How to Get to Schönbrunn Palace? Location, Routes, & Parking

Where is Schönbrunn located?

Address: Schönbrunner Schloßstraße 47, 1130 Vienna, Austria
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Located in Vienna’s 13th district, Hietzing, the palace’s main entrance (Haupttor) faces Schönbrunner Schloßstraße and leads directly into the palace courtyard. Other gates open from Hietzinger Hauptstraße and Meidlinger Tor, connecting the estate to nearby residential streets. The palace grounds are bordered by Schönbrunner Straße to the north and Grünbergstraße to the east, with Hietzinger Platz just outside the Hietzinger Gate. The U4 subway line stops at Schönbrunn station, about a 5 to 7 minute walk from the main entrance, while tram lines 10 and 60 also stop right outside the gates.

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

Getting to the Palace by public transport

Best for: Visitors coming from the city center, travelers on a tight schedule, and anyone looking for the fastest and most direct option.
Travel time: 15 to 20 minutes from Karlsplatz or Schwedenplatz
Nearest stop: Schönbrunn (U4 line)

The U4 (green line) runs directly from central Vienna to Schönbrunn station. From Karlsplatz, the ride is about 5 stops (15 minutes). Once you get off at Schönbrunn, follow the glass bridge over the tracks and walk 7 to 10 minutes along a paved path to the main entrance. If you’re heading to the Zoo or Palm House, you can instead get off one stop later at Hietzing on the same U4 line, which places you closer to the garden gates.

Best for: Visitors staying near Vienna Central Station or neighborhoods not directly served by the metro, as well as families preferring a direct drop-off close to the entrance.
Travel time: About 25 to 30 minutes from Vienna Central Station (Wien Hauptbahnhof)
Nearest stop: Schloss Schönbrunn (Bus 10A)

Bus 10A is the most useful line, linking Schönbrunn with Vienna Central Station and Meidling. It stops directly outside the palace gates, making it especially convenient if you’re traveling with kids, luggage, or strollers. For the zoo and garden entrances, take buses 56A, 56B, 58A, or 58B to Montecuccoliplatz. From there, it’s just a short walk along Elisabethallee to the rear gates.

Best for: Travelers who want a scenic route, visitors staying in the western districts of Vienna, or those exploring the city at a slower pace.
Travel time: Around 25 minutes from Westbahnhof
Nearest stop: Schloss Schönbrunn (Tram 10 and Tram 60)

Trams 10 and 60 both stop right in front of the palace on Schönbrunner Schloßstraße, making them a very straightforward option. Tram 10 connects Dornbach with Unter St. Veit, passing through major hubs like Westbahnhof. Tram 60 runs from Hietzing through the western suburbs and also stops directly at Schloss Schönbrunn. Both offer a pleasant ride above ground, giving you views of local neighborhoods before dropping you at the palace gates.

Getting to Schönbrunn by car

Best for: Families with children, travelers with mobility concerns, and those looking to enjoy flexibility with scenic stops along the way.
Travel time: 15 minutes from Vienna City Center, 35 to 40 minutes from Vienna International Airport, around 3 hours from Salzburg
Nearest parking: Arrival Centre Parking (opposite the palace gates)

From Vienna International Airport: Follow the A4 towards Vienna, continue on the A23, and take the Altmannsdorf exit. Follow the clearly marked brown tourist signs directing you to ‘Schloss Schönbrunn’.
From Vienna City Center: Drive west along the Gürtel or via Karlsplatz, then follow Schönbrunner Schloßstraße until you reach the main entrance of the palace.
From Salzburg: Take the A1 motorway all the way into Vienna, then follow signs for Schönbrunn Palace, which lead directly to Schönbrunner Schloßstraße.

Arrival Centre Parking (0m): 230 car spaces, 48 coach spaces, EV charging stations, and bike docking directly at the palace entrance.
Seckendorff-Gudent-Weg (Zoo Parking, 500m): Accessible parking and EV charging near the zoo entrance; note the path from here is steep.
Street Parking (surrounding streets): Paid short-stay parking zones with permits via tobacconists or the Handy Parken mobile app.
Park & Ride Ottakring (4.5km): Budget-friendly long-term option with direct U3 metro connections to Westbahnhof, then transfer to U4 for Schönbrunn.
Park & Ride Hütteldorf (6km): Spacious parking at the end of the U4 line; from here take the metro directly to Schönbrunn station.

Walking to the Schönbrunn Palace

Best for: Those staying nearby in the western districts and visitors who enjoy combining sightseeing with a stroll through Vienna’s leafy neighborhoods.
Travel time: 25 minutes (2 km from Westbahnhof)

Starting your walk from Westbahnhof, head south along Mariahilfer Straße, one of Vienna’s most famous shopping streets lined with fashion boutiques, bookstores, and cafés.
Continue straight until you reach the intersection with Schönbrunner Straße. Small bakeries, local markets, and traditional Viennese Gasthäuser (inns) line the way, offering plenty of chances to stop for a snack or drink.
As you draw closer, you’ll begin to see the palace grounds framed by tall stone walls and leafy treetops. The golden-tipped eagles atop the white entrance columns signal that you’ve arrived at Schönbrunn’s grand gates.

Book Schönbrunn Palace tickets and tours

Schönbrunn Palace & Gardens Skip-the-Line Guided Tour

Free cancellation

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2 hr. - 3 hr. 30 min.

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Combo (Save 8%): Schönbrunn Zoo + Schönbrunn Palace Panorama Train Ride Tickets

Audio guide

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Combo (Save 8%): Schönbrunn Palace & Gardens Skip-the-Line Tour + Schönbrunn Zoo Skip-the-Line Tickets

Guided tour

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Combo: Vienna Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour + Schönbrunn Palace & Belvedere Palace Tickets

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Flexible duration

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Schönbrunn Palace: Mozart & Strauss Concert

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2 hr.

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Schönbrunn Palace: Mozart & Strauss Concert & After-Hours Tour

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4 hr. 30 min.

Audio guide

Meals included

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Frequently asked questions about getting to the Schönbrunn Palace

What is the cheapest way to reach Schönbrunn Palace?

The U4 metro line is the cheapest and most convenient option, with a standard single ticket costing €2.40. It takes only 15 to 20 minutes from the city center and drops you at Schönbrunn station, a short walk from the main entrance.

Can I reach Schönbrunn Palace directly from Vienna Central Station?

Yes, you can either take the U1 metro line and transfer to the U4 at Karlsplatz or board Bus 10A, which stops directly outside the palace gates.

Is it possible to walk from the city center to Schönbrunn?

Yes, it will take you about an hour (around 6 to 7 km) to reach Schönbrunn from the City Center. The route is pleasant, passing Karlskirche, Naschmarkt, and residential districts before reaching the palace entrance.

Which airport is closest to Schönbrunn Palace?

Vienna International Airport (VIE) is the nearest, about 28 km away. You can reach the palace in 35 to 40 minutes by car or about 50 minutes using the CAT train and the U4 metro line.

Are taxi services available to Schönbrunn?

Yes, taxis and ride-hailing services like Uber are widely available in Vienna. A ride from the city center to Schönbrunn typically takes 15 minutes, depending on traffic.

Can I cycle to Schönbrunn Palace?

Yes, cycling is allowed up to the perimeter of the estate. Bike racks are available at the Arrival Centre and main gates, but cycling inside the palace grounds is not permitted.

What is the best way to reach Schönbrunn Palace?

The metro is the best option for most visitors, as it avoids traffic, is fast, and connects directly to the palace gates. If traveling with children or heavy bags, taxis or ride-hailing services are a good alternative, taking about 15 minutes from the city center.