Car

Vienna is 300 km (187 miles) east of Salzburg, 200 km (125 miles) north of Graz. Main routes leading into the city are the A1 Westautobahn from Germany, Salzburg, and Linz and the A2 Südautobahn from Graz and points south. Rental cars can be arranged at the airport or in town.

On highways from points south or west or from Vienna's airport, "Zentrum" signs clearly mark the route to the center of Vienna. From there, however, finding your way to your hotel is a challenge, because traffic planners have limited traffic in the city core. Traffic congestion within Vienna is not as bad as in some places, but driving to in-town destinations generally takes longer than does public transportation.

The entire 1st through 9th Districts, and most of the rest of the city, are limited-parking zones and require a Parkschein, a prepaid-parking chit that can be purchased at tobacconists (AustriaTabak), gas stations, and, oddly, from cigarette machines. They must be filled out and displayed on the dash. They are required from 8 am to10 pm, and a maximum parking time of two hours is permitted. You can park for 15 minutes free of charge, but you must get a purple "gratis" chit to display on your dash..

If you will be using a car in Vienna, you will want to download two apps, HandyParke and ParkNow to simplify the Parkschein puzzle and pay through your phone.

Gasoline

Gasoline and diesel are readily available, but on Sunday stations in the more out-of-the-way areas may be closed. Stations carry only unleaded (bleifrei) gas, both regular and premium (super), and diesel. If you're in the mountains in winter with a diesel, and there is a cold snap (with temperatures threatening to drop below -4°F [-20°C]), add a few liters of gasoline to your diesel, about 1:4 parts, to prevent it from freezing. Gasoline prices are the same throughout the country, slightly lower at discount and self-service stations. Expect to pay about €1.38 per liter for regular gasoline and slightly less for diesel. If you are driving to Italy, fill up before crossing the border, because gas in Italy is even more expensive. Oil in Austria is expensive, retailing at €14 or more per liter. If need be, purchase oil, windshield wipers, and other paraphernalia at big hardware stores.

Car Rental

If your plans are to see Vienna and one or two other urban destinations, you’re better off taking the train, which is affordable and hassle free. If you rent a car, bear in mind the cost of gas is more than twice what you’ll pay in the U.S., and you’ll still have tolls to pay. On the other hand, if you decide to travel by car, you’ll be happy to know the roads are mostly very well maintained, even in rural districts and mountainous regions. Bear in mind that if you’re traveling in winter, by law your car needs to be fitted with winter tires, and you should also carry snow chains. And note that even in summer you can come across sudden winterlike conditions on the high mountain passes.

If you want to to drive an automatic, you will have to arrange ahead of time. Most cars on the road in Austria are manual transmission. Rental rates in Vienna begin at about €80 per day and €100 per weekend for an economy car with manual transmission. This includes a 21% tax on car rentals. Rates are more expensive in winter months, when a surcharge for winter tires may be added. Renting a car is cheaper in Germany, but make sure the rental agency knows you are driving into Austria and ask for the car to be equipped with a vignette, a toll sticker for Austria’s autobahn. The answer will usually be that you have to buy your own vignette, which you can get from any service station. Get your sticker before driving to Austria.

The age requirement for renting a car in Austria is generally 19, and you must have had a valid driver's license for one year. There is no extra charge to drive over the border into Italy, Switzerland, or Germany, but there may be some restrictions for taking a rental into Slovakia, Slovenia, Hungary, the Czech Republic, or Poland. If you're planning on traveling east, it's best to let the agency know beforehand.

In Austria, an International Driver's Permit (IDP; $20) is required. These international permits are universally recognized and can be obtained in person or by mail from AAA (www.aaa.com). A translation of your license is an alternative acceptable option, and that can be obtained at one of the two Austrian automobile clubs: ÖAMTC or ARBÖ.

Road Conditions

Roads in Austria are excellent and well maintained—perhaps a bit too well maintained, judging by the frequently encountered construction zones on the autobahns. Secondary roads may be narrow and winding. Remember that in winter you will need snow tires and sometimes chains, even on well-traveled roads. It's wise to check with the automobile clubs for weather conditions, because mountain roads are often blocked, and ice and fog are hazards.

Rules of the Road

Tourists from EU countries may bring their own cars into Austria with no documentation other than the normal registration papers and their regular driver's license. A Green Card, the international certificate of insurance, is recommended for EU drivers and compulsory for others. All cars must carry a first-aid kit (including rubber gloves, a red warning triangle, and a yellow neon jacket to use in case of accident or breakdown). These are available at gas stations, automotive supply stores, and most large hardware stores.

The minimum driving age in Austria is 18, and children under 12 must ride in the back seat; smaller children require a car seat. Note that all passengers must use seat belts.

Drive on the right side of the road in Austria. Unmarked crossings, particularly in residential areas, are common, so exercise caution at intersections. Trams always have the right-of-way. No turns are allowed on red.

When it comes to drinking and driving, the maximum blood-alcohol content allowed is 0.5 parts per thousand, which in real terms means very little to drink. Remember when driving in Europe that the police can stop you anywhere at any time for no particular reason.

Unless otherwise marked, the speed limit on autobahns is 130 kph (80 mph), although this is not always strictly enforced. On other highways and roads the limit is 100 kph (62 mph), 80 kph (49 mph) for RVs or cars pulling a trailer weighing more than 750 kilos (about 1,650 pounds). In built-up areas a 50-kph (31-mph) limit applies and is likely to be taken seriously. In some towns special 30-kph (20-mph) limits apply. Speeding is monitored by radar camera, rarely by highway patrol. If you’re pulled over for speeding, it’s because you’re viewed as driving recklessly. Fines are payable on the spot and can be heavy.

If you're going to travel Austria's highways, make absolutely sure your car is equipped with the Autobahnvignette, which can be purchased at gas stations, tobacconists and online via the ASFINAG website. Minimum fine for being vignette-less: €120. Bear in mind that the vignette does not cover all tolls: tunnels, mountain passes, and some valleys, such as the Kaunertal in Tyrol or the Tauplitzalm in Styria, will be additional costs.