Lexi Webster
Austria is a moderately priced destination to visit, with prices for food, accommodation, and transportation all fairly reasonable. The cheapest time to take a vacation in Austria is usually mid-January, when flight prices are at their lowest. For budget travellers, planning for around $50 to $75 per day should cover essentials such as accommodations in hostels and budget hotels, affordable meal options, local transportation, and engaging in various activities. The cheapest way to get around Austria is by purchasing advance train tickets. Book a bargain fixed-departure-time Sparschiene ticket with national rail operator ÖBB to save half or more on the cost of a standard ticket.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average daily budget for budget travelers | $50 to $75 |
| Average daily budget for mid-range travelers | $100 to $190 |
| Average daily budget for luxury travelers | $479 |
| Average price of a dorm bed in a hostel | $31 |
| Average hotel price range | $66 to $302 |
| Average vacation rental price range | $170 to $510 |
| Average round-trip flight ticket price range | $500 to $1500 |
| Cheapest time to fly | Mid-January |
| Cheapest day to fly in | Tuesday |
| Cheapest day to fly back | Tuesday |
| Average food budget | $51 to $103 per day |
| Average transportation budget | $51 to $103 per day |
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What You'll Learn
Cheapest time to fly: mid-January
If you're looking to visit Austria on a budget, mid-January is the cheapest time to fly there. This is when you can find the lowest flight prices, with the average worldwide flight costs to Austria ranging from $669 to $1,016 per person for economy tickets. In January, you're more likely to find flights at the lower end of this range, or even less.
When planning your trip, it's important to consider your travel style and budget. For budget travellers, it's recommended to plan for around $50 to $75 per day, which should cover essentials such as hostels or budget hotels, affordable meals, local transportation, and activities. If you're willing to sacrifice some comforts, such as sleeping in dorm-style hostels and eating at affordable restaurants or street food spots, you can make your budget go further.
For a higher level of comfort, mid-range travellers can expect to spend around $100 to $190 per day. This allows for stays in typical hotels, dining at regular restaurants, and visiting popular attractions. If you're travelling as a couple or with family, you'll likely fall into this category.
Luxury travellers should consider a daily budget of approximately $479 or more, depending on your preferences. This will allow you to stay in higher-end hotels, dine at exclusive restaurants, and indulge in private tour options.
In addition to choosing the right time to fly, there are other ways to save money on your trip to Austria. Booking train tickets in advance, especially with the national rail operator ÖBB, can save you a significant amount on transportation costs. Public transportation in cities is also very affordable, with single rides costing as little as €2.40, and 24-hour passes available for less than €10.
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Daily budget for budget travellers
Budgeting for a trip to Austria can be challenging, especially with transportation costs, hotel prices, and food expenses to consider. However, with some careful planning and flexibility, you can make your euros go further. Here is a guide to daily budgeting for budget travellers:
Accommodation
For budget travellers, the cost of accommodation in Austria can vary. In major cities like Salzburg or Vienna, expect to pay at least €100 per night for a budget room. Booking in advance is essential, as prices tend to increase for last-minute bookings in Austrian cities. If you're willing to stay in a hostel, you can find beds for around €31 per night. Camping is another affordable option, with prices ranging from €20 to €50 per night. Additionally, consider travelling during the shoulder seasons (spring and fall) when accommodation prices are typically lower than in the peak summer and winter seasons.
Transportation
Transportation costs in Austria can be high, especially with the frequent use of ferry boat rides, trains, or funiculars. A single ride on public transport in cities can cost around €2.40, but you can save money by purchasing a 24-hour pass for less than €10. If you plan to use public transportation extensively and visit attractions, consider city tourism cards valid for 24, 48, or 72 hours, which include transportation and attraction discounts. Regional cards, such as the Graz Card or the Salzburg Card, can also offer significant savings on transportation and admission fees.
Food
Creating a realistic food budget is essential. While you can find budget-friendly meals in Vienna and Salzburg, they may require a bit more searching. Aim for a budget of €20-25 per day for meals if you plan to eat out at inexpensive restaurants. To reduce costs, consider purchasing food from supermarkets like Hofer, Billa, Spar, Lidl, and Penny. If you have access to a kitchen, cooking your meals can further stretch your budget.
Attractions
Austria offers a range of attractions, from museums to outdoor activities. Taking advantage of free activities, such as free walking tours or exploring historic old towns, can help keep costs down. If you plan to visit museums, consider purchasing city tourism cards or regional cards that offer discounted or free admission to select museums and attractions.
Overall Daily Budget
Based on the above considerations, a daily budget of around €69-€75 per day should suffice for budget travellers in Austria. This estimate includes essential expenses such as accommodations in hostels or budget hotels, affordable meals, local transportation, and some activities. Remember that your budget may need to be adjusted based on your specific plans and preferences.
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Average hostel prices
Austria offers a wide variety of hostels, with the largest selection found in Vienna, Innsbruck, and Salzburg. The average price for a dorm bed in a hostel in Austria is $29 per night, while the average price for a private room in a hostel or guesthouse is $33 per night. The average price of a dorm bed in a hostel for 3 days in Austria is $88, while the average cost of a dorm bed for one week in Austria is $204, and $409 for two weeks.
If you're looking for the top-rated hostels, the average price is $31 for a dorm bed and $31 for a private room. These hostels tend to be located in the best neighbourhoods and offer amenities such as a bar or nightclub, a kitchen, and a great vibe.
It's important to note that prices can vary depending on the location, type, and amenities offered by the hostel. Additionally, prices tend to be higher during the peak season, which runs from June to September, and it is recommended to book in advance during this period.
To find the best deals, it is suggested to book your hostel about a month in advance for the top-rated hostels and about a week in advance for regular hostels. However, this may vary depending on the specific circumstances.
Austria also offers alternative budget options, such as guesthouses, camping, and affordable hotels, especially in smaller towns and rural areas.
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Save on transport costs
Austria is a well-connected country with an extensive transport network of trains, buses, and trams. The country's public transport system is fast, reliable, and cheap, making it a popular way to get around.
Trains
Two main companies operate trains in Austria: ÖBB and Westbahn. The national rail operator, ÖBB, offers discounted Sparschiene tickets for advance bookings with fixed departure times. Alternatively, Westbahn, a private rail operator, offers supersaver and flexible tickets for routes between Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck, and Bregenz. If you plan to travel extensively by train, a Eurail Austria pass may be a cost-effective option, with prices starting at €144 for three days of travel.
Buses
Buses are an important part of the transport network, especially in rural and regional areas. Postbus, an ÖBB subsidiary, operates many regional bus services to smaller towns. Local buses are the cheapest option for shorter journeys, while longer, regional trips will cost more. International bus services, such as FlixBus, connect Austrian cities with other major European destinations.
Other tips for saving on transport:
- Use airport shuttles to get to and from the airport when arriving or departing.
- Utilise public transport options like buses, metros, and trams. Google Maps can help you navigate and plan your routes.
- Group your activities by location to minimise travel needs and costs.
- Use reputable taxi operators and approved ride-hailing companies.
- Compare prices and plan your journeys using platforms like Omio, which help you find the best travel deals.
- Take advantage of discounted fares for certain passenger categories, such as children, pensioners, and students.
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Free attractions and discounts
Austria is a moderately priced destination to visit, with prices for food, accommodation, and transportation all fairly reasonable. However, costs can add up, so here are some tips for free attractions and discounts to keep your trip affordable.
Free Attractions
- Walking tours: The centre of Vienna is a pleasure to walk around and explore. Discover the beautiful sights, such as the tallest cathedral in Austria, St. Stephen's Cathedral, and the gorgeous City Hall building, Rathaus.
- Gardens: Explore the gardens of Schönbrunn Palace for free. These gardens are expansive and offer a peaceful escape from the tourist crowds.
- Hangar-7: Located in Salzburg, Hangar-7 is a unique attraction featuring a mashup of aviation wonders and dining delights. While dining here may not be budget-friendly, entry is free, and you can marvel at the planes, helicopters, and race cars on display.
- Free Concerts: Attend free organ concerts at St. Stephen's Cathedral, where you can enjoy the music and learn about the history and features of the cathedral.
- Christmas Markets: During the festive season, visit the famous Christmas Markets in Salzburg and Vienna. Stroll through the beautifully decorated stalls, soak in the festive atmosphere, and enjoy the sights and sounds of the season.
Discounts and Affordable Options
- Transportation: To save on transportation costs, consider purchasing advance train tickets or taking advantage of the excellent public transportation system in cities like Vienna and Salzburg. The 24-hour public transport pass is a great way to save money if you plan to use it multiple times a day.
- City Cards: Invest in city tourism cards, such as the Salzburg Card, which offers free or discounted rates for attractions and transportation.
- Accommodation: Opt for budget-friendly hostels, especially in cities like Vienna, Innsbruck, and Salzburg, which offer a wide variety of options.
- Dining: Eat at less expensive restaurants or try street food to save on dining costs. Cooking your own meals in a hostel kitchen is another way to stretch your budget.
- Free Activities: Look for free activities offered by your accommodation or seek out free attractions, such as visiting the graves of famous composers like Schubert, Beethoven, Strauss, and Brahms.
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Frequently asked questions
The cheapest time to fly to Austria is usually mid-January, with the median flight price being $798. The cheapest day to fly in is Tuesday, and the cheapest day to fly back is also usually Tuesday.
It depends on your travel style. A budget traveller can expect to spend around $50 to $75 per day, including accommodation, meals, transportation, and activities. A mid-range traveller can expect to spend around $100 to $190 per day. Luxury travellers should consider a daily budget of approximately $479.
The cheapest way to get around Austria is by purchasing advance train tickets. You can save more than half the cost of a standard ticket by booking a fixed-departure-time Sparschiene ticket with national rail operator ÖBB.
