Travel Guide: Italy To Austria

how to get to austria from italy

There are several ways to get to Austria from Italy, including by plane, train, bus, car, or a combination of these. The fastest way to travel between the two countries is by plane, which takes around 2 hours and costs $70-$250. The cheapest way to travel between the two countries is by taking a flight, which costs $40-$250. The road distance between Italy and Austria is around 699 miles, and it takes approximately 10 hours to drive. Alternatively, you can take a train from Roma Termini to Stephansplatz via Venezia Mestre, Wien Meidling, and Landstraße in around 12 hours. If you're looking for a scenic route, you can take the train from Rimini, Italy, to Jenbach, Austria, which takes less than seven hours and offers beautiful views of the Italian and Austrian countryside.

Characteristics Values
Distance 506 miles
Road Distance 699 miles
Cheapest Travel Method Flight ($40 - $250)
Fastest Travel Method Flight (2h 12m)
Travel Time by Car 10h 27m
Travel Time by Train 12h 28m
Train Cost $120 - $260
Flight Time 2h 12m - 3h 55m
Flight Cost $40 - $250
Airlines Austrian Airlines, Ryanair
Airports Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport (BRI), Vienna International Airport (VIE)
Train Stations Roma Termini, Stephansplatz, Venezia Mestre, Wien Meidling, Wien Mitte, Landstraße
Train Routes Innsbruck to Verona, Rimini to Jenbach, Roma Termini to Stephansplatz
Train Companies ItaliaRail, Trenitalia Frecce, DB (Deutsche Bahn)
Train Discounts 30% - 50% off adult fare for children aged 4-14

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Travel by train

Italy and Austria share a border, so there are plenty of options for travelling between the two countries by train. The journey from Austria to Italy takes approximately 12 hours and 50 minutes and costs $120-$270. The fastest way to get from Austria to Italy takes 3 hours and 45 minutes.

The majority of express day and night trains from Austria to Italy take one of two routes, which are located at either end of the border between the two countries, so trains head south from either Innsbruck or Villach. The direct rail route from Vienna to Trieste through Slovenia has also been restored in recent years.

If you are travelling with a Eurail or InterRail pass, you will need to pay fairly expensive rail pass reservation fees on the daytime express trains. However, rail pass users don't need to reserve on the EuroCity (EC) trains when travelling from Austria.

If you are travelling from Milan to western Austria, you can connect in Chur for trains to Zurich and for trains to Buchs, from where transfers are available to Innsbruck and Salzburg. This is a great way to experience a stunning day of rail travel.

If you are travelling from Vienna to eastern Austria, you can take a Railjet service that departs from Bolzano.

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Travel by plane

Flying is the fastest and cheapest way to get from Italy to Austria. Direct flights from Italy to Austria usually depart from Fiumicino Airport, Milan Malpensa Airport, and Venice Marco Polo Airport. The average round-trip ticket price from Fiumicino Airport to Vienna International Airport is $336. The average price of a plane ticket from Italy to Austria is between $70 and $280, and the journey takes between 2 hours 12 minutes and 4 hours 42 minutes.

Austrian Airlines, Ryanair, Wizz Air Malta, Wizz Air, and Eurowings offer direct flights from Italy to Austria. Ryanair and Austrian Airlines fly from Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport to Vienna International Airport twice daily.

If you plan to visit the western regions of Austria, such as Tirol, Salzburg, and Vorarlberg, flying into Zurich, Switzerland, or Munich, Germany, are great alternatives. Lufthansa and Swiss, among other airlines, offer these routes.

When flying into Austria, you will need to have your boarding pass and a photo ID ready at the departure gate. Due to EU regulations, your travel documents will be checked to ensure they comply with the entry regulations of your destination.

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Travel by bus

If you're looking to travel from Italy to Austria by bus, there are a few things you should know. Firstly, the road distance between the two countries is around 697-699 miles, and the journey typically takes about 10 hours. To make your trip as smooth as possible, you can use journey planners like Rome2Rio and Omio to compare routes, schedules, and prices. These platforms provide up-to-date information and even allow you to book your tickets in advance.

When travelling by bus, you'll have the option to depart from several locations in Italy, such as Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport, and arrive at various destinations in Austria, like Vienna International Airport. The specific bus lines and routes can vary, but some common options include the 441, 442, and N402 bus lines. These lines service the Italy-Austria border in Trento, with stops like Monguelfo Platzbäck/Welsberg Platzbäck and Monguelfo-Valle Di Casies located nearby.

It's worth noting that bus travel may involve transfers and can be a lengthier process compared to flying. However, it can be a more economical option, with tickets priced between $40 and $250. Additionally, bus travel offers the advantage of taking in the sights along the way, allowing you to immerse yourself in the transition from one country to another.

To enhance your bus travel experience, consider the following tips:

  • Book your tickets in advance using online platforms like Rome2Rio and Omio.
  • Compare different routes and schedules to find the most convenient option for your itinerary.
  • Check for any available discounts, especially if you're a student, senior, or travelling with children.
  • Bring entertainment and refreshments for the journey, especially if you're travelling with children or expect a lengthy trip.

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Travel by night train

Night trains are making a comeback in Europe, and Austria's ÖBB (Österreichische Bundesbahnen) is leading the way. The company has Europe's largest fleet of sleeper trains and is aiming to double its number of overnight passengers by 2030.

ÖBB's new-generation sleeper trains are comfortable and modern, with each two-person compartment featuring its own toilet and shower. There are also single-person cabins for solo travellers. The trains are also eco-friendly, with ÖBB claiming that since 2018, all its trains "run on electricity generated exclusively by hydropower, solar and wind power".

You can take a night train from Vienna to Rome, which takes around 14 hours. This route is served by the OBB Nightjet train, which offers high-service connections and is a quick and comfortable way to travel. There is only one daily connection at 20:23, so booking in advance is recommended.

There are also Nightjet overnight trains from Austria to Italy on the following route:

> Wien/Vienna – Wiener Neustadt – Bruck an der Mur – Leoben – Klagenfurt – Villach – Padova/Padua – Vicenza – Verona – Peschiera del Garda – Desenzano del Garda – Brescia – Milano – Genova – Levanto (in the Cinque Terre) – La Spezia

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Travel by car

If you're planning a road trip from Italy to Austria, you're in for a treat. The journey is approximately 699 miles and takes around 10 hours and 27 minutes, depending on your starting point and destination. Here is some essential information to help you prepare for your journey:

Routes

There are several routes you can take when driving from Italy to Austria, each offering its own unique scenery and experiences. Here are some options to consider:

  • Brenner Pass: This route takes you through majestic landscapes and showcases engineering marvels. It blends alpine beauty with human ingenuity and is a popular route for road trip enthusiasts.
  • Lago di Anterselva (Lake Antholzer) and St. Jacob: Starting from the Dolomites in northern Italy, you can take the SP 44 turn-off to Rason di Sotto from the main road SS49 towards Brunico. This route offers a lovely drive up to the Staller Sattel pass, but be mindful that the road is one way for about an hour at a time.
  • Krems-Melk-Salzburg-Grossglockner Road-Villach: This route takes you through several Austrian cities and provides a mix of urban and natural landscapes.
  • Krems-Melk-Graz-Klagenfurt: Another option is to take the route through Graz, which offers a different perspective of the Austrian countryside and towns.

Vignette Requirements

When driving in Austria, you will need to purchase a vignette (highway toll sticker) for the autobahn. Vignettes are available for different durations, including 12-month, 2-month, and 10-day options, and can be bought at most gas stations. If you are crossing the border on a road that turns into an Austrian autobahn, make sure to buy the vignette in Italy before entering Austria.

Winter Driving

If you're travelling during the winter months, it's important to be prepared for potential snow and icy conditions. In Austria, it is mandatory to have winter tires or tire chains during winter. Check with your rental company if they offer snow chains or winter tire options. Alternatively, you can purchase snow chains yourself, usually starting from 50 to 60 euros.

Border Crossing

Remember to bring your passport or valid identification document when crossing the border. Ensure that you have all the necessary paperwork for your vehicle, including insurance and registration documents.

Enjoy your journey and take in the breathtaking vistas as you drive from Italy to Austria!

Frequently asked questions

The fastest way to get to Austria from Italy is to fly, which takes 2 hours and 12 minutes and costs $70-$250.

The cheapest way to get to Austria from Italy is to fly, which costs $40-$250 and takes 3 hours and 55 minutes.

There is no direct train from Italy to Austria. However, you can take a train from Roma Termini to Stephansplatz via Venezia Mestre, Wien Meidling, Wien Mitte, and Landstraße in around 12 hours and 28 minutes. Tickets can be purchased up to three months in advance, and it is recommended to reserve a seat.

The driving distance between Italy and Austria is 699 miles, and it takes approximately 10 hours and 27 minutes to drive.

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