Planning a longer layover at Vienna Airport or want to explore beyond the city? These incredible day trip destinations are easily accessible and offer unforgettable experiences. Best of all, you can head directly to many of them from Vienna Airport without even entering the city!
1. Wachau Valley – UNESCO World Heritage Wine Region
The Wachau Valley is a 30-kilometer stretch along the Danube River, famous for its terraced vineyards, apricot orchards, and picturesque medieval towns.
Highlights
- Melk Abbey – A stunning baroque monastery perched above the Danube
- Dürnstein – A charming village where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned
- Wine tasting – Sample world-renowned Grüner Veltliner and Riesling wines
- Danube cruises – See the valley from the water
Travel time from Vienna Airport: Approximately 1 hour by car to Melk
2. Bratislava, Slovakia
Europe's two closest capital cities are just 60 kilometers apart! Bratislava offers a compact old town, a striking castle, and a vibrant café culture at more affordable prices than Vienna.
What to See
- Bratislava Castle with panoramic views
- Charming pedestrian Old Town
- UFO Observation Deck
- Quirky statues and street art
Travel time from Vienna Airport: About 45 minutes by car – closer than Vienna itself!
3. Baden bei Wien – Spa Town of Emperors
This elegant spa town just south of Vienna has attracted royalty and composers for centuries. Beethoven composed parts of his Ninth Symphony here!
Experience
- Thermal spa baths
- Beautiful Kurpark gardens
- Casino Baden
- Wine taverns (Heurigen)
- Hiking in the Vienna Woods
Travel time from Vienna Airport: Approximately 30 minutes by car
4. Eisenstadt and Lake Neusiedl
The capital of Burgenland offers a perfect combination of culture and nature. Visit Esterházy Palace, where Haydn worked for 30 years, then head to Lake Neusiedl for:
- Bird watching at the National Park
- Cycling along flat, scenic paths
- Wine tasting in Rust
- Swimming in Europe's second-largest steppe lake
Travel time from Vienna Airport: About 40 minutes to Eisenstadt
5. Salzburg – Mozart's Birthplace
While slightly further, Salzburg is doable as a day trip and absolutely worth it. The birthplace of Mozart and filming location for "The Sound of Music" features:
- Hohensalzburg Fortress
- Mirabell Gardens
- Mozart's Birthplace Museum
- Charming Getreidegasse shopping street
- Stunning Alpine backdrop
Travel time from Vienna Airport: Approximately 3 hours by car
6. Krems an der Donau
At the gateway to the Wachau Valley, Krems is a delightful destination with:
- One of Austria's best-preserved old towns
- The Kunsthalle Krems contemporary art museum
- Excellent restaurants and wine bars
- The historic Stein district
Travel time from Vienna Airport: About 1 hour by car
Planning Your Day Trip
From the Airport vs. From Vienna
If you're arriving at Vienna Airport and want to make the most of your time, consider heading directly to your day trip destination. This saves you:
- Time navigating into and out of the city
- The hassle of managing luggage in transit
- Money on additional transport
Our Direct Transfer Service
We offer direct transfers from Vienna Airport to all these destinations. Whether you're:
- On a long layover wanting to explore
- Arriving early and meeting friends later in Vienna
- Extending your trip with regional exploration
Our professional drivers can take you directly where you need to go, wait for you, and bring you back to the airport or into Vienna.
Contact us to arrange a custom day trip transfer, or book a standard airport transfer for your Vienna arrival.
Best Time for Day Trips
- Spring (April-May): Perfect weather, apricot blossoms in Wachau
- Summer (June-August): Ideal for Lake Neusiedl and outdoor activities
- Fall (September-October): Wine harvest season in Wachau
- Winter (November-March): Fewer tourists, Christmas markets, thermal spas
Ready to explore beyond Vienna? Start your adventure the easy way with a reliable airport transfer and let us handle the driving while you enjoy the scenery!
