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| City Guide - Vienna - Getting Around | ||
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Getting Around Public Transport Wiener Linien, the Vienna Transport Authority (tel: (01) 790 9105; website: www.wiennet.at/wl/index.htm), operates the U-Bahn (underground), S-Bahn (commuter rail), Strassenbahn (tram) and bus network. The U-Bahn system comprises four lines: the U2 follows the Ringstrasse from Karlsplatz to Schottenring; the U4, with its Art Nouveau stations, completes the ring and leads off into the northern and western suburbs; the east-west U3 and north-south U1 cross in the centre of the Innerestadt (inner town); and the U6 is basically a tram on a dedicated track that runs parallel to the Gürtel. Vienna has one of the largest tram networks in the world, and the trams are affectionately referred to as 'Bims' for the noise they make. A single fare costs öS19 (öS22 if purchased on a tram or bus); there is no additional charge for transfers. A single night bus fare costs öS15. There is a fine for passengers who are caught without a valid ticket, and onboard inspections are carried out at various times. The Vienna Card (öS210) is a pass that allows 72 hours of travel (except for night buses) and offers discounts on attractions and at many shops and restaurants (see Sightseeing section). Other passes include the 24-hour network pass (öS60), the 72-hour network pass (öS150), the weekly season ticket (öS155) and the eight-day strip ticket (öS300) which can be used for two people travelling together. A comprehensive transit map may be purchased for öS15 from ticket offices. Taxis Taxis are equipped with meters. Higher fares are charged for trips between 2300 and 0600 and all day Sundays and public holidays, a surcharge for luggage is often levied (these rates are clearly posted inside the taxi). There is also a surcharge of öS16 for radio taxis (tel: (01) 31300 or 40100 or 60160 or 81400). Limousines Limousines and minibuses are available for sightseeing, airport transfers and special occasions from a number of companies, including: C & K Airport Service (tel: (01) 1731; fax: (01) 689 6969), Jet Car (tel: (01) 271 1818; fax: (01) 2711 8184), Mazur (tel: (01) 6042 5300; fax: (01) 602 1284) and Till Radiotaxi (tel: (01) 319 2511; fax: (01) 310 3875). Hire rates are about öS25 per kilometre. Driving in the City While pedestrian tourists may appreciate the jumble of tiny streets in the Innerestadt, motorists will find it a nightmare. The area is best avoided during the day, and even at night it can be almost impossible to find a parking place on the street. Parking lots are often located underneath squares, and their entrances are fairly subtle; parking costs from öS60 per hour. Short-term street parking is available in districts one to nine. The designated areas are indicated by a blue line on the road (often only marked at the entrance to the short-term parking zone) and tickets, valid for 30, 60 or 90 minutes, can be purchased at vending machines and newsagents. Hours and restrictions for these areas vary. They are strictly policed and fines are high (especially if the car is towed away). Visitors should note that there are restrictions on parking camper vans anywhere near the city centre. Outside the centre, the Gürtel (belt) provides a fairly efficient way of getting around the city, but can be slow during rush hour (0730-0900 and 1500-1830). Car Hire A national driving licence is sufficient for nationals of EU states, other nationalities should obtain an International Driving Permit. The minimum age for hiring a car ranges from 24 years. All of the major car hire firms are represented: Avis, Opernring 35 (tel: (01) 587 6241; fax: (01) 587 4900), Budget, Landstrasser Hauptstrasse 2 (tel: (01) 7146 5650; fax: (01) 714 7238), Europcar, Schwechat, Flughafen (tel: (01) 7007 33316; fax: (01) 7007 33716), Hertz, Kärntner Ring 17, (tel: (01) 512 8677; fax: (01) 512 5034) and Sixt, Schwechat, Flughafen (tel: (01) 7007 36517; fax: (01) 7007 36517). Car hire is also available at the airport and at both Westbahnhof and Südbahnhof rail stations, in addition to these offices around the city. Bicycle Hire Bicycles may be hired at the following train stations for öS200 per day (öS90 with a valid rail ticket): Westbahnhof, Bahnhof Wien Nord (Praterstern), Bahnhof Floridsdorf, Südbahnhof and Heiligenstadt. There are a number of private hire firms, principally near the banks of the Danube, with easy access to the miles of cycle paths along the Danube Island, that charge around öS40 per hour. Bicycles may be taken on the U-Bahn for a half-price fare, except during the rush hours. There is a network of well-marked bicycle paths, however, care should be taken in the Innerestadt and along major routes. The Tourist Board can provide brochures on cycling in Vienna. |
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