How much does it cost to visit Austria?

A direct round-trip flight from the USA (e.g., JFK) to Austria (VIE) typically starts around $600–$950 in economy class, including one checked bag up to 50 lb (23 kg) and one carry-on. Prices peak during the summer months of July and August, as well as the December ski season and Christmas market period. You’ll often save by flying in the shoulder seasons (spring or fall), being flexible with dates, or choosing connecting flights via major European hubs like Frankfurt or Munich—especially if you’re continuing beyond Vienna to regions like Salzburg, Innsbruck, or the Austrian Alps.

Prices for a 4* hotel in Austria start at about $230 per night. You can also stay in 2–3* accommodation from around $90 per night. In the low season, particularly in October or late spring, rates are typically up to 25% lower.

For luxurious 5* hotels, historic grand properties in Vienna, or exclusive alpine chalets in Arlberg, there’s virtually no upper limit, as premium suites and private residences can easily exceed $1,500 per night during peak winter or summer months. Whenever possible, we recommend choosing a locally owned hotel or boutique property over a large chain.

Small, often family-run Gasthöfe (inns) and Frühstückspensionen (bed and breakfasts) are hallmarks of an authentic Austrian vacation. Rooms are usually simple but welcoming, featuring traditional wood craftsmanship, a warm atmosphere, and genuinely personal service that reflects the country's famed Gemütlichkeit.

Prices for popular guided tours in Austria typically range from $25 to $85 per person. With this budget, you might join a Vienna coffee house tour, take a guided walk through Salzburg’s historic Altstadt, explore the imperial apartments of the Hofburg, or sample regional wines in the Wachau Valley.

Tickets to major sights generally cost $15–$45 per visitor—think the Grand Tour of Schönbrunn Palace, the Belvedere Museum, the Hohensalzburg Fortress, or the salt mines in Hallstatt. By contrast, private mountain guides for exclusive alpine summits or private evening concerts and gala dinners in a Viennese palace can run several hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the level of exclusivity and the season.

Austria also offers plenty of free experiences: hike clearly marked trails through the Tyrolean Alps, stroll the elegant Ringstrasse in Vienna, wander the UNESCO-listed streets of Salzburg, enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the Naschmarkt, and relax in pristine city parks like the Mirabell Gardens or the Vienna Prater.

Car rental prices in Austria vary by season and location, starting around $55–$85 per day for a small car in peak months (Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck). In the low season, rates can drop by 30–50%. Fuel adds a significant cost (expect roughly $1.70–$1.95 per liter). Inventory tightens during the summer hiking season and winter ski months, so it’s wise to book early to avoid price spikes.

Austria’s public transportation is an excellent alternative. High-speed Railjet and regional ÖBB trains connect major cities and towns, while urban networks (U-Bahn, tram, bus) are extensive (Vienna single rides are about $2.60). Between major hubs like Vienna and Salzburg, train tickets are frequent and affordable, typically ranging from $25–$70 depending on how far in advance you book. Taxis and rideshares are convenient but pricier; airport–city transfers in Vienna run about $40–$60, and short inner-city rides typically $12–$28, depending on traffic and time of day.

Prices for a meal in an Austrian restaurant typically range from $18 to $35 for a main course, while a 3-course fixed-price menu (menü) often costs $40 to $85. Snacks and coffee house treats are delightfully part of the culture, usually $4 to $8 for a slice of Sachertorte, an apple strudel, or a leberkäsesemmel from a local butcher. Many traditional gasthäuser offer complimentary bread baskets (though sometimes charged per piece consumed), and tap water (leitungswasser) is generally provided free or for a nominal service fee upon request.

To explore Austrian cuisine, try regional favorites like wiener schnitzel, tafelspitz (boiled beef), tyrolean kaspressknödel (cheese dumplings), and a hearty brettljause at a vineyard tavern. For the most authentic experience, seek out a local heuriger in the wine regions or a historic kaffeehaus in Vienna, where the atmosphere is as rich as the desserts. In major cities, dining is flexible, but typical lunch hours are 11:30 am to 2 pm and dinner from 6 pm to 10 pm, so it is best to check opening times for smaller village inns.