How much does a Trip to Austria Cost?

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There are many variables to consider when estimating your travel budget.

Location: Prices in smaller towns/Villages and the countryside are generally lower than in main city areas or tourist hubs.

Time: Prices are generally higher during the Winter and Summer High Seasons, and the best deals are during the spring or fall months when tourist crowds are at a minimum and demand is at its lowest.

Travel Style: Are you looking for 5-star hotels, Gourmet Restaurants and private drivers versus mid-range accommodations and restaurants and using public transport?

Type of Activities:  Winter Skiing vacations?  Luxury tours?

In this article, we will examine the main costs of planning a trip to Austria. This will allow you to plan a perfect trip that fits your budget.  You can create your ideal Austrian Holiday so you can

Discover Austria your Way

Average Budgets for Austria Trips (without Airfare)

Based on average costs for 2 people

Minimum budget:  80-100€ per day per person – staying in hostels or budget accommodation outside the town centre, using public transportation and eating at budget café or making your own meals and doing free activities.

Mid-Range Budget: 150-200€ per day per person– staying in budget or mid-range accommodation close to the town centre, using public transportation, eating 1-2 meals per day in €€ restaurants.

Luxury: 500+€ per day per person– The sky is your oyster.  From luxury hotel suites (literally) fit for a King to fine dining in Michelin-star restaurants, private tours, and private drivers.

Luxury

500€+

300€+/night

200€+

€€€ Restaurants

100 € Taxis

300€+ Private Drivers

150€+

Tours

5000€+

from 125€ (train) to Private driver 300€+

First-class Vienna to Salzburg train Tickets

Flights 

If you are travelling from outside Europe to Austria, your flight costs are usually the largest expense of your trip.

According to experts, the lowest fares are generally found around seven weeks to three months before you travel.
The most expensive times to fly to Austria are normally during the summer season, from early June through the end of August, and the Winter Ski season, from December to the beginning of March.

If you’re not using a travel agent to book your flights, your first step is to research your options.

Internal EU Flights

Budget Airlines such as Ryanair, EasyJet, Wizz, Eurowings and others offer flights between major European cities for 50-200€.

To get the lowest fares, book in advance.  Most budget airlines charge for extras like seat selection, checked luggage, and onboard refreshments and have strict luggage limits.  Luggage fees and any add-ons (seat selection, extra legroom etc) are discounted when you book online with your flight reservation. Basic fares normally only include a personal item (handbag), and not meeting the luggage results in hefty charges at the gate.

Flight search websites such as Skyscanner, Omio, and Google Flights, which compare fares available at multiple airlines, are the best places to start. You can also use the monthly price view to see the average fares and to see how adjusting your travel dates affects your flight options and fares.

It is recommended that you use these sites as a research tool and book your tickets directly on the airline’s website. Booking your flights through a third party can make it more challenging to select seats, add extras or special requests, or rebook in case something changes.

Accommodation 

The prices of a hotel can vary depending on whether it is High or low season, proximity to the centre of the city/village/sights, and what amenities are available.

Average prices during High Season:

Hostel dorms: 8-bed dorm rooms:  35€/person/night.

Camping:         25-50€ per night

Budget / B&B: €70-150 per night

Self-catered apartments: from 95-200+€ /night 

Chalets in Ski resorts:  250- 500€+/night

Midrange / Boutique: €150-300 per night

Luxury: €350+ per night

Food & Drink 

Average prices of a two-course meal per person at a restaurant, excluding drinks

€: less than 15€

€€: 20-50€

€€€: 50-75€

€€€€:  100€+

• Glass of wine 4-12€
• Bottle of wine at a restaurant: 20€+
• Liter of the house wine: 8-20€
• Domestic Beer (0.5L): 5€
• Imported Beer (0.33L bottle): 4-8€
• Coffee: 4-6€
• Soft Drink: 4€
• Bottled water: 3-5€

Inexpensive Meals:

• Würstelstand (Sausage stand): 4-6€
• Leberkäse Semmel from the deli at a Grocery Store: 3€
• Kebab: 5-8€
• Pizza: 12-20€
• Menu (two-course daily special): 10-15€

Transportation 

Transportation costs will depend on the number of destinations you visit and how you plan to get around.

Vienna Airport to City Centre

Public Transport:

Single trip public transport ticket:  1.20 -3€

Vienna transport:  24 hr pass: 8€   72 hour or 1 week pass: 17.0€

Salzburg 24 hr public transport ticket:  4.50-6.50€

Innsbruck 1 week public transport ticket:  25.50€

Trains

ÖBB

Last minute ticket: Vienna to Salzburg 60€

Sparschiene ticket bought at least 15 days prior:  Vienna to Salzburg start at 19.90€

ÖBB Einfach-Raus day tickets for regional trains

36€ for 2 people, 40€ for 3 people, 44€ for 4 people and 48€ for 5 people

Children up to 6 ride free 

Up to 15 years old on ÖBB trains: 50% of adult price

Westbahn

Last minute ticket: Vienna to Salzburg 62€

Westsuperpreis fare booked online at least 2 weeks prior: Vienna to Salzburg 25€

Children up to 6 ride free 

Up to 15 years old:  2€/child/journey

Car Rental 

Driving is a great way to see the towns and villages of Austria.

Expect to pay ~25-100€+€/day for car rental

Prices will depend on:

• The size of the vehicle
• Class of vehicle
• Extra charges such as travel outside of Austria, Ski racks, GPS, etc.
• Also be aware that manual transmissions are more plentiful and cheaper to rent than Automatic vehicles.

Compare car hire options HERE

Tours, Sights and Activities

Austria is beautiful with so many sights and activities to see and do- From museums to palaces and natural attractions.

Expect ~20-30€ per adult for museum and attractions tickets.

Here are some examples (current as of June 2024)

• • Kunsthistoriche Museum (Vienna):  21€ adult  kids under 19 free
  • Schönbrunn Palace  (Vienna)  Grand Tour:  32€ adults – children 6-18 :  23€
  • Schönbrunn Zoo (Vienna) :   27€  15.50€ (6-18)  children under 6 free
  • Vienna State Opera Tickets:  Stehplatz (standing Room) from 15€  Seats 50-250+€
  • Concerts:  from 30€
  • Hohensalzburg Fortress (Salzburg):  from 14.40€ (adult) / 5.90€ (child)
  • Salt mine tour (Hallstatt): 28€/ 12.50€ (children 4-15 yrs old)
  • Großglockner High Alpine Road:  Day ticket for car 43€
  • Gondola to summit of a mountain in Summer:  20-35€ (adult)
  • Ski pass:  35-70€

Tours

• • Basic 24-hour sightseeing bus ticket: from around €35
  • 4 hr group tour: 60€
  • All-day trip tour prices: ~150€ per day
  • Private day trip:  1500€-2000€+ (6 to 8 people)

City Cards

City cards may be more economical, depending on the many activities and sights.

Average prices for one day per adult

• • Vienna Pass:   80€
  • Salzburg Card:  24€
  • Innsbruck Card:  53€

Insurance 

You should always include travel and medical insurance in your travel budget. 

The cost will depend on your country of residence, coverage, age, existing conditions etc.
If you plan on going skiing, ensure your policy covers you for skiing and winter sports.

It is also recommended if you plan on hiking in the mountains to also have mountain rescue included in your policy. Twisting your ankle and requiring transport off the mountain can cost 5000€+.

Österreichische Alpenverein (Austria Alpine Club) membership provides worldwide mountain rescue insurance. Membership is 64€/year

Souvenirs & Shopping 

Do not forget to include in your budget souvenirs and shopping.  From chocolates, schnapps, and porcelain, to buying your own lederhosen or Dirndls and Swarovski crystal. 

Incidentals 

When you budget, you should factor in 20-50€/person for incidentals such as:

Internet costs: Many mobile carriers offer eSIMS (digital SIM cards), such as Airalo, which starts at ~5€ for 7 days.
Tipping:  Austrians do not tip large amounts; they normally add 5% to 15% to the bill, so it’s rounded up to a convenient number. For example, if the bill was 12.50€, you pay 14€.
Luggage Storage:  24-hour storage at Train stations are from 2-5€/piece

Public Restrooms at train stations/petrol stations:  50¢- 1€

Laundry:  Self-service laundromats are not popular in Austria.  Hotel laundry services tend to be expensive.
Parking:

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