Vienna Transport

Will I need to drive my own vehicle to conduct my everyday life (work/school/shopping) at my destination?

Vienna has an outstanding public transport infrastructure and facilities. A dense railway network links all major cities. Trams run at six-minute intervals during the rush hours. Subways run from 5am until midnight in three to nine-minute intervals. Night buses run between midnight and 5am and cover most regular lines. Private transport is challenging at times as rush-hour traffic in Vienna is no different from other big cities, with traffic jams and long waiting times. Try to use public transport when you can.
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How can I legally drive a vehicle in this city?

In order to drive legally in Austria, you must be at least 17 years old.

Driving licenses from an EEA or EU state are valid for an unlimited period, and may be converted at any time on a voluntary basis. Driving licenses from a non-EEA/EU state are valid for six months.

Please contact Crown Vienna for assistance.
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What side of the road do people drive on?

In Austria, you drive on the right side of the road.
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Describe typical public transportation an expat might use to get around the city.

Traditionally there are still some ancient red trams that are currently being replaced by new trams. Most of them have interchanges with one of Vienna’s five subway lines (U1, U2, U3, U4, U6) or buses that cover all of Vienna. Commuting on one of its fast trains (S-Bahn), which links the inner city and outer suburbs, is both convenient and fast. In the city center, tourists might enjoy a cab ride using the traditional Viennese ‘Fiaker’, exploring Vienna in a carriage drawn by two horses.
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Could an expat also use public transportation to get out of the city—to surrounding towns, recreation areas or suburbs?

Yes. Information on Vienna /Austria public transport can be found on the website for the transit authority. (see link below.)
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In regards to transportation, are there any safety issues I should be aware of?

Some driving tips are:

  • Traffic flows counter-clockwise in roundabouts, and cars to the left have priority

  • Public buses always have the right of way, and drivers must sound their horns when approaching blind turns or corners

  • Only hands-free headsets may be used while driving!

  • Summer and winter tires need to be changed each season

  • You are required to carry a red breakdown triangle and a first aid kit onboard your vehicle

  • It is prohibited for children under 12 years old to sit in the front seat. Children up to the age of 7 must sit in a child seat

  • Be especially careful when setting off from service stations or restaurants on the left side of the road

  • Take care when overtaking; allow more space between you and the car in front so you can see further down the ahead

  • Austria has strict drunk driving laws, only allowing 0.5 milligrams of alcohol per litre of blood.

  • Front and rear seat belts are obligatory everywhere

  • Speed limits, shown below, are implemented rigorously and radar traps are frequent

  • Remember; Speeding and other traffic offences are subject to on-the-spot fines

Speed limits Motorway Open Road Town Alcohol % in blood
Austria 130km/h 100 km/h 50km/h 0.5
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Where do I buy tickets/tokens/etc. for major public transportation? 

Single - or multiple - ride tickets can be bought in subway stations, at the ticket vending machine in trams or from the bus driver. Annual tickets can only be purchased at subway and train stations or at the transport authority offices. (Wiener Linien tobacconists also sell public transports tickets.)
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IMPORTANT NOTE:
Crown Relocations has made every effort to present accurate information. However, regulations, rates and other variables are subject to change and Crown Relocations cannot accept responsibility for the errors that might result. Should you have any questions or need additional information, please contact your local Crown representative.