Taxi in Vienna: How to Use Taxi Services in the Austrian Capital

Are you wondering whether it's worth catching a taxi in Vienna instead of messing around with timetables? Or maybe you're afraid of running into a "wild carrier"? Don't worry - we've got you covered.

In this article, you will find everything you need to know before booking a ride: how to recognize a legal taxi, how much you will pay for a ride and which apps are the best. Practical advice, current prices and pro tips so that you will not be surprised.

1. Taxi through Vienna – is it worth it?

2. How to recognize a Viennese taxi?

3. How to order a taxi in Vienna?

4. How much does a taxi cost in Vienna?

5. The biggest players in the taxi market in Vienna

Taxi through Vienna – is it worth it?

Vienna can charm you at first sight. On the one hand, monumental palaces and cafes with history, on the other – modernity, which creeps even into the way you move around the city. And here the question arises: is it worth taking a taxi in the capital of Austria?

For some, it is an invaluable comfort – especially after a long flight or an evening of waltz and wine. For others – a quick way to jump from point A to point B without the stress of public transport.

This guide will clear up your doubts and show you how to use Vienna taxis wisely. From choosing a car, through prices, to apps – everything you need to know to avoid overpaying and getting caught off guard.

How to recognize a Viennese taxi?

Not every taxi is a taxi – especially in a big city, where in addition to the official carriers, there are also so-called “wild taxis ”. In Vienna, however, it is easy to tell one from the other – you just need to pay attention to a few details.

1. First: the sign. Legal taxis in Vienna have a " TAXI " sign on the roof – usually yellow or gray. This is the first thing you should look for.

2. Secondly: license plates. Every official vehicle has a registration number ending with the letters TX (e.g. W-123TX). This is an absolute must have! If you don't see "TX" - don't get in.

3. Third: the condition and type of vehicle. The fleet is dominated by well-maintained cars with a modern interior. You will most often find Skoda Octavias as standard, Mercedes Vitos for larger groups, or luxury models such as Mercedes Maybachs in the VIP Taxi Wien and Taxi 40100 offer . Increasingly, you can also come across ecological electric LEVC TXs - reminiscent of the iconic London taxis.

   
   

A new regulation is in force from 2025 : every new taxi registered in Vienna must be zero-emission. This is the result of the city's long-term strategy for clean transport. It sounds great, but reality has not yet caught up with the ambitions – so far, only 220 vehicles of the entire fleet meet this requirement. Hybrids? As many as 5,500.

If you order a taxi through an app – e.g. Uber in Vienna , Taxi 31300 or UniTaxi – you can also be sure that the vehicle will meet all standards. Apps often also show the make of the car, its registration number and... you can immediately scan the QR code to check the driver's license.

How to order a taxi in Vienna?

You have several options – each tested and adapted to different situations. Depending on where you are and what you need, you can choose the method that is most convenient for you:

1. Mobile apps in Vienna – this is definitely the most popular solution. As many as 90% of all trips in Vienna are currently booked via an app.

The best ones are:

• Taxi 60160 ,

• Taxi 40100 ,

• Taxi 31300 ,

• Uber in Vienna ,

• UniTaxi .

2. Taxi ranks – a classic of the genre. There are 54 official ranks in Vienna, including at Stephansplatz, Westbahnhof and the Main Railway Station. Cars are waiting there ready to go – a good option if you don’t want to wait or don’t have internet access.

3. Hailing a taxi from the street – a retro option, but still possible. You can wave down a passing vehicle with a vacant “TAXI” sign, but only between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. After these hours, drivers are not legally allowed to “wave” you over.

4. Booking through your hotel or concierge – especially recommended for transfers to or from Vienna International Airport (VIE) . Such an individual transfer is convenient and – importantly – gives you a fixed price guarantee . You can even book a group transfer if you are traveling with a larger group.

Pro tip? Booking in advance helps avoid unpleasant surprises, such as a lack of available cars during rush hour or additional fees for “airport access.”

How much does a taxi cost in Vienna?

Vienna taxis have a common pricing system, regardless of the company. This means that the pricing is transparent and there should be no surprises. See how it works in practice:

The basic taxi tariff is as follows:

• Entry fee: €3.80 ,

• Daily rate (6:00–22:00): €1.50 per kilometer ,

• Night rate and public holidays: €2.00 per kilometer ,

• Standing in a traffic jam or at traffic lights: €0.50 per minute .

Some examples to give you a point of reference:

• Vienna International Airport (VIE) → Stephansdom – fixed price: €42 if you book in advance.

• Main Train Station → Schönbrunn – around 18–24 € .

• Vienna State Opera → Prater – average €10–14 .

  
  

Please note: If you do not book your airport taxi in advance , the driver may be charged an “empty return” fee – up to €18 extra . Therefore, a transfer in advance via an app or hotel is an absolute game-changer.

It is also worth knowing that for longer routes (over 10 km) you can safely negotiate a fixed price . Especially if you are going outside the center or planning a group transfer.

Additionally – some apps, like Taxi 31300 , offer 5% discounts for card payments , especially in electric vehicles. So ecology and savings can go hand in hand!

Payments and receipts – what, how and when?

Wondering if you need to look for an ATM before your ride? Don't worry, Vienna's taxis are prepared for anything. And that's good, because no one wants to search for change in their wallet at 1 a.m. ;)

All official taxis in Vienna accept:

• Payment cards (Visa, MasterCard),

• Mobile payments , e.g. PayPal (especially through applications such as Taxi 31300 or UniTaxi),

• Cash in euros – it is better to have some change, because not every driver carries change for €100.

If you are travelling on business or need accounting documentation, feel free to ask for a company invoice – just arrange this with the driver before the trip.

And what about the receipt? Here, too, there is order:

• Full name and Tax Identification Number of the taxi company ,

• Information about the route and course time,

• Gross amount,

• QR code to verify vehicle and driver license.

The biggest players in the taxi market in Vienna

The taxi market in Vienna is highly concentrated. As many as 90% of services are provided by three main companies – each with its own strengths and fans.

Choosing one depends on what you care about most: speed, luxury, ecology or maybe... an application that won't fail you in the middle of the night.

1. Taxi 60160 The largest player on the Vienna market. The fleet consists of over 2,000 vehicles, which means that you usually don't have to wait long for a ride. They also offer a ride from the airport to the city center for a fixed price of €42 - for groups of up to 4 people.

2. Taxi 40100 For those who like luxury. The offer includes Mercedes S-class limousines with the option of concierge service . A great choice for business meetings, important events or a romantic evening with class.

3. Taxi 31300 Eco-pioneers. They were the first to implement a full hybrid fleet (550 vehicles), and from 2025 they officially cooperate with Uber in Vienna , which significantly increased their availability and flexibility of orders through applications.

4. VIP Taxi Wien : luxury city rides. For those who expect something more. VIP Taxi Wien is a premium brand – limousines, elegant drivers, full discretion. Often chosen for events, weddings, hen and stag parties, or picking up important guests from the airport. Comfort at the highest level.

5. Maxi-Taxi : group transport and larger vehicles. Do you have a larger team or a lot of luggage? Maxi-Taxi is the answer. They offer transport for groups of up to 8 people - ideal for hotel transfers, tours or group trips out of town. Their minivans are often Mercedes Vitos with a large boot and the option of advance booking.

All three companies offer modern mobile applications with real-time vehicle tracking, driver ratings and convenient cashless payment. You can also order additional services in taxis – such as child seats, larger trunks and even sightseeing packages.