Schönbrunn Palace | Visitor Information At A Glance

What are the Schönbrunn Palace timings?
The Schonbrunn Palace is open daily, including on public holidays from 8:30 AM to 5 PM.
Where is the Schönbrunn Palace located?
Schonbrunn Palace is the most important cultural asset of Austria, located in Hietzing, Vienna.
How many visitors does Schönbrunn Palace see every year?
Approximately eight million people visit Schönbrunn Palace and its attractions each year.
Does Schönbrunn Palace have parking facilities?
The parking situation is a bit complex. While on weekends free parking is available, a chargeable short-term parking for 2 hours can be availed from Monday to Friday.
What is the best time to visit the Schönbrunn Palace?
Visiting Schönbrunn Palace between mid-March and early November is recommended. Though the palace is open to visitors all year round, the attractions at Schonbrunn with seasonal availability, such as Orangery Garden, the Privy Garden, and the Maze can also be explored during these months of the year.

Getting To The Schönbrunn Palace In Vienna

To reach Schonbrunn Palace, it takes roughly 15 minutes from Station Westbahnhof (western railway terminal). Take tramline 60 westbound and get off at Schloss Schönbrunn.
From the Station Meidling, it takes approximately 30 minutes. Take the U6 (brown) subterranean line heading north and get off at Längenfeldgasse. Next, switch to the U4 (green) heading west and get off at Schönbrunn.
Take the U1 (red) underground line from Station Wien Hauptbahnhof to Karlsplatz, then change for the U4 (green) subterranean line and get out at Schönbrunn.

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Metro- Line U4 (green) connects Hutteldorf in the west with Heiligendtadt in the north, and has an important stop at Schonbrunn Palace.

Tram- The tram system in Vienna is one of the biggest in the world, with 30 different lines. For quick trips, it is convenient, quick, and comfortable. Use lines 10, 58 and 60, and get off at Schloss Schönbrunn.

Bus- The only alternative to taxis at night time are the buses. Get off at Schloss Schönbrunn easily by using line 10A.

If you are traveling by car, you can take the A4 highway from the Vienna International Airport. Continue on the southbound A23, taking a turn at the Altmannsdorf exit and following the "Schloss Schönbrunn" signs to reach the palace.
When on the A2 motorway, follow the directions for the city centre, take the Altmannsdorf exit and then continue towards Schloss Schönbrunn.
Once you're on the A1 highway, simply follow the city centre signs to reach Schönbrunner Schloßstrasse 47.

Know Before You Visit Schönbrunn Palace

Café Residenz- Famous for its delicacies handcrafted by experienced chefs, indulge yourself in its Tafelspitz and Apple Strudel to satisfy your hunger pangs.
Café Gloriette- Café Gloriette serves the Sacher cake which is famous worldwide. Moreover, cakes with a coconut crust and egg liqueur chocolate cream served by the café are must-haves while visiting the place.
Landtmann´s Parkcafé- Managed by the Querfeld family, this coffeehouse is known for its unique, handmade cakes and pastries.
Schönbrunner Schlosscafé- If you want to have a serene experience after your trip, make sure to visit this cafe. Here, you can eat and drink with a view and enjoy a wide selection of Viennese coffee.

Budget stays – Star Inn Hotel Wien Schonbrunn, The MEININGER Hotel Vienna Downtown Franz, Hotel Schani Wien
Comfort stays – Hotel Mercure Wien Westbahnhof, Ibis Wien Hauptbahnhof, Adina Apartment Hotel Vienna Belvedere
Luxury stays – Grand Hotel Wien, Boutique Hotel am Stephansplatz, Hotel Imperial

Photography is prohibited in palace premises.
Security distance of 50 cm from the works of art is to be maintained in the display rooms and barriers cannot be stepped over.
Eating and drinking is not permitted in the display rooms to maintain cleanliness. However, water bottles can be carried but secured in tight lid bottles.
Smoking or talking loudly is not encouraged.
Unfortunately, you will have to leave your fur babies outside the palace as pets and animals are not allowed inside with the exception of aid dogs.
The admission tickets ensure entry to the different attractions. Post entry into the palace, the admission charge cannot be refunded.

Spanish Riding School- Based in Vienna, and devoted to the upkeep of classical dressage and the education of Lipizzaner horses, the Spanish Riding School presents performances in the Hofburg that are popular with tourists.
Belvedere Palace- Two Baroque palaces make up the historic building complex known as The Belvedere in Vienna, (the Upper and Lower Belvedere). Visit the palace to witness its glorious past.
Hofburg Palace- Hofburg, Imperial Palace is one of the largest palace complexes in the world. Previously the royal family's home, it is now a hub for politics, events, and museums.
Albertina Museum Vienna- Visit the largest museum for contemporary art in Central Europe, with exhibitions ranging from Monet to Picasso and treat yourself to some of the most exquisite art pieces.
Prater- Relive your childhood as you visit Prater in Leopoldstadt which is an amusement park and home to the Wiener Riesenrad Ferris Wheel.

Wear comfortable and closed-toed shoes as the garden paths are mostly gravel.
Backpacks are not allowed inside the Palace.
Mid-March and early November are the best months to visit the Palace as certain attractions at Schonbrunn with seasonal availability are also open to visitors.
For pictures, go early in the morning around 6:30 am when there is no crowd, or late in the evening as the palace is lit up at night. Early in the morning, you will have the garden all to yourself.
The Maze and Labyrinth have art installations and interactive musical games like surprise water fountains, springboards, a floor xylophone, distortion mirrors, and climbing poles that are great for kids.
As the palace and the attractions are spread over a vast stretch, come prepared to walk and stay hydrated. You can either bring your refillable bottle or reuse the first bottle you buy at water stations around the palace grounds.
Attend concerts that are still put on in the Orangery, inspired by the days that Mozart played at Schönbrunn Palace.
Purchase an Audio Guide as it will provide some fascinating facts and background about the palace, its history, and the beautiful rooms giving you a peak into what royal life was like.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Schönbrunn Palace

Q. Where is Schönbrunn Palace located?

A. Schonbrunn Palace is located in Schönbrunner Schloßstraße 47, 1130 Wien, Hietzing, Vienna and is Austria's most-visited sight.

Q. What are Schönbrunn Palace timings?

A. The Schonbrunn Palace is open even on public holidays from 8:30 AM to 5 PM. The closing time varies depending on the season: 1st April to 30th June: 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM, 1st July to 31st August: 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM, 1st September to 31st October: 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM, 1st November to 31st March: 8:30 AM to 5 PM. The last entry into the palace is allowed 45 minutes before the closing time.

Q. How big is the Schönbrunn Palace?

A. The Schönbrunn Palace, built in 1642 is the biggest palace in Vienna. With 1,441 rooms, this palace is spread across 400 acres and is a symbol of lavishness which is reflected in the design of each room.

Q. How long does it take to explore the Schönbrunn Palace?

A. One to one and a half hours is enough to explore the palace. Once you have absorbed the beauty of the Schonbrunn Palace you can take a stroll around the other attractions like the gardens and zoo.

Q. What is the best time to visit the Schönbrunn Palace?

A. The Schonbrunn Palace is open to visitors throughout the year but the other attractions at Schonbrunn like the Orangery, the Maze or the Privy Garden are open to visitors seasonally. Mid-March and early November are the best months to visit the Palace since the other attractions can also be explored during these months. Also, the crowd is lesser early in the morning offering the best time for a peaceful walk around the palace. In the afternoon between 1 PM to 2 PM and from 4 PM the rush again subsides a bit.

Q. How to get to Schönbrunn Palace by public transport?

A. You can reach Schonbrunn Palace by: Metro- Hutteldorf in the west with Heiligendtadt in the north is connected by the metro line U4 (green) with an important stop at Schönbrunn Palace; Tram- Use lines 10, 58 and 60, get off at Schloss Schönbrunn; Bus- Get off at Schloss Schönbrunn easily by using line 10A; Train- It’s roughly 15 minutes from Station Westbahnhof to the palace, approximately 30 minutes from the Station Meidling or you can take the U1 (red) underground line from Station Wien Hauptbahnhof to Karlsplatz, then change for the U4 (green) subterranean line to reach Schönbrunn.

Q. How to get to Schönbrunn Palace by road?

A. Take the A4 highway towards Vienna from the Vienna International Airport, then continue on the southbound A23 (follow signs for Graz), then take the Altmannsdorf exit and follow the "Schloss Schönbrunn" signs. When you get to the A2 motorway, follow the directions for the city centre, then take the Altmannsdorf exit and go to Schloss Schönbrunn. Once you're on the A1 highway, follow the city centre signs to get to Schönbrunner Schloßstrasse 47.

Q. Is it worth visiting Schönbrunn Palace?

A. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is well worth a visit because it houses centuries of Austrian history and culture. The magnificent Vieux Laque Room in black and gold, the Millions Room with its priceless mahogany panelling, and Empress Maria Theresa's imperial bed makes the palace worth visiting.

Q. Is there an age limit to visit the Schönbrunn Palace?

A. No, there is no such age limit to visit the Schönbrunn Palace.

Q. Are wheelchairs provided in Schönbrunn Palace?

A. Wheelchair users have full access to the Schonbrunn Palace, including the Children's Museum Schönbrunn Palace on the ground level. A lift to the first-floor exhibit rooms can be taken by informing the person at the turnstile. At the main gate (Schönbrunner Schloßstrasse), there are three parking spaces for handicapped people.

Q. Is there free parking at the Schönbrunn Palace?

A. Sundays and Saturdays normally have no parking fees. There is a fee-based short-term parking space open Monday through Friday, with a two-hour maximum stay. The Schönbrunner Schloßstraße has a pay-to-park area.

Q. Is photography permitted in the palace?

A. Photography is not permitted in the Schonbrunn Palace. However, photographs for non-commercial purposes can be taken in the Palace Park free of charge and without prior notification. A permit is required for all film and photo recordings at the Schönbrunn Group’s location. One needs to fill in a film and photo request form for this purpose.

Q. Are drones allowed in the Palace Park?

A. Drones or other remote-controlled devices is unfortunately prohibited on the grounds of Schönbrunn Palace.