Vienna Public-Transport

Vienna Public-Transport information

Trains

Vienna has four main train stations which handle routes around Austria and beyond. For international departures to countries north and west of Vienna head for Westbahnhof; trains for international destinations to the south and east leave from Südbahnhof. A similar logic prevails for domestic trains: Southbound trains depart from Südbahnhof; westbound from Westbahnhof; northbound from Wien-Nord and eastbound from Franz-Josefs Bahnhof. For information on all routes contact Austrian Federated Railways on Tel: +43 (0)1-93-0000.

Trams

Vienna has a large and efficient tram network that criss-crosses the city and runs from the early morning until around midnight. A single destination fare costs EUR1.50 and should be bought in advance from a transport office or vending machine. Tickets can be bought from machines on board for EUR2.00. You are trusted to punch your own ticket but random on-board inspections are conducted and there is a hefty fine for passengers who fail to do so.

U-Bahn

Five U-Bahn (underground rail) lines bisect the city. This is by far the easiest way to get around the city and is relatively uncrowded (when compared to the systems in other European capitals). Best of all the U-Bahn neatly avoids Vienna's horrific congestion at street level. Trains don't stop running until midnight or later.

Buses

Vienna's bus system is a complement to the excellent U-Bahn and tram networks. It is especially useful in the suburbs and at night after the U-Bahn stops running. The road network is set up in favour of public transport and buses often manage to avoid the worst of the chronic congestion in the city. Night bus numbers are prefixed with an "N-" and operate on a flat fare system. Travel cards are not valid.

Driving

Visitors should remember that Vienna's charming and narrow streets are a nightmare to negotiate for first time drivers - and parking is scarce. Congestion is a major problem with a confusing one way system seemingly designed deliberately to dissuade people from driving personal vehicles in the city. Also note that in the city the sounding of horns at any time is prohibited, and no bad thing, as the chronic traffic would mean the noise would be incessant. However, once you're out of the city, the relatively short distances between towns and the breathtaking scenery en route make driving an attractive option. The minimum driving age in Austria is 18. A valid EU driving licence is valid and third-party insurance is compulsory if planning to drive. Holders of non-EU driving licences must carry an International Driving Permit as well as their national driving licence. You must drive on the right and overtake on the left-hand side. If driving in Austria you should be aware that you must carry a warning triangle in the vehicle at all times. Snow tyres or chains are also necessary in winter. The speed limit is 130km per hour (81mph) on motorways, 100km per hour (62mph) on major roads outside towns and 50km per hour (31mph) in built up areas. On some motorways the speed limit is dropped to 110km per hour (68 mph) from 22h00-05h00, check signs locally. To use a motorway in Austria, a toll sticker, called a "vignette" pass, must be displayed on the windscreen. Without this the driver is subject to a fine of EUR80 plus the cost of the vignette. Vignettes can be bought from border stations, the Austrian Automobile Club, post offices, tobacconists and petrol stations. It costs EUR7.60 for a ten-day sticker, EUR21.80 for a two-month sticker and EUR72.60 for a sticker that lasts a year. The driver and all passengers in the front and rear of the car must wear seat belts. Drinking and driving is not tolerated in Austria and the blood alcohol limit is 0.049%. Those who exceed the limit are subject to on the spot fines of EUR220-360. A national driving licence is required for nationals of EU states; other nationalities should obtain an International Driving Permit. The minimum age for hiring a car is 21 years.

Rent a Car

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Taxis

Taxis are equipped with regulated meters. Higher fares are charged for trips between 23h00 - 06h00 and on Sundays and public holidays, and a surcharge for luggage is often levied (these rates are clearly posted inside the taxi). There is also a surcharge for pre-ordering radio taxis. Taxis do not always respond to on-street hailing in Vienna and catching a cab from a rank is often easier.