Local Transport in Austria
Austria offers one of Europe’s most efficient, safe, and student-friendly public transport systems. Whether you’re commuting to class, exploring the city, or planning weekend trips, international students enjoy discounted monthly passes, access to smart mobility apps, and a variety of travel options including trams, buses, metro, trains, and bikes.
This guide will help you understand how to get around Austrian cities easily and affordably.
🚇 Public Transport in Major Austrian Student Cities
🚋 1. Vienna – Wiener Linien
Vienna has an extensive U-Bahn (subway), Straßenbahn (tram), bus, and S-Bahn (regional rail) network.
Semester Ticket (Semesterkarte): For students under 26
🎟️ Cost: €75 per semester (valid for all zones)
🌐 https://www.wienerlinien.at/web/wl-en/students
- Annual Pass (Jahreskarte): €365/year for unlimited travel (ideal if not eligible for student fare)
🚌 Use the WienMobil App:
🚊 2. Graz – Holding Graz Linien
Trams and buses cover all areas of Graz, especially university zones.
- Student Monthly Pass (Studikarte): ~€30–35/month
- Purchase at Mobilitätszentrum Graz or online
🌐 https://www.holding-graz.at/en/transport/
🚈 3. Innsbruck – IVB (Innsbrucker Verkehrsbetriebe)
IVB operates buses and trams across Innsbruck and nearby university campuses.
- Semester Pass (Semesterticket) for students: ~€150–180 per semester
- Valid for all zones in Tirol
🌐 https://www.ivb.at/en/
🚉 4. Linz – LINZ AG LINIEN
Affordable and efficient system of trams and buses.
- Youth Pass / Semester Ticket available
- Purchase via LINZ AG Mobilitätszentrum
🌐 https://www.linzag.at/portal/group/guest/mobilitaet
🚆 National & Regional Travel – ÖBB (Austrian Federal Railways)
For intercity and regional travel, students use ÖBB trains (Austria’s national railway system).
- ÖBB Vorteilscard Youth (under 26): €19/year
👉 Get 50% off on all train journeys
🌐 https://www.oebb.at/en/tickets-kundenkarten/vorteilscard/vorteilscard-jugend - Use ÖBB for weekend trips to Salzburg, Hallstatt, or cross-border travel to Germany, Italy, etc.
📱 ÖBB App for booking, live train status:
🌐 https://www.oebb.at/en/
🚴 Cycling & Eco-Friendly Mobility
Austria is a bike-friendly country with dedicated lanes, student bike rentals, and repair stations on campus.
- Citybike Vienna: Free registration and 1st hour free
🌐 https://www.citybike.wien/en/ - Nextbike Graz, Linz, Salzburg: Rent bikes via app
🌐 https://www.nextbike.at/en/
🚲 Most universities promote eco-transport; check if your campus offers bike storage or discounts.
🚖 Ride-Sharing & On-Demand Options
🚗 Taxi & Ride Apps:
- Uber: Available in Vienna and major cities
- Bolt: Growing in popularity in student zones
- Ö-Taxi: Local Austrian taxi app
🌐 https://www.taxi.eu/
🚘 Carpooling:
- BlaBlaCar: For low-cost shared rides to nearby cities
🌐 https://www.blablacar.com/
📱 Best Mobile Apps for Public Transport in Austria
| App | Use | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Qando | Public transport info for Vienna, Graz, Linz | iOS/Android |
| ÖBB App | Train tickets, schedules, seat booking | https://www.oebb.at/en/ |
| WienMobil | Vienna’s all-in-one transport planner | https://www.wien.gv.at/verkehr/wienmobil/ |
| ISTmobil | Rural student shuttle services | https://istmobil.at/ |
| BlaBlaCar | Carpooling | https://www.blablacar.com/ |
💰 Estimated Monthly Transport Costs (2025)
| City | Student Pass (Monthly Avg.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Vienna | €30–€38 | Semestercard available |
| Graz | €30–€35 | Discounts with Studikarte |
| Linz | €29–€32 | Student ID required |
| Innsbruck | €35–€40 | Valid for Tirol region |
✅ Most Austrian cities offer discounted semester or youth passes for students under 26.
🧳 Tips for International Students
- ✅ Always carry your student ID or residence permit when using discounted tickets
- 🚉 Book ÖBB long-distance tickets in advance for best prices
- 📱 Use mobile apps for real-time delays and route suggestions
- 💼 Many universities offer public transport orientation during welcome week