Austria by bus

National bus transport in Austria

Although trains are much more used than buses in Austria, it does not mean that you cannot find any bus connections. Travelling by bus within Austria is most suitable for reaching places/villages which are not served by train connections. There are also Intercity bus connections between bigger cities. Austrian bus network actually complements the railway network; bus stations are usually located next to the railway stations. 

International bus transport to and from Austria

The international bus network is more developed than the national. Austria is connected with most European countries and their major cities by buses; some of these are Germany, Switzerland, France, Slovenia, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Italy and more. Most routes are operated by one of the major European bus companies but there are also many independent, private companies either from Austria or other countries. 

The main bus hub in Austria is Vienna; international bus lines depart from VIB, Vienna International Bus terminal or the Stadion center terminal. Other important cities are Graz, Linz and Salzburg.

Travelling by bus to and from Austria is very often a much cheaper alternative to travelling by train; the only downside is that the bus travel sometimes lasts longer than train travel do. 

Some of the most popular routes from Austria to Croatia are the following:

1. Salzburg, Welz, Linz, Graz to Zagreb, Slavonski Brod, Zupanja, Vinkovci, Dakovo, Vukovar and Osijek
2. Vienna, Graz to Zagreb, Skradin, Split, Ploce, Metkovic and Dubrovnik (Route connects to line to Montenegro).
3. Vienna, Graz to Zagreb, Zadar, Split and Imotski
4. Vienna to Zagreb, Rijeka, Pula, Rovinj, Porec, Novigrad and Umag

All the above mentioned routes, also drive in the opposite direction. Use the search field at the top of the page to find available departure on your travel date!

If you wish to travel from Austria to Bosnia and Herzegovina, you have the following routes available :

1. Vienna, Graz, Maribor to Derventa, Doboj, Maglaj, Zepce, Zenica, Kakanj, Visoko, Sarajevo, Konjic, Mostar and Medjugorje
2. Vienna, Graz to Tomislavgrad, Posusje, Siroki Brijeg, Mostar

Bus service quality in Austria

Buses in Austria are of very good to excellent quality, equipped with air conditioning. Services including Wi-Fi, toilettes, power sockets, audio/video equipment depend primarily on the bus carrier and on the distance travelled. Long distance buses usually make several stops during which you can eat/drink something and use a toilette. 

Bus drivers speak German on national routes but it is very likely that they also speak English. On international routes most drivers speak English or another foreign language. 

Bus ticket prices

Bus tickets are very often cheaper than train tickets and travelling by bus also includes various discounts for different categories of passengers like children, students, pensioners, however, they depend on the bus company. 

When purchasing a return ticket from the same company, you will usually get a discount. Often you also have an early bird ticket and web discount ticket for specific departures.

Tickets for certain international routes can be purchased online here on getbybus.com, other routes can be found at bus stations, on the bus, at ticket offices of bus companies or at web sites of certain bus companies.

If you wish to make a ticket or seat reservation the best thing is to contact the bus company or a bus station because not all of them offer this service. 

Carrying hand luggage, which you can put in the compartment above your head, is usually free of charge. Depending on the bus company one piece of luggage (of limited size and wight) might also be free of charge while more than one piece is charged; tariffs are determined by bus companies themselves.

Transporting bicycles and animals (pets) is usually not allowed, especially on international routes. In case they are allowed, pets should be in their boxes/containers and for travelling internationally they need to have a passport. Bicycles, if allowed at all, can be transported if there is enough space in the luggage storage.