How to get around Austria
Navigating Austria is straightforward with a variety of public and private transport options. Here's what you need to know about getting between and within its cities and towns.
Inter-City Travel
For long-distance travel in Austria, trains and long-distance buses are common options. Train travel is generally efficient and comfortable. ÖBB (Austrian Federal Railways) offers various services, including high-speed Railjet trains connecting major cities like Vienna, Linz, Salzburg, and Graz.
Advance purchase 'Sparschiene' train tickets can be economical, with prices for a one-way 2nd class journey from Vienna to Graz starting from approximately €9.90. Standard intercity train fares, such as Innsbruck to Salzburg, can begin around $32 (approx. €29.70), and Vienna to Salzburg from $44 (approx. €40.80). Seat reservations typically cost an additional €3.00 for domestic routes.
WESTbahn is a private train operator offering competitive fares, often cheaper than ÖBB on routes like Vienna-Salzburg, and tickets can be purchased on board without an extra fee.
Long-distance buses, provided by companies like FlixBus and RegioJet, are generally a more budget-friendly alternative to trains for intercity travel. Specific prices vary by route and booking time.
Car rental offers flexibility but can be more expensive. Daily rental prices vary by city, for example, around $79 (approx. €73.30) per day in Vienna, and $194 (approx. €180) per day in Salzburg. Weekly rates are also available. Cheaper daily rates for car rentals can be found during off-peak months, such as August at approximately $40 (approx. €37) or June at around $49 (approx. €45.50).
Travel Within Cities
Within Austrian cities, public transport networks are well-developed. In Vienna, Wiener Linien operates an extensive system of buses, trams, and the underground (U-Bahn), along with the S-Bahn (suburban train). A single ticket costs €2.40, increasing to €2.60 if purchased directly from the driver on a tram or bus. For multiple journeys, 24-hour passes are available for €8, 48-hour passes for €14.10, and 72-hour passes for €17.10. Weekly passes cost €19.70 (digital) or €22.60 (paper).
In Salzburg, public transport primarily consists of buses and trolleybuses. A single ticket costs €2.40 if purchased from a tobacco shop or €2.50 from a vending machine, but €3.00 if bought on board. A 24-hour ticket is €4.90 from vending machines or tobacco shops, and €6.40 on board. Monthly passes in Salzburg cost approximately €52. Tickets bought from machines or tobacco shops require validation before travel.
Taxis are a more expensive option for cross-city travel. In Vienna, the base fare is €3.80 during the day and €4.30 at night. The cost per kilometer ranges from €0.95 to €1.09 for the first 5 km, and then €0.58 to €0.67 per kilometer thereafter. A typical 5 km taxi ride in Vienna could be around €8, while a 10 km journey might cost €14. An airport transfer to the city center often has a fixed rate of about €42.
