Getting to Natural History Museum Vienna | Directions, access, & transport tips

Where is the Natural History Museum located?

Address: Burgring 7, 1010 Vienna, Austria
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Located along the famous Burgring Boulevard, the museum is easily accessible from the city center.

Nearby, you’ll find the Volksgarten, a charming park with lush gardens and beautiful sculptures, perfect for a leisurely stroll before or after your museum visit. The Hofburg Palace and the Ringstrasse are also just a short walk away, offering more opportunities to explore Vienna’s cultural heritage.

  • Nearest landmarks: Maria-Theresien-Platz (300m away), Albertina Museum (1.1 km away), State Opera House (1.3 km away)

How to get to the museum by public transport?

  • Best for: Visitors staying near central districts, budget travelers, and those who enjoy exploring neighborhoods along the way
  • Travel time: 15 to 20 minutes
  • Closest stop: Volkstheater (3-minute walk)

Several bus lines operate from central Vienna towards the museum area, including the 13A, 48A, and 59A. The buses take you through the city’s lively streets, offering glimpses of Vienna’s diverse neighborhoods along the route. From the bus stop at Volkstheater, it’s just a short 3-minute walk to the museum entrance. If you’re staying close to popular spots like the Ringstrasse, this is an ideal and scenic way to reach the Natural History Museum.

  • Best for: Visitors on a tight schedule or those seeking the fastest route to the museum
  • Travel time: 5 minutes
  • Closest stop: Volkstheater (2-minute walk)

The U2 and U3 metro lines are your quickest way to reach the museum. From Stephensplatz, you’ll head to the nearest metro station, Volkstheater. The U2 line is a direct and efficient choice, passing through notable stations like Karlsplatz and Stephansplatz, which are easily accessible from various parts of the city. Once you arrive at Volkstheater, the museum is only a short, pleasant walk from the station.

  • Best for: Tourists who love scenic routes, those staying along tram lines, and visitors who want to enjoy the city views while heading to the museum
  • Travel time: 20 to 25 minutes
  • Closest stop: Ring/Volkstheater (3-minute walk)

Trams 1, 2, D, and 46 all travel along the Ringstrasse and stop at *Volkstheater. This is a great option if you’re staying in the city center and want to explore the vibrant streets as you travel to the museum. The tram ride offers charming views of Vienna’s historic buildings, and once you reach the Volkstheater* stop, it’s a quick 3-minute walk to the museum’s grand entrance.

  • Best for: Visitors with limited mobility, those looking for a unique experience, or travelers staying near the nearby district
  • Travel time: 2 minutes
  • Closest stop: Volkstheater (2-minute walk)

The tunnel funicular is one of Vienna’s most historic and unique transport options, offering a swift 2-minute ride through the city. While this isn’t a direct route to the museum, it’s an enjoyable and quick way to navigate parts of Vienna. Upon exiting at Volkstheater, it’s just a short walk to the Natural History Museum, making this a convenient option for those in nearby areas.

Tourists on Big Bus Vienna passing historic building on Hop-On Hop-Off tour.
  • Best for: Tourists looking to explore multiple attractions at their own pace and those who want a comfortable, flexible transport option
  • Travel time: Varies depending on the route, but typically around 20 to 30 minutes
  • Closest stop: Kunsthistorisches Museum or Heldenplatz (5 to 10 minute walk)

The Vienna hop-on-hop-off bus routes cover major landmarks, with stops at Kunsthistorisches Museum and Heldenplatz** being the closest to the Natural History Museum. From either of these stops, it’s a pleasant 5 to 10-minute walk to the museum, passing by some beautiful parts of the city. The flexibility of these buses allows visitors to hop off at various points, making it a relaxed and enjoyable way to explore Vienna.

Getting to the History Museum by car

Best for: Travelers who prefer the convenience and flexibility of driving, families, those on a tight schedule, or visitors with mobility challenges who would benefit from the ease of car access.
Travel time: 10 to 15 minutes (from Stephansplatz)
Distance: Volkstheater Parking Garage (5-minute walk)

  • From the iconic Stephansplatz, head west on Graben Street towards the Kohlmarkt.
  • Continue until you reach the intersection with Tuchlauben Street.
  • At the first traffic light, take a sharp right onto Herrengasse and drive straight towards Josefsplatz.
  • Follow Herrengasse as it transitions onto Burgring, a wide boulevard that circles the Ringstrasse
  • Continue driving along Burgring and you’ll soon spot the impressive building of the Natural History Museum on your left.
  • Volkstheater Parking Garage (5-minute walk): The most convenient parking option, located just behind the museum. Ideal for those wanting a quick stop and easy access to the museum.
  • Parkgarage am Ring (10-minute walk): A little further along, but a great choice if you're staying in the area and need a more spacious parking facility.
  • Garage P&R Wien Westbahnhof (12-minute walk): A larger, more affordable parking facility, perfect for visitors planning to explore other parts of Vienna after the museum visit.

Walking to the Museum of Natural History

Best for: Visitors who love exploring the city on foot, enjoy leisurely strolls through historical neighborhoods, and have time to savor the sights along the way.
Travel time: 15 to 20 minutes (from Stephansplatz)
Distance: 1.2 km

  • Start your walk from Stephansplatz, the lively heart of Vienna, and make your way towards Graben Street, one of the city’s most famous shopping streets.
  • Continue down Graben, a pedestrian-friendly street where you'll pass landmarks like St. Peter’s Church and the Plague Column, a well-known monument commemorating the end of the plague in Vienna.
  • At the end of Graben, you’ll turn left onto Kohlmarkt, another lively street lined with luxury shops, cafes, and historic buildings.
  • As you approach Burgring, a wide and beautiful boulevard, the Natural History Museum will soon come into view.

Frequently asked questions about getting to the Natural History Museum Vienna

To reach the Natural History Museum from Stephansplatz, you can take the U2 or U3 metro lines to Volkstheater station and walk just a few minutes to the museum, or take a 15 to 20-minute walk along Graben Street, then continue onto Burgring, where the museum is located.

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