I'm hoping that one of you out there can shortcut my search. We have just been notified in the past hour that our daughter has to be in Cairo two days earlier than originally planned. The connections between Vienna and Cairo are excellent, and with that in mind,we have already reserved a trip on a biking vacation that goes to Durnstein for two days before our return to Vienna.

So in other words, we're very close to making this work, but not quite.

We've been able to find a taxi (150Euros) from Durnstein from the advice of a trip consultant, but we're also researching train connections, too. I used the DB website and found what I think is a connection between Durnstein and Vienna's Wien Mitte station. I can't find fare information at this time, although at this point, it's not the major concern.

Any pointers? Suggestions? Would particularly welcome advice from people who have done this train route and/or are familiar with the Vienna Airport. Thanks!

the train runs about hourly at least and goes via Krems where you may have to change - from Krems, a few minutes from Durnstein it's about 70 mins to Vienna's Franz-Josef station - it may go onto Mitte but i have no info on that but there is a tram that goes to Mitte if not trains or a U-Bahn line nearby that does too. If the bahn.de site says the Durnstein/Krems train goes to Mitte then it does. I've only taken the train to F-J station.

from Mitte trains go twice hourly to the airport in about 30 mins

Thanks, PalenQ. I'm going to try to digest all this and then pester you with more specific questions. You sound exactly like the expert I need, and it's much appreciated.

Josephina:

Mrs. Charles and I have been discussing over dinner that we might be your "leaders of the pack." We did your language school in Sancerre (we are going back for our 3rd time this fall) and we spent a lot of time in Austria early last fall.

What a beautiful area you have chosen in which to bike. You will have longer days in which to enjoy it than we did (we walked/boated).

You will have no problem, as PalenQ has indicted, getting to Vienna at almost any hour from Durnstein. In fact, your biggest problem will be deciding which way to get there.

Warning: the locals have STRONG opinions, and they all differ!

Some will feel you should just use the Durnstein station. Some will feel you should get a taxi to Krems. I guarantee you that some will believe that if all in your family will be going, you might as well take the taxi entirely to the airport. Others will tell you to go across the river either via train or taxi to St. Pölten, a station that has international connections.

I am sure that many of the locals have never used the new CAT from downtown Vienna, so take that fact into consideration.

Clearly, I am offering you ambiguity instead of hard answers. Actually, there are two firm facts:

First, there will be a concerted local effort that your daughter make it there for her flight. If you choose a taxi, rest assured that Mrs. Charles and I believe it will show up on time.

Second, to get to Vienna airport, it will take around 2 hours or less by train no matter what you do. And in addition, you don't need to book any of the trains in advance. There are enough of them.

Therefore, you don't need to worry about it right now and you can enjoy whichever ride once you get there.

Please let us know if we can be of any other help.

Our good wishes,

Charles

I live near to Krems in the summer and sometimes go to the Airport.

It is possible to easily take the train from the small station in Dürnstein- Loiben. This is a local train , many times just one car and delivers you to Krems in a few minutes.
These trains are timed to make an easy 100 meter walk transfer on the same level to the train to Vienna.
Cost about 12 euro.
leave the train at the Spittelau stop - a short walk to the U-bhan line U-4 (2- 3 minutes same station ) then on the U-4 to the Schwedenplatz stop - then directly on the airport transfer bus to the airport- the bus delivers you directly to the front entrance to the airport. - cost 6 hours.

Entire trip takes 1.45- 2 hours. total cost less than 20 euro.
Franz Josef Bahnhof is the end station on this line. It is not practical to go on public transport to Wien Mitte and find the Cat train ( yes , we know what it is) or S-bahn from there to the airport.
This involves several changes of transport or a taxi ride.

It is possible to find the schedule using the austrain rail website

www.oebb.at

just insert durnstein as departure
flughafenwien- as destination

also day of travel and time.
the system will automatically find best transfer way.

I do not understand prior poster and comment regarding strong opinions of locals.
Most all would give practical advice.


Going via St. Polten is not a good and reasonable alternative to anyone living here.
Some locals will go by auto to the airport and park it there prior to trip.

Some may take a dedicated taxi transfer - 150-200 + euro. It will take about 1 1/4 hours + depending on traffic

You can also take the train Krems - Praterstern( with changes of trains on the way) - then transfer to the S-bahn train to the airpor.


However these trains run much less frequently, may not be convenient for flights and are best used by someone knowing this route.

I am so sorry I haven't gotten back to this blurb to express my appreciation. I've been so busy using your information that I was remiss in not thanking you, Charles and Molker, for adding to PalenQ's advice. How kind of both of you to help.

Molker, your description "fleshed out" perfectly what I had already been looking at on the OEBB and DB websites--it's funny how just a few words make the changes listed on the websites so much more sensible. Your concrete details have been a godsend.

And Charles, thank you for being so reassuring (or do I have Mrs. Charles to thank for those words?). The Durnstein hotel website, the Krems tourist website, and the biking trip consultant have all given different recommendations. Being told "you just don't need to worry" was exactly what I needed to hear.