Arrival & Transport

Austria has six international airports, but for most German travelers, only two are really relevant:

Vienna-Schwechat (VIE) — Austria's Hub

By far the largest airport, 18 km southeast of the city center. Hub of Austrian Airlines (Lufthansa Group). Direct flights from all major German cities — Munich (55 min!), Frankfurt (1:15h), Berlin (1:20h), Hamburg (1:30h), Düsseldorf (1:25h). Also Eurowings, Ryanair, Wizz Air.

Transfer:

• City Airport Train (CAT): 16 min nonstop to Wien Mitte station. €14.90 one-way, €24.90 return. Every 30 min.
• S-Bahn S7: 25 min to the main station or Wien Mitte. €4.40 (regular public transport fare). Every 30 min.
• Railjet: 15 min to the main station. From €4.40. Ideal if you're continuing to Salzburg or Graz.
• Taxi/Uber: €35–45 to the city center, about 25 min.

Salzburg (SZG) — Gateway to the Alps

Small but perfectly located — only 4 km from the old town! Direct flights from Berlin (1:20h), Frankfurt, Düsseldorf with Eurowings and Austrian. Greatly expanded in winter due to ski resorts.

Transfer: Bus No. 2 (€3.20, 20 min to the main station) or taxi (€15–20, 10 min to the old town).

Innsbruck (INN) — Directly into the Mountains

Spectacular landing between the mountains. Seasonal flights from Munich (40 min flight time!), Frankfurt, Hamburg. Significantly more connections in winter (ski flights from the UK and NL).

Transfer: Bus F (€2.50, 18 min) or taxi (€15, 10 min).

Other Airports

Graz (GRZ): Few connections, from Munich and Frankfurt. Linz (LNZ): Hardly any scheduled flights. Klagenfurt (KLU): Seasonal from Berlin (Ryanair). Often Munich Airport (MUC) is the best alternative for western Austria — only 1.5h by Railjet to Innsbruck or Salzburg!

Flight Prices (Guidelines, one-way)

Austria has one of the best rail networks in Europe. The trains are punctual, modern, and often offer breathtaking scenery. For many routes from Germany, the train is the best choice — faster than flying (door-to-door) and more comfortable than driving.

ÖBB (Austrian Federal Railways)

The main provider. Railjets are the high-speed trains (up to 230 km/h), regional trains (REX, S-Bahn) serve smaller towns. Booking: oebb.at — be sure to use the Sparschiene!

Important Connections from Germany

ÖBB Nightjet — Night Train Revolution

ÖBB operates Europe's largest night train network. From Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, Amsterdam, or Zurich, sleep your way to Vienna, Innsbruck, or Graz. Three categories:

• Seating Carriage: from €29 — comfortable seats, okay for a night
• Couchette Carriage: from €49 — 4 or 6 berth compartments with blanket and pillow
• Sleeping Carriage: from €89 — 1, 2, or 3 berth compartments with washbasin, breakfast included. The luxury compartment has its own shower/WC (from €149).

Westbahn — The Affordable Alternative

Private provider on the route Vienna – St. Pölten – Linz – Salzburg. Modern double-decker trains, Wi-Fi, no reservation required. Tickets from €9.90 (online) or €16.90 (standard). Hourly.

The Westbahn is often cheaper than ÖBB on this route and the trains are pleasantly empty — an insider tip.

Intra-Austrian Routes

A rental car is especially worthwhile for rural areas: Salzkammergut, Carinthian Lakes, Wachau, Großglockner High Alpine Road. You don't need one for Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbruck — public transport is excellent.

Prices & Booking

Compare via CHECK24 or billiger-mietwagen.de. Local providers (Buchbinder, Megadrive) often cheaper than Sixt/Europcar.

⚠️ Vignette — Mandatory on Highways!

All Austrian highways and expressways require a vignette. Since 2018, there is the Digital Vignette, which is linked to the license plate — no more sticking!

Purchase: Online at asfinag.at (immediately valid or from desired date), at gas stations, ADAC offices, or kiosks near the border.

Additional Toll Roads (Special Toll)

Some tunnels and mountain roads cost extra — even with a vignette:

Driving Tips

• Speed Limit: Highway 130 km/h, expressway (rural) 100 km/h, urban 50 km/h. Speed cameras are frequent and expensive!
• Winter Tires: Mandatory from November 1 to April 15 in winter conditions. Rental cars have them as standard.
• Snow Chains: Required for mountain roads in winter. Often available for rental cars at an extra charge.
• Alcohol: 0.5‰ limit, for new drivers (< 2 years) 0.1‰.
• Parking in Vienna: Short-term parking zones (Mon–Fri 9 am–10 pm) in all 23 districts! Parking ticket via app (EasyPark, PayByPhone) or kiosk. €2.40/hour, max. 2 hours in inner districts.

Vienna has one of the best public transport networks in the world — frequent, clean, safe, and surprisingly affordable. You definitely don't need a car in Vienna.

The Vienna Public Transport Network

• Subway: 5 lines (U1–U4, U6), runs 5:00 am–12:30 am, Fri/Sat/holiday continuously. Frequency: 2–5 minutes during the day.
• Tram (Bim): 28 lines, the second-largest network in the world. The Ringstrasse tram (lines 1 and 2) is a free sightseeing tour.
• Bus: Complements subway and Bim. Night buses (N-lines) on weekends when the subway pauses.
• S-Bahn: For trips to Klosterneuburg, Baden, or Bratislava (1h, from €9!).

Tickets & Prices

Other Modes of Transport

• On Foot: The city center (1st district) is compact — St. Stephen's Cathedral, Hofburg, Graben, Naschmarkt are all within 15 minutes walking distance.
• Bicycle: WienMobil Rad (formerly Citybike) — first 30 minutes free, then €1/30 min. 195 stations throughout the city. Well-developed bike path network, especially along the Danube Canal.
• Taxi/Uber: Uber is fully available in Vienna and usually cheaper than a taxi. Airport–center: about €25–35.
• Fiaker: The famous horse-drawn carriages — 20 minutes from €80, 40 minutes from €110. Touristic, but unique. Depart from Stephansplatz or Heldenplatz.

Vienna City Card

Combines public transport ticket + over 200 discounts (up to 50% off in museums, restaurants, shops). From €17 (24h), €25 (48h), €29 (72h). Worth it from 2–3 museum visits per day. Buy online and load onto your phone.