Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ÖBB INTERCITY BUS
An
Österreichische Bundesbahnen
(ÖBB, Austrian National Railways; 24hr hotline 05 1717;
www.oebb.at
) In-
tercity bus connects Klagenfurt via Villach and Udine with Venice (€25, 4¼ hours, four to five times daily).
Car & Motorcycle
BORDER CROSSINGS
There are numerous entry points by road from Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy and
Switzerland. Liechtenstein is so small that it has just one border-crossing point, near Feldkirch in Austria. The Alps
limit the options for approaching Tyrol from the south (Switzerland and Italy). All border-crossing points are open 24
hours.
I NSURANCE
Proof of ownership of a private vehicle and a driver's licence should always be carried while driving. EU licences are
accepted in Austria; all other nationalities require a German translation or an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Translations can be obtained on the spot for a small fee from Austrian automobile associations (
Click here
). Third-
party insurance is a minimum requirement in Europe and you'll need to carry proof of this in the form of a Green Card.
If you're a member of an automobile association, ask about free reciprocal benefits offered by affiliated organisations
in Europe. The car must also display a sticker on the rear indicating the country of origin.
SAFETY
Carrying a warning triangle and first-aid kit in your vehicle is compulsory in Austria.
Train
Austria benefits from its central location within Europe by having excellent rail connections to all important destina-
tions.
Vienna is one of the main rail hubs in Central Europe. Linz, Salzburg, Villach, Klagenfurt and Graz also have excel-
lent connections with neighbouring countries.
»
Express trains can be identified by the symbols EC (EuroCity, serving international routes) or IC (InterCity, serving
national routes). Railjet national and international train services are faster than IC/EC trains, cost the same but are more
luxurious. The French Train à Grande Vitesse (TGV) and the German InterCityExpress (ICE) trains are high-speed
trains. Surcharges are levied for these.
»
Overnight trains usually offer a choice between a
Liegewagen
(couchette) or a more expensive
Schlafwagen
(sleep-
ing car). Long-distance trains have a dining car or snacks available.
