Exploring Austria: Your Guide To Flying In

how to fly to austria

Austria is a country rich in history and culture, with stunning landscapes, delicious food and wine, and a vibrant arts scene. It is also a popular destination for skiing and other winter sports. With so much to offer, it's no wonder that many people are interested in travelling to Austria. In this discussion, we will explore the various ways to fly to Austria, including information on different airlines, airports, and flight times. We will also provide tips on finding affordable flights and navigating travel restrictions. So whether you're planning a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a business trip, read on to discover the best ways to fly to Austria and start planning your dream holiday today!

Characteristics Values
Airlines Austrian Airlines, United Airlines, British Airways, American Airlines, Ryanair, TUI, Air Canada, easyJet, Jet2, Etihad, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, Swiss, Air India, THAI Airways International, Emirates, Qatar Airways
Airports Vienna International Airport (VIE), Zurich, Munich, Bratislava Airport, Ljubljana Airport
Flight times London to Vienna: 2 hours; Chicago to Vienna: 9 hours; Newark to Vienna: 8 hours, 10 minutes; New York to Vienna: 8 hours, 25 minutes
Travel restrictions Austria has moderate travel restrictions in place. Travellers may need to take a COVID-19 test on or before arrival
Cost One-way flights from the UK from £9; one-way flights from the US from $179; one-way flights from New York to Vienna from $314; return flights from the US from $495
Tips Flying on a Tuesday or Monday is generally the cheapest option; February is a great month to find deals; flying into Vienna from the US is cheaper than flying into Zurich or Munich

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Airlines and airports

Flights to Austria are available from a variety of airlines and airports. The best option for you will depend on your location and budget.

Airlines

Austrian Airlines, the country's national carrier, offers direct flights to Vienna from Chicago, Los Angeles, New York/JFK, Newark, Washington, D.C., and Boston. They also offer non-stop flights from numerous cities worldwide to Vienna. British Airways has been flying to Austria since 1980 and currently serves routes from London Heathrow to Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbruck. Other airlines that fly to Austria include:

  • Lufthansa
  • Swiss
  • Etihad
  • Singapore Airlines
  • Air India
  • United Airlines
  • Ryanair
  • American Airlines
  • TUI
  • Air Canada
  • EasyJet
  • Jet2

Airports

The main flight hub for Eastern Austria is Vienna Airport. However, there are other airports with international connections, including:

  • Zurich and Munich (for the western regions of Austria, such as Tirol, Salzburg, and Vorarlberg)
  • Bratislava Airport in Slovakia (only 50 km/30 mi from Vienna)
  • Ljubljana Airport in Slovenia (for southern Austria)

Tips for finding cheap flights

  • Book ahead of time.
  • Fly to or from nearby airports.
  • Use miles or points.
  • Be flexible with your travel dates.
  • Look for flights on Tuesdays and Mondays, which are usually the cheapest days to fly.
  • Book in February or December to find the best deals.

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Finding the best prices

There are a few things to keep in mind when looking for the best prices for flights to Austria. Firstly, it is important to book in advance. For domestic flights, booking a few weeks in advance can often yield lower prices, while for international travel, booking a few months ahead is recommended. Additionally, being flexible with your travel dates can also help you find better deals. Typically, flying on a Monday or Tuesday tends to be cheaper, with Saturday being the most expensive day to fly.

When it comes to finding the best prices, using price comparison websites such as Momondo, KAYAK, Expedia, Travelocity, and Google Flights can be extremely helpful. These websites allow you to compare prices from multiple airlines and travel sites, increasing your chances of finding a good deal. For example, Momondo offers price alerts that can notify you when prices drop, and Expedia has a flexible dates" feature that lets you compare prices for different dates. KAYAK also provides weekly and monthly average prices to help you identify the best times to fly.

It is worth noting that prices for flights to Austria can vary depending on your point of departure and the airline you choose. Generally, prices for flights from the United States to Austria can range from $179 to $2,897, with an average cost of around $1,464. However, prices can fluctuate, and deals may not last long, so it is advisable to book quickly if you find a suitable fare.

Lastly, consider using miles or points to book your flight, as this can often result in significant savings. Additionally, look for airlines with flexible change policies, as these can provide added peace of mind when making travel plans.

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Travel requirements

Austria has optimal flight connections, with Vienna being the main flight hub. However, there are other airports with international connections, such as Salzburg and Innsbruck. If you plan to visit the western regions of Austria, such as Tirol, Salzburg, and Vorarlberg, Zurich or Munich are your arrival airports. Vienna International Airport (VIE) is the region's main point of entry, with approximately 139 flights landing there every month. The average flight time from the United Kingdom to Vienna, Austria's capital, is 2 hours. From the United States, flights from New York to Vienna take around 8-9 hours.

When it comes to choosing a flight to Austria, you have plenty of options. Austrian Airlines offers direct flights to Vienna from Chicago, Los Angeles, New York/JFK, Newark, Washington, D.C., and Boston. British Airways, American Airlines, Ryanair, TUI, Air Canada, easyJet, and Jet2 all fly direct to Austria. If you're looking for a cheaper option, consider using a different travel search engine or booking last minute. For example, Expedia offers a 'flexible dates' function, which allows you to compare the cheapest prices for nearby dates.

If you're flying from the United States, keep in mind that the Austrian air transport tax is levied on all passengers departing from any of the country's six international airports. The transport tax differs depending on the length of the flight, with passengers on flights where the great circle distance is less than 217 miles between departure and arrival being charged €30, and all other passengers being charged €12. Children under two years of age are exempt from paying the air transport tax in Austria.

In terms of travel requirements, it's important to have a valid travel document, such as a passport or identity card. Due to EU regulations, passengers must present their boarding pass and a photo ID at the departure gate. If you're driving in Austria with children, each child must have their own seat and an appropriate child restraint if they are under 14 years of age and under 135 cm in height. Additionally, children under the age of 14 are required to sit in the back seat when travelling in a taxi.

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Transport from the airport

Vienna International Airport (VIE) is Austria's largest airport and is located just 18 kilometres from the capital. It is well-connected to the surrounding road infrastructure, offering various transportation options to hotels and city centres. All international airports in Austria have good road access.

If you are travelling by car, you can benefit from special parking offers as an Austrian Airlines passenger. There are various car parks at Vienna Airport, all connected to the terminal buildings via pedestrian walkways. You can also rent a car, with many different models available through rental companies.

If you prefer to take public transport, you can reach the airport by train from elsewhere in Austria, the Czech Republic, and Hungary. The City Airport Train (CAT) is the fastest connection to and from Vienna city centre, taking just 16 minutes. The ÖBB Railjet train service serves Vienna Airport via Vienna Main station twice an hour. The S7 S-Bahn also goes to the airport from all major Vienna railway stations.

You can also travel to the airport by bus. Vienna Airport Lines operate buses from the airport, and there are also FlixBus and other long-distance services from Croatia, the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia.

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What to do in Austria

Austria is a small country in Central Europe, boasting stunning natural landscapes, a rich cultural heritage, and a vibrant music scene. Here are some ideas for what to do in Austria:

Explore the Cities

Austria is home to several enchanting cities, each with its own unique character and attractions. Here are some highlights:

  • Vienna: Austria's capital city is a cultural hub, known for its grand architecture, including Baroque castles and gardens, and the historic Ringstrasse boulevard. Vienna also offers a vibrant cafe culture, with atmospheric cafes that have been meeting places for intellectuals, artists, and politicians. The city is also renowned for its classical music and concert halls.
  • Salzburg: Known as the birthplace of Mozart and the filming location of The Sound of Music, Salzburg is a must-visit for music enthusiasts.
  • Graz: Awarded UNESCO World Heritage Status for its Mediterranean-style Old Town, Graz also holds the title of UNESCO City of Design. Explore landmarks such as the Styrian Armoury and the Uhrturm (Clock Tower), or simply stroll or cycle through the city's charming courtyards.
  • Innsbruck: Surrounded by the Austrian Alps, Innsbruck is a ski lover's paradise in winter and a vibrant city in summer. Enjoy the cultural attractions of the Old Town, such as the Golden Roof and the Tyrolean Folk Art Museum, or take a cable car up to the Nordkette, the city's highest peak.

Discover the Natural Wonders

Austria's natural landscape is characterised by mountains, lakes, and rivers. Here are some natural wonders to explore:

  • The Alps: Offering both winter sports and summer activities, the Austrian Alps are a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're a skier, a rock climber, or a photographer, you'll find plenty to enjoy in this majestic mountain range.
  • Lakes: Austria is known for its picturesque lakes, which provide opportunities for water sports, scenic cruises, and simply relaxing and taking in the views.
  • Danube River: With the Danube River flowing through much of the country, a river cruise is a great way to experience Austria's natural beauty.

Immerse Yourself in History and Culture

Austria has a rich history and cultural heritage, with plenty of sites to explore:

  • Schönbrunn Palace: This Cultural World Heritage Site is Austria's most frequently visited attraction. The palace offers a glimpse into the imperial lifestyle, with its lavish residential and state rooms, as well as beautiful surrounding parks and gardens.
  • Kunstkammer Vienna: This art museum features major works by masters such as Dürer, Raphael, Titian, and Velázquez, as well as the world's largest collection of Bruegel paintings.
  • UNESCO World Heritage Sites: In addition to the historic cities of Salzburg and Vienna, Austria is home to 12 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including ancient ruins, architectural landmarks, and religious sites.

Indulge in Food and Wine

Austrian cuisine and wine are renowned, and the country offers a range of culinary experiences:

  • Cafes and Cakes: Vienna's cafe culture is famous, and you can find atmospheric cafes serving delicious cakes and sweets.
  • Gourmet Cuisine: Cities like Salzburg, Vienna, and Graz offer outstanding dining experiences, with a variety of culinary traditions and gourmet dishes to discover.
  • Wine Regions: Explore Austria's wine regions, including those flanking the Danube River, and indulge in wine tastings while taking in the scenic landscapes.

Frequently asked questions

Flight prices vary depending on the time of departure, cabin class, airline, and how early you book. In the last seven days, flight prices to Austria have ranged between $495 and $755. However, flights can be found for as little as $179 or £14.99.

Vienna International Airport (VIE) is the main hub for Eastern Austria, with roughly 139 flights arriving each month. If you plan to visit the western regions of Austria, such as Tirol, Salzburg, and Vorarlberg, Zurich or Munich are great alternative airports.

Airlines that fly to Austria include Austrian Airlines, United Airlines, British Airways, American Airlines, Austrian Airlines, Ryanair, TUI, Air Canada, easyJet, Jet2, Air India, THAI Airways International, Emirates, and Qatar Airways.

Austria has something for everyone, from stunning landscapes and historical sites to gourmet cuisine and vibrant nightlife. Explore the Alps, visit royal palaces, indulge in the local food and wine, or enjoy the arts and culture scene.

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