Exploring Austria On A Shoestring Budget

Austria is a beautiful country with stunning landscapes, a rich history, and a vibrant culture. While it may not be the cheapest destination in Europe, with some careful planning, it is possible to visit Austria on a budget. Here is a guide to help you make the most of your trip without breaking the bank.

Firstly, consider the cost of flights and accommodation. Round-trip flights to Austria can range from $500 to $1500, depending on your departure location and the time of year. Accommodation costs vary too, with budget options starting at around $50 per night, while luxury hotels can cost upwards of $300. Booking in advance and choosing locations outside the popular tourist destinations of Vienna, Salzburg, and Kitzbuhel can help keep costs down.

Transportation is another important factor. Austria has an efficient public transportation system, with subway and train tickets costing around $2 to $5 for a one-way trip. Taking advantage of 24-hour or multi-day passes can also save you money. Car rentals and taxis tend to be more expensive, so opt for public transport where possible.

When it comes to food, Austria has something for every budget. Street food and budget restaurants offer delicious meals for around $10 to $20 per person. Mid-range dining will cost around $20 to $40, and high-end restaurants will be $40 and above. Eating at local eateries, trying street food, and cooking your own meals can help keep costs down.

Sightseeing and activities can also vary in price. Many attractions, such as St. Stephen's Cathedral and the Belvedere Gardens, offer free entry or a small entrance fee. Some cities also provide tourist cards that include discounts or free entry to certain attractions. The cost of activities can be further reduced by taking advantage of free walking tours, visiting free museums, and exploring nature, such as the Austrian Alps, for free.

Overall, a budget traveler can expect to spend around $50 to $70 per day, while a mid-range traveler may spend up to $150. Planning your trip in advance, taking advantage of discounts, and choosing budget-friendly options will help you make the most of your trip to Austria without spending a fortune.

Travel in the off-season to find better room rates

The off-season in Austria is from May to November, with the exception of July and August, which are peak months for tourism. During the off-season, you can expect smaller crowds, pleasant weather, and more flexibility in your travel plans. Here are some benefits of travelling to Austria during the off-season and some tips to make the most of your trip:

Cheaper Room Rates and Fewer Crowds

During the spring and autumn shoulder seasons, you are likely to find better prices on accommodation and popular transport routes. In May and from September to November, you can take advantage of lower demand and enjoy a more relaxed travel experience. This is especially true for popular cities like Vienna and Salzburg, where accommodation can be harder to come by and more expensive during peak season.

Enjoy the Outdoors

Austria is known for its stunning natural scenery, and the shoulder seasons offer a great opportunity to explore the outdoors without the summer crowds. September and October are ideal for hiking and cycling, with mild temperatures and fewer tourists on the trails. You can also witness the beautiful autumn colours during these months, making your outdoor adventures even more picturesque.

Experience Local Festivals

The off-season in Austria is filled with local festivals that showcase the country's culture and traditions. In spring, you can look forward to a string of public holidays, which often come with special festivities. During autumn, you can enjoy the harvest and wine festivals that take place in many towns and villages. The vineyards near Vienna are especially worth visiting during this time, as you can taste new wine and enjoy the golden foliage.

Save on Flights

Flight prices to Austria can vary depending on the season, with the cheapest times to fly typically being in the off-season. According to data, the cheapest dates to fly to Austria usually fall between mid-January and the beginning of April, and from September to early December. So, if you're looking to save on flights, booking during these periods can be a great option.

Plan Ahead for Accommodation

While the off-season generally offers better room rates, it's important to plan and book your accommodation in advance, especially if you're visiting during the shoulder seasons. This is because, even during the off-peak times, popular destinations like Vienna and Salzburg can still experience high demand, and you don't want to miss out on the best deals.

In summary, travelling to Austria during the off-season can be a great way to find better room rates and enhance your overall travel experience. You'll be able to enjoy the country's natural beauty, immerse yourself in local festivals, and take advantage of lower prices on flights and accommodation. By planning your trip well and booking in advance, you can make the most of your time in Austria and create lasting memories.

Book train tickets in advance to save money

Booking train tickets in advance is a great way to save money when travelling in Austria. Here are some tips to help you get the best deals:

Book Online

Tickets for train journeys within Austria are typically cheaper when booked online, compared to buying them at the station. The national rail operator, OBB, offers discounted tickets called 'Sparschiene' tickets, which can only be purchased online or through their app. These tickets are specific to the departure you select and cannot be refunded or exchanged, so be sure of your travel plans before booking.

Book Early

Online bookings for train tickets in Austria usually open six months in advance. While you don't always need to book this early to get a good deal, it's a good idea to book as early as possible, especially if you want to travel during peak times. The cheapest tickets tend to sell out the fastest, and prices can vary by more than €30 across different departures.

Be Flexible with Travel Times

Ticket prices for the same route can vary significantly depending on the day and time of travel. Generally, tickets for Friday and Sunday afternoons/evenings, as well as trains departing between 08:00 and 10:00, and 16:00 and 18:30, tend to be more expensive. Travelling during off-peak times or on less busy days can help you find cheaper tickets.

Compare Prices

Ticket prices for international train journeys to and from Austria can vary widely between different operators. It's worth checking the prices offered by OBB and the national rail operator of the country you're travelling to or from. There can be discrepancies of more than 50%, so shopping around can save you a lot of money.

Consider a Rail Pass

If you plan to take multiple long-distance train journeys within Austria, a rail pass may be a more cost-effective option than buying individual tickets. Rail passes like the Eurail Global Pass or InterRail Austria Pass offer flexibility, as you can simply hop on the next train without being tied to a specific departure. Additionally, rail passes often include bonuses such as discounts on certain cruises and boats, as well as coverage on some local trains and buses.

Take Advantage of Discounts

Austria offers various types of railcards, such as the Vorteilscard 66 and Vorteilscard Classic, which provide discounts on rail journeys within the country. Youths under 26, seniors over 62, and families with children under 15 can also save up to 50% on point-to-point train tickets with a Vorteilscard. Group-ticket discounts are another great way to save money when travelling with multiple people.

By following these tips, you can save money on train travel in Austria and make the most of your trip. Happy travels!

Get a 24-hour pass for unlimited public transportation

Vienna, the capital of Austria, has one of the best transport systems in the country. The city has an extensive network of buses, trams, trains, and a metro system. Wiener Linien, the municipal transport authority, operates five underground lines, 29 tram lines, and 127 bus lines, 24 of which are night lines.

You can buy a 24-hour pass for unlimited public transportation in Vienna, which is a great option if you plan to use public transport multiple times a day. The 24-hour pass is part of the Vienna Welcome Card, which also includes discounts on selected attractions and additional transport options like taxis and scooters. This pass is perfect for tourists as it covers all city train, subway, tram, and bus services.

The 24-hour pass is also a more cost-effective option if you plan to take more than a couple of trips in a day. With this pass, you don't have to worry about buying individual tickets for each journey, and it saves you the hassle of figuring out the correct fare each time.

The Vienna Welcome Card is available for purchase online or at ticket offices in the main stations, ticket machines in stations, and from Trafik newsagents/tobacconists. The pass is valid for 24 hours from the moment you first validate it. During this period, you can travel as often as you like within the city limits.

In addition to the 24-hour pass, there are also 48-hour and 72-hour options available, as well as weekly, monthly, and annual passes. These passes can provide significant savings, especially if you're staying in Vienna for a longer period.

It's important to note that public transport in Vienna operates on an honesty system, with no ticket barriers at stations and no formal ticket checks. However, there are occasional spot checks, and travelling without a valid ticket will result in a fine. Therefore, it is always best to purchase a ticket or pass before using public transportation.

Seek out free attractions, like museums and nature

Austria is known for its majestic Alpine scenery, and hiking in the mountains is a popular activity. The country's hiking trails offer a diverse range of experiences, from majestic Alps and rolling hills to crystal-clear mountain lakes. Well-maintained trails lead through stunning landscapes, and rustic mountain huts offer the perfect spot to recharge with regional specialties.

Austria also offers impressive summer holiday experiences with its alpine landscapes and crystal-clear bathing lakes. The country's cable cars also allow visitors to explore the mountains using eco-friendly technologies and renewable energy sources.

For those interested in museums, there are 53 free museums and attractions in Austria. Here are some options to consider:

• Hangar-7 at Salzburg Airport, a multifunctional building dedicated to entertainment, culture, and the automotive and aeronautics industries.
• Austrian Sculpture Park, a seven-hectare park located in Unterpremstätten, a short journey south of Graz, featuring Austrian and international contemporary sculpture.
• Stadtmuseum Korneuburg, located within the Kulturzentrum Korneuburg, a historic building in the city.
• Pöstlingbergbahn-Museum, dedicated to one of the world's steepest railways, located in its former terminus.
• Circus and Clown Museum in Vienna, illustrating the history of local and international entertainers such as clowns, artists, wizards, and freaks.
• Museum of the History of Dentistry in Linz, showcasing ancient dental tools and modern dental appliances.
• Klagenfurt Botanical Garden, established in 1862 and situated in a former quarry at the foot of Kreuzberg, offering a blend of natural and man-made beauty.

Look out for discounts for children, students and over-60s

Travelling Austria on a Discount

Children

Children below the age of six can travel for free on ÖBB suburban trains. During the school holidays in Vienna, on Sundays and public holidays, as well as on the 2nd and 15th of November, children below the age of 15 can also travel for free on Wiener Linien's network.

Students

Students can benefit from a range of discounts on ÖBB trains. For example, the Einfach-Raus-Ticket is a great option for day trips and the Einfach-Raus-Radticket allows sports enthusiasts to take their bicycles with them. Students who use ÖBB trains frequently may want to consider purchasing a season ticket to save money and avoid the hassle of buying a ticket every time.

Over-60s

There are two major railway operators in Austria: ÖBB and Westbahn. While Westbahn does not offer any discounts for senior citizens, ÖBB does provide discounts for travellers over the age of 63. The "Vorteilscard Senior" costs 29 euros, is valid for one year, and gives you a 45-50% discount on standard-fare tickets. Additionally, Westbahn offers discounts to travellers over the age of 60. Senior citizens can also purchase single tickets for one or two journeys at a reduced rate.

Frequently asked questions