Parking in Vienna and the major cities of Austria
- Graham Crewe
- Apr 4, 2023
- 11 min read
Updated: Jul 21
When visiting a city one of the major stresses - for those travelling by car - is parking. Here we try to summarise the rules for many of the major towns and cities of Austria, and provide links for more information.
All towns and cities in Austria are legally allowed to have short term parking zones for which it is necessary to pay. These must allow parking for a minimum of 30 minutes up to a maximum of three hours. See webpage.
Paying with a mobile app
There are a number of towns and cities in which mobile phone apps can be used to pay for parking. The big app covering virtually all locations is EasyPark (available in English):
EasyPark
With Easypark there are two payment options:
EasyPark Pay per use: Pay a service charge (15%, minimum €0.49) every time you park
EasyPark Go: Pay a monthly subscription (currently €3.49) and then park without a service charge. https://www.easypark.com/en-at/what-it-costs
Parking discs ("die Parkscheibe")
In Austria, as in much of Europe blue parking discs (or disks) are used to show your arrival time where there is designated free short stay parking. In practice this means that if you are parking within a city's blue zone during hours when parking is free but time-limited (e.g. on Saturdays in Salzburg) you need to use a parking disc.
Technically speaking, parking discs are different in Austria to those in much of Europe and should not be used across borders. In Austria the discs are marked in 15 minute intervals (so 3 tick marks between hours) whereas most of Europe uses the ECMT standard disc with intervals of 30 minutes (one tick mark between hours). See the image below.
However I noticed that Bauhaus in Salzburg ONLY sells the standard European parking discs and not the Austrian ones, so I very much doubt that there would be an issue using the wrong one. Also obi.at.
Using the parking disc in Austria
You should set the disc to the next quarter hour. So if you park at 12:01 you should set the disk to show 12:15. If the maximum free parking time is 3 hours you can park until 15:15.
Penalties
The administrative penalty for parking offences can be as much as €726, although the standard fine is between €21 and €36. If your car is impairing traffic and is towed away you can expect to have to pay an average of €300 in Austria.
The ContiPark "P" card
If you park in a ContiPark car park (there are 45 across Austria), you can order this card for ticketless parking. It currently works at 17 locations across Austria but we are told that the network is expanding. Charges will be deducted from your bank account automatically every month and you will get up to a 50% discount on parking charges. Registration costs €5 but this is then added as credit onto your card. The card will be sent to you in the post within a week. For more information see here.
Local information about parking
Vienna (Vienna)
All on-street parking within the city of Vienna, unless otherwise specified, is designated as a short-term parking zone ("Kurzparkzone") and payment is compulsary. Individual parking bays are not marked with traffic signs. If in doubt, you are in a short-term parking zone! Just check that you are not parking in a "residents only" zone, which will be marked.
Short-term parking applies on weekdays (Monday to Friday) from 9:00 until 22:00. During these times you can pay to park in these short-term parking zones for up to 2 hours. According to the law you are then required to move your car at least one car length but people report no issues with simply extending their time using their mobile app, or even putting two parking tickets in their windscreen.
The easiest way to pay is via your mobile phone via the EasyPark apps.
For paid off-street parking, a map of all parking garages can be found here.
If you think your vehicle has been towed away, you will need this webpage which has a telephone number to call.
Note that since 1. January 2025 the price of a parking ticket has been €1.30 per half hour. The old (€1.25) parking tickets (bought in a shop) are no longer valid. See: https://www.wien.gv.at/verkehr/parken/kurzparkzonen/gebuehren/index.html
Stadt Wien website: https://www.wien.gv.at/english/transportation/parking/shortterm.htm
Bregenz (Vorarlberg)
In common with all cities in Austria there are short-term parking zones ("Kurzparkzone") in Bregenz (see blue edges on map).
Within the short term parking zones parking is charged as follows:
Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 12:00 and 13:30 to 18:00
Saturday from 8:00 to 12:00.
The maximum parking time is 120 minutes unless stated otherwise on traffic signs.
In addition to the short-term parking zone there are two tariff zones, the central zone A and the perimeter zone B (cheaper). It is not easy to see these zones on the above map. Zone A is covered in dots. Zone B is the coloured area not covered in dots.
You can use your mobile phone to pay for parking using the EasyPark app.
For further information see: https://www.bregenz.gv.at/buergerservice/mobilitaet/verkehr-und-parken and https://visitbregenz.com/en/planning/getting-here/parking-in-bregenz (English)
Dornbirn (Vorarlberg)
In common with all cities in Austria there are designated short-term parking zones ("Kurzparkzone") in Dornbirn. The city provides very little online information about these zones apart from to state "Please note the information on parking ticket machines and traffic signs." The city authorities provide no online maps and no official information about times, maximum duration or charges.
Within the short term parking zone parking is charged as follows:
Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 12:00 and 13:30 to 18:00
Saturday from 8:00 to 12:00.
The maximum parking time is 60 minutes.
In other areas of the city it is possible to park for up to 7 days with usually the same hours being chargeable.
You can use your mobile phone to pay for parking using the EasyPark app.
For further (very limited) information see: https://www.dornbirn.at/wirtschaft/innenstadt/parken
Eisenstadt (Burgenland)
In common with all cities in Austria the centre of Eisenstadt is a designated short-term parking zone ("Kurzparkzone"). Although signposted as you enter the zone, individual parking bays will not be signposted. There is a map of the short-term parking zone here.
Within the short term parking zone parking is charged as follows:
Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 16:00
Saturday from 8:00 to 12:00.
The maximum parking time is 180 minutes.
You can use your mobile phone to pay for parking using the EasyPark app.
Electric vehicles can park for free (maximum 180 minutes), but check the regulations here to see if your vehicle qualifies.
For further information see: https://www.eisenstadt.gv.at/leben/verkehr-strasse/parken/
Feldkirch (Vorarlberg)
In common with all cities in Austria the centre of Feldkirch is a designated short-term parking zone ("Kurzparkzone"). Although signposted as you enter the zone, individual parking bays will not be signposted.
Feldkirch has 3 parking zones. Zone 1 is in the centre of the town. Zone 2 surrounds zone 1. Zone 3 is Parkplatz Wildpark.
Within parking zones 1 and 2 parking is charged as follows:
Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 12:00 and 123:30 to 18:00
Saturday from 8:00 to 12:00.
There is no maximum parking limit unless indicated on traffic signs.
No fee is payable on public holidays.
In parking zone 3 fees are payable 365 days of the year from 8:00 to 18:00.
You can pay at ticket machines or use your mobile phone to pay for parking using the EasyPark app.
There is a map of the parking zones on page 7 here.
Feldkirch has a live parking spot finder here.
For further information see: https://www.feldkirch.at/leben/mobilitaet/parken
Graz (Styria)
In common with all Austria cities there is a short term parking zone ("Kurzparkzone") in Graz. There are signs when you enter and leave the zone but no signs on individual bays within the zone.
In the Blue Zone, parking is limited to a maximum of three hours. Parking charges apply on weekdays from 9 am to 8 pm and on Saturdays from 9 am to 1 pm.
At Graz Hauptbahnhof (central railway station) charges apply every day between 8 am and 10 pm.
In the Green Zone, it is possible to park for several days in row with a valid ticket.
You can use your mobile phone to pay for parking using the EasyPark app.
For further information see: https://www.graztourismus.at/en/getting-there-and-public-transport/parking-in-graz
Hallein (Salzburg)
In common with all Austria cities there is a short term parking zone ("Kurzparkzone") in Hallein. However the parking hours and charges are very inconsistent here. Payment is via traditional machines and not via an app.
Within Hallein's Altstadt short term parking zone parking is charged from 7:00 to 19:00 Monday to Friday (Saturdays from 7:00 to 12:00). The maximum parking time is 2 hours.
At the Pfleggarten car park (Billa car park) parking is charged from 8:00 until 18:00, Monday to Friday (Saturday 8:00 to 12:00). A ticket is always required but the first 3 hours are free.
In the Altstadt-Nord area, parking is charged from 7:00 until 19:00, Monday to Friday (Saturday 7:00 to 12:00)
In Hallein Neustadt, parking is charged from 8:00 until 18:00, Monday to Friday (Saturday 8:00 to 12:00).
At Pernerinsel and Salzberghalle/Zatloukalstraße parking is charged from 6:00 to 20:00, Monday to Friday (Saturdays 6:00 to 13:00) but the first 3 hours are free. Public holidays are also free.
For further information see: https://www.hallein.gv.at/Parken_in_Hallein
Innsbruck (Tirol)
In common with all cities in Austria the centre of Innsbruck is designated as short-term parking zones ("Kurzparkzone"). Although signposted as you enter the zones, individual parking bays will not be signposted. Bear in mind that streets are narrow and parking spaces are hard to find in the city centre. Either head for a parking garage (for a brief stop of a couple of hours) or use a P+R car park (for a whole day visit).
There are actually two different types of short term parking zone in Innsbruck: the 90-minute zone which extends in a strip north of the Westbahnhof and west of the Hauptbahnhof; and 180-minutes zones on either side of the 90-minute zone. They're difficult to identify on this official Stadt Innsbruck map (dark green and yellow-green):
Within the 90-minute zone parking is charged as follows:
Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 21:00
Saturday from 9:00 to 13:00.
The maximum parking time is 90 minutes.
Within the 180-minute zone parking is charged as follows:
Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 19:00
The maximum parking time is 180 minutes.
In 2025 the fee is €2.20 per hour (source: EasyPark app).
You can use your mobile phone to pay for parking using the EasyPark app.
Map of car parks in Innsbruck: https://city-map.innsbruck.gv.at/stadtplan/synserver?project=Innsbruck&client=flex&view=Verkehr
Park and Ride (P+R)
The largest P+R car park is at Olympiaworld. A whole day ticket costs €18 and includes free public transport for up to 5 people.
For further information see: https://www.innsbruck.gv.at/en/mobil/auto-fahrzeuge/parken#Kurzparkzonen-Parkstrassen
Klagenfurt (Carinthia)
In common with all cities in Austria the centre of Klagenfurt is a designated short-term parking zone ("Kurzparkzone"). Although signposted as you enter the zone, individual parking bays will not be signposted.
Within the short term parking zone parking is charged as follows:
Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 18:00
Saturday from 8:00 to 12:00.
The maximum parking time is 3 hours.
Sundays and public holidays are free.
You can use your mobile phone to pay for parking using the EasyPark app.
Longer term parking and P+R parking as well as spots for overnight campervans are also available. See: https://www.visitklagenfurt.at/en/mobility/parking/
For further information (in German) see: https://www.klagenfurt.at/parken
Linz (Upper Austria)
In common with all cities in Austria the centre of Linz is a designated short-term parking zone ("Kurzparkzone"). Although signposted as you enter the zone, individual parking bays will not be signposted.
Within the short term parking zone parking is charged as follows:
Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 18:30
Saturday from 8:00 to 12:00.
The maximum parking time is 90 minutes.
You can use your mobile phone to pay for parking using the EasyPark app.
For further information see: https://www.linz.at/serviceguide/viewchapter.php?chapter_id=122157
Salzburg (Salzburg)
There is a lack of parking in Salzburg and the city authorities are doing their best to restrict traffic in the city. All central areas of Salzburg are designated as a short term parking zone ("Kurzparkzone"). At some point you will drive over a thick blue line which indicates that you are entering the zone. A thinner blue line shows you are leaving it. There are also traffic signs at the entry/exit points.
Visitors are encouraged to leave their cars at a Park and Ride (P+R) car park outside the city and use public transport to enter the city. Find out about the location and cost of these P+R car parks here.
Within the short term parking zone parking is charged as follows:
Monday - Friday: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., parking fees are charged (street-side machines or mobile phone - see paying with a mobile app above)
Saturday: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., free parking for up to 3 hours – however, a parking disc is required
Note that if you intend to use a mobile phone parking app you need to print and display this notice in your car windscreen.^A handwritten note will also suffice.
Of course there are also a number of parking garages in the city including the Mönchsberggarage which is cut into the Mönchsberg right in the heart of the old town.
For further information see: https://www.stadt-salzburg.at/verkehr-und-strassenraum/parken/
Steyr (Upper Austria)
In common with all cities in Austria the centre of Steyr is a designated short-term parking zone ("Kurzparkzone"). Although signposted as you enter the zone, individual parking bays will not be signposted.
Within the short term parking zone parking is charged as follows:
Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 18:30
Saturday from 8:00 to 12:00.
The maximum parking time is 90 minutes.
You can use your mobile phone to pay for parking using the EasyPark app.
For further information see: https://www.linz.at/serviceguide/viewchapter.php?chapter_id=122157
St. Polten (Lower Austria)
In common with all cities in Austria the centre of St. Polten is a designated short-term parking zone ("Kurzparkzone"). Although signposted as you enter the zone, individual parking bays will not be signposted.
This map shows the parts of the city where there are parking fees.
Within the short term parking zone parking is charged as follows:
Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 12:00 and 13:00 to 18:00
Saturday from 8:00 to 12:00.
The maximum parking time is 180 minutes.
You can pay at ticket machines or use your mobile phone to pay for parking using the EasyPark app.
Park and Ride
P+R facilities are available at the ÖBB Park & Ride car park at the main train station (Hauptbahnhof) and at Hermann Winger Gasse / Goldegger Straße, a short distance from the station.
For further information see: https://www.st-poelten.at/gv-buergerservice/verkehr-mobilitaet-und-reisen/parken and https://www.stpoeltentourismus.at/parken
Villach (Carinthia)
In common with all cities in Austria the centre of Villach is a designated short-term parking zone ("Kurzparkzone"). Although signposted as you enter the zone, individual parking bays will not be signposted.
Within the short term parking zone parking is charged as follows:
Parking fees apply: Monday to Thursday from 8:00 to 18:00 and Friday from 8:00 to 12:00.
The first 20 minutes is free (use a parking clock or leave a note in your windscreen)
Free parking but limited time: Friday, 12:00 to 18:00 and Saturday, 8:00 to 13:00
The maximum parking time is 180 minutes (INCLUDING the free 20 minutes).
You can buy tickets at machines or use your mobile phone to pay for parking using the EasyPark app.
Electric vehicles can park for free (maximum 180 minutes), but check the regulations here to see if your vehicle qualifies.
For further information see: https://villach.at/stadt-service/parken-und-verkehr/parken-in-villach and https://villach.at/stadt-service/parken-und-verkehr/parken-in-villach/parkgebuehren
Wiener Neustadt (Lower Austria)
In common with all cities in Austria the centre of Wiener Neustadt is a designated short-term parking zone ("Kurzparkzone"). Although signposted as you enter the zone, individual parking bays will not be signposted.
Within the short term parking zone parking is charged as follows:
Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 16:30
Saturday from 8:00 to 12:00.
The maximum parking time is 180 minutes.
Sundays and public holidays are free.
You can use your mobile phone to pay for parking using the EasyPark app.
Parking garages
There are three large parking garages in the centre of the city: Hauptplatz Garage, Stadtpark Garage and Theatergarage.
All day parking
The car park around the Wiener Neustädter ÖGB-Zentrum (address: Babenbergerring 13-15) is available for all day parking. The daily fee is currently €3.00, Monday to Friday 8:00 to 18:00 (2023).
P+R parking
The national railway company, ÖBB, offers park and ride parking (854 spaces) at Wiener Neustadt station in the Haidbrunngasse and Bräunlichgasse car parks.
For further information see: https://www.wiener-neustadt.at/de/service/parkraumbewirtschaftung
References
Parking discs: https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/GeltendeFassung.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&Gesetzesnummer=10012343
It is difficult to keep this information up-to-date. Please report broken links or incorrect information in the comments below.
