Real experience of people from chats on «Transport» in Austria — as it is, no fluff. For your case — ask Luky.
From real experience
Vienna International Airport (VIE) is generally well-organized, capable of handling large crowds even during major events (e.g., Eurovision final) and ongoing renovations. Austrian Airlines frequently experiences overbooking issues. Passengers are advised to check in online promptly. Even with online check-in, late completion can lead to problems. In cases of overbooking, Austrian Airlines offers passengers 200 EUR compensation per person and re-booking on an alternative flight.
When planning travel from Moscow to Vienna: Direct flights are usually not available. Consider transit cities. FLYONE has mixed reviews: some users report frequent cancellations (e.g., Yerevan-Vienna, Vienna-Yerevan) and delays, even with refunds for the cancelled leg, but potential loss for connecting flights. Other users report years of positive experience with FLYONE on specific routes (e.g., Yerevan-Moscow), with only one significant delay in 4 years (12 hours). Price difference for FLYONE compared to Austrian Airlines was noted as 100-150 EUR lower. Georgian Airlines are recommended for convenience, short layovers, and comfortable flights. It's often advised to fly via the country that issued the visa.
Upon relocating to Austria, key initial administrative tasks include finding a 'Hausarzt' (general practitioner/house doctor) and converting/re-registering one's driving license ('права переформите'). These are essential steps for integration and compliance with local regulations.
In Austria, a minor who has completed Mittelschule at age 14 and is moving to another city for further education may be legally permitted to rent a WG (shared flat) or an apartment independently. However, specific regulations regarding the capacity of minors to enter into rental contracts and the requirements for independent living at that age should be verified with local authorities or legal experts.
While there is no formal border control between Schengen countries, airline staff at boarding gates frequently check passports and residence permits, especially on low-cost carriers, to verify the identity of passengers.
When traveling by train in Austria (e.g., Bad Ischl to Vienna), it is advisable to purchase tickets in advance. Advance booking often results in significantly cheaper fares and allows for seat reservations. Last-minute purchases can be more expensive and may not guarantee a seat. For specific attractions like cog railways, advance booking is recommended for specific departure times, otherwise, on-site purchase might be sufficient. Example: a train ticket from Bad Ischl to Vienna for a specific date was already 60 EUR for second class when purchased closer to the travel date.
When transiting through Austria with a visa for another Schengen country (e.g., Hungary), immigration officials may ask to see proof of sufficient funds. While specific amounts can vary, having around 500 Euros for a 20-day stay might be considered adequate if accommodation and flights are already paid for. However, this is not always strictly enforced, especially if the traveler has a clear onward destination and valid accommodation bookings. For visa applications or border crossings, having paid accommodation and return tickets is generally advisable.
For short-term car rentals in Graz, ÖBB Rail&Drive is a reliable option located at the train station. Registration requires a one-time fee (~20 EUR). The service accepts international driving permits from Russia. Optional excess reduction to 800 EUR is available for an extra fee (10-15 EUR).
Buses from Vienna to Krakow typically depart from the main bus terminal at Südtiroler Platz (Hauptbahnhof). Always confirm the exact departure station indicated on your bus ticket, as Vienna has multiple transport hubs.
Regional transport in Upper Austria (OÖ): Freizeit-Ticket OÖ is valid for one day but starts from 09:00 AM on weekdays. Single tickets are better for specific point-to-point travel. Hotel vouchers are frequently available for public transport discounts.
Individuals with Russian driver's licenses may encounter difficulties registering for car-sharing services like TIM in Graz, Austria, even with international driving permits, as the system often requires EU licenses. While some users have reportedly managed to use their Russian licenses for a limited period in Vienna after extensive communication with car-sharing support, success in Graz is not guaranteed. Alternative options for long-term car rental in Styria should be explored if immediate registration is not possible.
In Austria, particularly in urban areas like Vienna (e.g., Gürtel), noise pollution from vehicles, such as loud exhaust sounds, especially after 10 PM, can result in significant fines. An anecdotal case reported a €300 fine for 'exhaust backfire' after 22:00.
To locate the Vienna International Bus Station (Südtiroler Platz/Hauptbahnhof), use mapping services like Google Maps and search for 'Vienna International Bus Station' or 'Hauptbahnhof Bus Terminal'. If travelling to Krakow, check your ticket for the exact departure station, as Vienna has multiple bus terminals.
When planning a trip on the SchafbergBahn cog railway starting from St. Wolfgang, check the high-altitude weather forecast for the Schafberg mountain peak beforehand. High winds and thunderstorms make the peak hazardous. It is recommended to combine the train trip with local ferry connections from Strobl or Gschwandt.
It is possible to complete a car purchase in Austria relatively quickly, potentially within a single day, especially if documents are prepared and sent to the dealer in advance. The process may involve traveling to another city (e.g., from Vienna to Graz) if a suitable vehicle or dealer is found there.
For car rentals in Vienna that accept cash payments, use FunCar located at Rauchfangkehrergasse 32, 1150 Wien. Other providers like Careta.at might be unresponsive to inquiries.
To travel cheaply between Vienna and Linz, use Westbahn instead of the state-owned ÖBB. Booking tickets at least one week in advance on Westbahn's website can lower the price to around 30 EUR.
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Public transport in Vienna (Wiener Linien): a single ticket costs 2.40 EUR and is valid for one hour of travel (including transfers). For frequent travel, 24-hour or multi-day passes are recommended to save costs.
When moving to Austria for studies with a D-visa for 6 months, prioritize these steps: 1. Obtain a residence registration (Meldezettel) from your landlord. 2. Secure health insurance. 3. Apply for your Austrian residence permit (Anmeldung/VWP). Without a Meldezettel, you cannot get a residence permit, and without a permit, opening a bank account might be difficult. For remote work and taxes: if you are studying in Austria and working remotely for an international company, you will likely need to pay taxes in Austria. Regarding cryptocurrency, EU regulations generally treat crypto transactions as securities trading. A 25% capital gains tax may apply to profits from selling cryptocurrencies unless you can prove your acquisition costs. For purchasing ÖBB train tickets, cash payment might be an option at the station.
Travel options from Salzburg back to Vienna are available, allowing departure until 10 PM. For independent planning, use a dedicated application to input desired dates and addresses to find suitable travel arrangements.
In Austria, the most recommended taxi apps are Uber and Bolt. Both services are widely used and reliable for transportation within cities like Graz.
Luggage storage facilities are available at Salzburg Airport. However, shopping centers and outlets near the airport, including the one mentioned, do not typically offer luggage storage services.
In Vienna, while some public transport routes (including city-to-airport buses) have recently introduced card payments, it is still advisable to carry cash as an alternative payment method, as card options may not be universally available across all routes.
In Vienna, public transport (metro, tram) typically operates until midnight on weekdays. On Friday and Saturday nights, the metro runs 24 hours. After midnight on weekdays, a network of night buses is available as an alternative.
Public transport to Mondsee from Salzburg is generally feasible. Google Maps can provide schedules, and the Moovit app is also recommended for planning routes with local buses. Checking these resources beforehand is advised to align with local public transport timetables, especially for weekend travel.
In Vienna, Austria, public transport (metro, trams, buses) operates on an honor system but is subject to frequent ticket controls. Traveling without a valid ticket, even being on the platform without one, can result in a significant fine, typically around 120 EUR. It is strongly advised to purchase and validate tickets to avoid penalties.
Public transport in Vienna costs 3 EUR for a single ticket, valid for 80 minutes with transfers (no return trips). Tickets bought offline must be validated (stamped) upon boarding. Ticket controllers often dress in plain clothes and check passengers after the vehicle starts moving. Fines start at around 105 EUR. In ÖBB trains, ticket checks are highly frequent and strict. It is recommended to buy tickets or passes (daily/weekly) via the WienMobil app.