By Air

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.

By Rail

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.

Throughout Austria, up to two children under six years who are accompanied or require no seat travel free and a third child qualifies for a 50 per cent discount. Children aged six to 15 pay half fare.

The quality of service offered by the rail network makes it far more appealing than bus links.

Rail Passes

The Vorteilscard offers a 45 per cent discount on rail travel within a one-year period. This ID card can be purchased at all Austrian railway stations. Those under 26 years can purchase the Vorteilscard for approximately €19.90. Austria offers a number of discount rail passes.

InterRail’s One-Country Pass offers travel for three, four, six or eight days in one month within Austria. Travel is not allowed in the passenger’s country of residence. Travellers under 26 years receive a reduction. Children’s tickets are reduced by about 50%. Supplements are required for some high-speed services, seat reservations and couchettes. Discounts are offered on Eurostar and some ferry routes. Available from Rail Europe (www.raileurope.co.uk/inter-rail).

The Austrian Rail Pass is available to foreigners. Reductions are also available for groups of more than six people. For more information, contact the Austrian Railways Head Office or enquire locally.

By River/ Ferries

A number of operators run cruises along the Danube, and from Switzerland (Bregenz) across Lake Constance. On some cruises, a passport is needed; they last from one to eight days depending on the itinerary. These services run between spring and autumn. There are regular passenger boat services from mid-May to mid-September along the Danube and on Austria’s lakes. The Danube steamer services are run by DDSG Blue Danube Schiffahrt (Tel: (1) 588-800) and private companies.

By Road

Austria has an excellent network of roads. Help is readily given by the Austrian Motoring Association (ÖAMTC); there is a fee for non-members. For emergency breakdowns, dial 120 or 123.

Tolls must be paid on all Austrian motorways and ’S’ roads. Tourists can purchase either 10-day, two-month or one-year discs which are available at all major border crossings, newsagents, petrol stations, automobile clubs, ÖAMTC and ARBÖ, and at post offices. The 10-day disc costs approximately €7.60 for passenger cars and €4.30 for motorcycles. The two-monthly disc costs €21.80 for cars. Heavy vehicles pay higher tariffs and motorcycles pay less. Infringements will incur fines. All vehicles under 3.5 tons maximum permitted laden weight, using the motorways/ expressways, require a small device called a Go-Box to be attached to their windscreens (including private vehicles, such as caravans). Drivers of vehicles close to the limit should carry their registration documents clearly stating this. This can be purchased for €5 at approximately 220 sales centres in Austria and neighbouring countries online (www.go-maut.at). Prohibitions may apply for vehicles over 7.5 tons laden weight, and visitors must check with their relevant Embassy. In addition to the disc to be attached to the vehicle’s window, there are other charges for the following major roads: Arlberg-tunnel, Brenner Highway, Dachstein, Telbertauern, Gerlos Alpine, Großglockner-Alpine, Maltatal-Hochalm, Nockalm, Pyhrn Highway (Gleinalm Tunnel), Timmelsjoch, Villacher Alpine, Dobratsch, Sölden-Rettenbachferner-Tiefenbachferner, Tavern Highway, Pyhrn Highway (Bosruck Tunnel) and Silnretta. There are complex driving laws in Austria, especially for caravan and motorhome owners.