Getting Around Austria

Domestic carrier Tyrolean Airways and an ultramodern network of trains zoom between key cities, while smaller locales are serviced by Bundesbus. It’s not uncommon for travellers to eschew organised transport or hire cars in favour of cycling around Austria. High-altitude destinations are reached via gondolas, cable cars or similar devices.

Tyrolean Airways is the main domestic carrier and operates several flights a day between Austria’s larger cities.

Transport systems in Austria are highly developed and very efficient. Austrian trains are comfortable, clean and reasonably frequent.

The Bundesbus (federal bus) network supplements the rail service, and is used for local trips or to get to out-of-the-way places rather than for long-distance travel. Some ski resorts in Tirol and Vorarlberg can only be reached by Bundesbus or private transport.

Rental car companies have branches in main cities. Roads are generally good, but sufficient respect should be given to difficult mountain routes. Austrians drive on the right, so you should seriously consider doing likewise. Trams are a common feature in Austrian cities; so take care if you’ve never driven amongst these mechanical creatures before.

Bicycles can be hired from over 160 railway stations and returned to any other station with a rental office. Separate bike tracks are common and the Danube cycling trail, which runs from the Black Forest in Germany to Vienna and beyond, is something of a Holy Grail for cyclists.