How to Get to Graz. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Public Transportation

Public Transit Systems

Holding Graz Linien manages Graz’s efficient public transportation system. It mainly consists of trams (Straßenbahn) and buses (Bus).

Network & Coverage

The the system is well-connected and contains the entire city area.
Trams cover the main arteries, and buses fill in gaps.
Detailed route maps are can be found at major stops, online, and through the GrazMobil app.

Hubs & Operations

Jakominiplatz serves as the central hub. Hauptbahnhof is another major hub connecting to regional and national rail services.

Hours & Frequency

Streetcars and buses generally operate from approximately 5:00 AM to midnight.
During peak hours, trams run every 5-10 minutes. Off-peak, they run every 10-15 minutes.
Night buses operate on weekends.

Single Ticket

€2.80 for one continuous journey within Zone 101, covering the Graz city area.

Multi-Day Tickets

24-hour: €6.40. 72-hour: €13.50. Weekly: €19.80. Tickets must be validated upon first use.

Graz Card

Includes unlimited public transport (24, 48, or 72 hours) and free/discounted entries to many museums and sights. Prices: €20 (24h), €30 (48h), €36 (72h).

Accessibility & Navigation Tips

Accessibility Information

Many trams and more recent coach fares are low-floor, making them wheelchair accessible.
Major stops and hubs are also generally accessible.
While many public buildings make efforts towards accessibility, older parts of the Old Town may present challenges due to cobblestones and heritage architecture.
Plan accordingly for individual needs.

Tips for Navigating Efficiently

Use the GrazMobil app or Google Maps for real-time schedules and efficient route planning.
Purchase multi-day tickets or the Graz Card for ease and potential savings.
Validate your pass immediately upon boarding to avoid penalties.
Become acquainted with the public transport network.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Licensed Taxi Identification & Hailing

Taxis in Graz are typically cream-colored and show a "TAXI" sign on the roof. Hail them on the street, find them at designated taxi stands, or reserve through phone or app.

Typical Fares & Payment Methods

Metered pricing for rides. Base fare ~€3.50-€4.50, plus per-kilometer charge. Night surcharges apply. Cash accepted; many taxis accept plastic cards, but confirm with driver.

Recommended Ride-Sharing Apps

Uber and Bolt operate in Graz. Users can book rides via the app, presenting ease and cashless payment. Ensure driver and vehicle details match the app.

Rental Options

Car Rental

Minimum age 21 (surcharge under 25). Valid driver's license. An IDP is handy if your domestic license is not in English. Credit card for deposit. Big multinational corporations operate in Graz.

Rental Info

Companies: Hertz, Europcar, Avis, Sixt, Budget at Airport & city locations.
Winter tires mandatory Nov 1 - Apr 15. Confirm rental includes them.
Austrian the roads are generally good-maintained.

Bicycle Rentals

Graz is a bicycle-friendly city with a comprehensive system of dedicated bike lanes and paths.

Bike Share & Shops

Nextbike Graz: popular bike-sharing system. Register via app.
Bike rentals from retail outlets like Fahrrad Graz and Kaltenbrunner.
Helmets recommended for safety, not mandatory for adults.

Driving Regulations

Drive on the right-hand side of the road. Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants. Speed limits are generally THE speed limit is 50 km/h in built-up areas, 100 km/h on open roads, and ONE hundred thirty kilometers per hour on motorways (unless otherwise signposted).

Laws

Austria has a low blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.05%.
A road tax sticker, "Vignette," is mandatory for motorways/expressways.
Rigorous enforcement of speed limits.

Parking Information

Parking in Graz city center is for the most part paid. "Blue zones" (Blaue Zonen) offer short-term parking and require payment via public gardening ticket machines.

Parking Strategies

Multi-story car parks (Parkhäuser) are accessible but can be expensive.
"Park and Ride" (P+R) facilities on the outskirts offer cheaper parking with public transport connections.
Acquire Vignette at border crossings, petrol stations, or online before motorways.

Pedestrian & Cyclist Safety

Motorways are prohibited for pedestrians and cyclists.
Some narrow streets in the Old Town may become very crowded, making cycling difficult during peak times.
Use common sense regarding pedestrian safety.

Graz Old Town, an UNESCO site, is best explored on foot.
Schlossberg accessible via stairs, funicular, or glass lift.
Scenic walking and cycling paths run along the Mur River.

Specialized Transportation

Schlossberg Access

The Schlossbergbahn (Funicular) connects the city center directly to the highest point of the Schlossberg. The Schlossberg Lift (Glass Lift) is inside the Schlossberg hill.

Access Options

Funicular has panoramic views during its ascent.
Glass Lift connects Schlossbergplatz directly to the A Tower with a clock and top plateau.
The lift gives an unique vertical experience and is faster for direct ascent.

Tour Services & Accessibility

Tour Buses and Hop-on-Hop-off services are available and offer a convenient summary of the city's main attractions.

Visitor Services

These tours enable you to see many sites without extensive walking.
Public transport, including trams and contemporary buses, is increasingly accessible. The Schlossberg Lift is also accessible.
While many public buildings make efforts towards accessibility, older parts of the Old Town could be challenging.

Walking

Graz Old Town, an UNESCO World Heritage Site, is best explored on foot.

Cycling

Graz is a very bicycle-friendly city with an extensive network of dedicated bike lanes and paths.

Schlossbergbahn

The funicular provides panoramic views during its ascent to Schlossberg.

Departure Guidance

No separate exit fees or taxes are typically paid upon departure from Austria. These charges are usually included in the airfare or train ticket price. For Graz Airport (GRZ): arrive at least TWO hours ahead of time to scheduled departure for European flights; allow 3 hours for intercontinental flights (if connecting through a major hub). For Graz Hauptbahnhof (Hbf): show UP 15-30 minutes prior to departure for domestic and Schengen trains. Airport/station facilities are available for your convenience before departure.

How to Get to Graz