Driving to Austria: 8 useful tips for your journey

1. Have Your Travel Documents in Order

Before setting off, make sure all your important travel documents are in order. Check that your passport or identity card is valid for your trip and that you have your driving licence, vehicle registration documents and appropriate insurance cover. Although card payments are widely accepted in Austria, it's a good idea to carry some cash. Smaller mountain huts and traditional Alpine restaurants don't always accept cards.

If you're driving on most Austrian motorways and expressways, you'll need a valid motorway vignette. You can choose a vignette valid for 1 day, 10 days, 2 months or a full year. For a week's skiing holiday, a 10-day vignette is usually sufficient.

Important: From the 2027 vignette year onwards, Austrian motorway vignettes will only be available digitally. In 2026, you can still choose between a traditional windscreen sticker and a digital vignette. The digital version is linked to your vehicle's registration number and can be purchased through the official ASFINAG website.

If you're buying a digital vignette online, bear in mind that the 1-day and 10-day versions can be valid immediately. However, a digital 2-month or annual vignette purchased online by a private consumer is subject to an 18-day waiting period before it becomes valid. Make sure you arrange it in good time.

Want to know which vignette you need, how much it costs and which routes have additional toll charges? Read our guide to everything you need to know about motorway vignettes in Austria.

2. Prepare Your Car Well

A careful preparation of your car can prevent many problems. Before you set off, we recommend checking your oil, coolant, tyre pressure, and brakes. Ensure your car is well-maintained and that your breakdown cover is up-to-date. If you have an electric car, it’s wise to check where the electric charging points are located. In our ChaletsPlus app, you can find an overview of available charging points under the ‘electric charging stations’ section. 

Note: If you're travelling to Austria in winter, pay particular attention to your tyres and winter equipment.Between 1 November and 15 April, winter tyres are compulsory in Austria when driving in wintry road conditions, such as snow, slush or ice. Standard radial winter tyres must have a tread depth of at least 4 mm. We also recommend bringing suitable snow chains and practising how to fit them before your trip. On some mountain roads, snow chains may be compulsory, even if your car is fitted with winter tyres.

Don't forget an ice scraper and winter screenwash either. That way, you'll be well prepared for the final stretch of your journey up to your chalet.

3. Familiarise Yourself with the Traffic Rules

Travelling to Austria with children? Make sure you're familiar with the local rules for child car seats. Children under the age of 14 who are shorter than 1.35 metres must use a suitable child car seat or booster seat. For children between 1.35 and 1.50 metres tall, an appropriate child restraint is still recommended.

Before setting off, also check that you have a warning triangle, first-aid kit and high-visibility vest in your car. These items are compulsory safety equipment in Austria.

4. Plan Your Route

Planning your route before you leave can make your journey much easier. Use a sat nav or navigation app with live traffic updates to help you avoid congestion, roadworks and unexpected diversions. During school holidays and popular changeover days, motorways in Germany and Austria can get particularly busy. It's also worth checking whether your chosen route includes any additional toll roads or tunnels. A little preparation can save you time and help you deal with unexpected delays along the way.

5. Stick to the Correct Speed

Be well-informed about the speed limits in the countries you’ll be driving through. For example, in Germany, many sections of the autobahn have no speed limit but recommend a speed of 130 km/h. In Austria, speed limits are stricter and vary depending on the road and conditions. Familiarising yourself with the applicable speed limits beforehand helps you avoid fines and ensures your safety and that of others.

6. Allow Enough Time

Driving to Austria can take several hours, so make sure you plan regular breaks and allow extra time for possible delays. German and Austrian motorways can be especially busy during school holidays and on popular chalet changeover days. In winter, snow and icy conditions can also make the journey longer than expected. Try to set off in good time and check the latest traffic information shortly before leaving. Having a little flexibility in your schedule will make the journey much more relaxed.

7. Ensure Comfort

Make the journey comfortable for yourself and your passengers. Bring items like cushions or blankets and wear comfortable clothing. Keep the temperature in the car pleasant and bring plenty of snacks and drinks for the journey. This prevents you from relying on expensive or unhealthy service station food. Healthy snacks and plenty of water help keep your energy up and make the trip more enjoyable for everyone.

8. Bring Entertainment

In addition to taking regular breaks and ensuring comfort, it’s also important to bring some entertainment for the long drive. Download films and series, create a playlist with your favourite songs, or listen to audiobooks and podcasts together. Playing games on a tablet or console, or classic games like ‘I Spy’, can also be fun. This helps pass the time and makes the journey more enjoyable for everyone in the car.

Have a great holiday

Have you checked your travel documents, prepared your car and planned your route? Then you're ready to go! Whether you're heading to Königsleiten, the Wildkogel Arena or one of our other beautiful destinations, we wish you a safe journey and a wonderful stay in Austria.

Still looking for somewhere special to stay on your next holiday? Explore our chalets in Austria and find the perfect destination for your trip.

Check out our other blogs for more tips and information on winter sports holidays or travelling with children by car.