Linz The Danube Valley, Austria Travel Guide
Linz is served by its regional airport, LNZ, and is well-connected via larger international hubs like VIE and MUC.
Linz Airport (LNZ) has limited direct international connections outside Europe. Most international travelers fly into VIE or MUC and then connect to Linz by train or bus. This is often more convenient and cost-effective. Flight frequency and prices to LNZ grow during summer (June-August) and around Christmas/New Year.
Linz AG bus line 601 connects LNZ directly to Linz Hauptbahnhof (main train station) in ~20 minutes. A shuttle bus (line 601) links the airport to Hörsching train station for regional trains to Hauptbahnhof.
Taxis are outside the LNZ terminal (~€25-€35 to city center). Car rental agencies (Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, Sixt) have desks at the airport.
From VIE: Direct ÖBB Railjet trains to Linz Hauptbahnhof (~1h 45m). Skyscanner for flights. From MUC: S-Bahn to Munich Hauptbahnhof, then ÖBB train to Linz (~3-4h).
Linz Hauptbahnhof is a major railway hub with excellent ÖBB connections to major Austrian cities (Vienna, Salzburg) and international destinations (Munich, Prague). Trains are modern and comfortable. Book in advance for better prices.
FlixBus offers budget-friendly connections to Linz from various European cities (Vienna, Prague, Munich). The Linz Busterminal is near the main train station.
A valid driver's license and International Driving Permit (IDP) are good for non-EU licenses. Minimum driving age is typically 21. A "Vignette" (toll sticker) is needed for motorways, available at borders and gas stations. Austrian roads are well-maintained; driving is on the right.
Linz serves as a distinguished port for Danube River cruises. Many cruise lines include a stop in Linz as part of their multi-day itineraries along the Danube. These journeys often connect cities like Passau (Germany), Vienna, Bratislava (Slovakia), and Budapest (Hungary).
Cruise ship docking areas in Linz are generally close to the city center. Many cruise lines offer shuttle services to attractions or the main public transport hubs, making it easy to start exploring upon disembarkation.
No specific exit fees are levied directly on travelers departing Austria. Airline tickets usually include all necessary taxes and charges. For international flights from Vienna or Munich, arrive 2-3 hours before departure. For flights within Schengen (even from LNZ), 1.5-2 hours is generally sufficient.
For domestic or intra-Schengen trains, arrive 15-30 minutes before departure. For international trains that may call for passport checks, arrive up to an hour early. For cruise departures, follow the specific instructions from your cruise line regarding disembarkation and timing.
You need a valid driver's license. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is good for non-EU licenses. A passport and a credit card for the security deposit are also needed. The minimum age for renting a car is usually 21, but some companies call for drivers to be 25 for certain car categories. Drivers often need to have held a license for at least 1-2 years.
Drive on the right side of the road. Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants. Headlights must be on during the day in low visibility conditions. Speed limits are strictly enforced: generally 130 km/h (81 mph) on motorways, 100 km/h (62 mph) on federal roads, and 50 km/h (31 mph) in urban areas. Austria has a strict zero-tolerance policy for alcohol for new drivers, with a general limit of 0.05% BAC for experienced drivers.
Less common for general tourism. Specialized shops may rent them. Requirements resemble car rentals (valid license with appropriate endorsement).
Nextbike Linz is a city-wide sharing system. Independent shops offer daily/multi-day rentals, popular for Danube Cycle Path sections.
Tuk-tuks or jeepneys are not common in Linz. The city relies on its standard public transport and rental options.
Linz has many pedestrian-friendly areas. Hauptplatz (Main Square) is largely pedestrianized. Landstraße, the main shopping street, is mostly pedestrianized. The Danube Promenade (Donaulände) is excellent for walks, offering scenic river views. The narrow, cobblestone streets of the Old Town are good for exploring on foot, showing historical charm.
Linz features a well-developed network of bike lanes and paths, specifically along the Danube River. This path belongs to the EuroVelo 6 / Danube Cycle Path, a popular long-distance route. While helmets are recommended, they are not legally needed for adults in Austria. Use lights at night and always observe traffic rules.
Linz does not typically feature large hop-on-hop-off bus services like bigger capital cities. Guided city tours are usually walking tours, which enable a more intimate exploration.
Short sightseeing cruises on the Danube are available, typically operating from spring to autumn. These present a different perspective of the city from the water and can connect to nearby towns.
This unique narrow-gauge adhesion and rack railway connects Linz city center (Hauptplatz or Urfahr) to the top of Pöstlingberg mountain. The journey itself is a prominent experience and is included in the Linz Card.
Newer public transport vehicles (trams, buses) are often low-floor and wheelchair accessible. Major attractions, museums, and public buildings are increasingly equipped with ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms. Websites like Wheelchair Accessible Travel may offer specific resources for Linz.
