If you are planning a trip to Vienna, Schönbrunn Palace is one attraction that genuinely lives up to the hype.
Grand, golden and gloriously over the top, this former imperial family summer residence of the Habsburgs is one of the most important cultural sites in Austria and a UNESCO World Heritage Site to boot.
I’ve visited Schönbrunn more than once and can confirm this is not a quick pop-in kind of attraction!
Between the palace interior, gardens, viewpoints and additional museums, it can easily swallow half a day or more.
That is why choosing the right Schönbrunn Palace tickets really matters.
But just like the members of the Habsburg dynasty, tickets and tours to Schönbrunn Palace can be a little complicated and hard to understand!
This guide breaks down all the Schönbrunn Tickets options – from quick interior visits, to full combination passes and even guided experiences.
It also explains the Schönbrunn Palace ticket prices, opening hours, tour lengths and which tour and tickets for Schönbrunn Palace actually makes sense for your itinerary.
Let’s get stuck in…
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Schönbrunn Palace at a Glance
Before we dive into tickets, it helps to understand what Schönbrunn actually is!
Schönbrunn Palace (also known as Schloss Schönbrunn in German), offers an incredible insight into the world of the famed Habsburg dynasty, who ruled over large swaths of central Europe in the 1700s and 1800s.
From the mid-18th century onwards, Schloss Schönbrunn was the main residence of the Habsburgs during the summer months.
The time of Maria Theresa is that most closely associated with the palace, followed later by Emperor Franz Joseph I and his wife Empress Elisabeth, better known as Sisi.
The palace has 1,441 rooms, although only a fraction are open to the public. These include ceremonial state rooms and imperial attractions.
The palace complex also includes formal Baroque gardens, ornamental fountains, a maze, the Gloriette hilltop pavilion, the Palm House, the Privy Garden and the Tiergarten Schönbrunn, which is the oldest continuously operating zoo in the world.
Today, Schönbrunn Palace is one of Vienna’s most visited attractions and tickets operate on a timed entry system to carefully manage the crowds.
Visiting Schönbrunn Palace: The Basics
There are 2 main areas at Schönbrunn and it is important to understand the difference.
#1 The Park and Palace Gardens
The park and palace gardens are largely free to enter.
You can wander through much of the grounds without a ticket, including long avenues, fountains, viewpoints and a former royal hunting ground.
The park’s opening time is from 6.30am all year round.
Closing times vary by season, but are typically between 5:30pm and 9pm.
Certain garden areas such as the Privy Garden, Maze and Gloriette Viewing Terrace do require tickets.
#2 The Palace Interior
The palace interior on the other hand is fully ticketed and entry is strictly timed.
You must choose a specific entry time when booking Schönbrunn Palace tickets and arrive shortly beforehand.
Schönbrunn Palace hours for the interior vary seasonally, but the palace generally opens at 8:30am year round.
Closing times range from around 5pm in winter, to 6pm or slightly later in summer.
Getting to Schönbrunn Palace
Schönbrunn Palace is located in the west of Vienna, around 20-30 minutes from the historic city centre.
The easiest way to get there is by metro.
Take the U4 line to Schönbrunn station and from there, it is a short walk to the main gate and the ticket office.
You should aim to arrive at the gates 10 minutes before the entry time stated on your ticket (more about this below).
Walk through the Palace gates and across the courtyard, before dropping off your bag and coat at the palace entrance.
Worth nothing that large bags must be checked at the palace entrance before interior tours.
Then it’s time to join the line for the free audio guide (included in your ticket price), which is available in several languages.
Unfortunately, no photos or videos are allowed inside the palace, so save your observational eye for the gardens and be ready to focus solely on the stunning interiors.
Schönbrunn Tickets Explained: What You Need to Know
One thing that confuses visitors is the sheer number of Schönbrunn tickets available.
The key thing to remember is…
- Most of the park offers free admission.
- Special outdoor attractions, such as the Privy Garden, the Orangery Garden, the Maze, or the Gloriette require you to purchase tickets.
- The palace interior is fully ticketed.
To avoid long waiting times at the ticket office, it’s best to purchase your ticket online in advance – even 1-2 days ahead of time is ok.
Tickets fall into 4 main categories…
- Palace interior tickets, which include audio-guides
- Combination passes for palace and garden attractions – RECOMMENDED
- Guided tours, either official or through external operators
- Standalone outdoor attraction tickets
Below is a clear breakdown of each of these…
1. Palace Interior Tickets and Audio-Guides
A standard tour of the palace is self-guided with an included free audio guide.
You follow a fixed palace tour route through the rooms at your own pace within the suggested timeframe.
Option #1: Imperial Tour Schönbrunn Palace
The Imperial Tour is the shortest and most popular option.
It covers 22 of the finest rooms, including the south-facing reception rooms and takes around 30-40 minutes.
Highlights include the private apartments of Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth, the Mirror Room where Mozart performed as a child, the Great Gallery and several ceremonial spaces.
This tour focuses heavily on the 19th century and the personal lives of Franz Joseph and Sisi, but does skip sections like the 18th-century Bergl Rooms.
The Imperial Tour is ideal if you are short on time, or visiting Schönbrunn as part of a busy city itinerary.
If this is your first visit and you do not want to feel overwhelmed, the Imperial Tour is a safe choice.
Option #2: Grand Tour Schönbrunn Palace
The Grand Tour is the most comprehensive palace interior option.
It covers 40 rooms and takes around 50-60 minutes.
In addition to everything included in the Imperial Tour, you also see the ceremonial rooms of Maria Theresa, the Bergl Rooms with elaborate painted walls, the Millions Room with rare rosewood panelling and the Blue Chinese Salon where Emperor Charles I signed his abdication declaration in 1918.
If you are interested in Schönbrunn Palace interior design, political history or the full sweep of the Habsburg story, this is the tour to choose and it provides proper context and does not feel rushed.
Option #3: State Apartments Tour
The State Apartments Tour is the shortest interior option at around 25 minutes.
It focuses on the most important state rooms such as the Great Gallery and Small Gallery.
Some rooms are viewed through glass doors only, for conservation reasons.
This tour suits visitors with very limited time or those who primarily want a visual overview rather than historical depth.
2. Combination Passes for Palace and Gardens
If you want to explore more than just the palace interior, combination passes offer better value.
Option #1: Classic Pass – RECOMMENDED
The Classic Pass combines 5 key attractions…
- Grand Tour Palace Interior (see option #2 above)
- Privy Garden
- Orangery Garden
- Maze
- Gloriette Viewing Terrace
This pass is valid for 1 day and is perfect if you want to see both the palace and its key outdoor attractions.
This is the option I chose on my last visit.
I really liked that it combined all the major attractions into an easy and money-saving pass.
Option #2: Winter Pass
The Winter Pass is a seasonal package that combines the…
- Grand Tour Palace Interior (see option #2 above)
- with Schönbrunn Zoo entry
- and access to the Palm House
This makes the Winter Pass a great choice during the colder months when outdoor gardens are less inviting.
Option #3: Sisi Ticket
The Sisi Ticket combines…
- Schönbrunn’s Grand Tour Palace Interior (see option #2 above)
- with entry to other imperial sites in Vienna, namely the Hofburg Palace Imperial Apartments, the Sisi Museum, and the Imperial Furniture Collection.
This Sisi ticket is valid for 1 year, so you have plenty of time to explore Sisi’s legacy!
This ticket works well if you are keen on imperial history across multiple locations.
3. Guided Tour Schönbrunn Palace Options
Having a tour guide offers a richer, more immersive experience, as expert guides share fascinating historical details, personal anecdotes, and hidden stories about the Habsburg dynasty that you might miss with just an audio guide.
Option #1: Official Guided Tours
The palace runs themed guided tours that last around 75 minutes and include areas not always accessible on standard routes.
They generally offer deeper storytelling and historical context, and are excellent for repeat visitors or history lovers.
Popular options include…
1. Maria Theresa Guided Tour
A highlight of this tour is extended access to Maria Theresa’s ceremonial apartments, which are far grander than the private rooms used by later rulers.
These rooms were designed not for comfort, but for authority, projecting power through scale, symmetry and lavish decoration.
2. Franz Joseph and Sisi Guided Tour
One of the biggest highlights of this tour is access to the private apartments of Franz Joseph.
Unlike the more ornate state rooms, these spaces are surprisingly simple and restrained, reflecting the emperor’s famously disciplined lifestyle.
Option #2: External Guided Tours
Many visitors choose guided tours run by external organisations.
These often include skip-the-line entrance tickets to the palace and escorted garden visits.
Optional extras such as concerts, dinner or wine tasting are also available.
These sorts of ticketed tours are ideal if you want everything organised for you, especially if are visiting Vienna on a short break.
Here’s my top picks…
- Schönbrunn Palace & Gardens Skip-the-Line Tour
- Schönbrunn Palace Entry Ticket with Lunch
- Wine Tasting at Schönbrunn Palace
- Schönbrunn Palace Evening Tour, Dinner and Concert
4. Standalone Outdoor Attraction Tickets
Very helpful if you don’t want to visit the Palace interior, you can be spontaneous and get these on the spot, or plan ahead and buy them as part of combination packages.
Option #1: Exclusive Gardens
The Exclusive Gardens ticket lets you explore some of the most delightful outdoor attractions in the palace park without entering the palace interior.
With this one admission ticket, you get access to the Maze and Labyrinth, the beautifully laid out Privy Garden, the historic Orangery Garden and the elevated Gloriette viewing terrace with its sweeping views over the palace grounds and Vienna’s skyline.
The Exclusive Gardens ticket is only available from March to November, but it’s an ideal choice if you want to soak up the Baroque garden design and panoramic vistas at your own pace, especially during the summer months when the flowers, hedges and outdoor spaces are at their most colourful.
Buy this ticket online or at the Palace ticket desks.
Option #2: Children’s Museum
If your little ones are visiting with you and they (or you) still have some patience left, the Children’s Museum is a great experience to try out.
The museum allows kids to learn about the young Habsburg figures through interactive exhibits and activities.
Option #3: Schönbrunn Zoo
The Schönbrunn Zoo (Tiergarten Schönbrunn) is the oldest continuously operating zoo in the world.
Established in 1752, it has stood in the grounds of the Schönbrunn Palace since its inception.
Today, it’s a modern facility providing spacious, naturalistic habitats to over 700 species – from giant pandas and elephants, to penguins and polar bears.
With its multiple restaurants, play areas, and daily feeding shows, you can easily spend 4-6 hours exploring this place, so ensure you allow plenty of time.
Schönbrunn Palace Tickets and Tours Comparison
This handy table should help you decide which tickets or tours are best for you…
| Ticket category | Ticket or tour name | What’s included | Duration | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Palace interior tickets with audio guide | Imperial Tour | 22 rooms including Franz Joseph and Sisi apartments, Mirror Room and Great Gallery | 30 to 40 minutes | First-time visitors short on time | Most popular basic Schönbrunn Palace ticket |
| Palace interior tickets with audio guide | Grand Tour | 40 rooms including Maria Theresa apartments, Bergl Rooms, Millions Room and Blue Chinese Salon | 50 to 60 minutes | History lovers and first-time visitors | Best all-round palace interior option |
| Palace interior tickets with audio guide | State Apartments Tour | Core ceremonial state rooms only | Around 25 minutes | Very limited time | Smallest interior route |
| Combination passes for palace and gardens | Classic Pass | Grand Tour plus Privy Garden, Orangery Garden, Maze and Gloriette Viewing Terrace | Half to full day | Visitors wanting palace and gardens | Best value option and easiest to plan |
| Combination passes for palace and gardens | Winter Pass | Grand Tour plus Palm House and Zoo | Half to full day | Winter visitors | Indoor-focused attractions |
| Combination passes for palace and gardens | Sisi Ticket | Grand Tour plus Hofburg Imperial Apartments, Sisi Museum and Imperial Furniture Collection | Flexible over 1 year | Imperial history fans | Multi-site Vienna pass |
| Palace Guided tours | Official Guided Tours | Live guided tours themed around Maria Theresa or Franz Joseph and Sisi | Around 75 minutes | Deeper historical insight | Includes rooms not always on standard routes |
| Operator Guided tours | External Guided Tours | Skip-the-line palace entry plus guided gardens and extras | 2 to 4 hours | Short stays or hassle-free visits | Often include priority access |
| Standalone outdoor attraction tickets | Outdoor and family attractions | Zoo, Children’s Museum, Privy Garden, Maze, Orangery Garden, Gloriette Viewing Terrace | Flexible | Families or garden-focused visits | Can be bought individually or as add-ons |
Schönbrunn Palace Ticket Price Guide
Schönbrunn Palace ticket prices vary by season and tour type, but as a general guide…
- The short palace interior tours start from around 22€
- Combination passes offer good savings compared to buying attractions separately
Reduced ticket prices are available to the following…
- Children under 18
- Seniors aged 65+
- Those with disability discounts – disabled visitor’s id required
- Students – international student identity card required
- Group rates are available for parties of 10 or more
The Vienna City Card / Vienna Pass includes one palace interior visit, usually the Imperial Tour.
Buying tickets online in advance is strongly recommended, especially in peak seasons from April to October.
Which Schönbrunn Palace Ticket Should You Choose?
| If you are… | Choose this ticket | Why it works |
|---|---|---|
| Visiting Schönbrunn for the first time | Grand Tour (Audio Guide) | Best overview of the Schönbrunn Palace interior and Habsburg history |
| Short on time but want to see inside | Imperial Tour | Covers the highlights in under 40 minutes |
| Interested mainly in Sisi and Franz Joseph | Franz Joseph and Sisi Guided Tour | Focuses on private apartments and personal stories |
| Fascinated by power, politics and empire | Maria Theresa Guided Tour | Deep dive into ceremonial rooms and Schönbrunn Palace facts |
| Want palace and gardens in one visit | Classic Pass | Combines interior tour with key outdoor attractions |
| Visiting in winter | Winter Pass | Focuses on indoor attractions like the Palm House |
| Planning to visit multiple imperial sites | Sisi Ticket | Best value across Schönbrunn and central Vienna |
| Want everything organised for you | Skip-the-Line Guided External Tour | Includes priority entry and guided commentary |
| Celebrating a special occasion | External Guided Evening Tour with Dinner and Concert | Unique after-hours experience |
Schönbrunn Palace Hours and Best Time to Visit
Schönbrunn Palace opening hours vary by season, but interior opening generally begins at 8:30am daily.
Early morning slots between 8:30am and 10am are the quietest, so opt for these slots to dodge the crowds.
Late afternoon can also be calmer, particularly outside summer.
Visits to the interior of Schönbrunn Palace are fixed to your ticket time slot, so punctuality matters.
The gardens are most impressive from late spring to early autumn, when fountains are running and flowerbeds are in bloom.
Events at Schönbrunn Palace
Schönbrunn hosts seasonal events that can enhance your visit.
The Christmas Market runs from late November to late December and transforms the main courtyard into a festive scene.
The Easter Market takes place in spring with traditional crafts and food stalls.
In summer, the Vienna Philharmonic performs a free open-air concert in the gardens, usually in June.
Is Schönbrunn Palace Worth It?
Absolutely, but only if you plan it properly!
Schönbrunn is not a one-size-fits-all attraction, so choosing the right Schönbrunn Palace tickets and tours makes the difference between feeling rushed and feeling inspired.
Hopefully this guide will help you!
Mini Travel Guide to Vienna
Best Time to Go:
I think it’s best to visit Vienna during the shoulder months of May / June or September to avoid the crowds and still enjoy some good weather.
How to Get to Austria:
You can fly to Vienna International Airport. As always, I use Skyscanner to find the best flight deals.
You can also train to Vienna from many destinations across Austria and Europe. Find routes and book journeys through Trainline.
Where to Stay:
In Vienna, check out the 7th Heaven Vienna Apartments or the Hotel Sacher Wien.
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Austria uses the Euro for its currency.
I always travel in Europe with my Wise card, which makes spending abroad cheaper with real exchange rates and no sneaky transaction or ATM fees.
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I recommend Holafly for unlimited data across Austria.
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Top Austria Tours:
Check out these top Austria tours if you’re looking to see the best of this country with an expert guide.
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Schönbrunn Palace is one of those rare attractions that balances history, beauty and scale without feeling like a museum box-tick.
It is imperial Vienna at its most theatrical and it deserves a proper place in your itinerary.
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