Page 359 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Austria

TR A VEL INFORM A TION  357

violations and using a mobile
phone while driving are just
two of the infractions that
can incur on-the-spot fines,
which are payable in cash.
Drivers and passengers are
obliged to wear seatbelts at
all times. Children under 12
are not allowed to sit in the
front seat. Holders of foreign
driving permits are not allowed
to drive in Austria if under
18 years of age.
Drivers must yield to traffic
coming from the right. Be
aware that traffic lights will
flash green for several seconds A road hugging the edge of the Seidewinktal valley
before changing to amber.
per mitted. In most parts of duration and dropped off at any
Vienna, parking is restricted to agreed point, to be collected by
Driving in Towns resident permit holders. the hire company. Not all
Finding a place in which to Car Hire destinations, however, have
park is not easy, especially in suitable drop-off points. Cars
the centre of the larger towns; Airports and garages in most may be taken outside Austria to
it is often best to use a multi- towns will offer car hire. Major approved EU countries. Be
storey car park, which is car-hire firms, such as Avis, warned, however: dropping a
indicated by the word Parkhaus. Europcar and Hertz, all have car off in a different location to
Frei means that parking spaces offices in Austria. It is advisable the one you hired it from can
are available. to book your car hire in add to the cost considerably.
Cars left in a controlled advance, as even the
park ing zone, indicated choice at airports
by blue lines on the can be limited, Arriving by Coach
road, must display a especially during Flixbus, National Express and
park ing ticket or be the holiday season. Regiohet run coaches from
parked validly near Car hire is likely to London Victoria to Wien Mitte.
a meter. Parking be more expensive This is also the terminal station
discs, or clock discs, at the airport. for routes to major European
allow free parking in To hire a car you cities such as Bratislava,
zones clearly marked must be 19 or over, Budapest, Zurich, Paris, Brussels,
with the blue disc and for some car Milan and Copenhagen, plus
sym bol. Set the companies the domestic routes from
time of your arrival Sign informing motorists of the age limit is 25. You eastern Austria.
on your disc and need to fit wheelchains must hold a valid Coaches are equipped to
return within the passport and a the European standard and
time allowed within that zone. driver’s licence as well as a tickets may be cheaper than
Discs are avail able from shops credit card or charge card rail travel, but the journey
and petrol stations, and discs from an approved company. from the UK is long – over
from other countries are not A car may be hired for any 24 hours – and fares are not
particularly cheap – usually
between €65 and €100. Often,
budget airlines offer a more
convenient way to travel at a
comparable cost (see p352).

Travelling by Coach
The entire country is served
by an excellent coach network,
allowing you to reach almost
any destination, including some
remote places not connected
to the rail network. Prices are
similar to those charged for
Coaches lined up outside Vienna International Airport rail travel.

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