How To Get Around In Linz
There are several ways to get around Linz. You can walk, ride the bus, bike or rent a car. If you have the time and taste for adventure, you could even take a train to another city. Trams, buses and trains make up a decent public transport system in Linz. Tickets can be bought in vehicles or in machines at stations. A one-day ticket costs €4 and allows you to use all types of city transport. Up to four stations can also be paid for with a cheaper ticket of €1. Although it costs a bit more, you can also buy it from the ticket machines if you intend to take the tram up to Pöstlingberg, the famous hill from which you can see the city. Since Linz boasts several bike paths and trails, driving is another great way to see the city. One of the several bicycle stations distributed around the city or some hotels allows you to rent a bicycle. The first hour is free; after that you pay €1 every hour. If you want more comfort and flexibility, renting a car is also an option. The train station or airport will have several car rental companies. However, driving is not necessary in Linz, as the city is small and easy to walk or use public transport.
By public transport
Trams, buses and trains form a comprehensive and efficient public transport system in Linz. These forms of mobility allow you to reach almost anywhere in the city and its surroundings. Here are some important features of the public transport system in Linz:
Tram lines: Linz has four tram lines: 1, 2, 3, 4. They partially cover some of the suburbs and most of the city center. While tram line 1 goes from the university in Urfahr over the Nibelungenbridge to the city center and then via the main train station to Auwiesen, tram line 2 runs through Ebelsberg to Solar City. Tram line 3 runs to the Traun Pass from Urfahr’s Mühlkreisbahnhof, sometimes known as the Landgutstrace, then tram line 4 continues to Traun Castle, via the main train station and the city center. All four outstanding and often busy tram lines across the entire Landstrasse, pedestrian zone and retail mile of the city.
Bus lines: Bus lines in Linz, which run frequently in the morning and evening during peak hours, run perpendicular to the tram axis with an estimated frequency of every 10 to 15 minutes during the day, and sometimes every 30 minutes in the evening. Buses allow you to reach out-of-town locations, airports or industrial areas – places not covered by trams. Several bus lines are also connected to the regional railway system, which allows easy transfer between several forms of transport.
Night lines: Public transportation usually finishes its run at midnight. Night lines On weekends and before public holidays especially, some night lines do, however, run past midnight. On weekends (Friday, Saturday) and before public holidays, tram line 2 runs night line N82. Tram line 4 leaves the main station as night line N84, between midnight and early hours of the morning. Another choice is the N83 night bus route that links Neue Heimat to the harbour. These night lines can be rather useful if you want to make an early train or flight or enjoy Linz’s nightlife.
Tickets: Tickets for Linz’s public transport system are sold by tobacco stores, ticket machines, and internet stores. Tobacco stores offer presale tickets with six stripes while machines sell single tickets. Students, seniors, and even young children all get discounts. Tickets now fall into the following categories:
- Intercity ticket for adults “midi”. For one day, a daily ticket costs €2.60. Children under 15 and those who qualify for a discounted ticket also have a day ticket. Those aged 15 to 21 can buy a youth ticket.
- Mini (long-distance ticket for children up to 15 years old and for those who qualify for a ticket discount) single ticket costs €1.30; a youth ticket for ages 15 to 21 is also available at this price as a long-distance ticket.
- Seven days for €16.50 weekly ticket.
- Adventure ticket for 24 hours: €11/€5.50 City network plus Pöstlingbergbahn ascent and descent.
In addition to unlimited use of the public transport system, you can get a Linz Card, which entitles you to free or reduced access to many of the city’s museums, attractions and events. The Linz Card costs €18 per day, €30 for three days or €54 per week.
Using public transport is a reasonable and affordable way to see Linz and its surroundings. The official website of Linz AG provides more details about the routes, timetables, costs and maps used in public transport.
By Bicycle
Cycling Infrastructure in Linz
With a low proportion of bicycle traffic (18% in Salzburg, 14% in Graz and 38% in Münster, as of 2004), Linz stands out among comparable cities with similar populations. The climate, which is cold and wet, the mountainous terrain and the lack of continuous, safe cycle paths contribute to some extent. Real bike lanes sometimes end exactly where traffic demands, even as the city of Linz works to provide bikes with their own dedicated one-way lanes and to streamline the use of bus lanes. The only way to access some parts of the city or drive is the main roads. As a result, the Bicycle Initiative – the ARGUS branch in Upper Austria – advocates a multi-year concentration effort to expand the network of bicycle routes in Linz.
Ten percent of Linz’s entire road system consists of about 200 km of bicycle paths. The city also boasts a Nextbike bike-sharing scheme with three hundred bikes spread across forty locations. Bike rentals are only nominal using a user card or smartphone app. Each ride lasts thirty minutes for free; you can return bikes anywhere. For Linz, especially for visitors and occasional riders, Nextbike is a sensible cycling means of mobility at a reasonable price.
The Danube Cycle Path in Linz
Linz is located on the famous bicycle route R1 Danube, which connects Vienna and Passau. One of the most famous long-distance cycling routes in Germany and Austria, this one boasts thousands of riders a year. Four stars for the best quality bicycle path were awarded to the Danube Bicycle Route by the ADFC certification program. Tourism infrastructure must be attractive, safe and well-marked if it is to qualify for this rating. Along with bike-oriented restaurants, cafes, and shops, several bike-friendly hotels have e-bike charging stations along the trail.
Following the recently built banks of the Danube, the Danube Cycle Path in Linz winds past the tobacco factory, the Lentos Art Museum, the Ars Electronica Center, the old town of Linz with its cathedral and promenade. In addition to providing access to many historical and cultural sites, the route offers stunning views of the river and the city. The mostly flat, paved trail can be used by riders of all ages and skill levels. The path also connects to other cycle paths, including the Traun cycle path, the Mühlviertel cycle path and the Donausteig hiking path.
By Car
Parking in Linz
Five parking areas within the city center are designated for residents. For a fee, all residents who primarily reside there and who do not have a private parking space can apply for a resident parking card. One of the public libraries or the Citizen Services Center in the new public hall makes it available to you. It allows you to spend infinite time parking for free in any of the zones. Also available for purchase online at www.linz.at (German) or by telephone (+43 732 70). With the card you will receive a map of the area permitted for free parking.
Parking in short parking zones in the city center of Linz is subject to charges. Road traffic lanes and curbs show areas in blue. Generally Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., signs at the beginning and end of each zone indicate the hours during which parking is required. Their maximum parking time is also between thirty and 180 minutes. One euro per half hour corresponds to the cost of parking. The cost can be paid at the parking ticket machine in cash or with a fast function card. You can also pay by mobile phone after registering with a provider; information is available on the Internet at www.mobil-parken.at (German). Please note that stopping and parking are not permitted, indicated by a yellow line in the travel lane or at the edge of the sidewalk.
In addition to temporary parking, the city center has several underground and multi-story parking lots. For longer visits, they offer easy and safe parking choices; they also offer discounts and special rates to regular users. On the website www.linzag.at/parken (German) or on the Linz Parken app (available for Android and iOS), you can locate the parking lots as well as their prices and availability.
