We checked out of our hotel, caught the Schnellbahn across the lane to the Vienna Airport (at a cost of 1.80 Euros each because it was an "add-on" to our unexpired 48-hour pass - on the way in cost us 3.60 Euros each) and arrived at the airport in 30 minutes.
Our total ground transportation costs for this trip wouldn't be much more than $80. That would include one 10-Euro taxi ride in Bratislava from the railway station to the hotel (still a rip-off but less than the 18 Euros quoted by another driver), and three multi-day rapid transit passes in Budapest, Bratislava, and Vienna, along with the odd single ticket.
We're pleased with that, and as we see tourists lining up buy the very expensive CAT Train tickets that run between the airport and Vienna, we're tempted to run up and show them a cheaper way to get to the city. It pays to do one's research.
This is a good lounge, with free Vienna Airport Internet available. If we hadn't enjoyed a buffet breakfast at the Hilton only a couple of hours ago, we'd be tempted by the tasty dishes available here, but we'll try to maintain some will power in anticipation of a vegetable-soup diet for a few days once we've returned home.
Kathy and Brian
Two retired educators alternating joyfully between seeing the world and enjoying our eight grandchildren (in order of birth), Jake, Avery, Taegan, Lily, Peyton, Riley, Blane, and Jace.
Kathy and Brian met in the clarinet section of the University of California (Santa Barbara) Symphony Orchestra several decades ago.
Brian's Western Canadian roots and Kathy's Colorado ties resulted in their making beautiful music together along with producing a cross-border crop of descendants.
Kathy spent a year studying in Vienna at the Institute for European Studies and the University of Vienna.
Brian started the school band program in Hope, British Columbia, and later became the high school's vice-principal for 6 years and subsequently principal for 15 years before retiring in 2001.
Kathy, in between raising our three children, taught kindergarten and first grade, middle school, and high school - mathematics, computer studies, ESL, and her first love, band, before retiring in 2001.
We enjoy sharing our travel experiences and providing the odd travel tip to friends, relatives, and visitors.