Exploring Austria By Car: A Uk Driver's Guide

Yes, you can drive from the UK to Austria. The journey is approximately 828 miles and will take over 10 hours from Calais to Innsbruck, or over 13 hours from Calais to Vienna.

To get to Austria by car, you'll first need to take your car across the Channel to Calais, either via a ferry from Dover or the Eurotunnel from Folkestone. From there, you can either head through Belgium and Germany if you're going to Vienna, or through France and Germany if you're visiting western Austria near Innsbruck.

Driving in Austria: Rules and Regulations

Documents to carry

If you're driving in Austria, you must carry a full, valid UK driving licence, proof of ID (passport), a motor insurance certificate, and a V5 registration document.

Rules of the road

In Austria, motorists drive on the right-hand side of the road and overtake on the left. Drivers must stop at zebra crossings when a pedestrian is on or showing intention to use the crossing. Overtaking is forbidden on and approaching pedestrian crossings, and when it means crossing a continuous white line. Trams can be overtaken providing no passengers are endangered and there is at least a 1.5m gap. The general rule is that priority must be given to vehicles coming from the right unless indicated otherwise. Emergency vehicles and vehicles on rails have priority over other road users.

Seatbelts

It is compulsory to wear seatbelts in the front and rear seats of cars equipped with them. The fine for failing to wear a seatbelt is €35. All passengers must wear a seatbelt if their seat is equipped with one. Children under 14 years old and less than 1.35m in height must use special seat belts adapted to their size or special child restraints.

Speed limits

The speed limit in built-up areas is between 30km/h and 50km/h. Outside built-up areas, the speed limit is 100km/h. On motorways, the speed limit is 130km/h.

Drink-driving

The general limit for drivers of private vehicles is 0.049%. For professional drivers and those with less than two years' experience, the limit is 0.01%. A driver suspected of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs can be made to undergo a breath or saliva test. Offenders face heavy fines and licence revocation, and visitors could be banned from driving in Austria.

Mobile phones

Using a mobile phone while driving is only permitted with a hands-free device, which must be operable with one hand and must not interfere with driving in any way.

Other things to carry

By law, motorists are required to carry reflective jackets, a warning triangle, a first aid box, and headlamp beam deflectors.

Travel options from the UK to Austria

There are several ways to travel from the UK to Austria. The best option for you will depend on your budget, how much time you have, and your personal travel preferences.

By Car

Austria has a well-developed road network, which makes it easy to get around by car once you're in the country. Driving to Austria from the UK is a long journey, but it can be a great option if you want to explore the countryside and smaller towns that aren't easily accessible by public transport.

To get from the UK to Austria by car, you'll need to take a car ferry or the Eurotunnel from Dover or Folkestone to Calais. From there, you can drive through Belgium and Germany if you're heading to Vienna, or through France and Germany if you're going to western Austria near Innsbruck. The drive from Calais to Innsbruck takes just over 10 hours, while Calais to Vienna is over 13 hours.

When driving in Austria, remember that they drive on the right-hand side of the road, and there are different rules and regulations that you'll need to follow. These include displaying a UK sticker on the rear of your car, having the correct equipment (such as reflective jackets and warning triangles), and adhering to speed limits and alcohol limits.

By Plane

Flying is the fastest way to get from the UK to Austria, with a flight time of around 5 hours. There are several direct flights available from London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Manchester, London Stansted, and London City to various airports in Austria, including Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck, and Zurich.

By Train

Travelling by train from the UK to Austria is a good option if you want to avoid flying and don't want to drive long distances. The journey takes around 15 hours and involves taking the Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris, and then connecting to other trains to reach your final destination in Austria. This option is more expensive than flying, but it can be a more comfortable and scenic journey.

By Bus

Taking the bus from the UK to Austria is the cheapest option, with tickets costing around $55 to $90. However, it is also the longest journey, taking around 24 to 27 hours. There are direct buses from London to Vienna, or you can take a bus to Prague and then connect to another bus to Vienna.

Important Considerations

When travelling from the UK to Austria, keep in mind any entry and customs regulations, especially if you're bringing any restricted items or products with you. Additionally, make sure you are familiar with the local laws, traffic regulations, and emergency numbers in Austria.

Documents required for driving in Austria

When driving in Austria, it is important to carry the correct documents with you. Here is a list of the necessary documents required for driving in Austria:

• A full, valid UK driving licence. Driving licences issued in EU and EEA countries are accepted in Austria. International driving permits are recognised but not required. However, if your licence is not written in German, it must be accompanied by an international driving permit or an official German translation.
• Proof of identification (passport).
• Motor insurance certificate.
• V5 registration document.
• A GB or UK sticker on the rear of your car. The letters 'UK' must be displayed on vehicles registered in the UK when driven in Austria. This can be incorporated into the number plate or displayed as a separate sticker.
• A vignette, or toll sticker, for driving on Austrian motorways and expressways. Vignettes can be purchased at border points, petrol stations, automobile clubs, post offices, and tobacco shops.
• A medical certificate, which should be submitted directly to the competent authority.
• A confirmation of registration in the civil registry (if possible).
• A first aid kit, a warning triangle, and a reflective safety vest. These items are required by law and must be presented during a traffic check.

In addition to the above documents, it is important to note that certain items are prohibited from being brought into Austria, such as meat, dairy products, and fresh fruit (with some exceptions). When travelling to Austria, it is essential to familiarise yourself with the laws and regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Driving licences in Austria

Driving licences issued in EU and EEA countries are accepted in Austria. International driving permits are recognised but not required. Driving licences issued outside the European Economic Area are valid for 12 months from the date of arrival in Austria, provided the holder is at least 18 years old. If the driving licence is not written in German, it is only valid in conjunction with an international driving permit or a translation.

To obtain an Austrian driving licence, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old. If under 18, written consent from parents or legal guardians is needed.
• Provide proof of identity and residency. This includes a valid passport and either an Austrian ID card, residence permit, or Meldezettel (registration form).
• Have a valid medical certificate.
• Enrol in a driving school and take theory and practical driving lessons.
• Pass a theory test.
• Pass a practical driving test.
• Provide proof of insurance.
• Pay the required fees.

The procedure for issuing the driving licence falls under the responsibility of the driving licence authority in whose district the driving school in question is located. However, there is usually no need for direct contact with the authority.

Once you have passed your practical driving test, you will be issued a temporary licence. Your photocard driving licence will be sent to you by post within a few days after you have paid the indicated fee.

Road conditions in Austria

Austria has a well-developed road network, which makes it easy to get to your destination. However, there are some things to be mindful of when driving in the country.

Firstly, driving is on the right, and seat belts are compulsory for all passengers in the front and back seats of a vehicle. The fine for failing to wear a seat belt is €35. Children under 14 years old who are shorter than 150 cm (4.9 feet) must be seated in appropriate child seats, and only one child per seat is allowed.

Secondly, motorists must be aged 18 or over and hold a full, valid driving licence. International driving permits are recognised but not required. If your licence is not written in German, it is only valid in conjunction with an international driving permit or a translation.

Thirdly, there are speed limits that apply in Austria. Within town limits, the speed limit is 50 km/h (approx. 31 mph). On the open road, it's 100 km/h (approx. 62 mph). On expressways, it's 100 km/h or 130 km/h (approx. 62 mph or 80 mph), depending on the road. On motorways, the speed limit is 130 km/h (approx. 80 mph).

Fourthly, all motorways and expressways are subject to tolls, which can be paid for with a vignette. Vignettes can be purchased at major border crossings, insurance companies, and petrol stations. The cost depends on the length of your stay, with a 10-day vignette costing €9.40, a two-month vignette costing €27.40, and a one-year vignette costing €91.10.

Fifthly, it is important to follow the traffic regulations and road signs in Austria, which generally correspond to those of other European countries. For example, using a phone while driving is only permitted with a hands-free device, and drinking and driving is illegal. The blood-alcohol level limit is 0.05, and the punishment for drink driving includes a minimum fine of €360 and the loss of your driver's licence.

Finally, during the winter, roads in alpine areas can become dangerous due to snow, ice, and avalanches. From 1 November to 15 April, it is mandatory to use winter tyres or snow chains.

Frequently asked questions