Austria boasts one of Europe's finest public transportation systems, with over 80% of the population having access to public transit within walking distance of their homes. Combined with excellent cycling infrastructure and innovative mobility solutions, living car-free or car-light is entirely practical throughout most of the country.
This guide covers the sustainable transportation options available to residents and visitors, helping you navigate Austria while minimizing your environmental footprint.
The Klimaticket Revolution
In 2021, Austria introduced the Klimaticket (Climate Ticket), a nationwide public transport pass that has transformed sustainable travel across the country. This single ticket provides unlimited access to nearly all public transportation in Austria.
Klimaticket Options
- Klimaticket Oe (National): Covers all public transport across Austria including regional trains, most urban transit, and many regional bus services
- Regional Klimatickets: Available for individual federal states at reduced prices if you primarily travel within one region
- Combined options: Some regions offer combined tickets that include the national rail network plus regional services
Cost Comparison
At approximately 1,095 EUR annually for the national Klimaticket, daily use costs under 3 EUR. Compare this to typical car ownership costs (fuel, insurance, maintenance, parking) which average 5,000-8,000 EUR annually, and the savings are substantial.
Urban Public Transit
Austria's cities offer comprehensive public transportation networks that make car ownership unnecessary for most urban residents.
Vienna (Wiener Linien)
Vienna consistently ranks among the world's best cities for public transportation. The network includes:
- U-Bahn (Metro): Five lines covering the city center and extending to outer districts
- Strassenbahn (Trams): One of the world's largest tram networks with over 30 lines
- Bus: Comprehensive bus routes filling gaps between rail services
- S-Bahn: Suburban rail connecting the greater Vienna region
- Night buses: 24-hour service on weekends, night buses on weeknights
Other Major Cities
Graz: Tram and bus network with the Styrian S-Bahn serving surrounding areas. The city center is largely pedestrianized.
Salzburg: Trolleybus and bus network with easy connections to regional trains. The compact old town is best explored on foot.
Linz: Tram, trolleybus, and bus system including the Poestlingbergbahn, one of the steepest adhesion railways in the world.
Innsbruck: Tram and bus services with the Innsbruck Card including unlimited public transit plus cable car access to mountain peaks.
Rail Travel (OeBB)
Austrian Federal Railways (OeBB) operates an extensive network connecting cities, towns, and even small villages throughout the country.
Train Types
- Railjet: High-speed trains connecting major cities (Vienna-Salzburg in 2.5 hours)
- Intercity: Fast connections between regional centers
- Regional (REX, R): Local services stopping at smaller stations
- S-Bahn: Suburban rail around major cities
Night Trains (Nightjet)
OeBB operates Europe's largest night train network, offering a sustainable alternative to short-haul flights. Destinations include major cities across Europe, allowing you to travel while you sleep and arrive refreshed without the carbon footprint of flying.
Cycling Infrastructure
Austria has over 14,000 kilometers of designated cycling paths, making it one of Europe's most bike-friendly countries. The infrastructure continues to expand annually.
Urban Cycling
All major Austrian cities have dedicated cycling lanes, bike parking facilities, and increasingly, bike-sharing systems.
- Vienna: WienMobil Rad bike-sharing system with stations throughout the city. Extensive cycling infrastructure along the Danube and Ring.
- Graz: Highly developed cycling network with the city recognized as Austria's cycling capital.
- Salzburg: Compact city center ideal for cycling with dedicated paths along the Salzach River.
Long-Distance Cycling Routes
Austria is part of the EuroVelo network and offers spectacular cycling routes:
- Donauradweg (Danube Cycle Path): One of Europe's most popular routes, following the Danube through the Wachau valley
- Tauernradweg: Mountain route through Salzburg state with stunning alpine scenery
- Drauradweg: Following the Drau River through Carinthia and into Italy
Bikes on Trains
Most Austrian trains allow bicycles with a bike ticket. Regional trains have dedicated bike areas, while Railjets offer limited bike spaces that should be reserved in advance. Some S-Bahn services restrict bikes during rush hours.
Car-Sharing and Alternatives
For occasions when public transit or cycling is not practical, Austria offers various car-sharing options that reduce overall car ownership.
Car-Sharing Services
- ShareNow: Free-floating car-sharing in Vienna with electric and hybrid vehicles
- OEBB Rail and Drive: Car rental at train stations for last-mile connections
- Denzel Mobility: Station-based car-sharing available in multiple cities
Electric Vehicle Charging
If you do own a car, Austria has an extensive electric vehicle charging network. The country aims to have 100% renewable electricity by 2030, making EVs increasingly sustainable.
- Over 13,000 public charging points nationwide
- Many shopping centers and parking garages offer free or low-cost charging
- Highway rest stops along the Autobahn have fast-charging stations
Walking and Pedestrian Infrastructure
Austrian cities prioritize pedestrians, with extensive pedestrian zones (Fussgaengerzonen), traffic-calmed residential areas, and well-maintained sidewalks.
Vienna's first district (Innere Stadt) is largely pedestrianized, as are the historic centers of Salzburg, Graz, and most other towns. This makes walking not only viable but often the most pleasant way to get around.
Sustainable Tourism Travel
For visitors exploring Austria, sustainable transportation options make it easy to experience the country without a rental car.
Alpine Access
Most ski resorts and mountain destinations are accessible by train or bus. Many offer ski bus services from nearby train stations, and lift passes sometimes include local transit.
Lake Regions
The Salzkammergut and Carinthian lake regions have boat services that complement bus and train connections, allowing car-free exploration of these scenic areas.