Parking at Schwechat: A Guide to Vienna Airport

Vienna International Airport is situated 18 kilometers southeast of Vienna, near the Austrian town of Schwechat. Initially a military base, it now operates four terminals, making it one of Central Europe's busiest airports.

Vienna-Schwechat (VIE) serves as Austria's main international gateway, connecting travelers to over 190 destinations in more than 70 countries. As Austria's largest airport, it links Europe with the Middle East, North America, and Asia.

The airport is a hub for Austrian Airlines and a key transit point for global travelers. Consequently, parking at Schwechat is a significant consideration.

>>> If you plan to leave your car at Vienna Airport, check out our guide on renting a car abroad.

A Brief History of the Airport

Schwechat was built in 1938 as a military airport. In 1945, British authorities took control, and nine years later, a commercial operating company was formed. The Aspersen name was replaced by Schwechat, establishing it as the country's main airport.

Initially, it had one runway, which was later extended by 3,000 meters. The airport expanded rapidly, and in 1960, construction of a new terminal began, leading to the addition of a second runway.

Structure of Vienna Airport Schwechat

Vienna Airport has four terminals: Terminal 1, Terminal 1A, Terminal 2, and Terminal 3. The main departure zones are:

Terminal 1: Handles flights for Austrian Airlines, Star Alliance, and partners. It serves passengers outside the Schengen area, such as those flying with Emirates.
Terminal 1A: A small arrival terminal for low-cost airlines.
Terminal 2: Manages arrivals and departures within the Schengen area.
Parking at Schwechat is conveniently located near Terminals 1 and 3, which share a building.

Getting to Schwechat Airport

Besides taxis, you can reach Vienna Schwechat Airport from Bratislava in two ways.

For transportation, use Flixbus from Bratislava Airport M. R. Štefánik or Slovak Lines, which operates hourly and takes you directly to the terminals. Buses depart from the Nivy Bus Station, the Main Train Station, and under the SNP Bridge in Bratislava. Remember, tickets may sell out.

Many cars also head to Vienna Airport daily. The drive from Bratislava via the highway takes less than an hour. Whether you're flying or picking up someone, you'll need to sort out parking at Schwechat. This guide aims to help you navigate the airport's parking options.

Parking at Schwechat

Vienna International Airport offers several parking options, most of which are covered. The parking system is designed to meet all needs and is ready for any situation.

Before you arrive, check the maximum vehicle height, as it varies. Payment can be made by card or cash at the cashier, at automatic payment stations, or online. Reserving a space online is advisable during peak seasons. Due to limited capacity, book your spot in advance, especially for parking lot C.

Parking at Schwechat is managed through online reservation, which is straightforward. Print your paid ticket and scan its QR code at the entrance pillar. A green light indicates you can proceed. The online reservation system is usually cheaper and offers rewards like preferred spaces or extended parking time.

Parking Options

Parking at Schwechat features a straightforward parking area system, marked in the traffic guidance system: parking lot 3 and 4, parking space C, parking space A, short-term parking K3, departure terminal, and VIP terminal.

Parking P3 and P4 / Parking Garage 3 and 4:

Offers direct access to the terminals from the garage and is weather-protected. Recommended for departures from Terminal 1/1A (parking lot 3) or Terminal 3 (parking lot 4). It's more comfortable but more expensive.

Maximum entry height (Parking 3): 2.05 m
Maximum entry height (Parking 4): 2.00 m
Price: max. 5.20 €/hour

Parking space PC / Parking lot C:

Located about 8-10 minutes walk from the terminals. Most of the lot is underground, offering weather protection. It's also the cheapest outdoor parking near the terminal.

Maximum entry height: 2.50 m
Price: max. 4.40 €/hour

Parking space PA:

Located just 5 minutes walk from the terminals along parking lot 4 or underground, with a walkway to the building. An Easy Parking service is available.

Maximum entry height: 2.50 m
Price: max. 4.50 €/hour

Short-term stop – parking lot K3:

Located near the exit from the arrivals hall, ideal for quick pickups of passengers.

Maximum entry height: 2.30 m
Price: 5.50 €/hour (online reservation not available)

Departure terminal – access road:

The departure terminal allows for quick unloading of passengers with 10 minutes of free parking per license plate once a day. After that, fees are charged by the minute/quarter hour. A fee of 2.90 euros is charged for the second entry for every 15 minutes.

Look for the label “Ausstiegszone / drop-off zone” on the parking map of Schwechat Airport.

Price: 2.90 €/15 minutes (10 minutes free)

VIP terminal:

The VIP & General Aviation Terminal offers unique parking right by the building.

Price: 5.40 €/hour

Mazur Parkplatz:

Located about 2 km from the terminal, with shuttle service to and from the terminal.

Price: € 4.20 €/hour, each additional hour – € 3.00. Maximum for 1 day – € 31.50. Maximum for 1 week (8 days) – € 105.00.

Premium Parking Services

Vienna Airport at Schwechat also offers premium parking services, including parking assistant, oversized vehicle parking, and cleaning services.

Easy Parking

Easy Parking is a premium valet service. Drop off your car in the easy parking zone at Terminal 3 on the left side. A professional driver will park your car in parking garage 4 or lot A, depending on your preference. Parking at Schwechat becomes a breeze.

Pick up your keys 24/7 at the cashier of parking garage 4 (located directly at the parking lot).

King Size Parking

King Size Parking offers spaces for larger and wider vehicles. Located in parking garage 4 on level 1, it provides an exclusive 3.5 m wide parking space for larger vehicles. It's near Terminal 3 and costs 8 €/day.

Cleaning Services

On level 2 of parking garage 4, you'll find an interior cleaning service, available from Monday to Sunday for a maximum of 6 hours.

Choosing the Best Parking Lot at Schwechat

For 1-2 days of parking, Parking C or Mazur are often the best options. Mazur is usually cheaper but may be less convenient if you prefer not to transfer to the airport.

For longer stays (3-7 days), Mazur is likely the most cost-effective.

If you want maximum comfort, proximity to the terminal, covered parking, and minimal walking, opt for Parking Garage 3 or 4. However, this comes at a higher price.

For a balance of price and convenience, Parking C is a good compromise. It's relatively close, partially sheltered, and priced between Mazur and the garages.

Conclusion

Vienna International Airport isn't as daunting as it seems. With a few key points, you can easily navigate it, including parking at Schwechat. Upon entering, the main access road splits into three parts: left to parking lots P4 and PC, right to the covered parking lot P3, and straight to parking lot K3. A detailed map is available on the Vienna Airport website.