We will be coming to Austria in late August starting in Vienna for a 2 week tour. We want to visit Saltsburg, Innsbruck, and Hallstatt as well as a trip to the Eagles Nest in Germany. We intend to fly out of Vienna. Would it be better to use the trains for rent a car once we leave Saltsburg? Or maybe we fly out of Innsbruck??
Posted by
Huntsville, AL, USA
8124 posts
Many people touring Austria will also visit Bavaria flying into or out of Munich and flying open jaw into or out of Vienna. It'd be a shame to be so close to Munich and not take in some of the many tourist attractions of this major city.
You could use trains to go to/from Salzburg and Vienna or Munich and Salzburg. But to really see the majesty of the Austrian Alps requires a rental car. Roads are very good and not at all difficult to drive--other than being a little crooked. The thing is you want to pickup and return the rental car in the same country to avoid very expensive drop off charges.
Posted by
Oberpfalz, Germany
1288 posts
Car or train seems to be a personal preference. For many in these Forum train travel in Europe is at the top of their list. I live in neighboring Germany and have my own car. I travel Austria with my car most trips, but I do use public transportation from a base. I have not used the Austrian Autobahns or purchased a Autobahnvignette in years. I set my Navi for “No Tolls” and let it take me along. I do pay the tunnel fares and have put the car on trains. I’ve had some “Adventure Tours” with the Navi's chosen route, but that’ part of the fun. I also have a Cabrio, so driving with the top down on secondary roads in the Alps in good weather is a highlight. Take the time and review Austrian/German road rules, watch for “Blitzer,” and be ready for narrow twisting roads and high fuel prices. Parking can also be challenging at times.