Getting Around

Trains, roads, taxis and how to move around Austria.

National Trains [ÖBB]

Book ahead for savings — Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) offers significant discounts on Sparschiene tickets booked 2–12 weeks in advance. These can be up to 70% cheaper than standard fares, though they're non-refundable and tied to specific trains.
Use the ÖBB app — The official ÖBB app lets you search routes, book tickets, and check real-time delays. Mobile tickets are accepted directly—no need to print.
Ticket inspectors board trains regularly and fines for traveling without a valid ticket start at €100. Always validate your ticket before boarding or buy online in advance.
Night trains to Europe — ÖBB runs Nightjet sleeper trains to Italy, Germany, and Eastern Europe. These are comfortable alternatives to flying for longer journeys and arrive in city centers.

Vienna's U-Bahn is extensive — Vienna's metro (U-Bahn) has five lines covering the city efficiently; trains run every 2–5 minutes during the day. Trams and buses fill gaps and are equally reliable.
Validate single tickets at machines — If you buy a paper ticket at a kiosk, you must validate it at yellow machines before boarding. Mobile tickets don't require validation.
Fare inspectors (Kontrolleure) conduct spot checks on trams and buses without warning; fines for fare evasion are €100. Children under 6 travel free, and 6–15 year-olds get reduced fares.
Other major cities — Salzburg, Innsbruck, and Graz have compact local transit networks; trams and buses are the main options, and tourist passes often include free transit.

Official taxis are metered — In Vienna and other cities, official white taxis with a roof light and license number are metered. Initial charge is €2.20–€2.80, plus €1.20–€1.40 per kilometer.
Unlicensed taxis ('Schwarztaxen') operate at airports and stations—avoid them as they charge arbitrary rates and offer no protection. Use only licensed cabs or the apps below.
App-based alternatives — Uber, Bolt, and local app Taxi Plus all operate in Vienna and major cities. Fares are fixed upfront, and payment is cashless—these avoid negotiation and hidden charges.
Night surcharges apply — Most cities add 20% surcharge for late-night travel (usually 10 PM–6 AM). Plan ahead if traveling late; ride apps may surge-price during peak hours.

Vignette required on motorways — Austrian motorways and expressways require a Vignette (digital or physical sticker). Buy online before travel or at petrol stations for €9.50 (10 days), €27 (2 months), or €92 (annual). Fines for non-compliance are €120–€300.
Speed limits and enforcement — Speed limits are 130 km/h on motorways, 100 km/h on expressways, 90 km/h on regional roads, and 50 km/h in towns. Speed cameras and unmarked police are common; fines start at €30.
Winter tyres mandatory — From November to March, winter tyres are required on snow/ice-covered roads; all-season tyres are also acceptable. Chains must be carried in mountain regions. Non-compliance carries fines up to €220.
Random breath-testing for alcohol is routine; the legal limit is 0.05% BAC (0.02% for drivers under 20). Fines for exceeding this range from €300 to €3,600 depending on level.
Major rental companies — Hertz, Avis, Europcar, and local company Buchbinder operate across Austria. Book online in advance for better rates and ensure you have comprehensive insurance if crossing borders.

Vienna International (VIE) connections — Vienna Airport is 18 km east of the city. The City Airport Train (CAT) takes 16 minutes to Wien Mitte (€12), or slower S-Bahn trains take 30–40 minutes for €4–€5. Buses are cheapest but slower.
Salzburg & Innsbruck airports — Both are small and close to city centers (10–15 km). Local buses and trains connect them cheaply; taxis are reasonable and direct shuttles often exist.
Beware of unmarked taxi operators at airport arrivals; agree a fare first or use official metered taxis. Uber and Bolt are available at major airports and are safer and cheaper.
Check luggage allowances — Low-cost carriers (Ryanair, Wizz Air) have strict baggage limits; excess fees can exceed €100. Pack light or budget for checked baggage upfront.

Vienna travel cards (Verbund) — Buy a 24-hour, 72-hour, or weekly ticket for unlimited metro, tram, and bus travel in Vienna. A 24-hour card is €9; a week card is €32. These are better value than multiple singles if traveling 3+ times daily.
Austria Travel Pass (rail + transit) — Non-residents can buy the Austria Travel Pass for 3–8 days of unlimited national rail travel. It costs €181–€399 and includes many regional buses; good for touring.
Tourist passes in cities — Cities like Salzburg and Innsbruck offer bundled tourist passes including hotels, museums, and local transit discounts. Ask your accommodation if they provide free local passes.
Paper vs. digital tickets — Digital tickets in the ÖBB and local transport apps are cheaper and more convenient; paper tickets from kiosks cost slightly more. Download the relevant app before arrival if possible.

Major providers — Drei (3), A1, and Magenta are Austria's main networks. All offer prepaid SIMs at airports, supermarkets, and kiosks from €5–€15 with included credit.
Data packages are cheap — Local SIM cards offer generous data bundles: 5GB for €10–€20 per month is common. This is usually cheaper than roaming if you're staying longer than a few days.
eSIM alternative — Drei and A1 support eSIM; you can activate online before arrival. This is convenient if your phone supports it and eliminates the need to visit a shop.
EU roaming works — EU roaming rates apply, so your home SIM will work at reasonable rates if included in your plan. However, buying a local SIM is usually cheaper for data-heavy use.