Exploring Austria: Travel Tips And Tricks

Travelling through Austria is an easy and well-connected journey by train, with connections to more than 25 cities in seven countries. The country is small but mighty, with plenty to explore beyond Vienna, including Steyr in Upper Austria, Leoben in Styria, and Lake Millstatt in Carinthia. The train network is extensive, with two operators, Westbahn and ÖBB, offering comfortable and punctual journeys. However, it can be expensive, especially for tourists, and trains and buses tend to be packed during the high season. Nevertheless, with the right apps and planning, you can navigate your way through Austria with ease and enjoy the scenic views along the way.

Travel by train

Austria's national operator ÖBB boasts a network of over 5000km that connects the country's nine federal states. The Railjet (RJ) trains are high-speed and best for crisscrossing the country; the faster Xpress (RJX) stops only at main city stations. Amenities include free wi-fi, comfy seats, luggage racks, power sockets, a restaurant car, and designated Quiet and Family Zones.

There are two Railjets per hour linking Vienna to Linz and Salzburg, and one every hour taking you from Vienna to Graz and Klagenfurt. Intercity-Express (ICE) trains are the second fastest option, and ÖBB Nightjets can save on accommodation costs, leaving Vienna in the evening and arriving in Innsbruck by early morning.

The regional (R) and regional express (REX), Intercity (IC) and Cityjet (CJ) trains are slower, stopping or interchanging at smaller towns between the main cities. S-Bahn (S) trains connect regional capitals to the surrounding provincial areas.

Private rail operator WESTbahn charts a standalone intercity connection between Vienna Westbahnhof station to Salzburg, Innsbruck and Bregenz. The high-speed, double-decker trains are packed with similar comforts, but the supersaver and flexible tickets are often cheaper than the ÖBB equivalent fare.

When booking ÖBB trains, standard fare tickets offer flexibility in departure time, while advance-purchase Sparschiene tickets with a fixed time are often half or a third of the cost. Seat reservations cost €3.00 more each way but are worth booking on popular intercity routes or when travelling at peak times and days.

Bikes are free to bring on regional trains, but for long-distance trains, you must book a special ticket to reserve a space in the designated bike zone (2nd-class carriage).

Travel by bus

Austria's public transport system is well-established, punctual, clean, and comfortable. Buses are an important part of the country's transport system, often operating night services and routes to small towns, complementing the national train network.

Postbus

Postbus, a subsidiary of ÖBB, operates regional buses in Austria. Onboard, most Austrian buses are of good quality and have air conditioning. Regional buses will also have Wi-Fi, toilets, and power sockets. Additionally, many drivers will speak German and English.

Tickets

You can check bus connections and buy tickets online via the ÖBB apps, which is cheaper than buying a ticket on the bus, where they accept cash and card. The price of bus tickets in Austria depends on your route. For example, a single ticket on the Vienna Airport line costs €8, while local buses will be much cheaper.

Timetables and Maps

In general, bus services are available from 5:00 am to midnight. However, bigger cities like Vienna often have night lines, especially on weekends. You can find timetables and maps for buses on the Postbus website or get hard copies at the main stations.

Bus Stops and Stations

Austrian bus stops in rural areas are usually just a sign or a small shelter with a bench. Bigger bus stops have public toilets and sometimes a small bistro. Bus stations in larger cities may be part of a train station and offer similar facilities, such as shops, ticket information, toilets, and lockers.

Travel by plane

Austria is easily accessible by plane, with optimal flight connections and multiple airports offering international flights.

Airports

Vienna International Airport is the country's main flight hub, but there are other airports with international connections, including:

• Blue Danube Airport Linz
• Bratislava Airport in Slovakia
• Ljubljana Airport in Slovenia
• Zurich Airport in Switzerland
• Munich Airport in Germany

Airlines

A variety of airlines fly to Austria, including:

• Austrian Airlines
• British Airways
• THAI Airways International
• Emirates
• Qatar Airways
• Etihad
• Lufthansa
• Singapore Airlines
• Swiss
• Air India
• Vueling Airlines
• TAP Portugal
• JetBlue Airways
• Icelandair
• United
• Air Canada
• American Airlines

Flight times

Average direct flying time from the UK to popular Austrian destinations is around 2 hours, while flights from the US range from 8.5 to 11 hours.

Getting to and from the airport

There are various transport options for getting to and from Vienna Airport, including:

• City Airport Train (CAT): a non-stop train connecting the airport to the city centre in just 16 minutes.
• Rapid transit train (S-Bahn): an economical option running approximately every 30 minutes with a travel time of about 25 minutes.
• Bus: Vienna Airport Lines operate buses between the airport and important transport hubs.
• Taxi: airport taxis must be booked in advance and charge a fixed price, including luggage.

Tips

When flying to Austria, it is important to be aware of any passport and visa requirements. Additionally, there may be restrictions on certain goods that can be brought into the country, so it is advisable to check the latest information before travelling.

Travel by car

Austria has a well-developed road network, allowing you to easily reach your destination by car. Here is some essential information for driving in Austria:

Rules and Regulations:

When driving in Austria, remember that they drive on the right-hand side of the road and overtake on the left. Here are some key rules to follow:

• It is compulsory to wear a seat belt at all times for both drivers and passengers if their seat is equipped with one. The fine for not wearing a seat belt is €35.
• Children under 14 years old and shorter than 150 cm (4.9 feet) must be seated in appropriate child seats and properly secured according to their age and size.
• The blood alcohol content limit for drivers of private vehicles is 0.049%, lower than in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. For new drivers, the limit is even lower at 0.01%.
• Using a mobile phone while driving is prohibited, unless it is a hands-free device that can be operated with one hand and does not interfere with driving.
• The use of a warning triangle is mandatory in the event of a breakdown, and it must be placed approximately 50 meters away from the car to warn other drivers.
• It is mandatory to carry a first aid kit, a warning triangle, and a reflective safety vest in your vehicle and be able to present them during a traffic check.
• From 1 November to 15 April, winter equipment is mandatory. Vehicles must be fitted with winter tyres on all four wheels or snow chains on at least two drive wheels.
• Snow chains are only permitted when the road is completely or almost covered with snow or ice. While not mandatory, it is recommended to carry snow chains for trips into high-alpine regions.
• Emergency lanes (Rettungsgasse) are compulsory on motorways and dual carriageways. In case of traffic congestion or an emergency, motorists must move as far left or right in their lanes as possible to create a central lane for emergency vehicles.
• Radar detectors that interfere with police equipment are prohibited, but sat nav systems indicating fixed-speed cameras are allowed.

Speed Limits:

The speed limits in Austria, which generally correspond to those in other European countries, are as follows:

• Within town limits: 50 km/h (approx. 31 mph)
• On the open road: 100 km/h (approx. 62 mph)
• On expressways: 100 km/h or 130 km/h (approx. 62 mph or 80 mph)
• On motorways: 130 km/h (approx. 80 mph)

Documents and Requirements:

When driving in Austria, ensure you have the following documents and meet the requirements:

• A full, valid driving licence. The minimum age to drive is 18 years.
• Proof of identification (passport).
• Motor insurance certificate.
• V5 registration document.
• A GB or UK sticker on the rear of your car, incorporated into the number plate or as a separate sticker.
• A vignette (toll sticker) displayed on your vehicle when driving on motorways and expressways, which can be purchased online or at major border crossings.

Fuel and Refuelling:

Austria offers different types of clean fuel, including unleaded petrol, diesel, biodiesel, and LPG. Fuel prices are generally lower than in neighbouring countries like Germany, and fuel is available at petrol stations across the country.

Travel by bike

Austria is a great country to explore by bike. The country offers a wide range of breathtaking landscapes, including towering mountain peaks, crystal-clear lakes, green valleys, and historic cities. Its well-structured and extensive network of bicycle paths is well-marked and well-maintained, making it accessible and safe for cyclists of all ages and skill levels.

Cycling Infrastructure

Austria is known for its excellent cycling infrastructure, with routes that follow rivers through the "Green Heart of Austria", Styria. The country's strong and welcoming cycling culture means that cyclists are respected by motorists and welcomed by locals. The country also offers a range of accommodations specifically for cyclists, known as Bed+Bike establishments, which offer safe parking spaces and assistance with minor breakdowns.

Popular Cycling Routes

The Tauern Cycle Path

The Tauern Mountains bike route is a 270 km trail that starts at the Krimml Falls, the highest waterfalls in Central Europe, and ends in the German city of Passau. Along the way, the trail follows the course of the Salzach River, passing through charming towns such as Braunau, Hallein, Lofer, Salzburg, and Schärding.

The Austrian Danube Cycle Path

The Danube Bike Trail is the most prominent and popular bike route in Austria, taking cyclists to some of the country's most impressive cultural sites. The route begins in Passau, Germany, and extends to Vienna, passing through fascinating cities such as Linz, Ardagger, Emmersdorf, and Tulln. It offers approximately 380 km of cycling paths and includes two alternative options: the North Bank Danube Cycle Path and the South Bank Danube Cycle Path.

The Drava Cycle Path

The Drava Cycle Path is over 500 km long and connects Italy, starting in Toblach, through Carinthia in Austria, to Slovenia, and on to the Croatian border. This route offers a variety of landscapes, including rivers and nature.

The Styrian Cycle Path

The Styrian Cycle Path is ideal for those who want to combine culinary traditions with nature. Along its 400-kilometer route, cyclists pass through the Green Heart of Austria, dotted with vineyards and offering opportunities to taste the region's typical products.

The Bodensee-Radweg

The Bodensee-Radweg is a fascinating loop-shaped bicycle route that embraces the vastness of Lake Constance, extending towards the German and Swiss borders to Bregenz, Austria.

Practical Information

When planning a cycling trip in Austria, it is important to keep a few things in mind. Firstly, while Austria's cycling infrastructure is excellent, it is recommended to avoid busy roads and always obey the bicycle traffic code. Secondly, remember to stay hydrated, as hydration is critical for cyclists. Along routes through river towns, fountains can be found, while springs are available in the mountains. Thirdly, free camping is strictly prohibited in Austria, especially in National Parks and Nature Reserves. Instead, cyclists can find Bike Hotels, Zimmer, and Gasthof accommodations along their journey. Finally, it is important to equip yourself with the necessary gear and clothing appropriate for the season.

Frequently asked questions