Schönbrunn Palace | Visitor information at a glance

Timings

Opening hours: 8:30am
Closing time: May vary depending on the month.
Last entry: 45 minutes until closing
Palace Park (Gardens): Open daily from 6:30am, offering free access

Location

Address: Schönbrunner Schloßstraße 47, 1130 Vienna, Austria (Hietzing district)
From Vienna City Center: Approximately 7 km away, reachable via metro in about 20 to 22 minutes (using the U4 line to Schönbrunn station)
From Vienna International Airport: Around 28.9 km via car
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Best time to visit

Time of day: Early morning, right when the Gardens open (around 6:30am) or late afternoon hours (around 2pm to 3pm)
Time of year: Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October); these months offer mild weather and fewer tourists compared to peak summer

Things to know before booking your Schönbrunn Palace tickets

The Schönbrunn Gardens are free to enter, but tickets are required for the palace tours and attractions like the Privy Garden, Maze, Orangery, Gloriette viewpoint, and Children’s Museum.
Tickets are timed and often sell out quickly, especially between June and August and on weekends, so it’s best to book online at least 2 to 3 weeks in advance.
Security checks are in place at the entrance; arrive at least 15 to 20 minutes before your time slot to avoid delays or losing your entry.
With more than 1,400 rooms and sprawling gardens, Schönbrunn Palace can feel overwhelming on your own; a guided tour helps you navigate with ease while giving you an expert’s perspective on the Habsburgs.
Reduced prices are offered for children, students, and seniors, while holders of the Vienna Pass or other city cards often get free or discounted entry. Remember to carry a valid ID to claim your discount.

When to visit Schönbrunn?

Schönbrunn Palace

April 1 to June 30, 2025: 8:30am to 5:30pm
July 1 to August 31, 2025: 8:30am to 6pm
September 1 to November 2, 2025: 8:30am to 5:30pm
November 3 to March 26, 2026: 8:30am to 5pm

Note:

Last entry to all attractions is permitted up to 45 minutes before closing.

Schönbrunn Palace Park

April 1 to June 30, 2025: 8:30am to 5:30pm
July 1 to August 31, 2025: 8:30am to 6pm
September 1 to November 2, 2025: 8:30am to 5:30pm
November 3 to March 26, 2026: 8:30am to 5pm

Note:

Last entry to all attractions is permitted up to 45 minutes before closing.

Duration

April 1 to June 30, 2025: 8:30am to 5:30pm
July 1 to August 31, 2025: 8:30am to 6pm
September 1 to November 2, 2025: 8:30am to 5:30pm
November 3 to March 26, 2026: 8:30am to 5pm

Note:

Last entry to all attractions is permitted up to 45 minutes before closing.

Schönbrunn Palace facade with vibrant gardens, Vienna.

Time of the day: Early morning is ideal; arrive right when the palace opens to enjoy thinner crowds and gentler light for photos, and again later in the afternoon (around 1pm to 2 pm or after 4pm), when tour groups thin out and things feel more relaxed.
Time of the week: Plan your visit for a weekday. Mondays through Fridays are quieter, with fewer families and large tour groups, whereas weekends tend to attract more crowds, especially in the gardens and zoo area.
Best seasons to visit: Visit during the shoulder seasons, between mid-March and early May or September and early November, when the weather is mild, the gardens are in bloom, the crowds are smaller, and seasonal attractions like the Orangery, Maze, and Privy Garden are open.

Where is Schönbrunn Palace located?

Address: Schönbrunner Schloßstraße 47, 1130 Vienna, Austria
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Located in Vienna’s elegant Hietzing district, Schönbrunn Palace sits at the edge of the city yet feels worlds away with its vast Baroque estate and sweeping gardens. The main entrance along Schönbrunner Schloßstraße opens onto a grand courtyard that once welcomed imperial carriages, while leafy boulevards and manicured avenues lead visitors deeper into the palace grounds. Just outside the gates, charming cafés and local shops give a glimpse of everyday Viennese life, offering a pleasant contrast to the grandeur within. The palace is also well connected by the U4 subway line, with Schönbrunn station just a short walk away, making it easily accessible for travelers.

Nearest landmarks: Vienna State Opera (6.2km away), Belvedere Palace (6.5km away), and St. Stephen’s Cathedral (7km away)

Getting to Schönbrunn Palace

Subway

Nearest station: Schönbrunn (U4 line)

From Vienna City Center: Take the U4 subway line from Karlsplatz or Schwedenplatz and get off at Schönbrunn station. The journey takes around 15 to 20 minutes. From the station, follow the exit signs, cross the glass bridge, and walk about 7 to 10 minutes to reach the main entrance marked by stone columns with golden eagles.
From Vienna Central Station (Wien Hauptbahnhof): Take the U1 line towards Leopoldau, change at Karlsplatz to the U4 line, and ride to Schönbrunn. The trip takes about 25 minutes in total.
From Vienna International Airport: Take the City Airport Train (CAT) or S7 to Wien Mitte, change to the U4 line, and continue to Schönbrunn. The journey takes about 45 to 50 minutes.

Bus in front of Vienna's historic building near Museum of Illusions.

Tram and bus

Nearest tram and bus stop: Schloss Schönbrunn

From Vienna City Center: Take Tram 10 or Tram 60 towards Schloss Schönbrunn. Both lines stop directly outside the main gate on Schönbrunner Schloßstraße, making it the most convenient option for a direct entrance.
From Vienna Central Station (Wien Hauptbahnhof): Take Bus 10A towards Schönbrunn and get off at Schloss Schönbrunn. The journey takes around 25 to 30 minutes.
From the Zoo or Palm House: Use Hietzing station (U4 line) or buses 56A, 56B, 58A, or 58B, which stop at Montecuccoliplatz. From there, it’s a short walk through Elisabethallee to the rear garden entrances.

Traffic en route to Schönbrunn Palace, Vienna by car.

Car

From Vienna International Airport: Drive via the A4 and A23 motorways, exit at Altmannsdorf, and follow signs for ‘Schloss Schönbrunn’. The drive takes around 35 to 40 minutes.
From Vienna City Center: Follow signs to Schönbrunner Schloßstraße; the drive is about 15 minutes, depending on traffic.
From Salzburg (A1 motorway): Continue on the A1 into Vienna and follow the signs directly to Schönbrunn Palace. Driving time is about 3 hours.

Parking facilities:

Arrival Centre Parking on Schönbrunner Schloßstraße offers 230 car spaces, 48 coach spaces, EV charging stations, and bike docking.
Zoo Parking at Seckendorff-Gudent-Weg has accessible spaces and EV charging, though the walk to the zoo involves a steep path.

Plan smart | What to know before visiting Schönbrunn

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The scale of Schönbrunn is overwhelming

With 1,400+ rooms (only 40 open) and a vast 430-acre park, Schönbrunn can feel unmanageable in a single visit.
Solution: Prioritize what matters most — palace interiors, gardens, or special attractions — and plan for at least half a day if you want a well-rounded experience.

Long queues and peak-time crowds

In summer and around holidays, ticket lines and crowded state rooms can slow you down.
Solution: Book tickets online at least 2 to 3 weeks in advance and aim to arrive before 10am or after 3:30pm for a calmer experience.

Navigating multiple entrances and zones

The estate is split into the palace, gardens, and several ticketed attractions, with three main entrances.
Solution: Use a Schönbrunn map or app and pick your entrance strategically: Haupttor for the palace, Hietzinger for gardens, Meidlinger for the zoo.

Trying to see it all in one visit

Many visitors underestimate how much time is needed and end up rushing.
Solution: Plan your route ahead with tailored itineraries, whether a 2-hour highlights tour, a half-day visit, or a full-day experience, so you see more without backtracking.

Accessibility and walking fatigue

Paths can be steep, gravelly, or cobbled, especially on the way to the Gloriette.
Solution: Wear sturdy shoes, consider the Schönbrunn Panorama train to save energy, and allow extra time if visiting with kids or older travelers.

Seasonal weather challenges

Hot summers mean long, unshaded walks, while winters bring cold, damp conditions and shorter daylight hours.
Solution: In summer, carry water, sunscreen, and a hat; in winter, dress in layers and plan interior visits during the coldest hours.

Limited amenities at peak times

Cafés, toilets, and shaded seating often fill up quickly in midday.
Solution: Take breaks earlier or later than the rush, and know that restrooms inside the palace and near the Palm House are usually less crowded.

Visiting Schönbrunn with or without a guide

Choosing between a guided tour and a self-guided visit at Schönbrunn Palace comes down to how much structure and context you prefer.

Group of tourists on a guided tour at Schönbrunn Palace, Vienna.

Guided tours

Expert-led narration: Licensed guides take you through the palace interiors on a structured route, explaining the stories behind the imperial family, lavish staterooms, and historic events like Mozart’s childhood performance. The garden tour adds layers of history and context that aren’t obvious from signage alone.
Skip-the-line entry: Guided tours include priority access, letting you bypass the often-long queues at the ticket office and palace entrance.
Small headsets for groups: Larger groups are given headsets so you can clearly hear your guide’s narration, even in crowded rooms.
Language options: Tours are available in English, German, Spanish, Italian, and French, depending on your booking choice.
Upgrades available: You can combine your Schönbrunn tour with a wider Vienna city tour or choose a smaller group format for a more personal experience.
Best for first-time visitors: A guide helps make sense of Schönbrunn’s vast layout, highlights must-see rooms, and ensures you don’t miss key details.

Schönbrunn Palace guided tours

Visitors exploring an ornate room during the Schonbrunn Palace tour.

Self-guided visits

Flexibility at your own pace: With a standard ticket, you can explore the palace and gardens at leisure, spending more time in areas that interest you most.
Audio guides available: Handheld audio guides are offered at the entrance, providing commentary in multiple languages for those who want structured narration without a live guide.
Signage and booklets: Informational plaques and printed guides provide some context, but they may lack the depth and storytelling of a live guide.
Advance booking required: Schönbrunn uses timed-entry slots, so you’ll need to reserve your ticket ahead of time, even if visiting without a guide.
Recommended for independent travelers: Ideal if you prefer exploring quietly, want maximum flexibility, or already have background knowledge of Habsburg history.

What to see and when | Your Schönbrunn visit made easy

Fountain sculpture in Schönbrunn Palace gardens, Vienna, with lush greenery and visitors nearby.

If you only have 2 to 3 hours: Focus on the essentials. Start with the palace interiors, from grand State Rooms to the intimate private apartments, then take a short stroll through the gardens. Finish at the Neptune Fountain or head up to the Gloriette for panoramic views of Schönbrunn and Vienna.
If you have 4 to 5 hours: Balance your time between the palace and the gardens. After touring the interiors, explore the Schönbrunn Gardens more deeply, visit one special attraction like the Palm House or Carriage Museum, and finish with coffee and views at the Gloriette.
If you can spend 6+ hours: Dedicate a full day to experiencing Schönbrunn inside and out. Explore the palace rooms in the morning, then wander through the gardens and special attractions at leisure. Add in the Vienna Zoo or Children’s Museum, and save the Gloriette for a sunset finale.

Frequently asked questions about visiting Schönbrunn

Which entrance is best for visiting Schönbrunn Palace?

The Haupttor (main gate) brings you directly to the palace, but the Hietzinger Gate is quieter and gives quick access to the gardens. The Meidlinger Gate is best if you’re heading to the zoo or Palm House.

How long does it take to walk from the palace to the Gloriette?

It takes about 15 to 20 minutes uphill at a moderate pace, so allow extra time if you want to stop at the Neptune Fountain along the way.

Are the fountains always running?

No, most fountains at Schönbrunn, including the Neptune Fountain, are active only from April to October, and they are turned off during the winter months.

Is Schönbrunn Palace wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the palace and main attractions are largely accessible, with ramps and elevators available. Some garden paths are gravel or uphill, so using the Panorama Train is a good option for easier mobility.

Can I take photos inside Schönbrunn Palace?

Photography is not permitted inside the palace rooms, but you are free to take photos in the gardens, courtyards, and around the Gloriette.

Does Schönbrunn Palace have luggage storage?

Yes, small lockers and cloakrooms are available near the entrance, but large suitcases are not permitted on site. It’s best to travel light when visiting.

Can I picnic in the Schönbrunn gardens?

Yes, picnics are allowed in the public park areas, but not in the formal flowerbeds or special ticketed gardens like the Privy Garden.

Does the palace have a café or restaurant?

Yes, several cafés are located around the grounds, including the Gloriette Café with views over Vienna and smaller stands for snacks near the Palm House.

Are strollers allowed inside the palace?

No, strollers cannot be taken inside the palace rooms, but you can leave them at the designated cloakroom areas. The gardens and park are stroller-friendly.

Is there a dress code at Schönbrunn Palace?

There is no formal dress code, but closed-toe, comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended due to the large grounds and cobblestone paths.