London to Vienna (LGW–VIE) — Airlines, Schedules & Connections

British passport holders enter Austria (and the entire Schengen Area) visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day rolling period. No fee, no advance application. Passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the planned departure date with at least two blank pages. Since Brexit, UK passports are stamped on entry and exit.

No supporting documents are mandatory, but immigration officers can ask for proof of accommodation, onward travel, and sufficient funds (roughly EUR 50 per day). The 90-day limit is shared across all 29 Schengen countries, so days spent in France, Germany, or elsewhere in the zone count toward the same 90. ETIAS pre-travel authorization (EUR 7, valid 3 years) is expected to become mandatory in late 2026.

Direct flights from London to Vienna run about 2 hours 20 minutes. Austria uses the euro. No vaccination requirements for entry. UK-issued driving licenses are valid for short visits. Travel insurance covering at least EUR 30,000 in medical costs is not legally required for UK nationals but strongly recommended since the UK-issued EHIC/GHIC is not valid in Austria post-Brexit (the Trade and Cooperation Agreement does not restore healthcare reciprocity for tourists).

The Gatwick Express runs non-stop from London Victoria to the South Terminal in 30 minutes, with trains every 15 minutes (from £21.50 one-way; advance fares cheaper online). Thameslink trains from London Bridge, Blackfriars, City Thameslink, and Farringdon are slower (35–45 min) but significantly cheaper; often £10–13 on Oyster or contactless. Southern trains also serve the route.National coaches (National Express, Megabus) connect Gatwick to Victoria Coach Station for £6–15. Taxis from central London cost £70–100+ depending on traffic. Driving via M23 and A23 takes 35–60 minutes; multi-storey car parks are directly connected to both terminals by a 2-minute monorail shuttle.

The S7 commuter rail runs to Wien Mitte in 30–35 minutes (€4.20 every 30 minutes). The CAT (City Airport Train) is faster at 16 minutes (€14.90) and includes a city check-in facility at Wien Mitte.Taxis to the center cost €35–45 metered. Rental car desks are in the arrivals hall. The Vienna City Card covers all S-Bahn travel and is worth buying if you plan to use public transit throughout your stay.

Continental climate with warm summers and cold winters. July and August average 25–30°C with occasional thunderstorms. Winter (December–February) brings temperatures of −5–4°C. Snow and freezing fog are the main disruption risks at VIE, typically causing delays rather than cancellations.

Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are mild at 10–20°C. Föhn winds in spring can cause turbulence on approaches. Pack layers year-round. Mornings and evenings can be significantly cooler than afternoons.