How To Get To Linz
Located in the Hörsching area roughly 15km (9 mi) southwest of the city core, Linz Airport (LNZ) is the closest airport to Linz. The federal roads B139 and B1 will let you get to the airport by car; alternatively, the bus line 601 runs every 30 minutes between the airport and the main train station and will allow you reach the airport by public transportation. Additionally available from the adjacent Hörsching train station is a free shuttle service linking to the West railway line.
Direct flights from Frankfurt, Düsseldorf, and Vienna among other domestic and international locations are provided by the Linz Airport. Seasonal flights to popular holiday destinations including Mallorca, Ibiza, Tenerife, many Greek islands, or Hurghada are also run by it. Additionally flying from Linz to London Stansted Airport is the low-cost carrier Ryanair.
Since Linz is well-served by the national and international rail systems, another handy approach to reach the city is train. Located in the southernmost point of the city center, the main railway station in Linz Hauptbahnhof (central station) is Tram, bus, or taxi will get you to the station; alternatively, walk from the adjacent pedestrian zone.
The West railway line links Linz Hauptbahnhof to Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Munich, Zurich, and other main cities in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. Regional trains also let you get to other Upper Austrian and southern Bohemian locations. Eight times the Austrian Traffic Club has named the station the most appealing railway station in Austria based on its contemporary architecture, customer service, and accessibility.
Traveling by boat across the Danube river, which runs through the city, offers another picturesque and relaxed approach to reach Linz. From commercial barges to cruise ships, there are several ways to get riverwise. Located in the northern section of the city center, close to the Ars Electronica Center and the Lentos Art Museum, the Linz Donauhafen (Danube port) welcomes you either on board or off.
Many cruise companies including AmaWaterways, Avalon Waterways, or Viking River Cruises stop at the Linz Donauhafen for their tours along the Danube. Along the riverbanks, you can take in the views of the modern and historic buildings as well as the surrounding landscapes’ inherent beauty. Along the Danube, other neighboring towns and cities including Passau, Melk, or Vienna can be reached by ferry or catamaran.
Once you arrive in Linz, the public transportation system—run by the Linz Linien branch of Linz AG—allows you to get about the city rather quickly. Covering most of the urban area as well as some of the suburban and rural areas, the system comprises five tram lines, four trolleybus lines, and 24 bus lines. Purchase tickets online or at the machines and apply them for any kind of network transportation.
The Pöstlingbergbahn, a steeply inclined tram line rising up the Pöstlingberg, a little mountain on the northwest edge of the city, is among the most unusual and appealing aspects of Linz’s public transport system. With a gradient of up to 11.6% the Pöstlingbergbahn is the steepest adhesion railway in the world. Together with access to the Pöstlingberg Church, the Grottenbahn fairy-tale railway, and the Linz Zoo, it provides breathtaking views of the city and the Danube valley.
Get In - By Plane
Although it has relatively little foreign traffic, Linz’s own international airport is the Blue Danube Airport in Horsching. It is located slightly outside the city. Austrian Airlines and Lufthansa fly from Blue Danube Airport to Vienna, Düsseldorf and Frankfurt; from where you can connect to the Lufthansa Group’s vast worldwide flight network. Ryanair routinely operates low-cost flights to London Stansted Airport. Seasonal and charter flights to the Canary Islands and other Mediterranean holiday destinations are additionally available.
From the airport to Linz, there is a bus, but it leaves outside the city; The trip takes about twenty minutes and costs approximately €3. A taxi fare of €25-30 is fair. Another option is to take the train to Horsching (€1.80) and then take the free bus from the train station to the airport. Alternatively, fly into the international airports of Vienna or Munich and catch a train to Linz from either location. From Vienna International Airport, direct high-speed trains depart for Linz. From Munich Airport to Munich Hbf, a local commuter train will take you to Linz, where you can transfer to an intercity train. From Munich Airport, total travel time is around 3:45; from Vienna International Airport, around 2:30.
Get In - By Car
From many angles, the drive to Linz is simple. The main roads connecting Linz to other cities are the A1 (West Autobahn) from Vienna and Salzburg, the A7 (Mühlkreis Autobahn) from Prague and Freistadt, the A8 (Innkreis Autobahn) from Passau and Munich and the A9 (Pyhrn Autobahn) from Graz and Klagenfurt. Road conditions and current traffic data are available on the ÖAMTC and ASFINAG websites.
Although driving in Linz is usually safe and convenient, you should be aware of even a few guidelines. Driving in Austria requires a valid driver’s license, proof of insurance and proof of registration. You also need a vignette or toll sticker, which you can buy online, at petrol stations and post offices, to use the motorway. The speed limit in urban areas is 50 km/h, unless otherwise stated; on country roads it is 100 km/h; on highways it is 130 km/h. Always use your headlights and always sit while sitting. Using a mobile phone while driving is not allowed unless you are using a hands-free gadget. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05%, so it is forbidden to drink and drive.
Especially in the city center, parking in Linz can be challenging. Although there are plenty of garages and parking lots, they can be expensive and usually require advance booking. There is a map of the parking lots with their prices on the Linz Tourism website. The Park & Ride system is another option where you can park your car outside the city at predefined locations and use public transport to the city center. See the Linz AG website for more information on Park & Ride locations and prices.
Get In - By Train
Linz is well served by the railway systems of Austria and Europe. Mostly located south of the city center, Linz Hauptbahnhof is a major train station with frequent connections to Munich, Prague, Salzburg, Graz, Innsbruck, Vienna and other places. View timetables and book tickets online using the ÖBB or DB websites. In addition to other amenities, the train station has a tourist information office, supermarket and luggage storage.
From the train station you can take a tram, bus or taxi to the city center or other parts of Linz. Tram lines 1, 2, 3, 4 stop at the station every ten minutes during the day. Next to the stop there are bus lines 12, 17, 19, 25, 26, 27, 45, 46, 70, 71, 73 and 77. A taxi ride to the city center costs around €10-15.
Get In - By Bus
There are plenty of long-distance buses that run from many European cities to Linz. The main bus station Linz Busterminal, located next to the train station, connects Vienna, Salzburg, Graz, Munich, Prague, Bratislava, Budapest, Zagreb and other places. You can view the timetable and buy tickets online on the Fluxbus and Eurolines websites. There are waiting rooms, a snack bar and toilets at the bus station.
From the train and bus station, use the same public transport options to get to the city center or any other part of Linz. In addition, you can reach the city center on foot in fifteen minutes or less. If you have a valid bus ticket, you can use Linz’s public transport network for free two hours after arrival. Just show the driver or ticket examiner your ticket as requested. Another option is to buy the Linz card, which offers discounts on many attractions along with 24 or 48 hours of unlimited use of public transport. You can get a Linz card at the visitor center or online.
