bjamie

Hi! I have been reading some conflicting information on this: We will be arriving in Vienna via train from Krems. Our hotel is a bit south of the Opera. Is it easiest/fastest to get off the train one stop early and take the U-bahn or go all the way to Franz Josef and get on a tram? I have to admit the tram system intimidates me a bit but if it's a lot easier I'm willing to give it a try!

molker

If you could post the name of the hotel in Vienna.
, it would be helpful to give better advice.

If you wish to take the UBahn - it is best to get off the train at the Heiligenstadt stop ( 2 stops before Franz Josef Bahnhof. You will find the line U-4 there. But this involves some walking from train to UBahn, including up and down steps - with luggage can be ahassle.
This is the ebd station for this line so seating should be no problem. Probably the best stop for you on the UBahn-will be Karlsplatz- with the Karlsplatz exit one of the worst in the city for drunks, druggies and other assorted types.

Both the UBahn and streetcar will cost the same 1,70 euro per person. so cost is not an issue. Tickets available from automatic machines in the train stations- you can even buy them from the machinfe in Krems station.
With the streetcar - you find the line " D" just across the street from the Franz Josef Bahnhof - no steps - a flat walk to the stop.
If the streetcar is new - no step up- if the older type 2-3 steps.
no ned to be intimidated. The tram - streetcar, generally clean , safe and a nice introduction to the city depening on location of your hotel you probably get off at the Oper stop or Schwarzenbergplatz.

In summer I regularly take the train into Franz Josef- depending on destination the streetcar is my preferred way into city center.

bjamie

We are staying at the Vienna City Holiday Inn on Margaretenstrasse (we have frequent-stayer points here, it's not our normal choice of hotel). This may be a silly question, but how do you know which stop is yours on a tram?

Phil

bjamie:

Your best option seems to take the U4 at Heiligenstadt, as molker suggested and get off at Kettenbrückengasse (first stop after Karlsplatz). You hotel will be about a ten-minute walk fromn the U-Bahn stop.

Hope this helps, enjoy your trip

Phil.

molker

Regarding tram , streetcar -here known as a " Bim" to many -

in the car itself will be a route map - usually just over the door - it will indicate all stops on the route.
Small signs at each stop indicate the name of the stop - look carefully they can be small.
The newer cars have an electronis scroll signboard easily seem from most seats that indicate the next stop.

For trains - the conductor usually announces each stop - this sometimes is almost impossible to understand by tourists.
Numerous signs at each station can be seen from the train.


An alternative way to your hotel on Matgaretenstrasse is to take the D from the Bahnhof to the Oper stop - you cannot miss this as the Opera House is easily seen across the street and transfer to bus 59A found at this stop - just next to the streetcar. the 59A will travel along margaretenstrasse - easy to see your hotel- saves a considerable walk.