Austria: main airports

Austria has six airports with commercial connections, spread between the capital and the country's main tourist regions. The main one is Vienna-Schwechat Airport, the national hub and an important junction between Western and Eastern Europe, the historic home base of Austrian Airlines.

For those heading to the Alps, the key airports are Innsbruck Airport, capital of Tyrol and a historic winter Olympic host, and Salzburg Airport, Mozart's birthplace, just minutes from the historic centre. Completing the picture are Graz Airport in the south-east, Linz Airport on the Danube, and Klagenfurt Airport in Carinthia, gateway to the famous Lake Wörthersee, a much-loved Alpine summer lake destination.

VIE

Vienna International Airport

Vienna

SZG

Salzburg Airport

Salzburg

INN

Innsbruck Airport

Innsbruck

GRZ

Graz Airport

Graz

KLU

Klagenfurt Airport

Klagenfurt

LNZ

Linz Airport

Linz

Austria: recommended activities

Austria: visa and entry requirements

Austria is part of the Schengen area: European Union citizens can enter with just a valid ID card, without needing a passport or a visa, and there is no limit on length of stay for EU citizens.

Austria: safety

Austria is generally one of the safest countries in Europe. The main risk for tourists is linked to winter and mountain sports in the Alpine areas: it is always important to follow local safety instructions and weather forecasts.

Austria: health situation

The health risk in Austria is very low, with a high-standard healthcare system and safe tap water throughout the country. One specific regional risk to be aware of is tick-borne encephalitis (TBE), widespread in wooded and rural areas: anyone planning extended hiking or outdoor activities may want to discuss the specific vaccination with their doctor before departure.

No mandatory vaccinations are required for entry. European Union citizens can access necessary public healthcare with their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC); visitors of other nationalities should check their own coverage.

Austria: currency, payments and connectivity

The currency is the euro. Cards are widely accepted in cities, although cash is still preferred in some small shops or local markets.

Uber and Bolt operate in Vienna and other major cities.

For local connectivity, the main operators (A1, Magenta, Drei) sell prepaid SIM cards in their shops.

For driving and car rental: EU/EEA citizens can drive with just their national licence. Non-EU citizens are generally also required to have an International Driving Permit (IDP). The minimum age for rental is generally 21, with a 'young driver' surcharge under 25; for the ski season some rental companies require a higher deposit for vehicles with winter equipment.