Austria Information
Joined: 11 Oct 2006
Posts: 20
Home Country: austria
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 Posted: Thu Oct 12, 2006 10:21 am Post subject: GETTING AROUND IN AUSTRIA / AUSTRIA TRANSPORT GUIDE |
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GETTING AROUND IN AUSTRIA
Cars
The Austrians are known to be a car-loving nation. As a result, Austria boasts an excellent road network. However, almost all of the bigger cities suffer from severe parking availability problems. Spaces are scarce and prohibitively expensive. If you do find a space, the time you are allowed to park for is usually around 90 minutes in central districts. One way streets and traffic jams also take enjoyment out of the journey.
If you do decide to drive your own car here to Vienna you will need to purchase a Vignette which is a form of toll that allows you to drive on Austria's motorways. These vignettes can be purchased at gas stations, border crossings etc.
Drivers in Austria are also required to carry safety warning equipment, namely a reflective warning triangle to place on the road in the event of an accident, a first aid kit and a reflective vest. Failure to carry these items in your car will leave you liable to a fine.
Public Transport
The public transport system in Austria is excellent. Austria's rail network is comfortable, reliable and fast. The main rail website offers excellent information on timetables, services and discounts. The quality of service offered by the rail network makes it far more appealing than bus links.
Vienna boasts several major train stations. Most people will arrive either at the Southern or the Western main train stations which are well-connected with the rest of the city. Cities such as Bratislava, Budapest, Prague, Munich, Venice are all are regularly served from the cities main stations. For the more adventurous there is also the possibility to travel further a field to destinations such as Warsaw, Berlin, Kiev etc.
Public Transport in Vienna
Vienna features an impressive public transport system. the subway, trams and buses assure reliable and clean transportation. The underground/subway system is particularly easy to navigate. At night, there exists a network of night buses, a cheaper alternative to taking a taxi. All of these transport options are available at very reasonable prices ranging from Euro 1.50 for a single Journey, Euro 12.50 for a weekly card and Euro 45 for a monthly ticket.
Air Links
All of Austria's major cities including Linz, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Graz and Klagenfurt and Vienna have their own international airports. Austrian Airlines, Austria's national carrier, serves all of the above cities and connects Austria with many international destinations. There are now a range of low cost carriers which connect Vienna, Linz and Bratislava to a number of European destinations e.g. AirBerlin, FlyNiki, Ryanair, Sky Europe and German Wings.
Cycling
Much of Vienna encourages cyclists through designated cycle lanes. Since 2002 the city has even offered public bicycles ('Stadtrad') in central districts. Tourists and locals use them for short distances. They are free save apart from a small deposit.
There are many beautifully tended cycling routes throughout the country esp. along the Danube river. |
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