Flying from Vienna to Barcelona
The flight from Vienna International Airport (VIE) to Barcelona–El Prat Airport (BCN) covers roughly 855 miles across Central and Southern Europe, making it a genuinely short hop — you're wheels-down before your coffee gets cold. Block time is typically 2 hours 20 to 30 minutes depending on the airline, winds, and how long the crew spends taxiing at El Prat. Both airports are well-connected, major hubs with no regional airport surprises, so what you see is what you get: Vienna Schwechat on the Austrian end, Barcelona El Prat on the Spanish end.
This is a well-served route with multiple airlines competing for the same passengers, which keeps prices honest. You'll find direct, non-stop options year-round, so there's no need to connect through Madrid or Frankfurt unless you're chasing a very specific deal. For a city break, a business trip, or the start of a longer Iberian journey, Vienna to Barcelona flights are among the more straightforward short-haul options out of Austria.
Airlines on This Route
Four airlines currently operate non-stop flights from Vienna (VIE) to Barcelona (BCN): Vueling, Austrian Airlines, Ryanair, and Wizz Air Malta. Each sits in a different corner of the market.
- Vueling is the most frequent operator and often the most convenient for Barcelona specifically — it's partly owned by IAG and positions itself between full-service and budget, with decent legroom and a proper cabin crew. Expect fares from around €30 on sale.
- Austrian Airlines is the full-service option, useful if you need checked luggage included, want lounge access, or are connecting from a long-haul flight. Fares are higher but the product is more predictable. Departs from the main terminal at VIE.
- Ryanair runs this route with its usual stripped-back model — no frills, but fares can drop to the low €40s on off-peak dates. Factor in bag fees before assuming it's cheaper than the alternatives.
- Wizz Air Malta often posts the lowest headline fares on this route, sometimes under €30 one-way. The catch is the same as always with Wizz: base fare covers you and a small personal item only. Anything more costs extra.
At Vienna, budget carriers typically operate from Terminal 3, while Austrian Airlines uses the main terminal complex. At Barcelona El Prat, Vueling uses Terminal 1 (T1), while Ryanair operates from Terminal 2 (T2) — a meaningful difference since T2 is further from the city rail link.
Flight Prices: Vienna to Barcelona
One-way fares on cheap flights to Barcelona from Vienna start around €29–€53 for budget carriers on good days. Wizz Air Malta and Vueling tend to anchor the low end; Austrian Airlines sits comfortably above that. For a realistic budget, plan on €50–€120 one-way for most travel dates once you include a carry-on bag. Return fares with a budget carrier for a long weekend can come in well under €150 if you book early and travel mid-week.
To find Barcelona flight deals from Vienna, book 6–10 weeks out for the best combination of availability and price. Last-minute fares on this route are rarely bargains. Midweek departures (Tuesday, Wednesday) consistently undercut Friday and Sunday flights by 20–40%. Flexible date search tools on Google Flights or Skyscanner will show you the cheapest days at a glance.
Best Time to Book Vienna to Barcelona Flights
January and February are the quietest months on this route — both for crowds and for prices. October and November also offer solid value once the summer rush ends. If you're targeting cheap fares, these shoulder and off-peak windows are where Vienna to Barcelona flight deals actually exist rather than being advertised and unavailable.
Summer (June through August) is peak season. Barcelona is one of Europe's most visited cities and prices reflect that. Expect fares to climb significantly, and book at least 8–12 weeks ahead if you're travelling in July or August. Easter week and long weekends in May also spike. March and April offer a reasonable middle ground — the city is pleasant, prices haven't fully peaked, and you won't be competing with half of Europe for a seat.
Barcelona Airport Guide
Barcelona–El Prat Airport (BCN) is 12 km southwest of the city centre. It has two terminals: T1 handles most major carriers including Vueling, while T2 is used by Ryanair and some charters. The two terminals are connected by a free shuttle bus, but allow extra time if you need to switch between them for a connection.
Getting into Barcelona from the airport is straightforward. The Aerobus runs directly to Plaça de Catalunya (the city centre) in around 35 minutes and costs approximately €6.75 one-way. The RENFE Cercanías train (Line R2 Nord) connects T2 to Passeig de Gràcia and Sants station in about 20–25 minutes for roughly €4.60 — better value, though you need to take the shuttle from T1 first. A taxi from the airport to the city centre runs €35–€45 with the fixed-rate supplement.
FAQ — Vienna to Barcelona Flights
How long is the flight from Vienna to Barcelona?
Direct flights from Vienna (VIE) to Barcelona (BCN) take approximately 2 hours 20 to 30 minutes. The route covers around 855 miles and all major airlines operate it non-stop, so there's no reason to take a connecting flight unless you're finding an unusual fare difference.
What is the cheapest time to fly from Vienna to Barcelona?
January, February, October, and November consistently offer the lowest fares on this route. Mid-week departures (Tuesday and Wednesday) are cheaper than weekends regardless of the month. Booking 6–10 weeks in advance tends to hit the sweet spot between good availability and reasonable pricing.
Which airlines fly from Vienna to Barcelona?
Four airlines currently operate non-stop flights from Vienna to Barcelona: Vueling, Austrian Airlines, Ryanair, and Wizz Air Malta. Vueling flies most frequently. Austrian Airlines is the full-service option. Ryanair and Wizz Air Malta offer the lowest base fares but charge separately for checked bags and, in Wizz Air's case, cabin bags above a small personal item.
How much do Vienna to Barcelona flights cost?
One-way fares start from around €29–€53 with budget carriers on off-peak dates. Realistically, including a carry-on bag, budget €50–€120 one-way for most travel periods. Austrian Airlines fares tend to start higher but include more in the base price. Peak summer fares can exceed €200 one-way if you book late.