Vienna: Welcome Card public transport ticket & discounts at top attractions

The Vienna: Welcome Card offers a flexible and practical way to explore Austria’s capital. Priced from as little as 24 euros for 24 hours or up to 72 hours with the FLEX option, this digital ticket provides unlimited rides on buses, trams, and the subway within Vienna for the duration of your choice. With access to over 80 discounts at museums, restaurants, and attractions, plus the ability to book many offers directly in the app, this tour suits visitors seeking a relaxed, independent experience.

Designed to simplify transportation and maximize sightseeing, the Welcome Card emphasizes digital activation—no paper tickets or queues. It’s particularly ideal for travelers who value flexibility and insider tips, thanks to features like “Vienna by Locals,” which shares personal recommendations from Viennese residents. However, activation only occurs when in Vienna or just before the first ride, so planning ahead is key. This tour blends convenience, savings, and local insights into one accessible package.

Key Points

• Digital, flexible public transport: Unlimited rides on buses, trams, and metro for 24 hours, 48 hours, or 7 days, with a 72-hour FLEX option.
• Over 80 attraction discounts: Includes museums, tours, restaurants, and more, with fast booking and direct app access.
• No meeting point required: The activation happens anywhere in Vienna, making it completely portable.
• Authentic Vienna experience: “Vienna by Locals” provides insider tips through a digital magazine, revealing hidden cafés and offbeat locations.
• All digital, no paperwork: The process is fast and straightforward—download the app, enter your code, activate, and you’re ready.
• Ideal for independent travelers: Best suited for those who prefer exploring at their own pace with instant access to discounts.

You can check availability for your dates here:

How the Vienna Welcome Card Works for Your City Exploration

This digital pass begins with an 8-digit code sent after booking. Travelers need to download the Vienna Welcome Card app from the App Store or Google Play, then enter the code—remembering to be precise with case sensitivity and spacing. An active internet connection is necessary during activation to save the card on your device.

Activation happens in Vienna or shortly before your first ride, which means travelers should wait until they arrive in the city to activate the card. Once activated, the public transport rides and discounts become valid for the selected period. The 72-hour FLEX option is especially flexible, allowing for two separate 24-hour public transport tickets within a 72-hour window, which can be activated at different times.

This setup ensures that travelers can plan their day-to-day activities without feeling locked into rigid schedules. The app design is simple, enabling easy planning and quick access to attractions with fast entry options.

Uncover Vienna with Unlimited Public Transport Access

The unlimited rides on bus, tram, and subway networks make getting around Vienna effortless. This is especially beneficial given the city’s well-connected transport system. Whether visiting the historic city center, the Schönbrunn Palace, or the Belvedere, travelers can move quickly and comfortably without worrying about individual tickets.

The public transport tickets are valid for the entire duration—from 24 hours to 7 days—and the FLEX 72-hour option adds extra flexibility, enabling two separate 24-hour tickets to be used at different times. This is perfect for travelers who want to spread out their sightseeing or adjust plans based on weather or interest.

The reviews highlight how perfect the scheduling is, with short waiting times—often less than five minutes—and easy connections to major sights like Schönbrunn Palace. The reliable, punctual transport network makes this card a valuable tool for efficient exploration.

Discover Over 80 Discounts at Iconic Attractions and Hidden Gems

The over 80 discounts include entry to major museums, guided tours, and popular restaurants. Many offers can be booked directly in the app, often with Fast Entry, saving valuable time during busy sightseeing days.

Most visitors appreciate the chance to save at top attractions such as Vienna’s museums and historic sites. The discounts also cover local eateries, making it easier to experience authentic Viennese cuisine without overspending.

Beyond the big-ticket sights, the “Vienna by Locals” magazine offers personal tips and recommendations for hidden cafés, charming neighborhoods, and favorite local spots. This makes the experience more authentic, especially for those eager to explore off-the-beaten-path locations.

Convenience of Digital Activation and On-the-Go Booking

The entire process is digital, with no paperwork necessary. Travelers activate their card through the app once in Vienna, entering their name and year of birth. The activation process only takes a few moments, and the card is immediately valid.

Many of the attractions and tours can be booked directly via the app, often with Fast Entry, which minimizes waiting times. This setup is ideal for spontaneous plans or last-minute decisions.

The app’s design ensures that activation and booking are quick and simple, making the whole experience stress-free. It’s especially suitable for visitors who prefer digital solutions and value flexibility.

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The Flexibility of the 72-Hour FLEX Public Transport Ticket

The 72-hour FLEX ticket is a standout feature, allowing up to two separate 24-hour rides within a 72-hour period. The first ticket activates automatically upon startup, and the second can be activated anytime within the 72 hours.

This flexibility enables visitors to customize their travel days. For instance, they can split their sightseeing between busy days and more relaxed ones, or adjust plans in case of bad weather. The no extra cost for the second ticket makes this an economical choice for multi-day visitors.

Once activated, each 24-hour public transport ticket remains valid, and the app hides expired tickets for clarity. Travelers have up to 72 hours to activate both tickets after their first use, providing ample time to plan their excursions.

Accessibility and Practical Considerations

The Vienna Welcome Card is wheelchair accessible, ensuring ease of use for all visitors. The activation process requires an active internet connection, so travelers should plan to activate upon arrival in Vienna or when they have Wi-Fi.

Because the card activation is non-refundable if used early, it’s best to wait until in Vienna to activate. The absence of a physical ticket means there’s no need for exchanging paper, and all discounts and public transport rides are digitally linked.

Travelers should note that attractions cannot be reserved in advance; booking of offers occurs only after activation in the app. This system encourages spontaneous but organized sightseeing.

Comparing with Similar Vienna City Passes

The Vienna Welcome Card is one of several options, including the Vienna EasyCityPass, Vienna City Card, and Vienna Pass, each with different features like more attraction access or specific sightseeing packages.

Compared to these, this digital, flexible ticket emphasizes transport convenience and discounts rather than a fixed number of attractions. For travelers who prefer to explore independently and use local insider tips, this card offers an excellent balance of savings and freedom.

Summary: Is the Vienna Welcome Card Right for You?

This digital pass offers unlimited public transport combined with over 80 attraction discounts, making it a cost-effective and flexible choice for independent travelers. Its easy activation, on-demand booking, and insider tips support a relaxed exploration of Vienna.

While it doesn’t include a pre-set itinerary or fixed attraction access, the ability to customize your days and save on major sights appeals to adventurous, spontaneous visitors. The reliability and efficiency of Vienna’s transport system, paired with the digital convenience, make this a practical solution for making the most of a limited stay.

The Vienna Welcome Card excels in offering freedom, savings, and local insights without the hassle of physical tickets or rigid schedules. It’s especially suited for those who value flexibility and want to explore Vienna at their own pace.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I activate the Vienna Welcome Card before arriving in Vienna?
No, activation must occur in Vienna or shortly before your first ride. Early activation is non-refundable.

How long does the card last?
You can choose a duration from 1 to 7 days, with the 72-hour FLEX option available until December 31, 2025, and replaced by a new FLEX card from January 2026.

Do I need an internet connection to activate the card?
Yes, an active internet connection is required to enter the code and save the card on your device.

Is the card suitable for travelers with mobility needs?
Yes, the card is wheelchair accessible and designed for easy digital use.

Can I book attractions in advance?
No, bookings can only be made after activation in the app.

What if I cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby