Exploring Austria: Travel Tips For Your Next Adventure

Austria is a small, landlocked country in the heart of Europe, with a well-developed transport network. The country is known for its impressive Alpine scenery, Habsburg architecture, and world-class museums.

You can travel to Austria by plane, train, car, or bus. Vienna Airport is the largest hub, but there are also international airports in Salzburg, Innsbruck, and Graz. The country's national rail operator, ÖBB, offers an extensive network of high-speed, comfortable, and affordable trains. Alternatively, you can travel by bus, with Postbus being the most popular option.

If you prefer more flexibility, renting a car is a great option, especially for exploring rural and mountainous areas that are not well-served by public transport. However, keep in mind that tolls are compulsory on Austrian motorways.

So, whether you're interested in the cultural highlights of Vienna and Salzburg, the scenic beauty of the Tyrol region, or the romantic Danube Valley, Austria has something for everyone, and its efficient transport system makes it easy to explore.

Travel by train

Austria's national operator, ÖBB, offers an extensive rail network, making travelling by train an attractive option. ÖBB trains are state-of-the-art, with comfortable seating and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Railjet

The Railjet offers greater comfort, free Wifi, and faster connections. It can take you from Vienna International Airport to Salzburg's Main Train Station in under three hours, and to St. Anton am Arlberg in western Austria in less than six hours.

Nightjet

The Nightjet is a sleeper train that travels throughout Austria, including to Salzburg, Vienna, Innsbruck, Bregenz, and Arlberg. It offers cosy sleeper cars, couchette coaches, and day coaches, allowing you to travel comfortably at night and arrive at your destination refreshed the next morning. Sleeper cars and couchette coaches accommodate different group sizes, ranging from one to six beds, giving you control over your level of privacy.

Classes

Austrian Railways offers three classes: Economy, First, and Business.

The Economy Class features modern, comfortable seats in air-conditioned trains, with power outlets and tables. Wifi is available on many trains, and a small onboard bistro is also usually accessible.

First Class offers adjustable seats, more legroom, extra-wide tables, and power outlets at each seat. You can also order food and drinks directly to your seat.

Business Class is the most luxurious option, providing maximum distance between seats, leather covers, leg rests, reading lights, and ample table space.

Tickets

You can book your tickets online through the ÖBB App, which functions as a digital travel companion. The app also provides real-time travel updates, so you can stay informed about any changes to your itinerary.

SparSchiene tickets are discounted tickets for those who plan their trips in advance. For example, you can travel from Vienna to Graz in second class from €9.90.

Interrail Passes are also available if you want to cover all of Austria by train. The Interrail Austria Pass allows for unlimited travel within Austria for three to eight non-consecutive days of your choice within a month.

Stations

Austria's major stations, including those in Graz, Innsbruck, Linz, Salzburg, and Vienna, are relatively easy to navigate. They typically feature underground passages below the tracks that provide access to the trains. These stations also have lifts and escalators, making it convenient for travellers with luggage.

International Travel

You can easily travel to Austria by train from other European cities. For example, you can take the Eurostar from London to Brussels or Paris, and then board the Nightjet sleeper train to Salzburg or Vienna. Alternatively, you can take a scenic route through Switzerland, travelling from Paris to Zurich and then to Innsbruck, Salzburg, or Vienna through the Arlberg Pass.

Scenery

Travelling by train in Austria allows you to enjoy stunning scenery, including the Tyrolean Mountains, picturesque villages, lush valleys, and historic towns. The Semmering Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is particularly renowned for its beautiful mountain landscapes.

Travel by plane

Austria offers optimal flight connections. The country is served by a well-developed public transportation network, which includes flights, trains, and buses.

Airports

Vienna International Airport is the main flight hub for Eastern Austria. However, there are several international airports throughout the country, including:

• Innsbruck Airport, located in the Austrian Alps and recommended for those wishing to explore the ski resorts.
• Salzburg Airport, the largest regional airport in Austria, centrally located, and ideal for those travelling to multiple locations within the country.
• Blue Danube Airport Linz.

Additionally, many airlines fly into Bratislava Airport in Slovakia, which is only 30 miles from Vienna. If you plan to visit the western regions of Austria, such as Tirol, Salzburg, and Vorarlberg, flying into Zurich in Switzerland or Munich in Germany are also great options.

Airlines

Austrian Airlines is Austria's largest carrier and operates a global route network of around 130 destinations and 220 flights per day. It is part of the Lufthansa Group, Europe's largest airline group, and a member of the Star Alliance, the first global alliance of international airlines.

Other airlines that fly to Austria include:

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

Flights

The average direct flying time from most major UK gateways to popular Austrian destinations is only 2 hours, making flights the quickest, most accessible, and most affordable travel option.

From the United States, the average nonstop flight takes 13 hours and 22 minutes, covering a distance of 4910 miles.

Direct flights from the United States to Austria are provided by Austrian Airlines and United Airlines. These flights depart from East Coast cities such as Washington, D.C., Chicago, and New York.

One-way flights from the United States to Austria can start at $314, while round-trip flights typically range from $495 to $755.

Airport Transfers

All international airports in Austria have well-connected road infrastructure, offering various transportation options to hotels and city centres. These include car transfer services, taxis, car rentals, buses, and trains.

The City Airport Train (CAT) connects Vienna Airport with the city centre (Wien Mitte station) in just 16 minutes. The rapid transit train (S-Bahn) is an economical alternative, taking approximately 25 minutes to commute between Vienna city and Vienna Airport.

Travel by bus

Austria has an excellent public transportation network, which includes buses, making it easy to get from place to place within the country.

Bus Travel in Austria

Austria's most extensive bus service is Postbus, a subsidiary of ÖBB (Österreichische Bundesbahnen), the national rail company. Postbus connects harder-to-reach places, such as alpine passes, lake region byroads, and hiking and biking trailheads. It also services smaller towns and regional areas.

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.

You can purchase a ticket from the driver upon boarding, but it's worth reserving a seat in advance for popular routes and during ski season.

Mountain Bus Routes in Austria

Austria's mountainous regions are also well-serviced by buses. Here are some of the most notable routes:

• Pinegg to Rattenberg: This route takes you through some of the most fabulous gorge scenery in Europe.
• Mayrhofen to Schlegeis Stausee: A walker's bus route from the notable and agreeable base of Mayrhofen.
• Ehrwald to Nassereith over the Fernpass: This route takes you through the Fernpass, a popular link between Germany and Austria.
• Imst to Elmen via Bschlabs: This route shadows the Adlerweg into the Lechtal and offers a quick route to the Anhalter hutte.

International Bus Services

Many international bus services also operate through Austria, connecting major European cities in Germany, France, Slovenia, Italy, and more. The most common international bus line is FlixBus.

Travel by car

Austria has a well-developed road network, making it easy to reach your destination by car. The country also boasts some of the best road infrastructure in Europe, despite its mountainous terrain. However, driving in the mountains can be challenging, especially on secondary roads, after dark, or during the winter months.

When driving in Austria, it is important to follow the traffic rules and regulations. Here are some key things to keep in mind:

• Drive on the right-hand side of the road.
• Always carry your driving license, insurance papers, and vehicle registration documents.
• The use of mobile phones while driving is only permitted with a hands-free system that has a loudspeaker and a fixed microphone.
• The blood alcohol limit is very low, and driving under the influence of alcohol is strictly punished.
• The speed limits are 130 km/h (80 mph) on motorways, 100 km/h (62 mph) on expressways and open roads, and 50 km/h (31 mph) in residential areas.
• It is compulsory to wear seat belts, and children under 14 years old who are shorter than 150 cm must be secured in appropriate child seats.
• From November 1st to April 15th, winter equipment is mandatory. Vehicles must be fitted with winter tires on all four wheels or snow chains on at least two drive wheels.
• All motorways and expressways are subject to tolls, and you need to purchase a vignette (toll sticker) to drive on them.
• In case of an emergency, an "emergency corridor" or "Rettungsgasse" must be formed on the road to allow emergency vehicles to pass.

When renting a car in Austria, it is important to be aware of the rental conditions and requirements, which may vary among companies. Here are some general things to keep in mind:

• Drivers must have a valid driver's license and passport when signing the rental agreement.
• Drivers who do not have a major credit card may need to pay a deposit, the estimated rental cost, and tax in advance.
• Car rentals are subject to a high tax rate, and an additional airport tax may apply if renting from an airport location.
• Insurance is optional but recommended. The rental company may offer a loss-damage waiver (LDW) for an additional daily fee.
• One-way rentals are usually possible, but there may be an additional fee for dropping off the car at a different location.
• When picking up the car, carefully inspect it for any damage and note any issues on the check-out form.
• When returning the car, ensure that all personal belongings have been removed, and return it with the same amount of fuel as when you picked it up, unless otherwise specified.
• Filling up the car is easy, as gas stations are readily available throughout the country.

Overall, travelling by car is a great way to explore Austria at your own pace and access some of the country's beautiful mountain and nature destinations.

Travel by ferry

Austria is landlocked, but there are still opportunities to travel by boat.

The German operator Wurm und Köck offers both passenger services and cruises to Linz. Evening and music cruises are available in the summer.

DDSG-Blue Danube Schiffahrt operates fast passenger services on the Danube from Bratislava, Slovakia to Vienna in 1 hour 15 minutes.

Brandner concentrates its services between Melk and Krems.

Passenger ferry routes and boat tours operate along the Danube on a route between Passau, Linz, Wachau, and Vienna. There are also daily boat services on several larger lakes in Austria’s Salzkammergut region, including Wolfgangsee, Hallstätter See, and Tirol’s Achensee. You can also take to the water in Wörthersee in Carinthia and Austria’s largest, Neusiedler See in Burgenland.

Twin City Liner provides ferries to Austria. Vienna is the main ferry port. There are approximately two daily sailings and up to 14 weekly sailings to Austria. The ferry from Bratislava to Vienna sails approximately two times daily and up to 14 times weekly, with a sailing duration of 1 hour 30 minutes. The Bratislava-Vienna ferry is £93.37 on average.

Frequently asked questions