Giant Ferris Wheel Riesenrad Ride Tickets at the Prater Vienna
- Duration15 minutes
- Open onDaily
- Meeting pointThe Giant Ferris Wheel at the main entrance of the Prater
- Fair, honest prices
- Real people, not bots
- Confirm, then pay
- Secure payment
Overview
Ride the Wiener Riesenrad, the giant Ferris wheel that has been turning above the Prater since 1897 and is one of the best-known symbols of Vienna. Your ticket covers one ride in a classic cabin, access that lets you skip the cashier-desk queue, and a visit to the small panorama museum at the entrance. It is an entry ticket with no guide, valid for a date you choose on the booking panel, and it suits couples, families and anyone who enjoys a slow ride with a view.
Highlights
- One ride on the historic Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel at the Prater
- Skip-the-cashier-desk access to save time at the entrance
- Visit to the panorama museum at the entrance to the wheel
- Slow, calm ride with views over the Old Town, the Danube and the Vienna Woods
- Iconic landmark featured in classic films of the city
- Wheelchair-accessible, with a date chosen on the booking panel
Full Description
The Wiener Riesenrad
The Riesenrad was built in 1897 by the English engineer Walter Basset to mark Emperor Franz Joseph's Golden Jubilee and, at about 65 metres, it was the tallest Ferris wheel in the world for many decades. It is one of the oldest surviving giant Ferris wheels anywhere, and it has been rebuilt with care after damage in the Second World War.
A ride on the Vienna Riesenrad takes about 15 minutes for a full turn. The cabins are large and slow, so you can stand, walk around and take photographs, which makes the experience quite different from a modern fairground ride.
The view from the top
From the top you see the domes and towers of the Old Town, the Danube, the modern skyline of Donaustadt and the green edge of the Vienna Woods. On a clear day the panorama stretches far beyond the city limits.
If you are asking whether the Riesenrad is worth it, it is one of the simplest ways to get your bearings in Vienna and to take photographs that show the city in context. Late afternoon gives soft light, and after dark the wheel and the Prater are lit up. For photographers, the best picture of the wheel itself is taken from the Prater side before you board, while the best city view is looking towards the spire of St. Stephen's Cathedral from the top.
The Prater and the panorama museum
The wheel stands at the entrance to the Wurstelprater, the old amusement district of the Prater, a public park that Emperor Joseph II opened to Viennese citizens in 1766. The area is full of traditional rides, cafés and stalls and is good for a relaxed stroll before or after your ride.
Your ticket includes the panorama museum at the entrance, which shows historic photographs and models telling the story of the wheel and the Prater. It is a short visit and helps explain why the wheel became a city emblem.
Practical visit: how to get there and opening hours
To get to the Riesenrad, take the U1 or U2 metro to Praterstern and walk for about five minutes through the park entrance to Riesenradplatz. Your voucher lets you skip the cashier desk and go to the wheel's entrance.
Opening hours change by season, with longer hours in summer, so check the time slot on the booking panel. Queues at the wheel can be long at weekends and in good weather, which is why skip-the-cashier-desk access is useful. Combine the ride with a walk along the Hauptallee, the long chestnut-lined avenue of the Prater that is popular with joggers and cyclists and starts a short way from the wheel.
Itinerary
- Arrive at RiesenradplatzCome to the entrance of the wheel at the Prater and show your voucher.
- Skip the cashier deskGo straight to the boarding area without queuing at the ticket window.
- Panorama museumVisit the small museum at the entrance to see photos and models of the wheel's history.
- The rideBoard a cabin for a slow ride of about 15 minutes with views over Vienna.
- Explore the PraterStep off and stroll through the Wurstelprater or have a coffee nearby.
What's included
- 1 ride on the Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel
- Skip-the-cashier-desk access
- Visit to the panorama museum at the entrance
Not included
- Food and drinks
- Tips and personal expenses
Is this right for you?
Great for
- Families with children — a child price for ages 0–13
- A short visit — about 1 hour
Not suitable for
- Visitors with a strong fear of heights
- Anyone wanting a guided tour of Vienna
- Guests who expect a fast thrill ride, as the wheel turns slowly
Meeting point
There is no hotel pickup. Go to the entrance of the Wiener Riesenrad at Riesenradplatz in the Prater, about five minutes on foot from Praterstern (U1, U2). Show your voucher at the skip-the-cashier-desk entrance and follow the signs to the boarding area.
Important information
- The ticket covers one ride, so keep your voucher until you board.
- Opening hours change by season and can be longer in summer.
- Queues can be long at weekends and on sunny days.
- The cabins turn slowly; no special clothing is needed but a jacket helps on cool days.
- Large luggage is not practical at the wheel, so leave it at your hotel.
- Check the date and time on the booking panel before you travel.
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
How much do Riesenrad tickets cost?
The price depends on the option shown on the booking panel. The panel on this page displays the current price for adults and children, so you can see it before you pay.
Is hotel pickup included?
No. The Riesenrad is easy to reach by metro. Take the U1 or U2 to Praterstern and walk about five minutes to the wheel.
How long is the ride?
A full turn of the wheel takes about 15 minutes. Allow around an hour if you also want to visit the panorama museum and look around the Prater.
Is the ride suitable for children?
Yes. The ride is slow and calm, and children have their own ticket category on the booking panel. Very young children should stay with an adult at all times.
Is the Riesenrad worth it?
Yes, particularly for first-time visitors. It is a historic landmark and the slow ride gives a good overview of Vienna in a relaxed setting.
What does skip-the-cashier-desk access mean?
It means you do not have to queue at the ticket window. You can go directly to the entrance. A queue to board the cabins may still form at busy times.
What is the best time to ride?
Late afternoon gives soft light and a good view, and evening lets you see the city lights. Weekday mornings are usually quieter.
What should I wear or bring?
Wear comfortable clothing and bring a camera. A light jacket helps because the cabins can feel breezy when it is cool.
Can I book for today or tomorrow?
You can book any date shown as available on the booking panel, including same-day slots when they are still open.
Is the wheel wheelchair-accessible?
Yes, the ride is wheelchair-accessible. Please contact us before you travel if you would like help planning your visit.
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