Damon Mcknight
Austria is a beautiful country in the heart of Europe, with 75% of its land covered in mountains and almost 50% in woods. If you're planning to drive to Austria, there are a few things you should know. First, you'll need to purchase a vignette, which is a toll sticker that allows you to drive on the country's roads. You can choose from different options, including 10 days for €4.60, two months for €11.50, or one year for €38.50. This can be purchased online before your trip. Additionally, make sure to familiarise yourself with the country's traffic rules and regulations, such as the requirement to have a first aid kit and a warning triangle in your car. During the winter months, snow chains and winter tires may also be mandatory. Austria has several international airports, including Vienna International Airport, Salzburg Airport, and Innsbruck Airport, which are all accessible by car. Alternatively, you can take a train or bus to Austria and then rent a car to explore the country's stunning scenery and picturesque villages.
Travelling to Austria by car
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Toll charges | Vignette mandatory for all vehicles on Austria's motorways. Available for 10 days, 2 months, 1 year and, from 2024, 1 day. |
| Fuel | All types of fuel are available in Austria, but the names are different. E95 is known as Super or Bleifrei. Diesel and LPG have the same name. Petrol prices are generally lower than in Germany. |
| Traffic rules | Children crossing the street have priority. |
| Items to carry in the car | First aid kit, warning triangle, snow chains (during winter), winter tires (between 1 November and 15 April). |
| Other transport options | Train, bus, taxi, bicycle, boat, cable car, plane. |
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What You'll Learn
Rules of the road in Austria
Austria is a great country to explore by car, with beautiful road trips across the country. However, there are some important rules of the road to be aware of before you go.
Firstly, motorists in Austria must have a valid vignette or toll sticker to drive on the road network. You can buy a vignette for 10 days, two months, or a year, and from 2024, a one-day vignette will also be available. Vignettes can be purchased physically or online. You must also be aware of toll charges for certain roads, mainly tunnels, for which you will need a special toll vignette.
There are some requirements for driving in Austria that apply to your vehicle. You must have a first aid kit with basic medical supplies, and a warning triangle in case of breakdown or accident. During the winter months, snow chains are mandatory if indicated by road signs, and it is recommended to keep them in your car at all times. Between 1st November and 15th April, your car must be fitted with winter tyres.
In terms of driving regulations, you must keep your registration papers and a valid driver's licence in the car at all times. Austria has strict road rules, and failure to comply with safety distances can result in fines, demerit points, and even suspension of your licence. Children have priority when crossing the street, no matter where they cross. You should also be aware that Austrian motorists tend to drive quite fast, especially on Autobahns.
Finally, when it comes to parking, Vienna and other urban centres have plenty of short-stay parking zones, but you must pay for a ticket and keep an eye out for parking signs, which are posted at the entrance to each district.
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What to pack in your car
When packing for a road trip to Austria, it is important to keep in mind the varying weather conditions and outdoor activities the country offers. Here is a list of suggestions on what to pack in your car when travelling to Austria:
Clothing
- Fleece jackets and warm clothes – Even during the summer, the evenings can get chilly due to the country's high average altitude.
- Swimwear – There are many beautiful lakes in Austria, so pack swimwear if you plan to take a dip.
- Sturdy footwear – If you plan to hike in the mountains or explore the countryside, make sure to pack sturdy and comfortable footwear, such as hiking boots or shoes.
- Waterproof clothing – An umbrella or raincoat is recommended, as summer days can end in thunderstorms.
- Hiking trousers – These are versatile and practical, especially if they have a zip-off feature that allows you to convert them into shorts.
- Regular cotton slacks and shorts – For warmer days in the city or villages, pack comfortable and breathable clothing.
- Formal attire – If you plan to dine in restaurants or attend cultural events, be aware that the dress code in Austria, especially in the larger cities and Vienna, is typically formal.
Travel Essentials
- First aid kit – In Austria, every car must contain a first aid kit with basic medical supplies.
- Warning triangle – In case of a breakdown, a warning triangle is required to be placed approximately 50 meters away from the car to alert other drivers.
- Snow chains – During winter, snow chains may be mandatory on certain roads, and they are recommended even outside of winter months.
- Winter tires – From 1st November to 15th April, your car must be equipped with winter tires.
- Vignette toll sticker – To drive on Austrian motorways, you must display a physical Vignette toll sticker or purchase a digital one online.
- Refillable water bottle – Tap water in Austria is safe to drink, so bring a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout your trip.
- Travel guidebook and maps – A guidebook and maps will help you navigate and make the most of your trip. Consider downloading offline maps when you have access to free WiFi.
- Travel insurance – Consider purchasing travel insurance to cover any unexpected events, such as medical emergencies, lost luggage, or trip cancellations.
- Other essentials – Don't forget sunscreen, insect repellent, moisturiser, and a small English-German dictionary or phrasebook.
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Tolls and vignettes
When driving to Austria, it is important to be aware of the country's toll charges and vignette requirements. All cars driving on Austrian roads must pay toll charges, and a vignette is mandatory for most motorways. A vignette is a toll sticker that you can purchase online or at common points of sale such as border crossings, petrol stations, car clubs, and newsagents. Vignettes are available in various validity periods, including 1 day, 10 days, 2 months, and 1 year. The cost of a vignette varies depending on the validity period, with a 10-day vignette costing €4.60, a two-month vignette costing €11.50, and a one-year vignette costing €38.50.
It is important to note that driving on Austrian roads without a valid vignette can result in a fine of up to €240. Failure to pay the fine immediately can result in additional penalties, increasing the total cost significantly. To avoid any issues, it is recommended to purchase the vignette before starting your journey. Additionally, make sure to check the requirements for your specific vehicle, as different rules may apply for vehicles with trailers or a total weight exceeding 3.5 tons.
In addition to the standard vignette, there are also separate roads, mainly tunnels, for which you must pay toll charges using a special toll vignette. These include the A1 West Motorway from Walserberg to Salzburg-Nord, the A12 Inntal Motorway from Kiefersfelden to Kufstein-Süd, and the A14 from Hörbranz to Hohenems. There is also a charge for the passage of several other tunnels, mountain passes, and alpine roads, which can be paid for with a digital section toll ticket or at toll gates.
When driving in Austria, it is also mandatory to have a first aid kit and a warning triangle in your car. During the winter months, snow chains are required if indicated by signs along the road, and winter tires are mandatory between November 1st and April 15th. By familiarizing yourself with the toll charges, vignettes, and other requirements, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable driving experience in Austria.
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Scenic routes
When travelling to Austria by car, you can expect to encounter some excellent scenery en route, particularly in the mountainous regions of the Alps. The journey from Calais to Innsbruck takes just over 10 hours, while Calais to Vienna is a 13-hour drive.
If you're looking for scenic routes within Austria, the Wachau Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a great option. This 36km-long breakthrough valley between Emmersdorf and Melk in the west, and Stein and Krems in the east, is more than 700m deep in some places. Along the way, you can visit Schallaburg Castle and the Benedictine monasteries of Melk and Göttweig.
Another scenic route is the Romantic Road (Romantikstraße), which runs 380km from Vienna to Salzburg. There are plenty of places to stop off along the way, including Enns, the oldest town in Austria.
The Loop of Schlögen is also worth considering. This scenic road offers a 360-degree view of one of nature's most impressive river turns. The Trappist monastery in the region, at Engelhartszell, is worth a visit for its delicious liqueurs.
For those seeking a more adventurous drive, the Zillertaler Höhenstraße is an alpine road that offers plenty of parking spaces, restaurants, entertainment for kids, and hiking routes of varying lengths and difficulty levels.
If you're looking for a scenic train route, the Semmering Railroad runs between Gloggnitz and the winter resort town of Semmering, passing through extraordinary Austrian mountain scenery. It is considered one of the greatest feats of civil engineering and was acknowledged as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1998. The Mariazell Railway is another option—a narrow-gauge track rail route running between the towns of St. Poelten and Mariazell.
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Airports and car rental
Austria is a country at the heart of Europe with optimal flight connections. Vienna is the hub, but there are other airports with international connections.
Car rental in Austria is available from companies such as SIXT, Hertz, Avis, Alamo, Budget Dollar, National Sixt, Thrifty Europcar, and more. SIXT has branches at Vienna Airport and major train stations, and Europcar has multiple rental locations across Austria.
To rent a car in Austria, you need to be at least 18 with a valid driver's license. Some companies will rent to 19-year-olds, but with additional fees. An underage driver fee may apply, and some car categories have a higher minimum rental age. You will need a full, valid driver's license, along with a passport or identity card when picking up your car.
You can book with a debit card, but the card must be in the main driver's name, and be a MasterCard or VISA. Debit cards must be issued by a bank, and numbers must be embossed. A credit card is required by some companies, and it must be in the renter's name.
If you plan to drive in Austria, you should be familiar with the country's traffic rules. All cars driving on Austrian roads must pay toll charges, and you will need a vignette (toll sticker) for most motorways. Vignettes can be purchased for various durations. Snow chains are mandatory if indicated by signs, and between 1 November and 15 April, your car must be equipped with winter tires.
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Frequently asked questions
The Romantic Road, linking Vienna to the vineyards of Wachau Valley and the Salzkamemrgut lake district, and the Grossglockner High Alpine Road, which hairpin bends through the Hohe Tauern National Park, are arguably two of Austria's best road trips.
You must have a valid toll vignette for Austria. You can buy this online before you leave. You must also have a first aid kit and a warning triangle in your car. During the winter months, snow chains are mandatory if indicated by signs along the road. Your car must be equipped with winter tires between 1 November and 15 April.
Austria has a very wide railway network that is complemented by a bus network. Bikes are also a top choice of transport in Austria, and each city has its own bike-hire initiative.
The vignette toll sticker is available for 10 days (€4.60), two months (€11.50), or one year (€38.50). From 2024, a one-day vignette will be available.
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