Below you can find my latest posts about my experiences of plus-size travel in Austria! Plus scroll down for practical information on travelling to Austria, including entry requirements, luggage storage, how to use the public transport, and more.
Latest Posts
Austria Travel Advice
Practical information to plan your trip
Entry Requirements
If you are an EU or UK national and own a valid passport, you are able to stay in Austria for up to 90 days.
Coronavirus
Passengers arriving in Austria currently do not need to show proof of COVID vaccination, a negative COVID test, or a certificate of recovery from COVID.
FFP2 face masks are compulsory on public transport in Vienna.
VISA
All non-EU citizens that intend to travel to Austria need to apply for a VISA. You can read more information on the requirements and whether you need to apply for one here.
ETIAS Waiver
From Mid-2025, visitors that do not need a visa to enter Europe will need to register with ETIAS. ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) will become a mandatory entry requirement.
European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
If you’re entering the EU as a UK resident, you can apply for an EHIC. It is completely free, and entitles you to essential medical care during a temporary stay in Europe.
Read more about it, check your eligibility, and apply for an EHIC here.
Austria Weather
These are the average highs and lows of the temperature in Austria throughout the year:
| City | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vienna | -3° / 3° | -2° / 5° | 2° / 10° | 6° / 15° | 10° / 20° | 13° / 23° |
| Salzburg | -4° / 3° | -3° / 5° | 1° / 10° | 5° / 14° | 9° / 19° | 12° / 22° |
| Liezen | -7° / -1° | -6° / 2° | -2° / 7° | 1° / 12° | 6° / 17° | 9° / 20° |
| City | Jul | Aug | Sept | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vienna | 15° / 25° | 15° / 25° | 11° / 20° | 6° / 14° | 2° / 7° | -1° / 3° |
| Salzburg | 14° / 24° | 14° / 23° | 10° / 19° | 6° / 14° | 1° / 8° | -2° / 4° |
| Liezen | 11° / 22° | 10° / 21° | 7° / 17° | 2° / 12° | -2° / 5° | -6° / -0° |
When to visit Austria
The busiest season in Austria is generally in the Summer, as the country is great for outdoor activities like hiking and boating, and many people will take advantage of the good weather. The best months to visit for a quieter holiday are April – May, and September – October.
The wetter months begin around May and end around September, with June and August seeing some big thunderstorms.
Getting around in Austria
Children under 6 travel for free. All tickets need to be purchased in advance, either online at the service provider’s website, at a station, or at a tobacconist. You must validate your ticket in the stamping machines on train and metro platforms, and when boarding buses and trams.
Trains
ÖBB runs six national train networks, with each one containing a combination of First Class, Business Class, and Comfort Class seats. The trains have low-floor access, wide zones, handicapped toilets, and mobile ramps. You can plan and pay for your train journey at either ÖBB or Westbahn.
Buses
Buses are operated by PostBus, you can plan your bus journey on their website.
Trams
There are trams in Vienna that are operated by Wiener Linien. The modern trams are low-lying with raised tram stop platforms for wheelchairs, but there are a few of the older trams still in operation. You can plan your journey on Wiener Linien’s website.
Metros
There is a metro (U-Bahn) in Vienna that is also operated by Wiener Linien. You can view the metro map, plan your journey, and purchase tickets on their website.
Taxis
Taxis are reasonably cheap in Austria, and can be paid with either cash or card. Download the MyTaxi app on Apple or Android, or use Uber to book a taxi.
Bikes
It’s very easy to rent a bike in Austria, there are plenty of companies that offer different styles of bike including mountain, racing, and electric for use. You will need a form of ID if you want to use the service.
In Vienna, there is City Bike, which provides over 1,500 bikes that can be hired from over 120 stations and ridden for free for the first hour. Both registration, which requires a one-off €1 registration fee, and hiring are quick and easy processes.
Luggage storage
You can store your luggage in these ÖBB train stations in Austria.
| Vienna | Wien Hauptbahnhof, Westbahnhof, Bf. Wien Mitte, Meidling, Praterstern |
| Salzburg | Salzburg Hauptbahnhof, Zell am See |
| Lower Austria | St. Pölten, Wr. Neustadt, Krems, Baden |
| Upper Austria | Linz Hauptbahnhof, Wels Hauptbahnhof, Attnang-Puchheim |
| Styria | Graz Hauptbahnhof, Bruck a.d. Mur |
| Carinthia & East Tyrol | Klagenfurt Hauptbahnhof, Villach Hauptbahnhof, Spittal-Millstättersee, Lienz |
| Tyrol | Innsbruck Hauptbahnhof, Wörgl Hauptbahnhof, St. Anton am Arlberg |
| Vorarlberg | Bregenz, Dornbirn, Feldkirch |
| Locker Size | Locker Dimensions | Cost for up to 24 hours |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 45x35x85 cm | €2 |
| Medium | 60x35x85 cm | €2.50 |
| Large | 90x35x85 cm | €3.50 |
| Jumbo | 90x50x85 cm | €4.50 |
There are other luggage storage solutions in Austria including Vertoe, LuggageHero, Nannybag, and Radical Storage, who all offer different locations and pricing options.
Further practical information for travelling in Austria
What language is mainly spoken in Austria?
German is the official language of Austria, and around 40% of people speak English.
What is the main currency of Austria?
The currency of Austria is the Euro (€).
What is the emergency number in Austria?
If you need emergency services in Austria, you can dial 112 and ask for an ambulance, the fire service, the police and other services such as the coastguard.
What kind of plug adapter do I need in Austria?
You will need a Schuko/Type F 2-pin system adapter for plugs in Austria. Austria operates on a 230V supply voltage & 50Hz.
Is the tap water safe to drink in Austria?
Yes, the tap water is perfectly safe to drink in Austria.
Are public toilets free in Austria?
Generally, public toilets cost between €0.50-€1 to use, so it’s worth carrying around a little pocket change in case you cannot pay by card.
Is there free public wi-fi in Austria?
There are lots of free wi-fi spots in Austria, including on some public transport. Look for ‘Gratis WLAN’ in places like museums, parks, cafes and other public locations.
Is tipping expected in Austria?
When tipping serving staff, it’s normal to round up the bill 5-15% to a convenient number, for example €27 to €30.
What is the drinking age in Austria?
Depending on the regional requirements and the percentage of alcohol involved, the drinking age in Austria is either 16 or 18. At age 16, beer, schnapps, and wine are consumable, while you must wait until age 18 to drink cocktails and spirits.
Are there are venomous or dangerous animals in Austria?
There is some dangerous wildlife in Austria, including snakes like the Common Viper and Horned Viper, the Yellow Sac spider, and bigger animals such as wolves, lynx and brown bears. Always research the area you’re travelling to, to see if there’s anything there that might pose a threat to you.
Updated 14/06/2024
Looking to book a hotel in Austria? Use Booking.com to browse hundreds of hotels in the area you want to stay, using filters like price range, star rating, facilities and much more to find your ideal room. By signing up to their free loyalty program, the more you travel, the more you save, with exclusive discounts, free breakfasts, free room upgrades and more.
Alternatively, Expedia and Hotels.com also offer hotels comparisons, with handy apps which offer exclusive discounts on thousands of hotels, and other rewards when you book.
Check out where else I’ve travelled in Central Europe!