounts. The S7 can get crowded during peak times. The CAT is more spacious. At Wien Mitte, you need to transfer to the U-Bahn (metro) to reach most hotels — another round of platforms, escalators, and navigating with your luggage.
For a family with children over 6 who are good walkers, traveling light, and staying near Wien Mitte, the train works. For everyone else, it is a lot of effort.
Taxi or Transfer — The Family-Friendly Option
A fixed-rate taxi (about 39 EUR) or private transfer (40-55 EUR) takes you from the arrivals exit directly to your hotel door. No platforms, no transfers, no stairs. The drive takes 20-35 minutes.
The key difference for families: child seats. Austrian law requires appropriate child restraints for children under 14 who are shorter than 150 cm. Taxis at the airport rank do not carry child seats. Legally, taxis in Austria are exempt from child seat requirements for short trips, but that does not make it safe.
If you want a proper child seat or booster seat, book a private transfer and request it when booking. This is the only way to guarantee one will be in the vehicle when you arrive.
What to Request When Booking
- Infant seat (rear-facing): For babies up to about 15 months
- Child seat: For toddlers and children roughly 1-4 years old
- Booster seat: For children approximately 4-12 years old
- Minivan: If you have more than 2 large suitcases plus a stroller. Sedan boots fill up fast with family gear.
Strollers and Heavy Luggage
If you are bringing a stroller, golf-bag-sized items, or more than the usual holiday luggage, think about vehicle size. A standard sedan transfer fits 2-3 suitcases in the boot. A stroller on top of that is tight. A minivan (55-75 EUR) gives you room to load everything without stress.
Practical Tips for Families
- The Vienna City Card (available at the airport) gives discounts on many family attractions and includes public transport within the city. It does not cover the airport-to-city train unless you add the airport zone.
- If your child is hungry, there is a McDonald's and several cafes in the arrivals area.
- The drive into the city passes along the A4 motorway — not scenic, but smooth and quick.
- For families connecting onward to Salzburg or other Austrian cities, the Hauptbahnhof (main station) is a 30-40 minute drive or one metro transfer from Wien Mitte.