Transport in Carinthia

Carinthia is most southern province of Austria located in the Alps-Adriatic Region. Its motorway routes are similar to the train routes. The A2 (Südautobahn) runs from Vienna via Graz through Villach to Italy. The A10 (Tauernautobahn) connects Salzburg with Villach via the Katschberg Tunnel (5439m long) and the A11 leads to Slovenia through the Karawanken Tunnel (7864m long). The connection between Klagenfurt and Slovenia crosses the Loibl Pass (1367m altitude).

There are some very scenic mountain roads and passes that connect Carinthia with neighbouring provinces such as Salzburg and Styria or with Italy and Slovenia. Highly recommend are the Grossglockner High Alpine Road, the Nockalm Road, the Soca Pass.

Carinthia's international airport is located in Klagenfurt-Annabichl. Other nearby airports includes Graz und Salzburg; Ljubljana-Slovenia; Marco Polo Venezia, Venezia Treviso, Trieste - Italy. All of them are within 2 hours by car.

Other airports in Austria include Wien-Schwechat in Vienna, as well as smaller ones located on the outskirts of Innsbruck and Linz.

The central train station in Villach is the hub on the southern line between Vienna and Italy (via Arnoldstein), the north-eastern Tauernbahn connection between Salzburg and East and South Tyrol (via Spittal an der Drau) and the Karawankenbahn to Slovenia (via Rosenbach).

There are different ÖBB customer cards, which are worth checking out here. For your convenience you can also download the ÖBB App onto your phone to make traveling even easier. 

ÖBB Rail&Drive

Public transport usually always offers the best and fastest connections in all directions. In cities it is also not uncommon to be able to cover many distances on foot or by bicycle. Despite all these possibilities, the moment can always come when you urgently need a car. Then car sharing is the optimal alternative especially in rural areas.

Please find information on car sharing provides in Carinthia here.

In Austria liability insurance with a motor insurance company is compulsory if you own a vehicle. This can be arranged via an insurance broker  or insurance company. You must produce proof of insurance before you are issued your car licence plates and car registration document. Your insurer can advise you on the procedures and make the necessary arrangements. A registration plate will only be issued after the vehicle has been insured.

Please find more detailed information here.

Whether you would like to bring your own car or think about buying one, our team will consult you, explain the necessary steps to take and point you in the right direction. We will also accompany you to the tax office where you will need to fill out a so-called NoVa form to pay your import tax when bringing your own car.

If you're seeking guidance on importing your own car to Austria and need expert support, our trusted partner, Versli company, is here to assist you every step of the way.

You can find more information about the calculation of the amount here.

If you would like to buy a new car, we can connect you with local car dealers (who also speak English 😊) and recommend insurance brokers.

In city centres there are short-term parking zones, which in general allow you to park for a maximum of 3 hours. Those are marked by blue lines and traffic signs and are subject to parking fees, which are displayed at the parking ticket machine.

We recommend downloading the APP: Handyparking & easypark

Please check out informaion about short-term parking zones and garages in Klagenfurt and Villach here.

Cycling to work has become quite popular and has advantages - for employees and also for employers. Regular cycling reduces sick days and saves space that would otherwise have to be used for car parking. Fitness, freshness and no need to look for a parking space are less stressful then driving home in a car during rush hour.

Wanting to take a break? Breath-taking vantage points, secluded picnic oases, hidden bathing spots and idyllic villages can be discovered on exploratory cycling-tours along the most beautiful cycle paths in Carinthia.

To cycle alone on public roads, children must be at least 12 years old, or 10 years old if they have passed the aptitude test. Riding on the pavement is only allowed if that pavement leads to a bike park, or if a child is accompanied by an adult.

The drink & drive limit for cyclists is 0.8 per mille, which is slightly higher than for car drivers.