Austria Transportation

Austria is the country that hosts world's best music festivals. The world's biggest and most famous music festival is the Salzburg Festival. The cycle of music festivals in the country is unceasing. In January, New Year concerts consist of lavish balls in Vienna. February brings Fasching (Shrovetide carnival) which celebrates the return of spring with masked processions and dances. Corpus Christi (the second Thursday after Whitsun) is heralded with more carnivals, some held on lakes in the Salzkammergut.

The Vienna International Festival (from mid-May to mid-June) has a wide-ranging program of arts and is considered the highlight of the year. Midsummer Night's celebrations on 21 June light up the sky with magnificent bonfires. The Salzburg International Festival takes place in late July and August and includes plenty of music by the city's favorite son, Mozart. National Day on 26 October involves lots of patriotic flag-waving. St Nicholas Day, on 5 to 6 December, marks the beginning of the Christmas season. There are plenty of events to explore and entertain when you visit this divine destination.

Vienna is connected to Graz , Klagenfurt , Linz and Salzburg by Tyrolean Airways (VO). Rheintalflug (WE) also operates internal services. Charter : There are companies offering charter services for single- and twin-engined aircraft and executive jets.

A number of operators run cruises along the Danube , and from Switzerland (Bregenz) across Lake Constance . On some cruises, a passport is required; they last from one to eight days depending on the itinerary. These services run between spring and autumn. Ferries: 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 and private companies.

Osterreichische Bundesbahnen (Austrian Federal Railways) runs an efficient internal service, with 5700km network of tracks throughout Austria. There is a frequent intercity service from Vienna to Salzburg , Innsbruck , Graz and Klagenfurt , and regular motorrail services through the Tauern Tunnel. Information and booking can be obtained from railway stations or Austrian Federal Railways. Local information can be obtained on (1) 1717. The most scenic routes are Innsbruck-Brenner, Innsbruck-Buchs, Innsbruck-Bruck an der Mur-Vienna, Innsbruck-Feldkirch-Innsbruck, Innsbruck- Garmisch- Zugspitze, Innsbruck-Salzburg- Innsbruck, Linz-Selzthal-Amstetten-Linz, Salzburg-Zell am See-Innsbruck, Salzburg- Gmunden-Stainach-Salzburg, Salzburg-Vienna, Salzburg-Villach- Salzburg, Vienna- Puchberg am Schneeberg- Hochschneeberg-Vienna, Vienna-Bruck an der Mur-Innsbruck, Vienna-Klagenfurt- Udine-Trieste. Railways have fixed charges for portering. Tickets can be obtained from any station ticket office ( Reisebüro am Bahnhof ) or from most Austrian travel agents. For further information, consult Austrian National Tourist Office. Discount fares: 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 Vorteilscard is available to purchase, and 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 including the EuroDomino and EuroDomino Junior , both valid for three to eight days within a one-month period.

Austria has an excellent network of roads. Traffic drives on the right. Help is readily given by the Austrian Motoring Association; there is a fee for non-members. For emergency breakdowns, dial 120 or 123. Tolls must be paid on all Austrian motorways. 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 tonnes maximum permitted laden weight, using the motorways/expressways, require a small device called a Go-Box to be attached to their windscreens. Drivers of vehicles close to the limit should carry their registration documents clearly stating this. Prohibitions may apply for vehicles over 7.5 tonnes laden weight, and visitors must check with their relevant Embassy. Seat belts must be worn and children under the age of 12 and under 150cm tall may not sit in the front seat unless a special child's seat has been fitted. All cars must have a first-aid kit and a warning triangle. All motorists must also carry high-visibility waistcoats complying with European standard EN471 and wear them whenever outside their vehicle on an Austrian roads (besides, obviously, when parked). Both driver and passenger on a motorcycle must wear helmets, and the vehicle must have lights on at all times.

services are run by federal and local authorities, as well as private companies. There are over 1800 services in operation. Some 70 international coach services travel to or through Austria and 22 routes with timetables and prices can be found in the Austrian bus guide which can be consulted via the Austrian National Tourist Office. There are car hire firms with offices in most cities, as well as at airports and major railway stations.

National driving licenses issued by EU countries, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein are accepted, and enable holders to drive in Austria for up to one year. UK licenses without a photo must be accompanied by some form of photo ID such as a passport. The minimum legal age for driving is 18. Car registration papers issue in the UK is also valid in Austria . A Green Card is recommended.