Austria Road Trip: How Much Does a City Trip by Car Cost?

Dreaming of alpine roads and charming Austrian cities? A road trip gives you freedom and flexibility. But what does it actually cost? Here is a detailed breakdown.

Fuel Costs

Fuel prices vary by region and station. Tip: fill up at branded stations away from motorways and city centres they are usually cheaper.

Tolls and Vignette

Austrian motorways require a vignette for cars:

10-day vignette: about €9.90
2-month vignette: about €28.90
Annual vignette: about €96.80

Buy at petrol stations, tobacconists, or online. Some tunnels and passes (like Arlberg, €11) charge extra.

Parking in Cities

Parking in Austrian city centres is expensive:

Short-term parking zones with paid tickets
Parking garages with hourly rates
P+R (Park and Ride) on city outskirts + public transport is the cheapest option

Watch the signs. Fines for wrong parking are steep.

Accommodation

Options range from €20 hostels to €200+ hotels:

Hotels: most expensive, especially in Vienna and Salzburg
Apartments: better value for families or groups
Hostels: budget-friendly
Camping: great for nature lovers

Book ahead in peak season.

Food

Restaurant meal: €15-30 per person
Cafes and bistros: cheaper options
Supermarkets: cheapest, cook your own

Attractions

Museum entry: €10-20
Many parks and gardens are free
City tourist cards offer discounts and free public transport

The Bottom Line

A well-planned Austria road trip costs around €100-200 per day per person depending on your style. Careful budgeting, using P+R, cooking your own meals, and booking ahead will keep costs under control.

Austria Road Trip: How Much Does a City Trip by Car Cost?