Graz Airport (GRZ) sits around 10 km south of Austria's second city, and unlike some smaller regional airports in this guide, it has a genuine rail link straight into the centre — making the S-Bahn the natural default for most visitors, with buses and taxis as sensible backups depending on your timing and luggage.
The S5 S-Bahn: the standard way in
The S5 line of Austria's regional S-Bahn network calls at Graz Airport and runs directly to Graz Hauptbahnhof, the main station, in around 15–20 minutes. Trains run at regular intervals through the day, tickets are bought from a machine on the platform or via the ÖBB or regional transport app, and the same ticket typically covers a same-direction connection onward within the city if you need one — check the current fare structure when you buy, since regional S-Bahn tickets and city transport tickets aren't always the same product.
City buses
Bus 630 also connects the airport with the city, running a different route to the S-Bahn and useful if your destination sits closer to a stop on its path than to the Hauptbahnhof. It's a reasonable alternative if you land when trains are less frequent, though for most visitors the S5 remains the quicker, more direct option.
Taxis
A taxi rank operates outside arrivals, offering a direct door-to-door option that skips the walk or tram connection from the Hauptbahnhof if your hotel is well inside the centre. It costs considerably more than the train but the journey itself is short, so the total fare stays reasonable compared with taxi transfers at larger airports.
Ride-hailing and pre-booked transfers
Ride-hailing apps operate in Graz alongside traditional taxis, and can be a useful option for a fixed, upfront price if you'd rather not negotiate at the rank. Given the short distance, the price difference against a taxi is generally modest.
Car hire
Rental desks at GRZ are worth considering if you're planning to explore Styria's countryside and wine roads beyond the city, but within Graz itself a car isn't especially useful — the compact, walkable centre and the reliable tram network cover most visitor needs without the hassle of parking.
Late-night and early-morning arrivals
GRZ handles a modest schedule compared with Vienna, and the S5 does not run through the small hours. For a very early or late flight, check the current train timetable in advance and default to a taxi if your arrival falls outside its operating window.
Connecting onward from Graz Hauptbahnhof
Because the S5 delivers you directly to Graz Hauptbahnhof rather than a separate airport station, arriving this way sets you up well for onward travel — the station is a proper mainline stop on the ÖBB network, with regular services towards Vienna and south towards Slovenia. If Graz is a short stop on a longer Austrian itinerary rather than your main destination, it's worth checking mainline train times before you even collect your luggage, since the S-Bahn and onward railjet services often connect with only a short wait.
Ticket types and fare zones
The S5 sits within Styria's regional fare network, which is organised into zones rather than a flat citywide fare, so the exact ticket you need depends on how far into the network you're travelling — a single hop into central Graz is straightforward, but check the zone map or ask at the ticket machine if your final destination is further out. Single tickets and day tickets are both available from the platform machine or the regional transport app, and a day ticket is generally the better buy if you'll be using Graz's trams and buses beyond just the airport transfer.
Luggage and accessibility
The S5's regional trains have reasonable luggage racks near the doors and at the end of each carriage, comfortable for holiday-sized bags, though there's no dedicated baggage van for larger loads. Level or near-level boarding is standard on the newer regional rolling stock used on this line, and Graz Hauptbahnhof itself has lifts between platforms, making the S-Bahn a workable option for travellers with reduced mobility — though the connecting tram or walk into the old town is worth checking in advance if step-free access matters for your onward journey. Bus 630 is generally similarly equipped, with low-floor vehicles standard on most Graz Linien city routes, so neither of the two public options should present a major obstacle if you plan the connecting leg with a bit of extra time.
Which option should you choose?
For most visitors, the S5 S-Bahn to Graz Hauptbahnhof is the fastest and cheapest way in, with a short tram or walk to finish the journey into the old town. Bus 630 is a reasonable alternative depending on your exact destination, and a taxi suits late arrivals, heavier luggage, or anyone wanting a direct door-to-door transfer.
Continuing your trip? See our guide to Vienna to Graz over the Semmering pass, plus Austria by train for the wider ÖBB network and Vienna transport tickets explained if you're continuing on to the capital.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get from Graz Airport to the city centre?
The S5 S-Bahn train runs directly from the airport to Graz Hauptbahnhof in around 15–20 minutes. From there, a tram or short walk covers the last stretch into the historic centre.
Is there a bus from Graz Airport to the city?
Yes — bus 630 also connects the airport to Graz, on a different route to the S-Bahn, useful if your destination is closer to one of its stops than to the Hauptbahnhof.
How much does a taxi cost from Graz Airport?
Fares aren't fixed the way a train ticket is, so confirm the price with your driver or the rank desk before setting off. It costs more than the S-Bahn, though the short distance keeps the total fare reasonable.
Does the S-Bahn run at night from Graz Airport?
No, services stop through the small hours. For a very early or late flight, check the current timetable in advance and plan on a taxi instead.
Sources and further reading:
- Airport transport information: Graz Airport official site.
- S-Bahn and bus routes: Graz Linien and ÖBB regional network.