Austria on a budget

Cheapest months to go

Peak is May, June, July, September, December, February. The weeks either side of that window usually carry most of the weather with much less of the price.

Getting around for less

Realistic options in Austria:

• ÖBB runs a dense national rail network; Railjet links Vienna, Linz, Salzburg and Innsbruck
• Regional trains and post buses reach valley towns and many trailheads
• Cities have strong tram, metro and bus networks — a car is unnecessary in Vienna
• A car or a resort transfer is useful for alpine valleys, the Salzkammergut and lake regions
• Long-distance cycle routes, including the Danube path, are signposted and well served by rail

Where to base yourself

Fewer bases means fewer paid transfers. Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck & Tyrol cover a lot between them.