Messe Wien Exhibition & Congress Center is Vienna’s primary venue for large trade fairs, exhibitions, international conferences and corporate events. Located in the Leopoldstadt district, right next to the Prater, it attracts a very different crowd to concert arenas — business travellers, exhibitors and international delegates — but it still operates firm security and bag rules, especially during high-profile events.
Why bag rules matter at Messe Wien
Messe Wien is designed for high visitor throughput across multiple halls, often with several events running simultaneously. Entry points are controlled, accreditation checks are common, and security screening is standard at most exhibitions. Oversized bags slow down access, create congestion at cloakrooms and may not be permitted inside exhibition halls at all.
Many visitors arrive directly from Vienna International Airport, Westbahnhof or Wien Hauptbahnhof, often on the same day as their event. If you’re travelling with luggage, planning where to leave it is essential.
Messe Wien bag and cloakroom policy
Bag rules at Messe Wien can vary slightly depending on the organiser, but the general expectations are:
- Small bags only inside halls: Compact backpacks, laptop bags and handbags are usually permitted if they can be easily inspected.
- No large luggage: Suitcases, large backpacks and travel bags are not suitable for entry into exhibition halls.
- Cloakroom availability varies: Some events provide cloakrooms, but these are intended for coats and small items — not for storing suitcases or bulky bags.
- Security screening: Bag checks are common, particularly at international trade fairs and congresses.
- Organiser-specific rules: Certain exhibitions apply stricter limits, especially for trade-only or accredited events.
If you arrive with large or heavy luggage, you may be asked to store it elsewhere before being allowed inside.
Getting to Messe Wien
Messe Wien is extremely well connected by public transport. The U2 underground line stops at Messe-Prater, placing you directly at the venue entrance, while Praterstern — a major rail, S-Bahn and tram hub — is a short walk away. This makes the venue easy to reach, but also means many visitors arrive carrying bags straight from trains.
Because you’ll likely be walking exhibition halls for hours, carrying anything more than a small day bag quickly becomes uncomfortable.
What to bring for a comfortable visit
- A small backpack or laptop bag with essentials: badge, documents, phone, wallet and charger.
- Avoid suitcases, rolling bags or large promotional bags if possible.
- If you expect to collect brochures or samples, plan space in advance rather than arriving with a full bag.
Storing luggage before your event
If you’re attending Messe Wien while travelling, the most practical option is to store luggage elsewhere in Vienna before arriving. This is especially useful if you’re coming straight from the airport or checking out of your accommodation earlier in the day.
Book your luggage storage for Messe Wien now to leave suitcases and larger bags securely stored and attend your exhibition or conference with just a small personal bag.
Book your luggage storage for Messe Wien now if you want to move freely between halls, meetings and nearby cafés without worrying about where to leave your bags.
Extra tips for exhibitors and delegates
- Arrive early on the first day of major trade fairs — queues can build quickly at peak entry times.
- Check your event’s exhibitor or visitor guidelines for any additional bag or equipment restrictions.
- Wear comfortable shoes — Messe Wien covers a large footprint and involves a lot of walking.
- Plan onward travel in advance if you’re leaving Vienna straight after the event.
Messe Wien Exhibition & Congress Center operates a practical, security-focused bag policy designed for busy trade fairs and conferences. Large bags and suitcases are not suitable for entry, and cloakrooms — where available — are not intended for travel luggage. By planning ahead and storing bags before you arrive, you can focus fully on the event rather than on what you’re carrying.
